Phrases & Expressions

(British, informal) to have a nose so blocked by a cold that you can hardly breathe through it.

• I couldn't sleep last night because I was bunged up and kept waking up to blow my nose.
• A hot shower can help a little when you're bunged up and struggling to breathe properly.

To strongly disapprove of something and point out what is wrong with it.

• Many economists are deeply critical of the government's decision to cut funding for public transport.
• The report was deeply critical of the hospital's management, blaming it for long waiting times.

To have strong, long-established origins in a particular tradition, place or period.

• Respect for older people is deeply rooted in Turkish culture and family life.
• The town's love of music is deeply rooted in its long history.

To be clearly different or separate from something that may seem similar.

• Weather is distinct from climate: the first describes daily conditions, while the second refers to long-term patterns.
• The dialect spoken in the mountain villages is distinct from the one used in the capital, so visitors often struggle to follow it.

To feel sad and without energy or hope for a period of time.

• Many people feel down in the dumps during the dark winter months, especially if they rarely go outside.
• He's been down in the dumps since he failed his final exam, so let's try to cheer him up.

To be a particular person's responsibility or decision.

• Whether we eat out or cook at home tonight is down to you — I honestly don't mind.
• It is down to the manager to make sure everyone in the team follows the safety rules.

To be wearing very smart, fashionable or formal clothes, usually for a special occasion.

• Everyone at the awards ceremony was dressed up to the nines, while I turned up in jeans.
• You're dressed up to the nines tonight — are you going to a wedding or something?

To be extremely annoyed and bored with something that has continued for too long.

• Local residents are fed up to the back teeth with the noise from the new nightclub.
• After three weeks of non-stop rain, everyone at the campsite was fed up to the back teeth.

To have to accept that something is true because the evidence leaves no other choice.

• Given the poor results, the committee was forced to conclude that the new teaching method had failed.
• After three unsuccessful trials, the scientists were forced to conclude that the drug was not effective.

To be officially chosen by a court as the adult a child will live with and be raised by.

• After the divorce, the mother was granted custody of both children, while the father could visit at weekends.
• Grandparents can sometimes be granted custody of a child if neither parent is able to look after them.