Phrases & Expressions

To accept criticism, punishment, or unpleasant situations bravely and without complaining.

• He had to take it on the chin when his project failed.
• The team took it on the chin but vowed to come back stronger.

To be the most surprising, extreme, or unacceptable thing.

• His rudeness really takes the cake.
• That story really takes the cake!

Used to say that something is not certain and people could disagree about it.

• She says the plan will save money, but that's debatable.
• He's the best player ever? That's debatable.

Very drunk.

• After four beers, Bob was three sheets to the wind.
• Someone needs to make sure Greg gets home safely — he's three sheets to the wind.

To punish someone as severely as possible.

• When Ted failed his chemistry test for the second time, his teacher really threw the book at him.
• The judge threw the book at Matt for stealing a football — he'll be in jail for six months.

Feeling physically exhausted but mentally unable to sleep or calm down.

• She was tired but wired after the long flight.
• He felt tired but wired all night.

A cockpit warning that the aircraft is close to the ground without the flaps in landing position.

• The warning "too low, flaps" sounded during the approach.
• If you hear "too low, flaps", check the flap setting at once.

To treat someone in a very disrespectful or unkind way.

• No one was surprised when Nicole's boyfriend broke up with her, since she treated him like dirt.
• I feel sorry for Jeffrey — the kids at school treat him like dirt.

Clever methods or shortcuts learned through experience in a particular job or activity.

• The new teacher learned some tricks of the trade from Mrs. Blackstone, who'd been teaching for 40 years.
• My new job will get easier once I learn some tricks of the trade.

To increase something to the highest possible level or intensity.

• The band turned the volume up to eleven.
• The new horror film turns the tension up to eleven.