Phrases & Expressions

A person who drains the energy and enthusiasm of others.

• He's an energy vampire; I feel exhausted after seeing him.
• Avoid energy vampires to protect your well-being.

A situation with extreme ups and downs, either having too much or not enough of something.

• Freelance work can be feast or famine.
• The industry suffers from a feast or famine cycle.

To manage to say something in a conversation where others are talking a lot.

• The children were so loud, I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
• He tried to explain, but no one let him get a word in edgewise.

(Slang) To get very drunk.

• Harold got plastered at the wedding and fell into the wedding cake.
• That's your fifth martini — what are you trying to do, get plastered?

To scold someone severely or at length.

• The boss gave me an earful for being late.
• She gave her son an earful about his grades.

To deliberately ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way.

• When Lisa saw Amber, she gave her the cold shoulder.
• I don't know why he's giving you the cold shoulder; you were always nice to him.

To acknowledge or pay attention to someone (often used in the negative).

• Sandra never gave me the time of day in college.
• The celebrity barely gave the fans the time of day.

To try very hard to achieve something, often by making significant efforts.

• They went to great lengths to ensure our comfort.
• She went to great lengths to find the rare book.

To have already gained an experience, achievement, or skill.

• Kristen had three years at a large law firm under her belt before starting her own practice.
• Ernie needs to have an MBA under his belt to land the job he wants.

People tell the truth when they are drunk.

• After a few drinks at the party, he told me his secret. In vino veritas!
• After two glasses of wine he admitted everything – in vino veritas, as they say.