Phrases & Expressions

A possession that is expensive to maintain but has little or no practical use.

• The old mansion turned out to be a white elephant.
• This expensive equipment is never used; it is just a white elephant.

A US rule for carrying liquids in hand luggage.

• Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids at security.
• All liquids must fit in one quart-sized bag per the 3-1-1 rule.

To improve the quality of life, not just its length.

• The goal is to add life to years, not just years to life.
• Hobbies can add life to your years.

To increase the number of years a person lives.

• This new medicine may add years to life.
• Healthy habits can add years to your life.

To take the safe body position, bent forward with the head down, before a crash landing.

• The captain told everyone to adopt the brace position.
• Passengers were shown how to adopt the brace position before the emergency landing.

A phrase indicating that the approach light system is visible, aiding landing in low visibility.

• Approach lights in sight, continuing the landing.
• The pilot reported approach lights in sight.

The minimum time a pilot must wait between drinking alcohol and flying an aircraft.

• The rule is eight hours bottle to throttle.
• Always respect the bottle to throttle time.

To release gas from the digestive system through the anus.

• It is considered rude to break wind in public.
• He accidentally broke wind during the meeting.

To help someone survive a serious illness or difficult situation.

• The doctors worked hard to bring her through the surgery.
• His family's support helped bring him through his illness.

To stay safely at home during a crisis or emergency, rather than leaving.

• During the storm, we decided to bug in.
• The advice was to bug in and stay indoors.