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Common Expressions

Showing 428 expressions

Form: be on the cusp of [something]#formal#anticipation#milestone

"After years of research, the latest data suggests we are on the cusp of a major breakthrough."

Form: nothing short of [adjective]#formal#impactful#enthusiastic

"If this technology scales as we project, the implications for the industry are nothing short of revolutionary."

Form: a pivotal moment#formal#strategic#significant

"As we finalize this agreement, it's clear this represents a pivotal moment for our company's future."

Form: kick things off#formal#proactive#enthusiastic

"Now that all key stakeholders are on the line, I am delighted to kick things off."

Form: take [something] one step at a time#reassurance#methodical#calming

"Okay, wow. Let's take this one step at a time. What's the most critical issue right now?"

Form: one's mind goes blank#panic#anxiety#forgetting

"I'm so sorry, my mind has gone completely blank. Give me just one second."

Take a deep breath.

Form: take a deep breath#reassurance#calming#empathy

"The client demo is in five minutes and the main server just went down! I don't know what to do!"

"Okay, first, just take a deep breath. We'll figure this out together."

We're in this together.

Form: we're in this together#solidarity#reassurance#support

"Hey, don't say that. We're in this together. We succeed or fail as a team."

My heart just skipped a beat.

Form: one's heart skips a beat#panic#shock#reaction

"Did you see that urgent email from legal? My heart just skipped a beat."

We're cutting it close!

Form: cut it close#urgent#stressful#informal

"Boarding ends in five minutes and we're still at security. We're cutting it close!"

Time to fly!

Form: time to fly#excited#departure#informal#pun

"Alright, our passports are checked and the gate is open. Time to fly!"

We made it in the nick of time.

Form: in the nick of time#urgent#relief#timing

"They're closing the gate right behind us! Phew, we made it in the nick of time."

Let's make a break for it.

Form: make a break for it#urgent#action#informal

"They just announced the final boarding call for our flight! Let's make a break for it."

What a nightmare.

Form: what a nightmare#frustration#complaint#exclamation

"They lost my luggage and the line at customer service is two hours long. What a nightmare."

It's a complete zoo in here.

Form: a complete zoo#frustration#complaint#informal

"I've never seen the check-in area this crowded. It's a complete zoo in here."

I'm at my wit's end.

Form: be at one's wit's end#frustration#stress#desperation

"After three flight delays and a gate change to the other side of the airport, I'm at my wit's end."

We're just stuck in limbo.

Form: be stuck in limbo#frustration#waiting#sympathetic

"Our flight was cancelled and they can't tell us when the next one is. We're just stuck in limbo."

That's one way to look at it.

Form: that's one way to look at it#passive-aggressive#dismissive#sarcastic

"So you're saying we should ignore all the data and just trust our gut? That's... one way to look at it."

As I was saying...

Form: as i was saying#passive-aggressive#frustration#impatient

"Right, well, after that interruption... as I was saying, we need to re-evaluate the budget."

Let's agree to disagree.

Form: let's agree to disagree#passive-aggressive#frustration#conflict-avoidance

"We're clearly not going to see eye-to-eye on this, so let's just agree to disagree and move on."

Form: i'm not sure we're adding value here#passive-aggressive#frustration#corporate-jargon

"We've been debating the font for thirty minutes. With all due respect, I'm not sure we're adding value here."

Per my last email...

Form: per my last email#passive-aggressive#frustration#sarcastic

"To answer your question about the project timeline, per my last email, the deadline is still this Friday."

We're firing on all cylinders.

Form: be firing on all cylinders#teamwork#efficiency#excitement

"Sales are up, marketing is killing it, and development is ahead of schedule. We're really firing on all cylinders this quarter."

We're onto something big here.

Form: be onto something big#discovery#potential#excitement

"After analyzing the initial user data, the engagement metrics are off the charts. I think we're onto something big here."

Must be nice.

