Phrases & Expressions

To deliberately overlook wrongdoing, as though you hadn't seen it.

• The authorities looked the other way when the crime happened.
• He decided to look the other way and avoid trouble.

(Informal) To not care at all about something or someone.

• Tom likes to walk around town in his pajamas — he doesn't give a hoot what people think.
• Stephanie doesn't give a hoot if she's the only one in a green dress at the prom.

Not drinking alcohol, especially for a period of time.

• After the doctor's warning, he went on the wagon for good.
• He's been on the wagon since January.

To speak loudly and angrily, often in an uncontrolled way.

• A customer in the video rental store was ranting and raving that the DVD he rented was broken.
• Please stop ranting and raving — let's discuss this issue calmly.

Extremely wealthy; having a lot of money.

• Susan and Bob don't need to work anymore — they're rolling in dough.
• Adam will be able to retire young; he's rolling in dough.

To behave in an uncontrolled way because nobody is in charge.

• The children ran wild in the garden.
• Rumours started to run wild in the office.

Of a vehicle: having almost no fuel left.

• The car is running on fumes; we need petrol soon.
• We were running on fumes when we finally found a petrol station.

A colloquial way of saying that someone is dead and buried.

• I heard he died last year. He's six feet under now.
• Grandpa says he'll keep working until he's six feet under.

A product, remedy or idea that is falsely sold as a solution to a problem.

• That miracle cure is just snake oil.
• Don't fall for their snake oil promises.

To express your opinions or complaints loudly and forcefully.

• He likes to sound off about politics whenever he gets the chance.
• Fans sounded off online about the new ticket prices.