Phrases & Expressions

To create a possible risk of harm to someone or something.

• Plastic waste in the oceans poses a serious danger to marine life and to the people who eat fish.
• Engineers warned that the old bridge posed a danger to drivers and should be closed at once.

To praise someone or something extremely highly, sometimes more than they deserve.

• The critics praised the film to the skies, but I found it slow and rather predictable.
• Her teachers praised her to the skies, so her parents were surprised when her exam results were only average.

Used humorously to show that a criticism does not apply to the people you are talking to.

• Most people in this industry, present company excepted, have no idea how to use social media properly.
• Teenagers today spend far too much time on their phones, present company excepted.

To keep going with a plan or activity with determination, despite problems or opposition.

• Despite strong protests from local farmers, the government pressed on with its plans to build a new motorway.
• Although half her team had left, she pressed on with her research and published the results two years later.

A natural area that is completely clean and has not been spoiled or changed by people.

• The island limits the number of tourists each year in order to preserve its pristine environment.
• Researchers travelled to a remote mountain lake, one of the few pristine environments left in Europe.

Of the money a company makes, to rise very quickly and by a large amount.

• Online retailers saw their profits rocket during the pandemic as more people did their shopping from home.
• After the new app was launched, the small start-up's profits rocketed and it doubled its staff within a year.

To dress and behave in a way that makes others see you as serious and competent at work.

• Staff who deal directly with clients are expected to project a professional image at all times.
• A neat appearance and a firm handshake can help job candidates project a professional image in interviews.

Numbers that are estimated or planned for the future, based on current information.

• Our projected figures for next year assume steady growth in online sales.
• Actual visitor numbers were well below the projected figures, so the museum had to cut staff.

To keep something working or in use for longer than it normally would.

• Regular servicing can prolong the life of your car and save you money on repairs.
• Repairing smartphones instead of replacing them can prolong the life of each device and reduce electronic waste.

To promise someone wonderful things that you are very unlikely to be able to give them.

• Some online language courses promise students the earth, claiming they will be fluent within a month.
• The salesman promised us the earth, but the internet connection turned out to be slower than before.