Phrases & Expressions

To refuse to let someone enter a place or receive something.

• The hotel turned us away because it was full.
• Hundreds of fans were turned away at the gate.

Two people who are very similar to each other in appearance or behaviour.

• The twins are like two peas in a pod.
• My grandmother and I are two peas in a pod.

To assess the general mood or atmosphere of a place or group of people.

• Let's do a quick vibe check before we decide.
• Vibe check! Your comments are making everyone uncomfortable.

A friendly way to end a letter or email, a little warmer than "kind regards".

• She ended the email with "Warm regards" and her name.
• Please send my warm regards to your family.

A polite way to ask someone why they have come to a place or event.

• What brings you here today?
• I didn't expect to see you at the conference. What brings you here?

If there are rumors or signs of trouble, there is probably some truth to them.

• They say he's cheating, and where there's smoke there's fire.
• Rumors of layoffs are spreading; where there's smoke there's fire.

A game or question format that presents two hypothetical, often difficult, choices for the respondent to pick between.

• Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
• We played 'Would you rather' all night long.

Used to say that if you help someone, that person will help you in return.

• I'll fix your bike if you help me paint — you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
• You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, right?

Asked when someone is unusually silent.

• What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?
• Has the cat got your tongue today?

An online event in which a person answers questions from the public about any topic.

• The author is doing an 'ask me anything' session online.
• Thousands of fans joined the scientist's ask me anything last night.