Phrases & Expressions

Available online only to people who pay or subscribe.

• I wanted to read the report, but it's behind a paywall.
• Many news sites now put their best stories behind a paywall.

Using two ways to prevent a problem when one would probably be enough.

• Saving the file in two places is a belt-and-suspenders approach.
• The company's policy is belt and suspenders regarding data security.

Operating an aircraft beyond the distance where the pilot can see it with the naked eye.

• Beyond visual line of sight flights require special authorization.
• The drone can fly beyond visual line of sight.

To take on a task that is too big or difficult to handle.

• Hosting 50 people alone is biting off more than she can chew.
• You agreed to lead the project? Haven't you bitten off more than you can chew?

To stop yourself from saying something or showing a strong emotion.

• I wanted to argue, but I bit my lip and said nothing.
• She bit her lip to stop herself from crying.

To park a vehicle so close to another one that it cannot drive away.

• Someone blocked in my car and I was late for work.
• The delivery truck blocked in the smaller car in the car park.

To stop light or sound from getting into a place.

• These thick curtains block out the light from the street.
• I wear earplugs to block out the noise of the traffic.

To cook spices or paste in hot oil or fat to release their aroma and flavor.

• Bloom the spices in hot oil first.
• Bloom the paste in oil until fragrant.

To do or say something to release strong emotions like anger or stress.

• I need to blow off some steam.
• Let's go for a run to blow off steam.

To exaggerate the seriousness or importance of something.

• Sending him to jail for that is blowing things out of proportion.
• Don't blow things out of proportion; it was just a small mistake.