Phrases & Expressions

To use your authority to insist that something must happen or must not happen.

• My parents finally put their foot down about the car.
• The teacher put her foot down on cheating.

To resist strongly, especially when attacked or challenged.

• The defenders put up a fierce fight.
• They put up a fight against the new rules.

Used to say that something will happen regardless of the weather or other difficulties.

• The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine.
• I'll be there for you, rain or shine.

A warning sign that shows there may be a problem or danger.

• His refusal to discuss the budget is a big red flag.
• Sudden changes in behavior can be a red flag for health issues.

A person's most trusted and helpful assistant or employee.

• Juan's right-hand man helps him make all his decisions.
• When Jack Thompson retired as president, his right-hand man took over.

To prepare oneself to begin a difficult or demanding task.

• Let's roll up our sleeves and finish making these cookies!
• You'd better roll up your sleeves and finish your homework.

To make a bad situation worse for someone, especially by reminding that person of a failure or loss.

• He apologized, but it felt like he was rubbing salt in the wound.
• Don't rub salt in the wound by mentioning his failure.

A person who is fundamentally good, honest, and reliable.

• My grandmother was truly the salt of the earth.
• He volunteers every weekend; he's the salt of the earth.

To avoid embarrassment or humiliation and maintain one's dignity or reputation.

• He apologized publicly to save face after the mistake.
• The company offered a refund to save face with its customers.

To prevent a disaster or solve a difficult problem at the last moment.

• The projector broke, but Ali saved the day with his laptop.
• We were late for the meeting, but the taxi driver got us there just in time and saved the day.