Phrases & Expressions

To pass through the checks at an airport before reaching the gates.

• It took twenty minutes to go through security.
• They arrived early to go through security calmly.

In the US, to study at a university or similar institution after leaving high school.

• She was the first person in her family to go to college, so her parents were very proud.
• Many American students take out loans to go to college and repay them for years afterwards.

To talk about other people's private lives, often unkindly or with details that may not be true.

• In small villages, neighbours often gossip about anyone who behaves a little differently.
• I don't like working in offices where colleagues constantly gossip about each other.

(informal) To eat a quick, small meal or snack.

• They stopped to grab a bite to eat before the film.
• Let's grab a bite to eat on the way home.

To plant and produce food plants such as wheat or rice on farmland.

• In many rural areas, families grow crops mainly to feed themselves rather than to sell.
• Rising temperatures are making it harder to grow crops in regions that were once fertile.

To give small printed notices to passers-by or visitors, often to advertise or explain something.

• Volunteers handed out leaflets about recycling to shoppers outside the supermarket.
• During the campaign, students handed out leaflets explaining how to register to vote.

To go out in the evening to enjoy yourself, for example at a restaurant, cinema or club.

• After the exams, the whole class had a night out at a restaurant to celebrate.
• With prices rising, many young people can no longer afford to have a night out every weekend.

To have a disagreement or angry discussion with a person.

• She had an argument with her brother about money.
• He rarely has an argument with his colleagues.

To go to bed earlier than usual.

• She decided to have an early night before the exam.
• We should have an early night; we're tired.

To undergo surgery.

• He had an operation on his knee last month.
• She's nervous about having an operation next week.