Phrases & Expressions

To record the time you finish work, usually on a machine or computer.

• She clocked out exactly at 5 PM.
• Don't forget to clock out before you leave.

Near a place or a point in time.

• The shop is close to my house.
• It was close to midnight when we finally got home.

Finished for the day; no longer open for business.

• The shop is closed for the day.
• It's 10 PM, so the library is closed for the day.

To visit someone briefly.

• Can you come by the office later today?
• It's hard to come by good quality ingredients these days.

A friendly invitation for someone to enter a room or house.

• Come on in, the door's open!
• If nobody answers the door when you ring, just come on in.

For a wish, dream or prediction to become real.

• Her dream of becoming a doctor finally came true.
• Not all wishes come true.

To become calmer or less angry after being upset.

• He needs some time to cool off after the argument.
• Let's take a break and cool off before we discuss this again.

To hope for good luck or a positive outcome, often by crossing your index and middle fingers.

• I'm taking my exam tomorrow, cross your fingers for me.
• Let's cross our fingers that the train is on time.

To place one arm over the other across your chest, often showing disagreement or being closed off.

• She crossed her arms and refused to listen.
• Don't cross your arms; it looks defensive.

To bend your body into a rounded shape, often for comfort or warmth.

• She curled up on the sofa with a book.
• The cat curled up in its basket.