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meaning: whatever happens; no matter what

in a sentence:

“I’ll be at your football game, come rain or shine.”

“Come rain or shine, I'll see you on Thursday.”

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meaning: a remark or action in a social situation that is a mistake and causes embarrassment or offense

in a sentence:

She made the faux pas of referring to Wales as “part of England.”

That dress is the worst fashion faux pas I’ve ever seen.

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Faux Pas Meaning and Pronunciation | Advanced English Vocabulary

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meaning: to stay cheerful and hopeful during difficult times

in a sentence:

Keep your chin up – I'm sure you'll find a solution to the problem.

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meaning: to pass away, to pass on, to die

(used humorously)

in a sentence:

When I kick the bucket you'll be able to live on my life insurance.

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meaning: to always eat a lot of food; to have a large appetite

in a sentence:

She's so thin, yet she eats like a horse.

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meaning: to always eat a small amount of food

in a sentence:

You eat like a bird – I don't know how you stay healthy.

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meaning: to stop talking

in a sentence:

I don't want to hear another sound out of you. Now do as you're told and zip your lip.

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meaning: said when you think that there is no chance at all of something happening

in a sentence:

“I might wake up early to clean my room…”

“Yeah right, you'll do that when pigs fly.”

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meaning: to become very angry or excited

in a sentence:

Dad will go bananas / go nuts when he sees this.

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meaning: something that is very easy to do

in a sentence:

The exam was a piece of cake.

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meaning: a person who watches a lot of television and does not have an active life

in a sentence:

A lot of kids today are overweight couch potatoes.

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meaning: to feel very nervous before doing something (informal)

in a sentence:

I always get butterflies before an exam.

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meaning: you are the person who makes a decision about it

in a sentence:

It's up to you, but I don't think we should bother him.

I don't care what we do tonight, it's up to you.

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meaning: used for saying that you accept that you are wrong or that something is your fault

in a sentence:

"You brought the wrong book."

"Okay, my bad. I'll go get it."

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meaning: two people who are very similar, typically in interests, dispositions, or beliefs

in a sentence:

Betty and Jennifer are as alike as two peas in a pod, so it's no wonder people sometimes mistake them for sisters.

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The/Last straw (that broke the camel's back)

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The/Last straw (that broke the camel's back)

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meaning: the last in a series of bad things that happen to make someone very upset, angry, etc.

in a sentence:

It had been a difficult week, so when the car broke down, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.

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meaning: something you like or prefer (or not)

in a sentence:

I enjoy museums, it is my cup of tea.

Hiking is not my cup of tea, but my husband enjoys it.

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meaning: very rarely

in a sentence:

My sister lives in Alaska, so I only see her once in a blue moon.

Once in a blue moon he’d call, but for months at a time we heard nothing.

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meaning: something completely unexpected

in a sentence:

Out of the blue, a deer came in front of my car.

One day, out of the blue, she announced that she was leaving.

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meaning: it happens one day, then does not happen the next day, then happens the day after that, and so on

in a sentence:

The conference used to be held every year, but now it takes place every other year.

We get together every other Saturday for lunch.

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meaning: study with concentrated effort

in a sentence:

I can't go out tonight. I need to hit the books.

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meaning: to agree to share the cost of something, especially a meal

in a sentence:

We went Dutch on dinner.

I'll go Dutch with you on the movie if you want.

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meaning: to sum something up in just a few words. The same as "to make a long story short”.

in a sentence:

Okay, that’s our proposal in a nutshell. Any questions?

"What went wrong?" "In a nutshell, everything."

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meaning: to make more effort than is expected of you

in a sentence:

He's a nice guy, always ready to go the extra mile for his friends.

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meaning: natural talent for growing plants; green fingers

in a sentence:

You don't need a green thumb to grow them.

My sister hasa green thumb.

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meaning: Twenty-four / seven

24 hours a day, seven days a week: all the time

in a sentence:

We're open for business 24/7.

There’s a 24/7 gym called 24/7 Gym in York, Clifton Moor.

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meaning: given or done by people talking about something or telling people about something

in a sentence:

We get most of our work through word-of-mouth recommendations.

The story has been passed down by word of mouth.

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meaning: rest, relax, or be calm

in a sentence:

Take it easy – don’t get mad.

The doctor told her she should take it easy for a while.

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meaning: when two things are closely connected

in a sentence:

I saw Pat and Chris walking hand in hand the other day.

Economic progress goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility.

Wealth and power gohandinhand in most societies.

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Goose bumps / goose pimples / gooseflesh

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Goose bumps / goose pimples / gooseflesh

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meaning: a state of the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement, in which small bumps appear on the surface as the hairs become erect

in a sentence:

Let’s move out into the sun – I’m getting goose bumps.

