Phrases & Expressions

To clarify or understand something correctly.

• Are you sure you got the directions straight?
• Let me get this straight — you're leaving your husband?

To learn how to do something through practice.

• Billy had trouble learning to ride a bike, but after a few months he finally got the hang of it.
• When I first went snowboarding, I kept falling, but after a while I got the hang of it.

To acknowledge or praise someone for what they have done or deserve.

• I will make sure to thank you in my speech — I always give credit where credit is due.
• She designed the whole project; let's give credit where credit is due.

To make someone feel uneasy, frightened, or disgusted.

• That old empty house at the end of the street gives me the creeps.
• There was a strange man following me around the grocery store — he was giving me the creeps.

To have an exceptionally good and enjoyable time at an event or activity.

• We had a blast at the party last night!
• I hope you have a blast on your vacation.

To be so busy that you do not have time to do anything else.

• With three kids, she has her hands full.
• He has his hands full at work.

An issue that is difficult or embarrassing to deal with, so nobody wants to handle it.

• Nobody wanted to deal with the parking problem; it was a real hot potato.
• The new pay system became a hot potato in the office.

With great speed, force, energy, or enthusiasm.

• When our team scored, the crowd started cheering like crazy.
• Ann ran like crazy but still couldn't catch the bus.

To earn just enough money to pay for the things you need to live.

• It's hard to make ends meet these days.
• Many families struggle to make ends meet.

Undecided or unwilling to commit to one side of an argument or choice.

• I'm on the fence about it.
• He's still on the fence.