Phrases & Expressions

A secure physical or virtual space where confidential documents are stored for review during a business transaction.

• Potential buyers reviewed documents in the data room.
• Access to the data room is strictly controlled.

A video or description showing a typical day in someone's life.

• The vlog was a 'day in the life' of a student.
• Her latest video is a day in the life of a busy chef.

Far into a place, a period of time or an activity.

• They talked deep into the night about their plans.
• The hikers walked deep into the forest to find the waterfall.

To be so surprised or frightened that you cannot move or think.

• He stood there like a deer in headlights.
• When the teacher asked her a question, she looked like a deer in headlights.

To deliberately avoid making a judgment or decision about something.

• Let's defer judgment until we have all the facts.
• It's important to defer judgment in brainstorming sessions.

To seem to break the law of gravity, for example by floating in the air; also, to do something that seems impossible.

• The dancers seemed to defy gravity as they leapt across the stage.
• The stunt pilot seemed to defy gravity.

To fly down to a height lower than a stated level, such as the cloud base.

• The aircraft will descend below the cloud base shortly.
• Do not descend below the minimum altitude until the runway is in sight.

Someone who takes a position they don't necessarily agree with to help explore an idea.

• Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.
• He's always playing devil's advocate.

A person or thing that has potential but lacks refinement or polish.

• He has the talent, but he's a real diamond in the rough.
• This old house is a diamond in the rough.

To investigate something thoroughly or research extensively.

• We need to dig deep into the company's finances.
• The reporter dug deep into the history of the old factory.