Phrases & Expressions

Whatever happens; no matter what the circumstances are.

• I will support you, come what may.
• Come what may, we will face it together.

Tears or sadness that someone shows but does not really feel.

• She wept crocodile tears at the funeral of her rival.
• Don't cry crocodile tears — you didn't really care.

A situation where people misunderstand each other due to poor communication.

• There must have been crossed wires somewhere.
• We had crossed wires about the meeting time.

A program that supports businesses working on climate change solutions.

• She joined a climate tech accelerator.
• The climate tech accelerator funds green startups.

To raise the spoiler panels on top of an aircraft wing to reduce lift and slow down.

• The system will automatically deploy the spoilers on landing.
• When should the pilot deploy the spoilers?

A menu at a fast-food restaurant offering items at very low prices, often around one dollar.

• He ordered several items from the dollar menu.
• Many students eat from the dollar menu to save money.

To gain respect or status by proving your abilities or worth.

• You need to earn your stripes in this competitive industry.
• After years of hard work, he finally earned his stripes as a team leader.

To start a new activity slowly and gently rather than all at once.

• Take your time and ease into the new job.
• He eased into the conversation with small talk.

Eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.

• Try to eat the rainbow every day.
• Eating the rainbow ensures you get many nutrients.

To strongly encourage someone to do something, especially something unwise.

• His friends egged him on to jump from the bridge.
• She kept egging him on to ask for a raise.