Phrases & Expressions

To suddenly lose courage or confidence to do something you had planned.

• She got cold feet right before the wedding.
• Don't get cold feet now; we're almost there.

To get into trouble or a difficult situation.

• He got into hot water for being late again.
• If you break the rules, you'll get into hot water.

To annoy or irritate someone, often repeatedly.

• My neighbor's dog barks all night — it really gets on my nerves.
• Please stop whistling — it's getting on my nerves!

To make someone feel irritated.

• His constant humming gets on my nerves.
• Stop it, you're getting on my nerves!

To organize your life or work effectively.

• You need to get your act together if you want to pass the exam.
• After the crisis, the company finally got its act together.

To deliver a formal talk to a group of people, often in a university.

• The professor gave an interesting lecture.
• She gives lectures on history.

To allow enough time for something to develop or improve naturally.

• Give it time, and the situation will improve.
• The wound needs to heal; give it time.

To make the greatest possible effort to achieve something.

• This is the final match, so give it your all!
• He gave it his all in the race.

To formally tell your employer or landlord that you are going to leave.

• You must give two weeks' notice before leaving.
• He decided to give notice at the end of the month.

Approximately.

• There were 50 people, give or take.
• The drive takes two hours, give or take ten minutes.