Phrases & Expressions

A person with whom one has had a romantic relationship in the past.

• He ran into an old flame at the supermarket.
• She sometimes wonders about her old flame.

Something or someone trusted and reliable, especially after a long period of use.

• My old car is an old reliable; it never breaks down.
• This software is an old reliable for our company.

A young person who seems wiser and more mature than others of the same age.

• She's only sixteen, but she's a real old soul.
• He has an old soul, always giving thoughtful advice.

An offer of peace or a gesture of goodwill to end a conflict.

• He offered an olive branch to his rival.
• The company extended an olive branch to the striking workers.

With a very small amount of money.

• They started their business on a shoestring.
• We traveled across Europe on a shoestring.

Likely to happen or expected in the future.

• Given his performance, a promotion is on the cards.
• It's on the cards that they will get married soon.

Recovering from an illness or injury and starting to feel better.

• He's finally on the mend after his surgery.
• The company is on the mend after a tough year.

To be extremely angry and ready to argue or fight.

• Don't talk to him now, he's on the warpath.
• She was on the warpath after hearing the news.

Happening or existing only once in a very long time.

• This is a once in a generation opportunity.
• A once in a generation storm hit the coast.

To feel deep sympathy or compassion for someone in difficulty.

• My heart goes out to the Richardsons — their home was destroyed in a fire.
• Naomi's heart went out to all the people who lost their jobs when the auto plant shut down.