Phrases & Expressions

To happen exactly as planned, smoothly and without any problems.

• Thanks to months of careful planning, the international student conference went like clockwork.
• The wedding went like clockwork, and the guests said everything was perfect.

Of an event or plan, to happen exactly as intended with no problems at all.

• Despite fears about the weather, the outdoor graduation ceremony went off without a hitch.
• Months of careful planning ensured that the international conference went off without a hitch.

To be completely forgotten or abandoned, used about plans, rules or qualities.

• With three deadlines in one week, my healthy eating plan has completely gone out of the window.
• When budgets are cut, quality often goes out of the window.

To experience something extremely painful, frightening or exhausting.

• The passengers went through a terrible ordeal when their ship was stuck at sea for five days.
• After going through such an ordeal, the survivors needed months of counselling and support.

To hide your real identity and pretend to be someone else in order to collect secret information.

• A journalist went undercover in a clothing factory to expose the poor conditions that workers faced.
• The detective went undercover for two years to gather evidence against the drug gang.

To officially forgive someone for a crime and cancel their punishment.

• The president granted the journalist a pardon after a long international campaign for her release.
• Decades after his death, the government granted him a pardon, admitting that his conviction had been a mistake.

A rough, harsh voice that is uncomfortable to listen to for long.

• The presenter's grating voice made the podcast almost impossible to listen to.
• I like the melody of the song, but the singer's grating voice spoils it for me.

A reputation for caring about the environment and acting in ways that protect it.

• Environmental groups accused the airline of exaggerating its green credentials in its latest advertising campaign.
• Voters are increasingly suspicious of politicians who boast about their green credentials but support new coal mines.

Your brain or intelligence (used humorously).

• Logic puzzles are a great way to give your grey matter a workout on a rainy afternoon.
• This crossword is hard, so you will need to use your grey matter.

To twist your face into an ugly expression because something hurts.

• The footballer grimaced in pain as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
• Every time she tried to stand up, she grimaced in pain and held her injured knee.