Phrases & Expressions

In fly fishing, to use a fly that looks like the insects fish are eating at that moment.

• Matching the hatch finally turned a slow morning around.
• Matching the hatch is part observation, part trial and error.

Mutual understanding and agreement between parties, especially in a legal context.

• The judge looked for a meeting of the minds.
• Without a meeting of the minds, the deal failed.

Something serious that should not be treated as a joke.

• When the tornado hit the town, it was no laughing matter.
• Jim may have been fooling around when he hit John, but he really hurt him — it was no laughing matter.

Not even for a huge reward; used to say you would never do something.

• Not for all the tea in China would I move there!
• She wouldn't sell her car for all the tea in China.

(Informal) To not care at all about something or someone.

• Tom likes to walk around town in his pajamas — he doesn't give a hoot what people think.
• Stephanie doesn't give a hoot if she's the only one in a green dress at the prom.

Not long ago; in recent times.

• He's been busy of late.
• Of late, things have changed.

Used to state that something will happen only if a specific thing is true or done.

• I'll help on condition that you pay me.
• He agreed on condition that they meet first.

Currently taking the hormone estrogen as a medical treatment.

• She has been on E for two years and feels much better.
• Are you on E or testosterone?

Not drinking alcohol, especially for a period of time.

• After the doctor's warning, he went on the wagon for good.
• He's been on the wagon since January.

To fall asleep very quickly and deeply.

• After the long hike, he was out like a light.
• The baby went out like a light as soon as we put her down.