Phrases & Expressions

To return to the town, region or country that your ancestors originally came from.

• After twenty years in Germany, many retired workers decide to go back to their roots in rural Anatolia.
• My grandparents emigrated from Scotland, so this summer I'm going back to my roots and visiting their village for the first time.

To start having the pains and contractions that show a baby is about to be born.

• She went into labour two weeks early while she was still at work.
• Many hospitals ask women to phone the maternity ward as soon as they go into labour.

To enter a period when economic activity falls and many people lose their jobs.

• Economists warn that the country could go into recession if energy prices keep rising.
• When the economy went into recession, thousands of graduates struggled to find their first job.

To walk through the streets with a large group of people as a public protest.

• Thousands of teachers went on a march through the capital to protest against low pay.
• My grandparents went on a march for women's rights when they were students in the 1970s.

To keep talking about something for a long time in a boring or annoying way.

• My uncle always goes on about how cheap houses were when he was young.
• The lecturer went on about referencing rules for an hour, and half the class stopped listening.

To make a special effort to help someone or do something, even when it is inconvenient for you.

• The hotel staff went out of their way to make our elderly parents feel comfortable and welcome.
• Our tutor always goes out of her way to support students who are struggling with the course.

To pay for medical treatment yourself instead of using the free state health service.

• Faced with a year-long wait for a hip operation, more and more patients decide to go private.
• We couldn't afford to go private, so my mother waited six months for her eye operation.

(of prices or amounts) to rise very fast to a very high level.

• House prices in the capital have gone through the roof, making it almost impossible for young people to buy.
• Energy bills went through the roof last winter, and many families struggled to heat their homes.

To give someone a wide smile that shows your teeth.

• The little boy grinned at me proudly as he held up his first painting.
• When the results were announced, the winning team grinned at the cameras and waved to their fans.

To keep complaining about something in a bad-tempered way, usually to other people rather than officially.

• Passengers grumbled about the long queues at passport control, but nobody made a formal complaint.
• Employees often grumble about the canteen food, yet most of them still eat there every day.