Phrases & Expressions

Someone who thinks they are clever and makes annoying or sarcastic remarks.

• Don't be a wise guy; just answer the question.
• The clerk was a wise guy, making fun of my accent.

An improv technique where you accept a statement and add to it.

• In improv, we use the 'yes and' rule.
• Her response was a perfect 'yes and'.

To have a hidden motive or selfish reason for doing something.

• He's always helping, but I think he has an ax to grind.
• She's not just being nice; she has an ax to grind.

To disagree publicly with your group or organization.

• Several senators broke ranks to vote against the bill.
• He broke ranks and criticized the leader.

To end a conflict or argument and become friends again.

• After years of not speaking, they decided to bury the hatchet.
• Let's bury the hatchet and move forward.

A meme showing a man looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks upset.

• This meme perfectly captures my feelings.
• He chose the new phone, like the Distracted Boyfriend.

A principle of retaliation where the punishment inflicted is exactly equal to the injury caused.

• The ancient law of 'an eye for an eye' is no longer practiced.
• They believe in an eye for an eye, not forgiveness.

To show off or boast, especially to make someone else feel inferior.

• He's always flexing on us.
• She likes to flex on her friends with her new car.

To deliberately exclude someone from a group or activity by being unfriendly.

• His colleagues froze him out after the argument.
• She felt the group was trying to freeze her out.

To fight or argue with a lot of energy.

• The two brothers were really going at it in the garden.
• Our neighbours went at it all night, shouting and slamming doors.