Phrases & Expressions

To stay awake all night to study or finish a task.

• Ted pulled an all-nighter studying for his chemistry test and ended up falling asleep in class.
• I have a 20-page paper due tomorrow and haven't even started — I guess I'll be pulling an all-nighter.

To go beyond the usual limits of what is possible or known.

• The new engine design really pushes the envelope.
• Scientists are constantly pushing the envelope of discovery.

To reduce the enthusiasm or enjoyment of a situation or person.

• The bad weather put a damper on our outdoor plans.
• His criticism put a damper on her excitement.

To stop something from increasing or spreading, or to prevent it from continuing.

• We need to put a lid on the rising costs.
• The school tried to put a lid on the rumours.

To present information in a way that makes it seem more favorable or less negative.

• They tried to put a positive spin on the bad news.
• Can you put a spin on this to make it sound better?

To offer or present something for others to see or consider.

• He put forth a new idea.
• Put forth your best effort.

Used to say that the real situation is worse or stronger than the words suggest.

• The situation was difficult, to put it mildly.
• He was annoyed, to put it mildly.

To give something a lower priority, so that it is not dealt with immediately.

• We had to put the expansion project on the back burner.
• His personal problems put his career on the back burner.

To risk something important, such as your reputation or job, in a situation where you might lose it.

• He put his career on the line to speak out.
• She put her reputation on the line for her friend.

To say something embarrassing or tactless, often by accident.

• I really put my foot in it when I asked about his ex-wife.
• He put his foot in it by mentioning the surprise party.