Phrases & Expressions

Not having a job.

• He's been out of work since the factory closed.
• Many people are out of work due to the recession.

To give something to one person, who passes it on, until everyone in a group has seen or had it.

• We passed the photos around so everyone could see them.
• Please pass the cake around the table.

To lose consciousness.

• He passed out from the heat.
• She nearly passed out.

To decline an opportunity or offer.

• Don't pass up this chance.
• He passed up the offer.

to suddenly lose consciousness, often temporarily

• He passed out from exhaustion.
• She passed out when she saw the blood.

To say something nice or admiring about someone.

• He paid her a compliment on her new dress.
• It's polite to pay a compliment when you visit someone's home.

To ignore someone or something; to not pay attention.

• Pay no mind to him, he's just joking.
• She paid no mind to the mess in the room.

To finish paying a debt completely.

• I paid off my credit card.
• It took them twenty years to pay off the mortgage.

To show that you honour or have a high opinion of someone or something.

• People came to pay their respects at the funeral.
• We should pay respect to those who came before us.

To pay money that you owe, especially when you have been asked many times.

• After weeks of excuses, he finally paid up.
• You need to pay up by Friday.