Phrases & Expressions

Said when you think something bad has continued for too long and must stop now.

• After the third flood in five years, one farmer told reporters, "Enough is enough — we need proper flood defences now."
• Okay, enough is enough — I'm switching off the TV until you both finish your homework.

To add new and more varied words to the ones you already know and use.

• Reading newspapers and novels in English is one of the best ways to enrich your vocabulary.
• She enriched her vocabulary by noting down useful phrases from podcasts and reviewing them every evening.

To go somewhere quiet, away from the large numbers of visitors in popular places.

• To escape the crowds, many travellers now visit popular cities in winter rather than in summer.
• We got up at dawn to escape the crowds and had the ancient ruins almost to ourselves.

To make everyone leave a building because it is dangerous to stay inside.

• The school had to evacuate the building after a gas leak was discovered in the science lab.
• Firefighters evacuated several buildings in the city centre as a precaution after the explosion.

To take more of a medicine than the amount you are advised to use.

• Patients should never exceed the recommended dose, even if their pain does not improve immediately.
• Parents should read the label carefully to make sure they do not exceed the recommended dose for young children.

To drive faster than the highest speed allowed by law on a road.

• He lost his driving licence after he was caught exceeding the speed limit three times in one year.
• Drivers who exceed the speed limit near schools should face much heavier fines.

To give someone a small card showing your name and work details and receive theirs.

• At international conferences, delegates usually exchange business cards during the coffee breaks.
• We exchanged business cards at the trade fair, and two weeks later he offered me a job.

A wide range of buildings, equipment or services provided for a particular purpose.

• Thanks to its extensive research facilities, the institute attracts scientists from all over the world.
• Families often choose this hotel because it has extensive facilities for children, from playgrounds to a kids' club.

To be in a situation where you must make a hard choice between two options.

• Doctors often face a dilemma when a patient refuses treatment that could save their life.
• Many graduates face a dilemma: take a well-paid job they dislike or follow their passion for less money.

Very light-coloured skin, which is easily damaged by strong sunlight.

• People with fair skin should use a high-factor sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
• Like many people from northern Europe, he has fair skin, blue eyes and very light blond hair.