Phrases & Expressions

To organize all your tasks, plans, or affairs in a neat and orderly way before starting something important.

• We need to get our ducks in a row before the meeting.
• She spent the weekend getting her ducks in a row for the new project.

A regular check of a beehive to monitor the colony's health and activity.

• We perform a hive inspection every two weeks.
• During the hive inspection, we found a new queen.

A common announcement made on planes or ships asking if there is a doctor available to help someone who is ill.

• The flight attendant made the announcement: 'Is there a doctor on board?'
• After the passenger fainted, the crew asked, 'Is there a doctor here?'

In a frantic, disorganized, or panicked manner, without clear direction.

• Ken was late for work and couldn't find his car keys — he was running around the apartment like a chicken with its head cut off.
• Patricia ran around the school looking for her lost backpack like a chicken with its head cut off.

To find fault with a gift or something received for free.

• They gave us a free ticket, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
• She complained about the colour, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

To start from a person's current level, situation or needs instead of expecting more.

• When you work with beginners, you have to meet them where they are.
• Many patients feel scared, so our nurses try to meet them where they are.

A system allowing an aircraft engine to be quickly removed and replaced.

• The quick engine change reduces downtime.
• This design allows for a quick engine change.

The runway currently being used for takeoffs or landings.

• Tower announced the runway in use is 09.
• Check the windsock for the runway in use.

A saying that working slowly and carefully avoids mistakes and so gets the job done faster.

• Remember, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
• My instructor kept saying "slow is smooth", so I took my time.

A cockpit indication that all three sets of landing gear are down and locked.

• The co-pilot confirmed 'Three green'.
• We have three green, cleared to land.