Phrases & Expressions

To be publicly praised as an outstanding work of art or as the best work of its creator.

• When it first came out, the film was hailed as a masterpiece, yet today it is rarely watched.
• The architect's new library has been hailed as a masterpiece of modern design.

To be enclosed by people or things around you, with little space to move or get out.

• Our car was hemmed in by two badly parked vans, so we had to wait for the drivers to return.
• The old town is hemmed in by mountains on three sides, so there is little land for new housing.

To be killed by people in such large numbers that the species disappears completely.

• Several species of whale were nearly hunted to extinction before commercial whaling was banned in the 1980s.
• Without stronger protection, rhinos could be hunted to extinction within a few decades.

To wear clothes that are perfectly clean, neat and smart.

• The candidates who arrived for the interview were all immaculately dressed in dark suits.
• Even when she works from home, my aunt is immaculately dressed and wears full make-up.

To feel happy and ready to celebrate because something good has happened.

• Nobody was in a celebratory mood after the company announced that a hundred jobs would be cut.
• The fans were in a celebratory mood long before the match had actually finished.

To have a problem that you cannot easily find a way out of.

• I locked my keys inside the car, so I was in a real fix until a neighbour helped me.
• If the supplier cancels the order now, we will be in a real fix, because our customers are expecting delivery on Monday.

To be in serious trouble, especially because you owe money or are losing it.

• After losing its two biggest clients, the agency was in a hole and had to cut staff.
• If you keep using your credit card to pay off loans, you'll soon be in a hole.

To be in an awkward or difficult situation that is hard to get out of.

• Migrant workers whose visas depend on their jobs are in a tight spot if they are suddenly made redundant.
• When the hotel cancelled our booking at midnight, we were in a tight spot.

To feel and show deep sadness because someone has recently died.

• The whole nation was in mourning after the earthquake killed hundreds of people.
• Flags were lowered across the country while it was in mourning for the former president.

To no longer be in danger, under suspicion or facing trouble.

• The police checked his alibi, and he is now in the clear.
• Once the test results came back negative, the doctors told her she was in the clear.