Phrases & Expressions

To catch a minor infectious illness, such as a cold or a stomach bug.

• I think I've got the bug that's going around the office.
• She got the bug after visiting the hospital.

To compete strongly with someone, making it difficult for them to win.

• We lost the soccer tournament, but we gave the champions a real run for their money.
• The underdog team gave the favorites a run for their money for most of the game.

To dismiss someone from a job or a relationship forcefully.

• The company gave him the boot after the scandal.
• She finally gave him the boot.

To be extremely generous and willing to give away almost anything you own.

• He would give the shirt off his back for a friend.
• She's so kind, she'd give the shirt off her back.

To take a big risk or make a great effort, or to not do it at all.

• We have to launch the product now. Go big or go home.
• For this competition, it's go big or go home.

Used to show that something is surprising or strange.

• He doesn't like chocolate. Go figure.
• Go figure — she's afraid of dogs.

A person who is contented or satisfied with the current situation (often used negatively).

• When Linda's passport was stolen in Florence, she was not a happy camper.
• Steve is taking five difficult courses this semester — he's not a happy camper.

to have a strong liking or attraction to someone or something.

• She has a thing for vintage clothes.
• He has a thing for his colleague.

To have more important or urgent matters to deal with.

• I can't help you now, I have bigger fish to fry.
• She felt she had bigger fish to fry than arguing.

To have so much money that you can spend it freely on unnecessary things.

• He bought a sports car just because he could; he has money to burn.
• They travel first class everywhere; they clearly have money to burn.