Phrases & Expressions

A task that is extremely difficult or requires a lot of effort.

• Moving all these boxes is a bear of a task.
• Learning a new language can be a bear of a task.

A phrase used to criticize the overuse of medicines for every problem.

• Doctors warn against expecting a pill for every ill.
• The saying 'a pill for every ill' is outdated.

Someone or something that is in a very vulnerable position and easily attacked or harmed.

• Parked on a dark street, the car was a sitting duck for thieves.
• He felt like a sitting duck during the presentation.

A situation where people misunderstand each other due to poor communication.

• There must have been crossed wires somewhere.
• We had crossed wires about the meeting time.

Used to ask someone to explain a difficult subject in a very simple way.

• Can you explain like I'm 5? I'm new to this.
• I don't understand blockchain at all, so explain like I'm 5.

To confess something, especially something you are embarrassed about.

• Come on, fess up! Who ate the last cookie?
• He finally fessed up to the prank.

to be shouted at angrily

• He got yelled at for being late.
• I hate getting yelled at.

Very clumsy or careless in the way you move or behave, often causing damage or upset.

• He's like a bull in a china shop when he's nervous.
• Be careful in the antique store; don't be like a bull in a china shop.

A saying that naming a strong emotion helps you calm it down.

• When you feel anxious, try to name it to tame it.
• The counsellor taught us to name it to tame it in stressful moments.

Completely gone or abandoned, often suddenly, so that it no longer matters.

• When the baby arrived, all our holiday plans went out the window.
• With the new manager, all the old rules went out the window.