Phrases & Expressions

Suddenly and completely, leaving no trace; used after verbs like vanish or disappear.

• The thief vanished into thin air after the robbery.
• All our savings seemed to disappear into thin air.

Facing or moving in the direction from which the wind is blowing.

• The aircraft must take off into wind.
• Perform the engine run up into wind.

To form an opinion of someone or something based only on appearance, often unfairly.

• Don't judge a book by its cover — he is kinder than he looks.
• The restaurant looks dirty but the food is excellent — never judge a book by its cover.

To write down everything you eat, often to find out what causes a health problem.

• You should keep a food diary to find triggers.
• Keeping a food diary helped her manage IBS.

To have just enough money to survive and avoid poverty or starvation.

• The small salary was just enough to keep the wolf from the door.
• They worked hard to keep the wolf from the door during the recession.

To stay focused on achieving a goal or winning.

• Keep your eye on the prize and finish the race.
• She has her eye on the prize: the championship.

To look at or try something quickly before deciding whether to buy or use it.

• We are just kicking the tires on a few laptops before we decide.
• Many visitors came to kick the tires, but few bought anything.

To joke or behave in a playful, non-serious way.

• Jeremy loves to kid around, so don't take anything he says personally.
• While they were kidding around, Tim accidentally poked Rob in the eye.

To work extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion.

• Ted knocked himself out getting votes for Nicole, and she didn't even thank him.
• I really knocked myself out getting these free concert tickets for you — I hope you appreciate it.

A model for managing organizational change in eight steps.

• Kotter's 8 steps help manage change.
• We followed Kotter's 8 steps.