Phrases & Expressions

To begin to understand and deal with a difficult problem or situation.

• It took him a while to come to grips with the news.
• We need to come to grips with the reality of the situation.

To be subjected to strong criticism or attack.

• The new policy came under fire from parents.
• The company came under fire for its environmental record.

A large city where there are many tall buildings and few trees, often seen as unpleasant or overwhelming.

• He felt lost in the concrete jungle.
• They moved from the concrete jungle to the countryside.

To be very expensive; to cost a large amount of money.

• Renovating the old house costs a pretty penny.
• That designer watch must have cost a pretty penny.

A method to help you fall asleep.

• If you can't sleep, try counting sheep.
• Counting sheep didn't help me.

A saying meaning that illegal activities will ultimately lead to punishment or failure.

• He learned that crime doesn't pay the hard way.
• The police motto is 'crime doesn't pay'.

Used to warn someone not to be too curious, as it might lead to trouble.

• Don't ask too many questions; curiosity killed the cat.
• He wanted to know what was in the box, but I told him curiosity killed the cat.

To be so surprised or frightened that you cannot move or think.

• He stood there like a deer in headlights.
• When the teacher asked her a question, she looked like a deer in headlights.

To seem to break the law of gravity, for example by floating in the air; also, to do something that seems impossible.

• The dancers seemed to defy gravity as they leapt across the stage.
• The stunt pilot seemed to defy gravity.

Someone who takes a position they don't necessarily agree with to help explore an idea.

• Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
• He's always playing devil's advocate.