Phrases & Expressions

To be likely to affect something or someone, especially in the future.

• Rising sea levels have serious implications for coastal cities such as Venice and Jakarta.
• The decision to cut research funding has implications for universities across the whole country.

To have started or developed from a particular time, place or tradition.

• The word 'algebra' has its origins in Arabic, as do several other mathematical terms.
• The game of chess has its origins in India, where it was played more than a thousand years ago.

To make people think of pleasant ideas or feelings, beyond the basic meaning.

• Words like 'home' and 'sunshine' have positive associations for most people.
• For many people, the smell of freshly cut grass has positive associations, bringing back memories of summer holidays.

To keep a hidden plan or advantage ready to use when the time is right.

• Don't worry about the negotiations — our manager always has a few ideas up her sleeve.
• The company has a new product up its sleeve, which it plans to launch before the end of the year.

To know about the latest changes, trends or opinions in a particular area.

• Politicians who do not have their finger on the pulse often misjudge what ordinary voters really care about.
• Social media helps fashion companies keep their finger on the pulse of changing consumer tastes.

To praise someone very generously and enthusiastically.

• Critics heaped praise on the young director's first film, calling it brave and original.
• The manager heaped praise on the staff for handling the busy weekend so well.

Difficult and tiring to read, understand or deal with.

• The first chapter of the textbook is rather heavy going, but the rest is much easier to follow.
• I found the conversation at dinner quite heavy going because everyone talked about tax law.

To avoid choosing just one option so that you are protected if one choice turns out to be wrong.

• Many students hedge their bets by applying to several universities instead of just one.
• The car company is hedging its bets by developing both electric and hybrid models.

To meet a small, unexpected problem that stops progress for a while.

• Work on the new bridge hit a snag when engineers discovered ancient ruins beneath the site.
• We were hoping to move house next month, but we've hit a snag with the mortgage.

(of a fact or situation) to be completely realised and deeply felt, often in a painful way.

• The reality of climate change hit home for many people when floods destroyed houses in their own town.
• It only hit home that I was leaving my country when I saw my family waving at the airport.