Phrases & Expressions

Used to say that something should not be completely believed.

• You should take his promises with a pinch of salt.
• That rumour should be taken with a pinch of salt.

A person or thing that makes other people feel happy and cheerful.

• His smile was a ray of sunshine.
• She's a ray of sunshine in our office.

An error with bad consequences.

• That was a serious mistake.
• She made a serious mistake at work.

A small amount of time.

• He left a short while ago.
• Wait a short while, please.

A clever action.

• That was a smart move.
• Buying now is a smart move.

A very cheap deal or purchase that gives you great value.

• At that price, it's a steal!
• The laptop was on sale for half price; it was a steal!

A very short distance away.

• The shop is just a stone's throw away from here.
• Luckily, the station was a stone's throw away.

A friendly greeting.

• Thanks for the warm welcome.
• She gave us a warm welcome.

A sensible decision.

• That was a wise decision.
• Making wise decisions takes time.

Listening very carefully and with full attention.

• Go on, I'm all ears.
• Tell me what happened; I'm all ears.