Phrases & Expressions

To summarize a long explanation or series of events briefly.

• Long story short, we missed the flight.
• Long story short, he said no.

To think about or remember things that happened in the past.

• Looking back on my childhood, I feel nostalgic.
• We often look back on our university days.

To think that someone or something is less important or valuable than you.

• Never look down on anyone.
• She looks down on people without a degree.

To watch an event or situation without becoming involved.

• The crowd looked on as the argument grew.
• He just stood there and looked on.

To become angry, upset, or lose control of one's emotions.

• He lost his cool when they criticized his work.
• Try not to lose your cool during the argument.

To stop communicating with someone.

• We lost touch after college.
• I don't want to lose touch with her.

To suddenly become very angry.

• He lost his temper at the meeting.
• Try not to lose your temper.

To say something, often briefly, that expresses an opinion or observation.

• He made a passing remark about the weather.
• She made an interesting remark on the topic.

To do something good to balance something bad, lost or missing.

• He worked all weekend to make up for the lost time.
• Nothing can make up for the loss of a parent.

To reduce the price of something that is for sale.

• The store marked down all winter coats.
• These shoes have been marked down by thirty percent.