Phrases & Expressions

To stop something from increasing or getting louder; to keep it low.

• Try to keep your voice down — the baby is asleep.
• We need to keep costs down this month.

To stay away from other people and not talk much about your private life.

• He's a quiet person who likes to keep to himself.
• Since I moved to the city, I mostly keep to myself.

To avoid attracting attention and quietly get on with your work.

• He decided to keep his head down at work.
• New employees often keep their heads down for the first few weeks.

To have just enough money to survive, with no savings or extra money.

• Jenny was earning $5 an hour at the store — she was really living from hand to mouth.
• George is really poor; he lives from hand to mouth.

To propose an idea or plan for consideration.

• Can you make a suggestion for the menu?
• He made a helpful suggestion about the project.

To stop arguing or fighting and become friends again.

• The two countries decided to make peace.
• It's time to make peace with your past.

To make polite conversation about unimportant things.

• He finds it hard to make small talk.
• We made small talk while waiting.

To cause difficulties or problems for someone.

• He's always making trouble for his boss.
• Don't make trouble for yourself.

To move aside to let someone or something pass.

• Make way for the emergency vehicles!
• The crowd made way for the parade.

Cooked mostly through, with a slightly pink center. Used for steak.

• I'd like my steak medium well, please.
• He likes his steak medium well.