Form: must be nice#passive-aggressive#sarcastic#judgmental

"Look at them getting to skip the entire security line. Must be nice."

This is just what I needed.

Form: this is just what i needed#sarcastic#frustration#ironic

"Another two-hour delay? Fantastic. This is just what I needed today."

Form: some people have all the time in the world#passive-aggressive#complaining#frustration

"He's been repacking that same bag for five minutes. Some people have all the time in the world."

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Form: breathe a sigh of relief#relief#personal

"My lost luggage just appeared on the carousel. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

I was on pins and needles.

Form: be on pins and needles#anxiety#relief#informal

"I was on pins and needles waiting to see if our flight would be cancelled, but it looks like we're good to go."

You must be so relieved.

Form: you must be so relieved#sympathetic#sincere#empathy

"I heard your flight was on standby for hours. You must be so relieved to finally be boarding."

Thank goodness for that.

Form: thank goodness for that#relief#gratitude#sincere

"I thought I left my passport at the hotel, but it was in my coat pocket. Thank goodness for that."

That was a close shave.

Form: a close shave#relief#informal

"Wow, they were just about to close the gate. That was a close shave!"

Form: a feather in one's cap#congratulatory#formal#compliment

"Securing that difficult partnership is a real feather in your cap. It reflects incredibly well on your negotiation skills."

Form: be behind [someone] one hundred percent#supportive#encouragement#formal#teamwork

"I know this new leadership role is a daunting challenge, but I want to assure you that the board is behind you one hundred percent."

You've got big shoes to fill.

Form: have big shoes to fill#encouragement#formal#compliment

"Congratulations on the promotion! Your predecessor was a legend, so you've got big shoes to fill, but we all know you can do it."

I'm rooting for you.

Form: root for [someone]#supportive#encouragement#positive

"That's a bold strategy you're proposing for the next quarter. It's ambitious, but I'm rooting for you."

All hands on deck!

Form: all hands on deck#urgent#teamwork#collaboration

"The server just crashed and our biggest client is demoing the product in an hour. All hands on deck!"

Let's ship it!

Form: ship it#action-oriented#urgent#product-development

"The final tests passed and the server is stable. Let's ship it!"

We're gaining traction.

Form: gain traction#growth#excitement#metrics

"User sign-ups have doubled this week! We're finally gaining traction."

It's on me.

Form: it's on me#informal#polite

"Don't worry about the bill, it's on me today."

That's a relief.

Form: i wouldn't wish to seem importunate but i am somewhat concerned about the lack of communication thus far#formal#reassurance#relief

"I wouldn't wish to seem importunate, but I am somewhat concerned about the lack of communication on the pending merger details."

"I wouldn't wish to seem importunate, but I am somewhat concerned about the lack of communication regarding the client's feedback."

"My apologies for the delay. I just received their notes and will forward them to you immediately."

Don't rock the boat.

Form: rock the boat#disruption#conflict#caution

"I don't want to rock the boat by questioning the CEO's decision right now."

Ping me.

Form: ping [someone]#communication#request#informal

"If you have any questions after the meeting, just ping me."

Let's take this offline.

Form: take [something] offline#meeting#discussion#efficiency

"I have a very specific question about the budget for my department."

"Let's take that offline, as it's not relevant to everyone here."

You need to see the big picture.

Form: the big picture#overview#strategy#perspective

"It's important not to get lost in the details and always keep the big picture in mind."

This is a game changer.

Form: a game changer#innovation#impact#transformation

"The new AI technology is a real game changer for our industry."

What's the bottom line?

Form: the bottom line#summary#finance#result

"The bottom line is, we need to increase sales by 15% this quarter."

Let's get the ball rolling.

Form: get the ball rolling#initiation#start#project-management

"Let's schedule our first meeting next week to get the ball rolling on the new project."

He's up to speed.

Form: be up to speed#information#update#knowledge

"Can you brief me on the project so I can get up to speed?"

