Phrases & Expressions

A situation with extreme ups and downs, either having too much or not enough of something.

• Freelance work can be feast or famine.
• The industry suffers from a feast or famine cycle.

To continue fighting or trying hard despite difficulties.

• The team fought on even though they were losing.
• He vowed to fight on until justice was done.

To remove unwanted parts using a filter or careful selection.

• This software filters out spam emails.
• The mask filters out harmful particles.

The three automatic ways the body reacts to danger: running away, fighting or staying still.

• The deer's reaction was flight, fight, or freeze.
• Understanding the flight fight freeze response is key.

To manage to say something in a conversation where others are talking a lot.

• The children were so loud, I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
• He tried to explain, but no one let him get a word in edgewise.

(Slang) To get very drunk.

• Harold got plastered at the wedding and fell into the wedding cake.
• That's your fifth martini — what are you trying to do, get plastered?

To stop being drunk and become clear-headed.

• He needs time to get sober.
• He drank a lot of coffee to get sober before going home.

To care about something (often used in negative statements).

• I don't give a damn.
• Who gives a damn?

To scold someone severely or at length.

• The boss gave me an earful for being late.
• She gave her son an earful about his grades.

Used to tell someone to stop doing or saying something annoying.

• Give it a rest! You've been complaining all day.
• Give it a rest, the show is over.