Phrases & Expressions

To climb very steeply and rapidly.

• The plane climbed like a homesick angel.
• He accelerated and climbed like a homesick angel.

(British English) To take someone somewhere in your car.

• He offered to give her a lift to the station.
• Can you give me a lift home tonight?

A large amount or number of something.

• Don't bring anything to eat – there'll be loads of food at the party.
• There are loads of free online resources for practising IELTS listening at home.

Used after one or more examples to refer vaguely to similar things or activities.

• At weekends I like cycling, hiking and that kind of thing – anything that gets me outdoors.
• The job involves answering emails, booking meetings and that kind of thing, so it's mostly admin.

Used at the end of a list to mean other similar things.

• Tourists usually ask about restaurants, public transport and things like that.
• The course covers grammar, essay structure, punctuation and things like that, so it's very useful before university.

To be completely out of cash, usually just for a short period.

• Students who are broke can often apply for emergency grants from their university's hardship fund.
• Sorry, I can't come to the concert on Saturday — I'll be broke until payday.

To be annoyed, bored or unhappy because something has gone on for too long.

• Many commuters are fed up with overcrowded trains and constant delays, so they have started working from home.
• My brother was fed up with his boring office job, so he quit and retrained as a nurse.

To be very interested in and enthusiastic about an activity or subject.

• My younger brother is into photography and spends all his pocket money on camera equipment.
• Lots of teenagers are into online gaming, which worries some parents and teachers.

To treat someone in an unkind or cruel way.

• Some children are mean to classmates who look or dress differently, which is why schools need anti-bullying policies.
• He apologised the next day for being so mean to me during the argument.

To be paid for by a particular person as a treat, used about meals or drinks.

• You helped me move house all weekend, so tonight's dinner is on me.
• To celebrate the team's success, the manager announced that the drinks were on her that evening.