Phrases & Expressions

To die, said in a joking or informal way.

• The old dog finally kicked the bucket last winter.
• My old car finally kicked the bucket on the motorway.

To stop doing something that is bad for you, especially an addiction.

• He decided to kick the habit of smoking.
• It's hard to kick the habit.

To make a lot of money easily, especially when others thought it would fail or disapprove.

• He sold the old car for a fortune and is laughing all the way to the bank.
• The investors are laughing all the way to the bank after the stock soared.

To be very nervous, anxious, or restless.

• He was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the results.
• She felt like a cat on a hot tin roof before her exam.

Too old to do something or be effective.

• He's a bit long in the tooth for that kind of job.
• That idea is a little long in the tooth now.

In a place that is not well-known or frequented by many people.

• This village is off the beaten path.
• We found a quiet cafe off the beaten path.

Not officially recorded, especially regarding financial transactions or employment, often to avoid taxes or legal requirements.

• The company paid some employees off the books.
• They kept some transactions off the books to reduce their tax burden.

Vague, not paying attention or not making sense.

• He's totally out to lunch today.
• Are you out to lunch? That's the wrong way.

To work hard for a long time, often in junior jobs, before earning success or respect.

• He worked hard for years and paid his dues.
• You have to pay your dues before you can get promoted.

An unrealistic hope or plan that is unlikely to ever come true.

• Susan would love to move to New Zealand and write romance novels, but she knows it's just a pipe dream.
• You want to become a famous Broadway actor? That sounds like a pipe dream.