Phrases & Expressions

Every bad situation has something positive.

• Don't lose hope — every cloud has a silver lining.
• Remember, every cloud has a silver lining.

To react in an extreme, irrational way, usually from fear, shock, or anger.

• Her parents freaked out when she quit college.
• Don't freak out, but I lost your laptop.

To have an exceptionally good and enjoyable time at an event or activity.

• We had a blast at the party last night!
• I hope you have a blast on your vacation.

to postpone the alarm for a few minutes

• I keep hitting the snooze button.
• Don't hit the snooze again!

An issue that is difficult or embarrassing to deal with, so nobody wants to handle it.

• Nobody wanted to deal with the parking problem; it was a real hot potato.
• The new pay system became a hot potato in the office.

With great speed, force, energy, or enthusiasm.

• When our team scored, the crowd started cheering like crazy.
• Ann ran like crazy but still couldn't catch the bus.

To avoid risks and choose the safest option.

• Just play it safe.
• I'll play it safe and stay home.

To agree completely.

• We don't always see eye to eye.
• They finally saw eye to eye on the matter.

To sell very quickly and in large quantities.

• The new phones sold like hotcakes.
• Tickets for the concert are selling like hotcakes.

An expression used when a person you have just been talking about unexpectedly appears.

• We were just talking about Tom, and speak of the devil, here he comes!
• Oh, speak of the devil! I was just wondering where you were.