Phrases & Expressions

To be received or accepted favorably by people.

• Her proposal went down well with the board members.
• The new policy went down well with the employees.

To have known someone for a long time, often since childhood or early adulthood.

• We go way back; we grew up in the same neighborhood.
• They go way back and share many memories.

Extremely well-behaved, obedient, or reliable.

• The children were good as gold all through the long journey.
• The baby was as good as gold while we visited Grandma.

To have a short argument with someone.

• We had words about the bill.
• They had words after the meeting.

A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said, or to apologize for a mistake.

• I beg your pardon? Could you repeat that?
• I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to.

Used to express strong agreement with what has just been said.

• "It would be amazing to win a million dollars in the lottery." — "I'll say!"
• "Wasn't that movie fantastic?" — "I'll say!"

A polite phrase used before you say something, especially if it might be a criticism or a personal opinion.

• If I may, I'd like to add something.
• If I may say so, this is excellent work.

To do something special to show that an event or occasion is important.

• We had a party in celebration of our anniversary.
• The town held a festival in celebration of the harvest.

In order to defend or support someone or something against criticism or attack.

• She spoke in defense of her colleagues.
• He wrote a short article in defense of homework.

Receiving a lot of public attention and interest.

• The politician is in the spotlight after the scandal.
• She enjoys being in the spotlight.