Phrases & Expressions

To betray someone who trusts you.

• She stabbed her best friend in the back by telling her secrets to her enemy.
• He felt stabbed in the back when his business partner stole all the money.

To reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone, especially an older person or authority figure.

• Never talk back to your parents.
• The student got in trouble for talking back.

To persuade someone to do something they were not initially willing to do.

• Chris didn't want to jump out of the plane, but Erin talked him into it.
• Stop trying to talk me into going to the dance club Saturday — I already decided to go to Maria's party.

To persuade someone not to do something.

• I talked him out of quitting.
• She talked me out of buying it.

Fundamentally good, honest, and reliable people who are essential to society.

• My grandmother was truly the salt of the earth.
• We need more people like him; he's the salt of the earth.

To deliberately ignore something wrong or unpleasant that you know is happening.

• The manager turned a blind eye to the employees' rule-breaking.
• You can't just turn a blind eye to injustice.

Working together with others is often more effective than working alone.

• We need to finish this report by tomorrow. Two heads are better than one.
• Let's ask Sarah for help; two heads are better than one.

Informal way to strongly agree.

• Want to come? — You bet!
• You bet I'm tired after that long walk!

Used to say that you don't know the answer to a question any better than the person who asked it.

• Will we ever find intelligent life on other planets? Your guess is as good as mine.
• Will Ted graduate on time? Your guess is as good as mine!

In disagreement with someone, or not matching something.

• My brother and I are often at odds.
• Their plans are at odds with ours.