I was six years old - it gave me goose pimples.

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meaning: to try to make the best out of a bad situation

in a sentence:

He was so optimistic that he should have ‘when life gives you lemons’ tattooed on his forehead.

My grandfather lost his job due to the coronavirus, but he decided to keep busy and active. He says, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’.

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meaning: (not) to care about or regard as important

in a sentence:

Who gives a monkey's what he thinks?

"Chrissie won't like it."

"I don't give a monkey's."

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meaning: Be extremely restless, uneasy, impatient, or anxious. This rhyming idiom calls up a vivid image of what might cause one to be jumpy

in a sentence:

This child just can't sit still; he must have ants in his pants.

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meaning: what people actually do is more important than what they say

in a sentence:

In the kitchen, actions speak louder than words.

On this playing field, actions speak louder than words.

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meaning: to sleep very well, without being woken by any noises

in a sentence:

“I can't believe you finished a triathlon!”

“You're going to sleep like a log tonight.”

Beth won't wake up, I promise - she sleeps like a log.

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meaning: a slang phrase of praise or encouragement conveying "You're awesome (at something)"

in a sentence:

You are great, dude. You rock.

She's such a great role model for young women – she really rocks!

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meaning: to suddenly become very angry

in a sentence:

When I feel like I'm about to lose my temper/cool, I just leave the room.

The children behaved so badly that I lost my temper.

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meanings:

1. a road which is closed at one end, so that there is only one way in and out

2. an unhelpful situation in which you cannot make any more progress

in a sentence:

1. Our house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in York.

2. This surely is an intellectual cul-de-sac.

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meaning: from the knowledge you have in your memory

in a sentence:

"What's the capital of Mauritania?"

"I don't know off the top of my head, but I could go and look it up."

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meaning: discuss a matter without coming to the point

in a sentence:

Don't beat around the bush - get to the point!

No need to beat about the bush sweetie.

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meaning: to stop talking about unimportant details and say what is most important

in a sentence:

We haven’t got all day, so please get to the point.

It took several paragraphs for her to come/get to the point of her argument.

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meaning: To flatter your teacher. Someone who tries to gain something, become popular etc by praising or helping someone else without being sincere

in a sentence:

That kid is always quick to help the teacher with any little thing - what an apple polisher!

It is better to be honest with people than to tell them false things and be taken as an apple polisher.

I will never polish the apple for my boss, I believe in honesty and hard work.

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meaning: you like eating sweet foods, especially sweets and chocolate

in a sentence:

Satisfy your sweet tooth with natural sugar – fructose – from fruit and berries.

I have a sweet tooth - I can't say no to cookies.

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meaning: to move about from side to side or turn a lot in bed, especially because you cannot sleep

in a sentence:

Don't stay in bed tossing and turning. If you don't fall asleep within 20 to 30 minutes, get out of bed.

I tossed and turned until I finally fell asleep at 2 a.m.

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meaning: to attempt continuously and fruitlessly to accomplish some task or achieve some goal that is or seems ultimately hopeless

in a sentence:

I keep asking her not to park there, but it's like banging my head against a brick wall.

I feel like I've been beating my head against the wall trying to understand this math equation.

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meaning: it is better to be careful, even if this takes effort, than take a risk that may have a bad result

in a sentence:

Set the alarm clock – better safe than sorry!

Face masks: Better safe than sorry

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meaning: In a continuous, uninterrupted series

in a sentence:

I can't believe you won ten games in a row!

Look, Sarah has lined up all of her dolls in a row.

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meaning: said when something seems like a good idea but would be difficult to do

in a sentence:

Finding the perfect house was easier said than done.

Achieving this, however, is easier said than done.

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meaning: to tell everyone proudly about your achievements, especially in a way that makes you appear too proud of yourself

in a sentence:

The crew tried to blow their own trumpet but the manager did not buy their story.

I hate to blow my own trumpet, but I think I did pretty well there.

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meaning: My husband or my wife.

in a sentence:

Please come to our party—and your better half is invited, too!

“Allow me to introduce you to my better half, Joan”

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meaning: to be ready to protect or defend someone

in a sentence:

Don't worry about those thugs, buddy. I've got your back if they ever come bother you again.

You can always rely on your parents to have your back.

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meaning: two people trying to achieve something together, by one of them being friendly and pleasant and the other using threats or force

in a sentence:

It appears that a game of good cop, bad cop is going on here in the Senate.

Many parents take on the roles of “good cop” and “bad cop” in the family. For instance, Dad is the kid's best buddy, and mom is the strict parent.

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meaning: it is not expensive or is worth what you pay for it

in sentence:

The three-course menu is good value for money.

What? £2.00 for a sirloin steak? What a good value!

