Phrases & Expressions

For a roof, ceiling or wall to collapse and fall to the ground.

• Part of the roof fell in during the storm.
• The old mine tunnel fell in after weeks of heavy rain.

Used to mean that there is no chance at all of something happening.

• The boys at school always laugh at Dana. Will she be invited to the dance? Fat chance!
• You want to borrow my new car and drive it across the country? Fat chance!

To feel that people are not treating you with politeness or admiration.

• He felt disrespected by the rude comments.
• Don't make your guests feel disrespected.

To have a strong feeling of sadness or loneliness.

• After they left, she felt empty inside.
• He feels empty, like something important is missing.

To experience financial hardship or difficulty.

• With rising prices, many families are feeling the pinch.
• He's feeling the pinch after losing his job.

To feel that people do not want you there or are not friendly.

• He felt unwelcome after the argument.
• Her cold stare made me feel unwelcome.

An aircraft landing that is harder than usual but still safe.

• The pilot made a firm landing despite the strong winds.
• It was a firm landing, but well within the aircraft's normal limits.

An aircraft configuration where the flaps are not extended.

• With flaps up, the aircraft flies faster.
• The plane is in clean configuration, flaps up.

To feel extremely happy and light.

• She was floating on air after getting the job.
• He felt like he was floating on air.

To gently mix one ingredient into another, usually a light mixture into a thicker one.

• Fold in the egg whites carefully to keep the air.
• Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.