Phrases & Expressions

To set a limit on what you will accept or allow.

• I draw the line at cheating.
• Where do you draw the line?

An obvious problem or difficult subject that everyone knows about but avoids discussing.

• Let's address the elephant in the room.
• His problem is the elephant in the room.

To give official permission for something to start or continue.

• The boss gave the green light to the project.
• We're waiting for them to give the green light.

Making a profit; having more money than you owe.

• The business is finally in the black.
• We're back in the black this year.

Having spent more money than you have; losing money.

• The company is in the red.
• My account is in the red.

To make things worse.

• His comment added fuel to the fire.
• Shouting at him now would only add fuel to the fire.

Extremely easy to do or accomplish.

• Don't worry, the test was as easy as pie.
• Fixing the bike was as easy as pie.

Very busy and working actively.

• He was busy as a bee preparing for the party.
• Grandma is always as busy as a bee in her garden.

For a wish, dream or prediction to become real.

• Her dream of becoming a doctor finally came true.
• Not all wishes come true.

To hope for good luck or a positive outcome, often by crossing your index and middle fingers.

• I'm taking my exam tomorrow, cross your fingers for me.
• Let's cross our fingers that the train is on time.