Phrases & Expressions

To understand each other well because you share similar ideas, values, or experiences.

• After a long discussion, we finally speak the same language.
• The two departments don't speak the same language.

Very clean, tidy and in good condition.

• After cleaning, the house was spick and span.
• Her uniform was always spick and span.

To listen to something with doubt and not believe it completely.

• You should take his promises with a grain of salt.
• His advice should be taken with a grain of salt.

A person someone loves very much and is very proud of.

• She's the apple of my eye.
• His daughter is the apple of his eye.

Staying loyal to someone or something in all situations, even difficult ones.

• They stayed together through thick and thin.
• My family supports me through thick and thin.

Used to say that something is impossible and will never happen.

• Will Ted teach Nicole how to play the guitar? When pigs fly!
• Sure, I'll give you my new laptop — when pigs fly!

To be so frustrated or annoyed that you cannot deal with a difficult situation any longer.

• I'm at the end of my rope with this problem.
• She felt at the end of her rope after weeks of no sleep.

Typical, normal, or expected in a particular situation.

• Long lines are par for the course.
• His tardiness is par for the course.

A short, light sleep, often taken during the day.

• I'm just going to take a cat nap before the meeting.
• He felt refreshed after a quick cat nap.

An expression used to tell someone to hurry up.

• Chop chop, we're going to be late!
• The boss wants the report now, chop chop!