Phrases & Expressions

To decide as the situation develops.

• I don't know how long we'll stay, so let's play it by ear.
• We'll play it by ear tonight.

Said to comfort someone: there are many other people or chances, especially after a relationship ends.

• Don't be sad, there are plenty of fish in the sea.
• She broke up with him, but there are plenty of fish in the sea.

To pull something backwards or away from where it was.

• She pulled back the curtains to let the sunlight in.
• He pulled back his hand from the hot stove.

To regain composure and control your emotions after being upset.

• Pull yourself together!
• She pulled herself together after crying.

To treat someone badly or unfairly, telling them what to do.

• Don't let him push you around.
• She hates being pushed around.

To try hard to get something or to make something happen.

• Activists are pushing for new laws.
• She's pushing for a promotion.

To suggest an idea, plan, or name for consideration.

• They put forward a new proposal.
• He put his name forward for the job.

To decide to do something and to try very hard to achieve it.

• You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
• She put her mind to learning the new language.

To accept or tolerate something or someone unpleasant without complaining.

• For many years, Barbara put up with her husband's annoying behavior before finally leaving him.
• I don't know how Len puts up with his mean boss every day.

A topic or activity that pulls you in so much that you spend far more time on it than you meant to.

• I went down a rabbit hole researching ancient Egypt.
• Be careful, it's a real rabbit hole.