Phrases & Expressions

To look at or see someone or something, especially for the first time.

• Ted was in love from the moment he set eyes on Amber.
• Susan knew the moment she set eyes on Ted's friend Lucas that he would be trouble.

To cause something to start happening or moving.

• The phone call set in motion a chain of events nobody expected.
• The investigation was set in motion by an anonymous tip.

To decide firmly to do something and focus all your attention on it.

• She set her mind on winning the race.
• He has set his mind on traveling the world.

To set a high standard or difficult goal for yourself or others.

• The coach sets the bar high for his players.
• She always sets the bar high in her work.

To create the conditions for something to happen.

• This research sets the stage for future discoveries.
• The first meeting set the stage for a good working relationship.

To prepare the situation or conditions needed for something to happen.

• His speech set the stage for a lively debate.
• The opening act sets the stage for the main performance.

It is better to say nothing; silence is valuable.

• He wanted to complain but remembered that silence is golden.
• Sometimes, silence is golden, especially in difficult conversations.

A condition that causes death without obvious symptoms.

• High blood pressure is often called a silent killer.
• Diabetes can be a silent killer if untreated.

To allow yourself to experience and process difficult emotions without trying to avoid them.

• It's important to sit with your feelings sometimes.
• Instead of distracting herself, she chose to sit with her feelings.

To sleep very soundly and deeply.

• After the long hike, I slept like a log.
• The baby slept like a log all night.