Phrases & Expressions

Dealing with something that is too difficult or too much for you to handle.

• I'm in over my head with this project.
• He's in over his head with all this debt.

To begin or do something too soon, before the appropriate time.

• Nicole jumped the gun by writing her speech too early.
• The store jumped the gun, selling the book early.

To avoid getting into trouble or doing anything illegal.

• He's been keeping his nose clean since leaving prison.
• Keep your nose clean at school.

To understand each other well because you share similar ideas and opinions.

• We're on the same wavelength about the project.
• They're on the same wavelength about politics.

Finally and completely, so that it will not happen again.

• Let's settle this once and for all.
• I'm telling you once and for all.

To act in a very firm and uncompromising way, especially in negotiations.

• The company is playing hardball in the pay negotiations.
• He decided to play hardball.

To do or say something that upsets a stable situation or causes trouble.

• Don't rock the boat; we need to keep things calm.
• He doesn't want to rock the boat before his promotion.

To become extremely angry, often to the point of losing control.

• I saw red when he insulted my mother.
• Don't make her see red.

To go at the front in a race and decide how fast it is run.

• The lead runner set the pace early in the race.
• An experienced cyclist set the pace for the first ten kilometres.

To begin working with energy and determination.

• He set to work immediately on the project.
• Let's set to work and finish this today.