Phrases & Expressions

Used to say that you should buy well-made things that will last for many years.

• Invest in quality; buy it for life.
• When it comes to kitchen knives, my rule is simple: buy it for life.

A payment method where you receive goods or services immediately but pay for them at a future date, often in installments.

• Many online shops now offer buy now, pay later at checkout.
• Read the terms carefully before you use buy now, pay later.

To purchase the entire ownership of a business or someone's share in one.

• A large company bought out the small family business last year.
• She bought out her partner and now runs the shop alone.

A feeling of regret after making a purchase.

• He experienced buyer's remorse after buying the expensive car.
• Buyer's remorse is common after large purchases.

By a very small margin; with only a tiny difference between winning and losing.

• The horse won the race by a nose.
• She passed the exam, but only by a nose.

Following instructions or procedures exactly.

• He always flies by the numbers.
• The mission was completed by the numbers.

A quiet period before a time of great activity or trouble.

• This silence is the calm before the storm.
• Enjoy the peace; it's the calm before the storm.

A design style that is simple, uncluttered, and avoids overwhelming the user.

• The website uses a calm design with plenty of white space.
• Her calm design approach makes the interface easy to navigate.

To find someone doing something wrong or when they are not ready.

• The teacher tried to catch students out with a tricky question.
• He was caught out lying about his age.

To see something or someone briefly or by chance.

• I caught sight of him in the crowd.
• She caught sight of the cat near the gate.