Phrases & Expressions

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

• I hope this weather lasts, touch wood.
• We haven't had any problems so far, touch wood.

Used to congratulate someone on doing something well.

• You won $2,000 in the poetry writing contest? Way to go!
• That was an interesting article you wrote — way to go!

An informal question asking what someone has been doing recently.

• Hey, what have you been up to?
• What have you been up to lately?

To eat food very quickly, often because you are very hungry.

• He wolfed down the burger in two minutes.
• The children wolfed down their dinner.

Very common and therefore not special or valuable.

• Apps like that are a dime a dozen.
• Such complaints are a dime a dozen.

An advance warning.

• Thanks for the heads-up.
• Just giving you a heads-up.

Someone or something annoying.

• My neighbor is a pain in the neck.
• This printer is a pain in the neck.

Something that is certain to happen or succeed.

• His victory is a sure thing.
• Everyone said the investment was a sure thing, but we lost money.

Said to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

• Break a leg tonight on stage!
• Break a leg in your exam tomorrow!

To disappoint a person by saying something unwelcome that spoils that person's happy belief.

• Sorry to burst your bubble, but the concert was cancelled.
• Don't burst her bubble; let her enjoy her plans for now.