Phrases & Expressions

A flavor that reminds you of your home or childhood.

• This za'atar dish is a real taste of home.
• My mother's lentil soup always gives me a taste of home.

To say your thoughts aloud as you are thinking them.

• Sorry, I was just thinking out loud.
• Let me think out loud for a moment.

To respond calmly to an insult or injury instead of reacting angrily or seeking revenge.

• Instead of arguing back, she decided to turn the other cheek.
• It is not easy to turn the other cheek when someone is rude to you.

To surrender or admit defeat in a conflict or competition.

• After hours of fighting, they finally waved the white flag.
• He refused to wave the white flag, even when things got tough.

Very wise and full of good judgment.

• My grandfather is as wise as an owl and always gives good advice.
• Everyone in the village thought the old woman was wise as an owl.

A sudden, unexpected event or piece of news.

• Her promotion was a bolt from the blue.
• The announcement was a bolt from the blue for everyone.

A system or group is only as strong as its weakest part.

• The team's defense is only as strong as its weakest link.
• Train every new worker properly, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

A small, annoying problem that spoils an otherwise good situation or plan.

• The only fly in the ointment was the rain.
• His lack of experience was a fly in the ointment.

People who are foolish or careless with money will quickly lose it.

• He lost his savings in that bad investment. A fool and his money are soon parted.
• She gambled away her inheritance; a fool and his money are soon parted.

An extremely large amount of money.

• That antique car must have cost a king's ransom.
• They paid a king's ransom for that small house.