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meaning: a person or thing having the same name as another person or thing

in a sentence:

Since Frank wanted his son to be his namesake, he gave him his first name.

The college’s new library is the namesake of the billionaire who funded the building’s development.

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meaning: to feel sorry or sad about something that has already happened; used to emphasize that this is not helpful

in a sentence:

It's no use crying over spilled milk - he's spent all the money, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Here we are crying over spilled milk when we should be thinking about the future.

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meaning: used to indicate that a person has been discovered in or just after the act of doing something wrong or illegal

in a sentence:

When she returned, she caught some builders red-handed.

A spy camera was set up - and caught the crook red-handed.

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You can’t tell/judge a book by its cover 

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You can’t tell/judge a book by its cover 

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meaning: used to express the idea that it isn’t possible to judge someone or something just based on superficial features or initial impressions

in a sentence:

I know she's a little frumpy, but you can't tell a book by its cover, man!

I thought this no-brand bread would be horrible; turns out you can't judge a book by its cover.

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meaning: a catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind.

in a sentence:

This retro track has an earworm of a chorus.

The catchy earworm is one of the most successful tracks of all time.

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meaning: to be useful for a particular purpose

in a sentence:

This money will come in handy when we go on holiday.

“I know you don’t think you need to bring a heavy coat with you but trust me, it will come in handy where you’re going.”

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meaning: used to say that you feel the same way or have had the same experience - sarcastically

in a sentence:

"He's driving me crazy with his stupid jokes." "Tell me about it!"

“I’ve been so tired lately.” “Yeah, tell me about it!”

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meaning: British English, informal - be the most remarkable or foolish of its kind

in a sentence:

My life is incredibly boring, but today took the biscuit: absolutely nothing happened.

I’ve heard some excuses, but this really takes the biscuit!

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meaning: some matters, facts, or information; a few things

in a sentence:

Now, it goes without saying that America knows a thing or two about filling the intervals in football matches.

I need to get a thing or two at the shop.

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meaning: said when you meet someone who you haven't seen for a long period of time

in a sentence:

Hello! Wow! Long time no see!

"Dave! Long time no see! How's Boston been treating you?"

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meaning: Another in a series of typical, ordinary days. It is often used to highlight that one's typical day consists of things that are not normal for most people.

in a sentence:

"I went out to the car to find I have two flat tyres. Just another Tuesday."

It was just another day at school:  the teachers were boring and the students didn’t listen.

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(It's) none of your business! = mind your business

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(It's) none of your business! = mind your business

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meaning: It is nothing that you need to know. It is none of your concern (not very polite).

in a sentence:

It's really none of his business what I do with the money I earn.

* ‘Who were you with last night?’ ‘Mind your own business.’

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meaning: the basic elements or practical aspects of something

in a sentence:

It takes time to learn the nuts and bolts of a new job.

Social skills are the nuts and bolts of social interaction.

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meaning: too interested in what other people are doing and wanting to discover too much about them

in a sentence:

He was complaining about his nosy co-worker.

We have become nosy tourists in our own neighbourhoods.

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meaning: To cause a house to shift in one's perspective from a mere place to a source of safety, comfort, and attachment

in a sentence:

A: "It feels so strange and foreign to be living in a new house."

B: "Well, it does take time to make a house a home, you know."

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meaning: used to ask someone to be patient or understanding. It's often used when explaining something complicated or taking a long time.

in a sentence:

I'm moving a little slower these days, so please bear with me.

Bear with me while I try to fix the coffee machine.

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meaning: someone who pretends on social media to be someone different, in order to trick or attract other people

in a sentence:

If a random, attractive person starts talking to you online, you are very likely being catfished.

Online scammers and catfish usually have broad profile interests so that they can appeal to as many people as possible.

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meaning: a good thing that seemed bad at first

in a sentence:

Losing that job was a blessing in disguise really.

Franklin's illness proved a blessing in disguise, for it gave him strength and courage which he had not had before.

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meaning: to keep your reputation and avoid others losing respect for you; to do something that will stop you from looking stupid or feeling embarrassed

in a sentence:

I had to do this to save face for my father.

As a result of the turmoil, Frank resigned in order to save face.

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meaning: To be uncoordinated or clumsy with one's hands.

in a sentence:

My mother does beautiful calligraphy, but I'm all thumbs — I can barely hold the pen!

Some of the students in the pottery class were all thumbs, but they enjoyed themselves anyway.

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meaning: a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy

in a sentence:

Farming is no bed of roses.

The corrupt leaders have made their life a bed of roses with the help of black money.

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meaning: a facial expression of sadness or melancholy

in a sentence:

He's been walking around with a long face ever since he failed the examination.

The match is off and my husband has a long face.

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meaning: it is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than not do it or arrive at all.

in a sentence:

A: "Dan finally paid me the money he owed me."

