Phrases & Expressions

To speak to someone angrily because they have done something wrong.

• His teacher told him off for being late.
• She told off the children for making a mess.

To treat someone in an unfriendly or distant way, ignoring them deliberately.

• After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.
• He felt ignored when his colleagues gave him the cold shoulder.

To throw something away; to discard.

• Toss out the old newspapers.
• It's time to toss out these old shoes.

Very strong, tough, and resilient.

• She's tough as nails and never complains.
• He's tough as nails, even after the accident.

To continue doing something difficult until it is finished.

• You have to tough it out.
• They will tough it out.

To become stronger and better able to deal with difficult situations.

• You need to toughen up if you want to survive.
• He toughened up a lot during his first year away from home.

To start eating food with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.

• The kids tucked in straight away.
• Let's tuck in before it gets cold.

To stop listening to or paying attention to something.

• I tried to study, but I kept tuning out.
• He tuned out the annoying music.

(have two left feet) To be very clumsy, especially when dancing.

• I have two left feet, so I avoid dancing.
• He tried to dance but had two left feet.

To assess the general mood or atmosphere of a place or group of people.

• Let's do a quick vibe check before we decide.
• Vibe check! Your comments are making everyone uncomfortable.