Phrases & Expressions

The real, basic reason for a problem, which is often not obvious at first.

• Doctors are still trying to find the underlying cause of her frequent headaches.
• Poverty is often the underlying cause of poor school performance in deprived areas.

Powerful forces that are bringing important social or political changes.

• The new director promised to bring the winds of change to a company that had not modernised in decades.
• Many older employees felt threatened by the winds of change brought about by automation.

To become fewer in number or less crowded.

• The crowds usually thin out after the summer, so autumn is a great time to visit.
• The population thins out quickly as you travel north, and some villages have only a handful of residents.

To enjoy and do well in a situation that other people might find difficult or stressful.

• Some students thrive on the pressure of exams, while others find it almost impossible to sleep.
• Unlike his brother, who thrives on noise and crowds, Daniel prefers quiet evenings at home.

A pain that comes in regular strong beats, like a pulse.

• After hours of staring at the screen, I had a throbbing ache behind my eyes.
• The throbbing ache in his tooth kept him awake for most of the night.

In an unofficial or secret way, often avoiding the normal rules.

• Students who fail the entrance exam should not be able to get onto the course through the back door.
• The company introduced the new charges through the back door, hiding them in the small print of customers' contracts.

Very loud clapping from a large audience.

• The orchestra finished the symphony to thunderous applause from a packed concert hall.
• When the winner's name was announced, the whole stadium erupted in thunderous applause.

For an extremely long time, usually without getting any result.

• If you let him, my grandfather will tell stories about his army days till the cows come home.
• Instead of holding meetings till the cows come home, the committee should simply make a decision and act on it.

As much or for as long as you want.

• During the summer holidays, the children could read and play outside to their heart's content.
• The hotel has a huge breakfast buffet, so guests can eat to their heart's content.

To add numbers or amounts together to find the total.

• Let me tot up what we owe before the waiter comes back with the bill.
• At the end of the quiz, the teacher totted the scores up and announced the winning team.