This won't move the needle.

Form: move the needle#impact#progress#results

"Our current marketing efforts aren't really moving the needle in terms of sales."

Stand your ground.

Form: stand [someone's] ground#perseverance#conviction#negotiation

"Even when faced with strong opposition, you must stand your ground and defend your proposal."

I'm getting cold feet.

Form: get cold feet#nervousness#hesitation#fear

"She was supposed to give the presentation, but she got cold feet at the last minute."

I'm always putting out fires.

Form: put out fires#crisis-management#problem-solving#stress

"My main job today was just putting out fires and dealing with urgent issues."

The company is in the black.

Form: be in the black#finance#profit#success

"After a tough year, we're finally back in the black and making a profit."

I went down the rabbit hole.

Form: go down the rabbit hole#distraction#complexity#research

"Be careful not to go down the rabbit hole trying to fix every minor bug."

Don't try to boil the ocean.

Form: boil the ocean#overwhelm#impossible#prioritization

"Trying to implement all these features at once is like trying to boil the ocean; we need to prioritize."

Don't throw someone under the bus.

Form: throw [someone] under the bus#betrayal#blame#unethical

"It was wrong of him to throw his colleague under the bus to save himself."

At the end of the day.

Form: at the end of the day#conclusion#summary#business

"We discussed many options, but at the end of the day, we need to focus on profitability."

We need to think outside the box.

Form: think outside the box#creativity#innovation#problem-solving

"For this challenge, we really need to think outside the box to find a solution."

A lot happens behind the scenes.

Form: behind the scenes#effort#secret#preparation

"A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to make these events successful."

We have to start from scratch.

Form: start from scratch#beginning#re-evaluation#fresh-start

"If this doesn't work, we'll have to go back and start from scratch."

It's a win-win situation.

Form: a win-win situation#negotiation#agreement#mutual-benefit

"Our goal is to create a win-win situation for both our company and our partners."

She hit the ground running.

Form: hit the ground running#onboarding#productivity#start

"We need someone who can hit the ground running and immediately contribute to the team."

Let's address the elephant in the room.

Form: the elephant in the room#problem#awkward-situation#avoidance

"No one wanted to talk about the budget deficit, but it was the elephant in the room."

The company is in the red.

Form: be in the red#finance#loss#business

"Unfortunately, the company has been in the red for the past two quarters."

Let's get the low-hanging fruit.

Form: low-hanging fruit#strategy#priority#quick-win

"Let's tackle the low-hanging fruit first to show some quick wins."

She's always pushing the envelope.

Form: push the envelope#innovation#boundaries#challenge

"Our R&D team is constantly trying to push the envelope with new technologies."

I'm still learning the ropes.

Form: learn the ropes#onboarding#training#experience

"It takes a few weeks for new employees to learn the ropes around here."

We're ahead of the curve.

Form: be ahead of the curve#innovation#foresight#competition

"Our company is always trying to stay ahead of the curve in terms of market trends."

There's too much red tape.

Form: red tape#bureaucracy#hassle#formality

"Dealing with all the government's red tape made the process very slow."

What do you bring to the table?

Form: bring [something] to the table#contribution#value#negotiation

"What unique skills and experiences can you bring to the table for this role?"

Let's touch base later.

Form: touch base with [someone]#communication#follow-up#informal

"I'll touch base with you later today to discuss the details."

Let's circle back.

Form: circle back to [something]#business#follow-up#meeting

"Let's discuss this further in our next meeting; we'll circle back to it then."

Who calls the shots around here?

Form: call the shots#leadership#authority#decision-making

"As the project manager, she's the one who calls the shots on all major decisions."

Don't drop the ball.

Form: drop the ball#mistake#responsibility#failure

"We can't afford to drop the ball on this important client presentation."

It's back to the drawing board.

Form: go back to the drawing board#re-planning#failure#restart

"The client rejected our proposal, so it's back to the drawing board for us."

