Phrases & Expressions

A question that tries hard to find out detailed or hidden information.

• The journalist asked a probing question about his finances.
• Her probing questions made him uncomfortable.

To stop something from increasing or spreading, or to prevent it from continuing.

• We need to put a lid on the rising costs.
• The school tried to put a lid on the rumours.

To present information in a way that makes it seem more favorable or less negative.

• They tried to put a positive spin on the bad news.
• Can you put a spin on this to make it sound better?

To claim that someone said or meant something that he or she did not say or mean.

• Don't put words in my mouth; that's not what I meant.
• He accused me of putting words in his mouth.

To state that you disagree with or do not approve of something.

• Several members raised objections to the new plan.
• Nobody raised any objections at the meeting.

To talk in a relaxed and informal way about unimportant things.

• We spent the afternoon just shooting the breeze.
• They were shooting the breeze by the coffee machine.

To send a direct message, often with a romantic or flirtatious intention.

• He decided to slide into her DMs.
• Don't slide into my DMs if you're not serious.

To take attention or praise away from someone else's achievements.

• He tried to steal my thunder by announcing his own news first.
• She was worried her colleague would steal her thunder.

To hide or ignore something embarrassing or shameful rather than dealing with it.

• The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but the press found out.
• Don't sweep your problems under the rug; face them directly.

To protect and guide someone who is younger or less experienced.

• She took the new employee under her wing.
• The senior manager took me under his wing.