Phrases & Expressions

To have a poor opinion of yourself and little belief in your own value or abilities.

• Teenagers who constantly compare themselves with others online often have low self-esteem and struggle to make friends.
• She has low self-esteem, so she rarely puts her hand up in class even when she knows the answer.

To be forced to do something because there is no other possible choice.

• When the factory closed, many workers had no option but to move to the city to find jobs.
• With university fees rising every year, some families have no option but to borrow money.

To be legally entitled to go first when vehicles or people meet at a junction or crossing.

• Many cyclists wrongly assume that they always have the right of way at junctions.
• Even if you have the right of way, it is wise to slow down when children are playing near the road.

To enjoy yourself enormously during a particular period or event.

• My son had the time of his life on the school exchange trip to Spain last spring.
• Volunteers say they had the time of their lives working at the international sports festival.

To have the chance to give your opinion about something before a decision is made.

• Everyone in the family got to have their say before we finally decided where to go on holiday.
• Students should be allowed to have their say about how their school spends its budget.

To get news of someone or learn what they are doing, mostly in questions and negatives.

• Since she moved abroad, we rarely hear anything of our former neighbour except at Christmas.
• If you hear anything of Tom, please let me know how he's getting on with his new job.

A lot of rain falling in one area, either suddenly or over a period of time.

• Heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.
• The outdoor concert was postponed because the forecast warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

A very busy schedule of parties, meetings and other events with friends.

• With a part-time job and a hectic social life, many first-year students find it hard to keep up with their studies.
• She used to have a hectic social life, but since starting her PhD she rarely goes out.

A voice that is very high in tone, often sounding thin or squeaky.

• Cartoon characters often have high-pitched voices to make them sound young and funny.
• On the phone, my uncle's high-pitched voice is often mistaken for a child's.

So compelling that people easily become dependent on it and struggle to give it up.

• Critics argue that social media apps are deliberately designed to be highly addictive, especially for teenagers.
• Be careful with this new TV series — it's highly addictive, and I watched six episodes in one night.