Phrases & Expressions

To set a limit on what you will accept or allow.

• I draw the line at cheating.
• Where do you draw the line?

An obvious problem or difficult subject that everyone knows about but avoids discussing.

• Let's address the elephant in the room.
• His problem is the elephant in the room.

To give official permission for something to start or continue.

• The boss gave the green light to the project.
• We're waiting for them to give the green light.

Making a profit; having more money than you owe.

• The business is finally in the black.
• We're back in the black this year.

Having spent more money than you have; losing money.

• The company is in the red.
• My account is in the red.

Used to clarify or rephrase something you have just said.

• We'll meet next Friday, that is to say, the 12th of May.
• He's a vegan, that is to say, he doesn't eat any animal products.

To make things worse.

• His comment added fuel to the fire.
• Shouting at him now would only add fuel to the fire.

Used to introduce a way of saying something, often more simply or mildly.

• To put it simply, you're wrong.
• To put it mildly, it was bad.

Completely recovered from an illness, injury, or upset.

• "All better?" the mother asked after her child stopped crying.
• Your cut looks bad, but you'll be all better in a week.

To put out the flames of candles, especially on a birthday cake, by blowing on them.

• Time to blow out the candles!
• She closed her eyes and blew out the candles.