B: "Well, better late than never."

We only arrived at the game at halftime but better late than never.

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meaning: an activity needs two people who are willing to take part for it to happen

in a sentence:

She may want to argue, but it takes two to tango and I won't stoop to her level.

They should arrest the dodgy agent as well as the manager. After all it takes two to tango.

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meaning: It's not complicated

in a sentence:

My coach always said, "Basketball is not rocket science. It's about putting the ball in the basket."

It really is not rocket science, but it takes patience and calm.

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I have a craving for ___ / I’m craving ___ / I crave___.

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I have a craving for ___ / I’m craving ___ / I crave___.

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meaning: to have a very strong feeling of wanting something

in a sentence:

Most little kids crave attention.

If the craving is specifically for cake than it may be because of a lack of Zinc in the diet.

Certain drugs can help reduce the craving for alcohol.

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meaning: something you say when you do not know the answer to a question

in a sentence:

A: "What's he doing?"   B: "Your guess is as good as mine."

A: "What's her problem?" B: "I have no idea. Your guess is as good as mine."

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: things are going well so far

in a sentence:

A: ‘How's the job going?’

B: ‘So far so good.’

A: "How's the work on your house going?"

B: "There's a lot more to do, but so far, so good."

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meaning: get out of control; if a situation or person gets out of hand, they become impossible to control any longer

in a sentence:

It was the end of term and the children were getting a little out of hand.

The demonstration was getting out of hand.

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meaning: foolishly harm one's own cause

in a sentence:

He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted.

If he keeps talking, pretty soon he’ll shoot himself in the foot.

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meaning: to make a situation worse

in a sentence:

He laughed at her and then, to make matters worse, he accused her of lying!

"We were already late for the meeting, and to make matters worse, the car wouldn't start".

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meaning: to say something that is exactly right or completely true

in a sentence:

"That's exactly what I was thinking – you hit the nail on the head!"

"You really hit the nail on the head by suggesting we need more teamwork," said the team leader.

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meaning: to become calm and behave normally again after being angry or upset

in a sentence:

I blew my nose and tried to pull myself together.

After the shocking news, she took a deep breath and tried to pull herself together.

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meaning: The person we were just talking about showed up!

in a sentence:

Did you hear what happened to Anna yesterday - oh, speak of the devil; here she is.

"Well, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you!"

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meaning: very interested in hearing about something

in a sentence:

Tell me about your first day at the new job - I'm all ears!

"If you want to share your concerns, I'm all ears."

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: something that someone is very happy to hear

in a sentence:

Her words were music to my ears.

When she said they would make a profit, it was music to Richard’s ears.

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meaning: To reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake

in a sentence:

I was trying to keep the party a secret, but Mel went and let the cat out of the bag.

Now that Viola had let the cat out of the bag, she had no option but to confess.

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meaning: a day when you feel that you do not look attractive, especially because of your hair, and everything seems to go wrong

in a sentence:

I'm having a bad hair day.

The look somehow fixes any bad hair day and makes every outfit a little more pulled together.

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period; depreciation

in a sentence:

Seat covers on buses take a lot of wear and tear.

Most tires will last for four years with normalwear and tear.

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meaning: something that is very unpleasant but must be accepted

in a sentence:

Losing to a younger player was a bitter pill to swallow.

They've lost an estimated 2.5 million, a bitter pill to swallow.

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: to stop yourself from saying something that you would really like to say

in a sentence:

I wanted to tell him exactly what I thought of him, but I had to bite my tongue.

I wanted to tell him he looked ridiculous, but I bit my tongue.

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meaning: it pleases you or makes you very happy

in a sentence:

Getting compliments at work always makes my day!

She said ' thank you' and that made my day.

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meaning: (not) to worry about minor issues or problems

in a sentence:

If you spend all your time sweating the small stuff, you're never going to get any meaningful work done.

Don't sweat the small stuff; the project will get done, even if it's not perfect.

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: to be well prepared or well organised for something that is going to happen

in a sentence:

The government needs to get its ducks in a row.

Too bad you didn't have your ducks in a row before you quit your job.

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meaning: to watch smb/sth carefully, for example to make sure that they are satisfactory or safe, or not causing trouble

in a sentence:

Keep an eye on your brother while I’m out, please.

Please keep an eye on the oven; I don't want the cookies to burn".

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meaning: you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon

in a sentence:

I know her - her name is on the tip of my tongue, but it won't come to me.

Oh, what was that movie called? It's on the tip of my tongue.

# data[].attributes.body
meaning: to do something perfectly, execute a task with100% accuracy, or achieve a high-level success

in a sentence:

She nailed her audition and got the lead part in the musical.

Wow, you really nailed that debate last night!