Phrases & Expressions

Used to firmly say that one will definitely not do something.

• You want me to sit in that sauna for an hour? Not on your life!
• Thanks for offering me a job in Siberia — am I going to take it? Not on your life!

Very old, worn out, or close to failing or collapsing.

• My old car is on its last legs.
• This computer is on its last legs; it needs replacing.

Alert, quick to understand, and competent in handling things.

• Our new manager is really on the ball.
• You need to be on the ball to catch mistakes.

Working during the hours that you are paid for.

• You can't make personal calls while you're on the clock.
• She was still on the clock when the manager called her.

Extremely good, impressive, or delicious; far better than usual.

• Her homemade oatmeal cookies are out of this world.
• Mmm, I love your chicken soup — it's out of this world.

A very annoying or troublesome person or thing.

• Yesterday I had to stay home all day waiting for the repairman — what a pain in the neck!
• Alice wants me to drive her to the airport early tomorrow morning — that's going to be a pain in the neck.

To repeatedly criticize, annoy, or treat someone unfairly.

• Stop picking on me!
• They picked on the new kid.

Used to tell someone to choose between options that are all unpleasant.

• You can clean the kitchen or the bathroom, so pick your poison.
• The early train is crowded and the late one is slow, so pick your poison.

Said to comfort someone: there are many other people or chances, especially after a relationship ends.

• Don't be sad, there are plenty of fish in the sea.
• She broke up with him, but there are plenty of fish in the sea.

To treat someone badly or unfairly, telling them what to do.

• Don't let him push you around.
• She hates being pushed around.