Phrases & Expressions

To start doing a new activity regularly in your free time.

• Doctors often recommend that retired people take up a hobby to stay mentally active.
• During the lockdown, my father took up a new hobby and started baking bread every weekend.

To fill a large area, leaving little room for other things.

• Old paper records take up a lot of space, so many hospitals now store patient files digitally.
• Video files take up a lot of space, so I regularly move them from my phone to the cloud.

To be likely to behave in a particular way or happen frequently.

• Prices tend to rise during the summer months.
• She tends to arrive late when it rains.

The most important factor that helps someone achieve what they want.

• Many teachers believe that regular practice, not natural talent, is the key to success when learning a language.
• Many self-help books promise to reveal the key to success, but few of them offer practical advice.

The newest style of clothes, hair or other things that is popular at the moment.

• Teenagers often feel pressure to wear the latest fashion, even when they cannot afford it.
• Influencers on social media show off the latest fashions to millions of followers every day.

An informal way of saying a very large amount or number of something.

• She's got tons of experience with children, so she'd be perfect for the nursery job.
• We took tons of photos on holiday but never got round to printing any of them.

To follow the progress of something you have bought online until it is delivered.

• I tracked my order online and saw that the parcel had been stuck at customs for a week.
• Food delivery apps let customers track their orders on a map as the driver gets closer.

To travel in the most expensive and comfortable part of a plane or train.

• My grandparents saved for years so that they could travel first class on their anniversary trip.
• Rail passengers who travel first class get wider seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks.

To hurt your ankle by turning it awkwardly in the wrong direction.

• Several runners twisted their ankles on the muddy course, so the organisers have promised to improve the track.
• If you twist your ankle, rest it, put ice on it and keep it raised.

Used to ask what the problem is with someone who seems unhappy or unwell.

• What's up with Ali? He walked straight past me without saying hello.
• You look really pale. What's up with you? Are you feeling ill?