Phrases & Expressions

In a risky position with someone; another mistake could cause trouble.

• Joey was on thin ice with his mom after he spent his lunch money on candy bars.
• Bill was on thin ice with his girlfriend after she saw him with another girl.

A principle where every person has an equal vote in a decision.

• In this club, it's one person one vote.
• The election followed the one person one vote principle.

To say or do something to show your respect and admiration for someone.

• The president paid tribute to the brave firefighters.
• The song pays tribute to his late mother.

The social hierarchy in a group, especially among chickens, showing who is dominant.

• The new rooster tried to establish the pecking order.
• There's a clear pecking order in the office.

A question asked to find out what someone is thinking about, especially when they are quiet.

• You've been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts?
• He stared out the window. "A penny for your thoughts," I said.

To joke with someone by telling that person something untrue.

• Are you serious or just pulling my leg?
• He's just pulling your leg.

To use your authority to insist that something must happen or must not happen.

• My parents finally put their foot down about the car.
• The teacher put her foot down on cheating.

To say that someone is responsible for a mistake, problem, or wrongdoing.

• Mrs. Lopez put the blame on her husband for losing their savings in the stock market.
• Don't put the blame on me that your plants died while you were on vacation — you forgot to tell me to water them.

To avoid embarrassment or humiliation and maintain one's dignity or reputation.

• He apologized publicly to save face after the mistake.
• The company offered a refund to save face with its customers.

Don't waste your time trying to explain or argue, as it will not be successful.

• Save your breath; he's already made up his mind.
• You can't convince her, so save your breath.