Phrases & Expressions

To give up.

• After many attempts, he threw in the towel.
• Don't throw in the towel yet!

Used to say that something makes a bad situation even worse.

• And to add insult to injury, he laughed at me.
• To add insult to injury, they raised prices.

Said or done as a joke, not seriously, even if it seems serious.

• He said it tongue in cheek, so don't take it personally.
• Her tongue-in-cheek comment made everyone laugh.

To understand or accept something that is complicated, confusing, or surprising.

• I can't wrap my head around this complex math problem.
• It took me a while to wrap my head around the new rules.

Said to mean that any type of work is valuable and should be accepted.

• He took the cleaning job, thinking 'a job is a job'.
• Don't be picky; a job is a job.

To buy something when its price is low and sell it when its price is high to make a profit.

• The best investment strategy is to buy low sell high.
• He always tries to buy low sell high in the stock market.

To cough lightly, to make your voice clear or to get attention.

• He cleared his throat before starting his speech.
• She cleared her throat to signal she wanted to speak.

Extremely quiet and still.

• The children were quiet as a mouse during the movie.
• He crept into the room, quiet as a mouse.

To travel with very little luggage.

• I always try to travel light when I go on holiday.
• We travelled light, with just one small bag each.

A view from a high place, showing a wide area below.

• We got a bird's-eye view from the tower.
• From the plane, we had a bird's-eye view of the city.