Phrases & Expressions

To take on a task that is too big or difficult to handle.

• Hosting 50 people alone is biting off more than she can chew.
• You agreed to lead the project? Haven't you bitten off more than you can chew?

To do or say something to release strong emotions like anger or stress.

• I need to blow off some steam.
• Let's go for a run to blow off steam.

To cause an audience to react with great enthusiasm, laughter, or applause.

• Her jokes brought the house down.
• The band brought the house down with their final song.

Used to say that you should buy well-made things that will last for many years.

• Invest in quality; buy it for life.
• When it comes to kitchen knives, my rule is simple: buy it for life.

To find someone doing something wrong or when they are not ready.

• The teacher tried to catch students out with a tricky question.
• He was caught out lying about his age.

Be aware of potential danger or threats from behind you.

• Check six! There might be an enemy behind us.
• In this job, you always have to check six.

To be very expensive; to cost a large amount of money.

• Renovating the old house costs a pretty penny.
• That designer watch must have cost a pretty penny.

A method to help you fall asleep.

• If you can't sleep, try counting sheep.
• Counting sheep didn't help me.

Getting deeply involved in a complex or strange topic, often online, losing track of time.

• I went down the rabbit hole researching ancient history.
• One video sent me down the rabbit hole for three hours.

To fail to do something you are responsible for, often through carelessness.

• He dropped the ball on this project.
• We can't afford to drop the ball now.