Phrases & Expressions

A sudden, unexpected event or piece of news.

• Her promotion was a bolt from the blue.
• The announcement was a bolt from the blue for everyone.

A system or group is only as strong as its weakest part.

• The team's defense is only as strong as its weakest link.
• Train every new worker properly, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

A small, annoying problem that spoils an otherwise good situation or plan.

• The only fly in the ointment was the rain.
• His lack of experience was a fly in the ointment.

People who are foolish or careless with money will quickly lose it.

• He lost his savings in that bad investment. A fool and his money are soon parted.
• She gambled away her inheritance; a fool and his money are soon parted.

An extremely large amount of money.

• That antique car must have cost a king's ransom.
• They paid a king's ransom for that small house.

A very good memory, especially for things that happened long ago.

• She has a memory like an elephant; she remembers every detail.
• My grandmother has a memory like an elephant.

A place to live, especially a basic one that provides shelter.

• They just need a roof over their heads.
• All families deserve a roof over their heads.

Someone or something that is very welcome or pleasing to see.

• After a long trip, the hotel was a sight for sore eyes.
• You're a sight for sore eyes! I've missed you so much.

Having almost no possibility of success or survival.

• The team has a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
• Without more funding, the project has a snowball's chance in hell.

Someone or something that keeps causing problems or annoyance.

• His constant complaints were a thorn in my side.
• The new rules are a thorn in the side of small businesses.