Phrases & Expressions

To hide or ignore something embarrassing or shameful rather than dealing with it.

• The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but the press found out.
• Don't sweep your problems under the rug; face them directly.

Used to express surprise or annoyance at something extreme or outrageous.

• He forgot my birthday and my anniversary? That takes the cake!
• After all that, he expects a raise? That takes the cake.

To act recklessly without worrying about the risks.

• He threw caution to the wind and invested all his savings.
• They threw caution to the wind and went bungee jumping.

To get married.

• They tied the knot in June.
• After years together, they decided to tie the knot.

So clever, or so sure of your own cleverness, that it causes problems for you.

• He tried to outsmart the teacher, but was too smart for his own good.
• Don't be too smart for your own good; listen to advice.

Your opinion or thoughts on a matter.

• Here's my two cents.
• That's just my two cents, but I think we should wait.

A saying meaning that surviving hard experiences makes a person stronger.

• I failed the exam, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
• After the accident, he felt that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

When the person in charge is away, people will do as they please.

• The boss is on vacation; when the cat's away, the mice will play.
• The children made a mess because when the cat's away, the mice will play.

To work extremely hard and tirelessly.

• He worked his tail off to save money for college.
• They worked their tails off renovating the house.

An informal and sometimes humorous way to refer to yourself, meaning 'me'.

• Yours truly, John.
• Yours truly is pleased to present this report.