Phrases & Expressions

To surrender or admit defeat in a conflict or competition.

• After hours of fighting, they finally waved the white flag.
• He refused to wave the white flag, even when things got tough.

To cause an audience to react with great enthusiasm, laughter, or applause.

• Her jokes brought the house down.
• The band brought the house down with their final song.

To cause excitement, interest, or controversy.

• The surprise announcement caused quite a stir.
• Her controversial remarks caused a stir in the meeting.

To confess the truth about something, especially something wrong.

• He decided to come clean about his involvement.
• It's time to come clean and tell them what happened.

A saying meaning that illegal activities will ultimately lead to punishment or failure.

• He learned that crime doesn't pay the hard way.
• The police motto is 'crime doesn't pay'.

A video or description showing a typical day in someone's life.

• The vlog was a 'day in the life' of a student.
• Her latest video is a day in the life of a busy chef.

Someone who takes a position they don't necessarily agree with to help explore an idea.

• Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
• He's always playing devil's advocate.

To feel that people do not want you there or are not friendly.

• He felt unwelcome after the argument.
• Her cold stare made me feel unwelcome.

To become very excited, energetic, or unrestrained.

• The crowd got wild when the band played.
• Things got wild at the party.

To deliberately ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.

• After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.
• He tried to apologize, but they just gave him the cold shoulder.