Phrases & Expressions

Used to introduce a positive point in a negative situation.

• On the bright side, we'll be home soon.
• On the bright side, it's the weekend.

Undecided or unwilling to commit to one side of an argument or choice.

• I'm on the fence about it.
• He's still on the fence.

Because you want to know something, not for any other reason.

• Out of curiosity, how old are you?
• The children followed the strange noise out of pure curiosity.

Discarded plastic material.

• Plastic waste is harming the oceans.
• We need to reduce plastic waste.

To contribute to a situation.

• Luck played a part in his success.
• Everyone played a part in the victory.

To be one of the things that affect or help to cause something.

• Diet plays a role in health.
• He played a key role in the project.

To avoid risks and choose the safest option.

• Just play it safe.
• I'll play it safe and stay home.

A particular way of thinking.

• From my point of view, it's wrong.
• Try to see his point of view.

To move an event or a deadline to a later time.

• We had to push back the meeting.
• The launch date has been pushed back to next spring.

To get better after an illness, injury or difficult experience.

• He's recovering from surgery.
• She recovered quickly from the flu.