Phrases & Expressions

A sad or unhappy facial expression, often due to disappointment.

• Why the long face? Did you fail the test?
• He came home with a long face after losing the game.

Someone who is able to learn new information, skills, or tasks very rapidly and with little effort.

• Don't worry about the new software; he's a quick study.
• She's a quick study and will master the role in no time.

A person who is strong, determined, and not easily defeated or intimidated.

• She's a tough cookie; she won't give up easily.
• Don't underestimate him — he's a tough cookie.

To accept that people have different opinions and stop arguing about them.

• We can't agree on this, so let's agree to disagree.
• My brother and I have agreed to disagree about football.

A call for everyone to help with a difficult task.

• We have a lot to do, so it's all hands on deck!
• The captain shouted, 'All hands on deck!'

Something that is normal or expected as part of a job, not surprising.

• Dealing with difficult customers is all in a day's work.
• He said fixing the engine was all in a day's work.

Extremely ill and likely to die soon.

• He was at death's door last winter.
• After the accident, she was at death's door.

To become extremely popular very quickly online, causing a lot of discussion.

• Her new song is breaking the internet.
• That viral challenge is breaking the internet right now.

To make someone cry, usually from strong emotion like happiness or sadness.

• The reunion brought tears to my eyes.
• His touching speech brought tears to everyone's eyes.

To reveal something that was previously hidden or unknown.

• The investigation brought the corruption to light.
• New evidence brought the truth to light.