Phrases & Expressions

An exaggerated opinion of one's own importance or abilities.

• Stop bragging about the award — people will think you have a big head.
• Jenny has such a big head; no wonder nobody likes her.

To stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say.

• I bit my tongue and said nothing.
• You should bite your tongue.

To cause someone to feel extremely sad and upset.

• It would break my heart if you left.
• His betrayal broke her heart completely.

To make someone feel extremely sad, often because of a romantic disappointment or a deep loss.

• She didn't want to break his heart by leaving him.
• It would break my heart if you moved away.

To say or do something to make people feel more relaxed and comfortable in a new situation.

• A small joke can break the ice.
• He told a story to break the ice at the meeting.

To make someone remember or think of something.

• This smell brings to mind my grandmother's kitchen.
• Her paintings bring to mind the work of the old masters.

Extremely clear and easy to understand or see.

• His explanation was clear as glass.
• The water in the lake is clear as glass.

To end in total failure.

• All our plans came to nothing.
• The investigation came to nothing.

Very calm and relaxed, especially in a difficult situation.

• He remained cool as a cucumber during the crisis.
• She was cool as a cucumber when questioned.

Very easy to understand; completely obvious.

• Her instructions were crystal clear.
• It's crystal clear that he's lying.