Phrases & Expressions

To send a direct message to someone, often with romantic or flirtatious intent.

• He decided to slide into her DMs.
• Don't slide into my DMs unless it's important.

An aggressive or domineering woman who misuses her power.

• Beth is a real dragon lady — she's always yelling at her employees and blaming them for her mistakes.
• Liz was nasty to you? I'm not surprised — she's a dragon lady.

To manage to say something in a conversation where others are talking a lot.

• The children were so loud, I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
• He tried to explain, but no one let him get a word in edgewise.

(Slang) To get very drunk.

• Harold got plastered at the wedding and fell into the wedding cake.
• That's your fifth martini — what are you trying to do, get plastered?

To deliberately ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way.

• When Lisa saw Amber, she gave her the cold shoulder.
• I don't know why he's giving you the cold shoulder; you were always nice to him.

You accept complete blame for something bad that happened, or you are entirely in charge of a task.

• The project failed, and I take full responsibility.
• If anything goes wrong, I take full responsibility.

People tell the truth when they are drunk.

• After a few drinks at the party, he told me his secret. In vino veritas!
• After two glasses of wine he admitted everything – in vino veritas, as they say.

To allow someone to know a secret or be part of a plan.

• I'll let you in on a secret.
• He let her in on the plan.

To do something to compensate for a mistake or to repair a relationship.

• He wanted to make amends for his rude behavior.
• She tried to make amends by buying him a gift.

To show respect or express sympathy, especially at a funeral or when visiting someone important.

• Many people came to pay their respects to the late president.
• We went to pay our respects at the memorial service.