Phrases & Expressions

To intend to do something, often said when something happened by accident or was forgotten.

• I meant to reply to your email yesterday, but I was so busy that I completely forgot.
• The company insisted that it had never meant to mislead customers with its 'eco-friendly' packaging.

To wrongly think that one person or thing is someone or something else.

• I mistook the stranger in the park for my brother.
• She often mistakes salt for sugar when cooking in a hurry.

To let customers pay less than the usual price, often for a limited time or for certain groups.

• Many museums offer a discount to students and pensioners who can show a valid ID card.
• The shop is offering a 20 per cent discount on all winter coats until the end of the week.

Used after a number or period of time to show that it is approximate.

• Fifty or so students gathered outside the library to protest against the fee increase.
• For the last decade or so, more and more people have been working from home.

Used at the end of a list to mean 'or anything similar'.

• You can pay by card, cash, bank transfer or whatever – it really doesn't matter to us.
• If you need time off for a doctor's appointment or whatever, just let your manager know.

To put information, photos or comments on a website or social media so others can see them.

• Young people should think carefully before they post personal photos online, as employers may see them later.
• She posted a review online warning other customers about the hotel's poor service.

To rain very heavily for a period of time.

• It was pouring with rain, so the outdoor graduation ceremony had to be moved into the main hall.
• It's been pouring with rain all morning, so we'll have to cancel the picnic.

To say, often publicly, that you admire someone because of something good they have done.

• The firefighters were praised for their bravery after rescuing three children from the burning building.
• The inspection report praised the school for its excellent support for students with learning difficulties.

To destroy a building or structure completely by breaking it apart.

• The old factory was pulled down to build a new shopping mall.
• Workers are going to pull down the unsafe bridge next week.

To become heavier, especially by gaining fat.

• He put on weight after he stopped playing sport.
• She put on a little weight over the holidays.