Phrases & Expressions

To slide around in an uncontrolled way on a wet or icy surface.

• The car began to slip and slide on the icy road.
• The children loved to slip and slide in the wet grass.

To suspect that something is wrong or dishonest.

• When he offered me the job, I smelled a rat.
• The police smelled a rat and investigated further.

A piece of evidence that is very clear and proves something conclusively.

• The security camera footage provided the smoking gun that solved the case.
• His confession was the smoking gun the prosecution needed.

To let a secret slip, usually without meaning to.

• Come on, spill the beans!
• He spilled the beans about the surprise.

To agree on an amount or choice halfway between two different ones.

• You want $100, I'll pay $80. Let's split the difference.
• They couldn't agree on a date, so they split the difference.

To stand upright with confidence and pride, especially in a difficult situation.

• Stand tall and look the interviewer in the eye.
• He stood tall despite the criticism.

To begin something from the very beginning, without using any previous work.

• I'm going to start from scratch and build my own website.
• They had to start from scratch after the company closed.

To interfere in someone else's private affairs or try to know about them.

• Please don't stick your nose into my personal matters.
• She always sticks her nose into other people's business.

Information received directly from the person who knows it best.

• I heard the news straight from the horse's mouth.
• The manager told me herself, so it's straight from the horse's mouth.

To sit down and rest, especially after working hard.

• Come in and take a load off.
• Let me take a load off my feet.