We need to crunch the numbers.

Form: crunch the numbers#analysis#data#finance

"Before we make a decision, we need to crunch the numbers and see if it's financially viable."

Keep your eye on the ball.

Form: keep [someone's] eye on the ball#focus#priority#diligence

"It's easy to get distracted, but we need to keep our eye on the ball to meet our deadlines."

We need to raise the bar.

Form: raise the bar#standards#improvement#excellence

"We need to raise the bar for customer service if we want to retain our clients."

It's a level playing field.

Form: a level playing field#fairness#equality#competition

"New regulations aim to create a more level playing field for small businesses."

He got a golden parachute.

Form: a golden parachute#finance#executive#compensation

"The CEO received a huge golden parachute when the company was acquired."

Let's get down to brass tacks.

Form: get down to brass tacks#discussion#focus#seriousness

"Enough with the small talk, let's get down to brass tacks and discuss the budget."

I got my foot in the door.

Form: get [someone's] foot in the door#opportunity#entry-level#career

"This internship is a great way to get a foot in the door at a top tech company."

I have to burn the midnight oil tonight.

Form: burn the midnight oil#work#study#effort

"I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my presentation on time."

It depends.

Form: it depends#conditional#uncertainty#casual

""Are you coming to the party tonight?""

""It depends on if I finish my work in time.""

That's crazy.

Form: that's crazy#surprise#exclamation#informal

"He won the lottery twice! Wow, that's crazy!"

Let me know.

Form: let [someone] know#request#information#follow-up

"Once you've decided on the date, just let me know."

Here you go.

Form: here you go#offering#giving#polite

"Could I have a coffee, please? Sure, here you go."

Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.

Form: play devil's advocate#discussion#debate#perspective

"I'm just going to play devil's advocate here to make sure we've considered all angles."

Here's to figuring it out.

Form: to figuring it out#determination#problem-solving#encouragement

"This problem is tough, but here's to figuring it out!"

You know what I mean?

Form: you know what i mean#clarification#casual#filler

"It's hard to explain, but it's like a really specific vibe, you know what I mean?"

By the skin of my teeth.

Form: by the skin of [someone's] teeth#close-call#narrow-escape#barely

"I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth, with just one point above the passing grade."

He has a chip on his shoulder.

Form: have a chip on [someone's] shoulder#resentment#anger#attitude

"Ever since he lost the promotion, he's had a chip on his shoulder."

Let's throw caution to the wind.

Form: throw caution to the wind#risk#bravery#impulsiveness

"After months of planning, she decided to throw caution to the wind and start her own business."

He can leave at the drop of a hat.

Form: at the drop of a hat#readiness#speed#spontaneity

"She's always ready to travel at the drop of a hat."

We will leave no stone unturned.

Form: leave no stone unturned#thoroughness#investigation#effort

"We will leave no stone unturned in our search for the missing evidence."

Let's break the ice.

Form: break the ice#social#introduction#relaxation

"At the start of the meeting, we played a quick game to break the ice."

I think I'm running out of steam.

Form: run out of steam#exhaustion#fatigue#motivation

"After working on the project for hours, I started to run out of steam."

Ignorance is bliss.

Form: ignorance is bliss#philosophy#knowledge#happiness

"Maybe it's better I didn't know about that problem."

"Sometimes, ignorance is bliss."

She always goes the extra mile.

Form: go the extra mile#effort#dedication#excellence

"She always goes the extra mile for her clients, which is why they love her."

I can't wrap my head around it.

Form: wrap [someone's] head around [something]#understanding#difficulty#comprehension

"This new software is so complicated; I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it."

You're on the ball.

Form: be on the ball#competence#alertness#efficiency

"Our new project manager is really on the ball, always anticipating potential issues."

He can't cut the mustard.

Form: cut the mustard#standard#performance#failure

"His performance just didn't cut the mustard, so he was fired."

