Phrases & Expressions

A superstitious phrase said to ward off bad luck after mentioning good fortune.

• My car hasn't broken down yet, knock on wood.
• I've never been sick this year, knock on wood.

Said when you meet someone you have not seen for a long time.

• Long time no see! You look great.
• Well, long time no see! What have you been up to?

A greeting used when you meet someone you haven't seen for a long time.

• Long time no see! How are you?
• Wow, long time no see! Where have you been?

To lose control of one's emotions, especially anger.

• He lost it when he saw the damage.
• I almost lost it with the bad service.

To become crazy or extremely upset.

• Have you lost your mind?
• I'm going to lose my mind if this continues.

To make a mistake or to spoil something by handling it badly.

• Amber messed up and put salt instead of sugar in the cookies.
• Ted really messed up on his chemistry test — he got a D.

To do something perfectly or succeed completely at a difficult task.

• You'll nail it if you practice.
• She was nervous about the speech, but she totally nailed it.

To like something or someone very much.

• My little brother is nuts about dinosaurs and knows all their names.
• We're just nuts about our new neighbors — we invite them over for dinner once a month.

Busy and active, often moving from place to place.

• He is always on the go with his job.
• With three young children, she is on the go from morning till night.

Completely unconscious or fast asleep, often due to exhaustion or illness.

• After the marathon, he was out cold.
• The ball hit him on the head and knocked him out cold.