Phrases & Expressions

A task that is extremely difficult or requires a lot of effort.

• Moving all these boxes is a bear of a task.
• Learning a new language can be a bear of a task.

A friend who is only present during good times and disappears when there are problems.

• He turned out to be a fair-weather friend when I lost my job.
• Don't rely on him; he's just a fair-weather friend.

A phrase used to criticize the overuse of medicines for every problem.

• Doctors warn against expecting a pill for every ill.
• The saying 'a pill for every ill' is outdated.

Someone or something that is in a very vulnerable position and easily attacked or harmed.

• Parked on a dark street, the car was a sitting duck for thieves.
• He felt like a sitting duck during the presentation.

The planning and structuring of topics for a meeting or event.

• Agenda design should reflect the event's goals.
• We need to start the agenda design for the workshop.

The idea that any food can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in sensible amounts.

• Remember, all foods fit when you listen to your body.
• Her dietitian follows an all foods fit approach, so nothing is forbidden.

A quote suggesting that life is like a play, and people are actors playing roles.

• He quoted Shakespeare, saying 'All the world's a stage'.
• In a way, all the world's a stage for our daily performances.

In a difficult situation, any available option is acceptable.

• We had to take the first job we were offered; any port in a storm.
• The hotel was awful, but any port in a storm, as they say.

To set an aircraft door so its emergency slide inflates automatically if opened.

• The crew will arm the slide after the doors are closed.
• Cabin crew arm the slides before the aircraft starts to taxi.

Measured in a straight line from one place to another, not along roads.

• The towns are only ten miles apart as the crow flies.
• As the crow flies, it's a short trip, but the roads are winding.