Phrases & Expressions

To consider someone or something as inferior or unworthy of respect.

• He looks down his nose at anyone who doesn't have a lot of money.
• She looks down her nose at my simple clothes.

To have the right appearance for a particular role, job or activity.

• He looks the part of a successful businessman.
• In his new suit, he really looked the part for the interview.

To lose the respect or admiration of others; to be humiliated.

• He feared he would lose face if he admitted his mistake.
• The company lost face after the product recall.

To no longer have the skill or ability one used to have at doing something well.

• I used to make delicious pies, but this one tastes terrible — I think I've lost my touch.
• The old chef seems to have lost his touch; the food isn't what it used to be.

An effort, person, or situation that has no chance of success.

• Cindy spent five years studying Russian; finally she realized it was a lost cause.
• Jack needs to cut down on coffee, but he's so addicted to caffeine that it's a lost cause.

Cooked at a low temperature for a long time to make food tender.

• Brisket is best cooked low and slow.
• We cooked the lamb low and slow for six hours.

An instruction for a pilot to keep another aircraft in sight.

• Maintain visual with the blue aircraft.
• Please maintain visual until instructed otherwise.

To find or learn something for the first time.

• Scientists made a new discovery about space.
• He made an important discovery in his research.

To have a significant or lasting effect on something or someone.

• The young designer quickly made her mark in the fashion world.
• Her speech made a lasting mark on the audience.

(Slang) To eat too much food, often in a greedy way.

• I made a pig of myself by eating four slices of pie.
• Of course you could eat another hamburger, but you don't want to make a pig of yourself.