Phrases & Expressions

To waste time by doing unimportant things or behaving in a silly way.

• Stop fooling about and finish your homework.
• The children were fooling about in the garden.

To prepare for an activity or event that needs effort or planning.

• The team is gearing up for the championship game.
• Businesses are gearing up for the holiday shopping season.

To become very wild, noisy or out of control.

• The crowd got crazy when the band played.
• Things got crazy at the office before the deadline.

To start giving something your full attention and effort.

• Let's get serious about this project.
• If you want to pass, you need to get serious about studying.

To go to nightclubs, typically to dance and socialize.

• They went clubbing until the early hours.
• Do you want to go clubbing tonight?

To share the cost of a meal or an outing so that each person pays a separate share.

• Let's go Dutch tonight.
• We always go Dutch when we eat out.

To take some time to think about something before deciding.

• Let me have a think about your offer.
• Have a think and tell me your answer tomorrow.

To watch someone or something closely, often as a warning.

• Don't try anything funny; I have my eyes on you.
• I'll be watching the children; I have my eyes on them.

Used to warn people to look out or pay attention.

• Heads up! There's a ball coming your way.
• Heads up, everyone, the manager is coming.

To have great success or luck, especially by winning a lot of money.

• She hit the jackpot when she found that rare coin.
• The company hit the jackpot with its new product.