Phrases & Expressions

To be unable to speak for a moment because you are extremely surprised, shocked or moved.

• When the judges announced that she had won the scholarship, she was completely lost for words.
• The view from the top of the mountain was so beautiful that we were lost for words for a moment.

To be perfectly suited to a particular job, activity or person.

• With her patience and love of children, she was made for teaching.
• This quiet coastal town is made for cycling, with flat roads and almost no traffic.

To be unwilling to spend or share money, even when you can afford it.

• My grandfather was never mean with money; he always helped relatives who were going through hard times.
• Friends sometimes accuse him of being mean with money, but he is simply saving hard for a house.

To avoid talking proudly about your own abilities, achievements or success.

• Despite winning several international prizes, the young engineer is modest about her achievements.
• There is no need to be modest about your skills in a job interview; employers want to hear what you can do.

To have an unfriendly relationship with someone, often after an argument.

• He left the company after a year because he was on bad terms with his line manager.
• It can be very stressful to work closely with colleagues you are on bad terms with.

To feel extremely happy, usually because something wonderful has just happened.

• Ever since he got the job offer from the engineering firm, he's been on cloud nine.
• We were on cloud nine for weeks after our daughter graduated with first-class honours.

To be working during the daytime in a job where groups of staff work at different times.

• My husband is on the day shift this week, so he can pick the children up from school.
• New nurses often prefer to be on the day shift while they are still learning the hospital's routines.

To be getting better after an illness or injury.

• Thanks for asking; Grandma is on the mend and should be home from hospital by Friday.
• The doctor said my broken wrist was on the mend and the plaster could come off in two weeks.

To feel extremely happy and pleased, often because of a success.

• When she heard she had been accepted by her first-choice university, she was on top of the world.
• After finishing his first marathon, Emre felt on top of the world for days.

To be willing to consider new ideas and opinions that differ from your own.

• Students who study abroad tend to become more open-minded about other cultures.
• Doctors should be open-minded about new treatments, but they must also look carefully at the evidence.