Phrases & Expressions

To be discovered while doing something wrong or illegal.

• He was caught red-handed stealing.
• They caught the thief red-handed.

To get to the main point.

• Cut to the chase, please.
• Let me cut to the chase.

Unable to make any progress or succeed.

• After the investors left, the project was dead in the water.
• Without the council's support, the plan is dead in the water.

To do what is expected or promised, especially when it is difficult.

• Peter thought Bob wasn't delivering the goods, so he fired him.
• I'm counting on you to finish the project on time — I know you can deliver the goods.

Very common and therefore not special or valuable.

• Reality TV shows are a dime a dozen these days.
• There are so many Starbucks in Manhattan that they're a dime a dozen.

A very small amount of something compared to what is needed or expected.

• $100 is a drop in the bucket.
• The donation helped, but it was only a drop in the bucket.

Almost every item imaginable, especially a large number of things.

• She packed everything but the kitchen sink.
• The book includes everything but the kitchen sink.

Someone in an unfamiliar situation, feeling uncomfortable or out of place.

• I felt like a fish out of water at the new school.
• He was a fish out of water at the party, knowing no one.

To begin a planned activity or to start working on something.

• We can't afford to waste more time — let's get the show on the road!
• Kids, let's get the show on the road or we'll be late for the movie.

To become extremely excited, especially in a noisy way.

• When our team scored in the last minute, the crowd went nuts.
• The kids went nuts when they saw the new puppy.