Phrases & Expressions

To have an exceptionally good and enjoyable time at an event or activity.

• We had a blast at the party last night!
• I hope you have a blast on your vacation.

An issue that is difficult or embarrassing to deal with, so nobody wants to handle it.

• Nobody wanted to deal with the parking problem; it was a real hot potato.
• The new pay system became a hot potato in the office.

Used to say that you do not intend to upset or insult someone.

• No offense, but you're wrong.
• No offense intended.

To agree completely.

• We don't always see eye to eye.
• They finally saw eye to eye on the matter.

An expression used when a person you have just been talking about unexpectedly appears.

• We were just talking about Tom, and speak of the devil, here he comes!
• Oh, speak of the devil! I was just wondering where you were.

To tell many people about something, often to encourage participation or awareness.

• Please spread the word about the event.
• He quickly spread the word that the meeting was cancelled.

Used to give a balanced view or consider another side of an argument.

• To be fair, he tried his best.
• To be fair, it wasn't her fault.

A small lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to be polite.

• It was just a white lie.
• I told a white lie to spare her feelings.

Used to strongly agree with what someone has just said, often because it is very true.

• "This exam was really hard." "You can say that again!"
• "The weather is so nasty today." — "You can say that again! I don't even want to go outside."

To strike your open hands together repeatedly, usually to show approval.

• Clap your hands if you enjoyed the show!
• The audience clapped their hands loudly.