Phrases & Expressions

To understand the situation by noticing clues or hints.

• He didn't read the signs and missed the opportunity.
• You need to read the signs to know when to act.

To give someone a very special welcome and treat that person with great honour.

• The hotel really rolled out the red carpet for the famous guests.
• They rolled out the red carpet when the important client arrived.

Something you have done so often that you now do it easily without thinking.

• After years of practice, typing without looking is second nature to her.
• With practice, riding a unicycle becomes second nature.

A sudden return of strength or energy after a period of exhaustion.

• After a short rest, she got her second wind.
• The runners found their second wind in the last mile.

To view life or a situation in an overly optimistic or positive way, ignoring potential problems.

• He thinks everything will be fine, but he sees the world through rose-colored glasses.
• Don't see the world through rose-colored glasses; be realistic.

Said when parting before a difficult experience, meaning "I'll see you when it is over.

• Good luck with your exams, and see you on the other side!
• The surgery takes three hours, so see you on the other side.

To establish a business or start operating in a particular place.

• They decided to set up shop in the city center.
• He set up shop as a freelance writer.

To tremble with fear or be extremely afraid.

• Brianna is scared of her French teacher; whenever he speaks to her, she starts shaking in her shoes.
• During the storm, Billy was hiding under the kitchen table, really shaking in his shoes.

To do or say something that harms your own cause or interests.

• By complaining, he shot himself in the foot.
• He shot himself in the foot by revealing the secret.

To talk in a relaxed and informal way about unimportant things.

• We spent the afternoon just shooting the breeze.
• They were shooting the breeze by the coffee machine.