Phrases & Expressions

To misunderstand each other because each person thinks the other means something different.

• The designer and his client had clearly got their wires crossed, because the finished logo was nothing like her brief.
• The two departments got their wires crossed, and both of them ordered the same expensive equipment.

To describe the main points of something without going into the details.

• In the overview paragraph, give a broad summary of the main trends before describing individual figures.
• The manager gave a broad summary of the company's plans and promised more details at next week's meeting.

To create a false or misleading impression of a situation.

• Average salary figures can give a distorted picture of how much most people actually earn.
• News reports that focus only on crime give a distorted picture of life in big cities.

To express thanks and admiration, especially to God or a god in religious worship.

• Hymns are sung in many churches to give praise to God for a successful harvest.
• Ancient farming communities held festivals to give praise to the gods of rain and sunshine.

To look at someone in a way that shows scorn or strong disapproval.

• When I suggested cancelling the trip, my sister gave me a withering look that made me regret it instantly.
• The teacher gave the noisy students a withering look, and the room fell silent.

To choose to trust what someone says although you have no proof that it is true.

• He said his train had been cancelled, so the teacher gave him the benefit of the doubt and accepted his late essay.
• The new employee's excuse for missing the meeting sounded strange, but the manager decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

To help the economy become stronger or more active, especially for a short time.

• Hosting the international games gave the local economy a lift, with hotels and restaurants fully booked.
• Lower interest rates are expected to give the economy a lift later this year.

(British, informal) to catch an illness such as flu; usually said about other people, not yourself.

• My flatmate went down with a stomach bug the night before her driving test.
• Our goalkeeper has gone down with a virus, so he will miss Saturday's match.

To be so closely connected that one exists or happens together with the other.

• Researchers have repeatedly found that poor health tends to go hand in hand with low income.
• Economic growth does not always go hand in hand with greater happiness for ordinary people.

To join someone as a partner when starting or running a business.

• Instead of opening the café on her own, she decided to go in with her cousin, who had restaurant experience.
• I'd love to start a design agency, but I'd rather go in with a partner than take all the risk myself.