Phrases & Expressions

To produce the desired result or solve a problem.

• Juan changed the light bulb and said, "That should do the trick!"
• My house is hard to find, so I'll tie 10 balloons to the mailbox — that should do the trick.

Extremely tired.

• After the marathon, I was dog tired.
• After a long day at work, he looked dog-tired.

Having very little money left, almost none.

• After paying the bills, he was down to his last penny.
• The unexpected medical costs left them down to their last penny.

To be embarrassed or humiliated, especially after making a mistake.

• He had egg on his face after the public announcement.
• The team had egg on their face when they lost.

In an honest, straightforward way; according to the rules.

• We lost the match, but they beat us fair and square.
• Tony won the ping-pong tournament fair and square.

To use the same aggressive methods against someone that they are using against you.

• They are spreading rumors, so we have to fight fire with fire.
• The company decided to fight fire with fire and launch a counter-campaign.

An automatic physiological reaction to an intense or frightening situation.

• The sudden noise triggered his fight or flight response.
• In danger, the body prepares for fight or flight.

Be in the firing line: to be in a position where people criticize or blame you.

• As the manager, she is always in the firing line when things go wrong.
• The referee found himself in the firing line after the final whistle.

To slow down the spread of an illness so that hospitals are not overwhelmed.

• We need to flatten the curve to protect the healthcare system.
• Social distancing helps flatten the curve.

A first small opportunity that may lead to bigger success, especially in a job or organization.

• An internship can be your foot in the door at a big company.
• She took a junior job just to get a foot in the door.