Phrases & Expressions

To treat something as much more important or serious than it really is.

• The teacher made a big thing of my tiny spelling mistake, which was really embarrassing in front of the class.
• Some parents make a big thing of exam results, which puts enormous pressure on their children.

A very large quantity or number of something.

• There were masses of people at the festival, so it took ages to find our friends.
• I've got masses of reading to do before Monday's seminar.

Used to show that a comment which may sound critical is meant kindly.

• I mean this in the nicest possible way, but your essay needs a lot more work before you submit it.
• When I call you a perfectionist, I mean it in the nicest possible way.

Used in conversation when adding a comment that balances or explains what you have just said.

• The hotel was rather expensive. Mind you, the view from our room was absolutely amazing.
• Public transport here is quite slow. Mind you, it's much cheaper than in most European cities.

There is not much money available, so spending has to be carefully controlled.

• Money is tight for many international students, so most of them work part-time while they study.
• When money is tight, families often cut back on fresh fruit and vegetables first.

Used when saying something that might upset someone, to show that you do not mean to be rude.

• I'm only trying to help, so no offence intended if my comments on your essay sound harsh.
• When I said the office looked old-fashioned, it was just an observation – no offence intended.

Something you do not particularly like or find interesting.

• I know many people love camping, but sleeping in a tent is not my cup of tea.
• Working in a noisy open-plan office is not everyone's cup of tea, so some firms offer quiet rooms.

Ordinary and not especially good, interesting or impressive.

• The hotel was clean and cheap, but the food was nothing to write home about.
• Her exam results were nothing to write home about, but they were good enough to get her into college.

Said to make a group of people listen before you start a new topic or give instructions.

• Now then, before we start the meeting, I'd like to introduce our two new colleagues.
• Now then, let's look together at the results of last week's practice test.

Having to work too hard while receiving too little money for it.

• Being overworked and underpaid for years eventually led her to leave nursing and retrain as a teacher.
• When I asked my brother about his new job, he just laughed and said he was overworked and underpaid.