Phrases & Expressions

To make something more interesting, exciting, or lively.

• Let's spice things up with some music.
• They added new games to spice things up.

To avoid getting involved in a situation.

• Stay out of this argument.
• He told me to stay out of his life.

To make a short visit to a place or person.

• Stop in when you can.
• She stopped in to say hi.

To start talking to someone, especially someone you do not know.

• He struck up a conversation with the woman next to him.
• It's easy to strike up a conversation at a party.

To listen to and consider someone's advice.

• You should take my advice on this matter.
• He rarely takes advice from others.

To speak to someone angrily because they have done something wrong.

• His teacher told him off for being late.
• She told off the children for making a mess.

To treat someone in an unfriendly or distant way, ignoring them deliberately.

• After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.
• He felt ignored when his colleagues gave him the cold shoulder.

The very best people or things in a particular group or selection.

• They hired the cream of the crop for the new project.
• This wine is the cream of the crop.

A toast made to wish someone good health.

• To your health! May you live long.
• We raised our glasses, saying 'To your health!'

When too many people try to manage a task, the result is poor.

• Too many cooks spoil the broth, so let's assign roles.
• Five people edited the report, so it was a case of too many cooks.