Phrases & Expressions

A dismissive response to someone perceived as old-fashioned or out of touch with current trends.

• When he complained about the music, someone shouted, "OK boomer!"
• The phrase "OK boomer" became a popular internet meme.

A young person who seems wiser and more mature than others of the same age.

• She's only sixteen, but she's a real old soul.
• He has an old soul, always giving thoughtful advice.

Doing something with very little money, often by being careful or finding cheap options.

• They traveled around Europe on the cheap.
• We managed to furnish the apartment on the cheap.

To be extremely angry and ready to argue or fight.

• Don't talk to him now, he's on the warpath.
• She was on the warpath after hearing the news.

An informal and cool way to say goodbye.

• Alright, I'm heading out. Peace out!
• Catch you later, peace out.

To be very careful with money and spend as little as possible.

• We're pinching pennies until we can afford a vacation.
• Stop pinching pennies and buy yourself something nice.

To stay awake all night to study or finish a task.

• Ted pulled an all-nighter studying for his chemistry test and ended up falling asleep in class.
• I have a 20-page paper due tomorrow and haven't even started — I guess I'll be pulling an all-nighter.

To reduce the enthusiasm or enjoyment of a situation or person.

• The bad weather put a damper on our outdoor plans.
• His criticism put a damper on her excitement.

To stop something from increasing or spreading, or to prevent it from continuing.

• We need to put a lid on the rising costs.
• The school tried to put a lid on the rumours.

To give something a lower priority, so that it is not dealt with immediately.

• We had to put the expansion project on the back burner.
• His personal problems put his career on the back burner.