Phrases & Expressions

A very isolated place with hardly any people or features.

• We broke down in the middle of nowhere.
• He lives in the middle of nowhere, miles from the nearest town.

An amount of money saved for the future, often for retirement.

• They saved diligently to build a comfortable nest egg.
• His nest egg will allow him to retire early.

Used to say that an action or event had no serious negative consequences.

• "Sorry I'm late." "No harm done, the meeting hasn't started yet."
• The car only has a small scratch, so no harm done.

Using all parts of an animal for food, so that nothing is wasted.

• Nose to tail eating is sustainable.
• The restaurant follows a nose to tail approach, so nothing is wasted.

A traditional belief that is not based on science or reason.

• That's just an old wives' tale; there's no proof.
• Don't believe that old wives' tale about the moon.

Used to describe something so special or rare that it happens only once in a person's life.

• A trip to the moon would be a once in a lifetime experience.
• This is a once in a lifetime opportunity — don't miss it.

To remove all trash and belongings from an area when you leave.

• Please pack it out when you leave the park.
• There are no bins on the trail, so hikers must pack it out.

To eat a very large amount of food, often too much.

• Ted pigged out on hot dogs and hamburgers at the barbecue and then got a stomachache.
• Nicole, stop pigging out on cookies or you won't be able to eat your dinner!

To put food onto plates to be served.

• Please plate up the food for everyone.
• She plated up the pasta quickly.

To tease or pursue someone or something in a way that involves a lot of chasing and escaping.

• The police played cat and mouse with the suspect for weeks.
• They were just playing cat and mouse, not really trying to catch him.