Phrases & Expressions

To be completely out of cash, usually just for a short period.

• Students who are broke can often apply for emergency grants from their university's hardship fund.
• Sorry, I can't come to the concert on Saturday — I'll be broke until payday.

To be pregnant and waiting for your child to be born.

• My manager is expecting a baby in March, so she will start her maternity leave in February.
• In many countries, it is illegal to refuse a job to a woman just because she is expecting a baby.

To be annoyed, bored or unhappy because something has gone on for too long.

• Many commuters are fed up with overcrowded trains and constant delays, so they have started working from home.
• My brother was fed up with his boring office job, so he quit and retrained as a nurse.

To like someone very much, often with warm feelings that have grown over time.

• The children were fond of their old music teacher and visited her long after leaving school.
• Most of the staff are fond of the new head teacher because she always makes time to listen.

To be very interested in and enthusiastic about an activity or subject.

• My younger brother is into photography and spends all his pocket money on camera equipment.
• Lots of teenagers are into online gaming, which worries some parents and teachers.

To treat someone in an unkind or cruel way.

• Some children are mean to classmates who look or dress differently, which is why schools need anti-bullying policies.
• He apologised the next day for being so mean to me during the argument.

To be paid for by a particular person as a treat, used about meals or drinks.

• You helped me move house all weekend, so tonight's dinner is on me.
• To celebrate the team's success, the manager announced that the drinks were on her that evening.

To feel annoyed and tired of something because you have had too much of it.

• Local residents are sick of the noise from the building site starting at six every morning.
• Lots of teenagers say they are sick of being told that their generation spends too much time online.

To be unable to move forward because the roads are full of slow or stopped vehicles.

• In some large cities, commuters can be stuck in traffic for more than an hour every morning.
• Sorry I'm late — I was stuck in traffic for forty minutes on the ring road.

To take a bottle of wine or another drink with you when invited to a party or meal.

• We were asked to bring a bottle, so we picked up some wine on the way to the party.
• In Britain, guests often bring a bottle when they are invited to someone's home for dinner.