Phrases & Expressions

To understand what someone is saying or explaining; often used in questions and negatives.

• Sorry, I'm not with you — do you mean the meeting has been moved to Thursday?
• Our tutor stopped halfway through the explanation and asked, “Are you with me so far?”

To disappear completely so that no members of a species are still alive.

• The museum's new exhibition looks at animals that have become extinct, from mammoths to the passenger pigeon.
• Many island birds have become extinct since humans introduced rats and cats to their islands.

In private, without the public or the media being allowed to see or know what happens.

• Players' contracts are usually negotiated behind closed doors, away from journalists and fans.
• What happens behind closed doors in a family can have a lasting effect on a child's education.

Without a person knowing, especially when saying or doing something unkind or disloyal.

• I was hurt to learn that my so-called friends had been laughing at me behind my back.
• Gossiping about colleagues behind their backs can quickly destroy trust in a workplace.

To allow small exceptions to the rules, usually to help someone or make things easier.

• The head teacher agreed to bend the rules and let the student take the exam a week late.
• Officials are sometimes willing to bend the rules for wealthy investors, which damages public trust.

A person or organisation that competes fiercely with another and feels strong dislike for them.

• The two neighbouring football clubs have been bitter rivals for over a century, and their matches are often tense.
• Competition for the same small market has turned the two firms into bitter rivals.

To make employees feel more confident, enthusiastic and positive about their work.

• Small gestures, like thanking people publicly, can boost staff morale more than an expensive party.
• The manager hoped that a four-day week would boost staff morale after a difficult year of job cuts.

To make the economy stronger and help it grow faster, for example by encouraging spending.

• Investing in high-speed internet for rural areas could boost the economy by helping small firms reach new customers.
• Hosting the Olympic Games is often said to boost the local economy, but the evidence is mixed.

To make you feel more sure of yourself and your abilities.

• Small successes at work can boost your confidence and make bigger challenges feel less frightening.
• Winning the debate competition really boosted her confidence, and she now participates much more actively in class.

To fail to do what you firmly decided or solemnly promised to do.

• I broke my resolution to stop eating junk food within a week of making it.
• She broke her New Year's resolution to go to the gym every day.