Idioms Phrases questions from the GrammarBrain community.
I’ve heard the phrase “can’t see the forest for the trees” a few times and I think I understand it, but I’m not totally sure when it’s appropriate to use. For …
I’ve heard people use the phrase “break the ice” when talking about meeting new people, but I’m not sure exactly what it means or if I’m using it correctly. Fo…
I'm writing an email to my English speaking colleague, and I want to say that her suggestion was exactly right for our project. I was thinking about using the …
Yesterday at work, my manager told me I needed to 'bite the bullet' and finish a complicated report. I've never heard this phrase before and wasn't sure what s…
Hi everyone, I'm writing a short story about a student who stays up late to finish their homework, and I came across the phrase "burn the midnight oil." I'm a …
Hi everyone! I'm watching a TV show where one of the characters says, "That apartment costs an arm and a leg!" I think I kind of understand, but I'm not sure e…
Hi everyone! I recently heard someone say, "I eat dessert only once in a blue moon." I'm confused about what this phrase really means. For example, should I sa…
Hi everyone! Yesterday at work, my colleague said she was feeling 'under the weather' and couldn't join our meeting. I think she meant she was sick, but I'm no…
Today at work, one of my colleagues said, "Come on, spill the beans!" when we were talking about a surprise party. I was a bit confused, because I’ve never hea…
Hi everyone! Today at work, my manager told me, "the ball is in your court now," after we finished a meeting about a project. I have never heard this phrase be…
Hi everyone, I recently overheard a coworker say, "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me!" I think I get the general idea, but I'm not totally sure how…
Yesterday, my coworker lost his job, but later he said it was 'a blessing in disguise' because he found a better opportunity soon after. I've never heard this …
Yesterday, my boss said, 'Let's call it a day' when we wrapped up a big project. It was the first time I'd heard this phrase. I want to make sure I use it corr…
Yesterday at my new job, my supervisor told me, 'We can't afford to cut corners on this project.' I understood that it was important, but I'm not sure what 'cu…
I'm writing a story for my English class, and I want to describe a scene where a small argument suddenly turns into a big fight. My friend suggested I use the …
Yesterday, I was telling my coworker that I've been having a tough week at work. She replied, 'Hang in there!' I wasn't sure exactly what she meant, but it sou…
Last night at a party, I told my friends, "I'm going to hit the sack" when I wanted to leave and go to bed. A few people laughed, but I'm not sure if they thou…
Yesterday, I was chatting with my coworker, and I almost told her about the surprise party we're planning for her. My friend later said, "Be careful not to let…
Today at work, my coworker said, "If we don't submit this report today, we'll miss the boat." I was a bit confused because I thought she was talking about an a…
Yesterday at work, my colleague laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg!" I think she was joking, but I'm not sure if that's the only meaning…