Once in a blue moon.

Form: once in a blue moon#frequency#rare#time

"My brother lives abroad, so I only see him once in a blue moon."

It's a wild goose chase.

Form: a wild goose chase#futile#search#waste

"Sending me to three different departments for one form was a complete wild goose chase."

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Form: cross that bridge when you come to it#procrastination#future#worry

"What if the client doesn't like our proposal?"

"Let's not worry about that now. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Are you ready?

Form: are you ready#question#preparation#start

"The presentation starts in five minutes. Are you ready?"

You're putting the cart before the horse.

Form: put the cart before the horse#logic#order#mistake

"Buying the furniture before finding an apartment is really putting the cart before the horse."

I'm fit as a fiddle.

Form: be fit as a fiddle#health#wellbeing#vitality

"My grandmother is 90 years old and still fit as a fiddle."

My old computer finally bit the dust.

Form: bite the dust#failure#end#breakdown

"After years of loyal service, my old laptop finally bit the dust."

He arrived at the eleventh hour.

Form: at the eleventh hour#deadline#late#urgency

"We submitted the report at the eleventh hour, just minutes before the deadline."

This isn't up to par.

Form: be up to par#standard#quality#performance

"His performance wasn't quite up to par today; he seemed a bit off."

She's on cloud nine.

Form: be on cloud nine#happiness#joy#excitement

"She's been on cloud nine ever since she got her dream job."

What a pity!

Form: what a pity#exclamation#sympathy#regret

"I heard Sarah couldn't make it to the party."

"What a pity."

I'll be right back.

Form: i'll be right back#departure#brief#casual

"I need to grab my phone from the car. I'll be right back."

It doesn't matter.

Form: it doesn't matter#indifference#unimportance#casual

"Should we get coffee or tea?"

"It doesn't matter to me, either is fine."

It's all water under the bridge.

Form: water under the bridge#past#forgiveness#resolution

"We had a big argument last year, but that's water under the bridge now."

That's killing two birds with one stone.

Form: kill two birds with one stone#efficiency#multi-tasking#advantage

"By working from home, I can kill two birds with one stone: finish my report and spend time with my kids."

There's no use crying over spilled milk.

Form: no use crying over spilled milk#acceptance#regret#moving-on

"I'm still upset about missing that opportunity."

"Well, it's no use crying over spilled milk."

You should take it with a grain of salt.

Form: take [something] with a grain of salt#skepticism#caution#disbelief

"Her stories are usually exaggerated, so take everything she says with a grain of salt."

Don't bite off more than you can chew.

Form: bite off more than [someone] can chew#overcommitment#difficulty#warning

"He bit off more than he could chew by taking on three major projects at once."

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but...

Form: rain on [someone's] parade#disappointment#spoil#news

"I hate to rain on your parade, but the concert has been cancelled."

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Form: put all [someone's] eggs in one basket#risk#investment#caution

"Investing only in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket; it's very risky."

He got a taste of his own medicine.

Form: get a taste of [someone's] own medicine#justice#karma#retribution

"He's always rude to people, so it was satisfying to see him get a taste of his own medicine."

We've been together through thick and thin.

Form: through thick and thin#loyalty#support#adversity

"True friends stick together through thick and thin."

We have to weather the storm.

Form: weather the storm#resilience#difficulty#survival

"The company managed to weather the storm during the economic recession."

Don't steal my thunder.

Form: steal [someone's] thunder#credit#achievement#interruption

"He tried to steal my thunder by announcing my promotion before I could."

We're back to square one.

Form: back to square one#failure#restart#frustration

"The experiment failed, so we're back to square one."

Don't jump the gun.

Form: jump the gun#impatience#premature#caution

"Don't jump the gun and announce the results before they're officially confirmed."

You should save some money for a rainy day.

Form: save [something] for a rainy day#finance#prudence#preparation

"It's always wise to save some money for a rainy day."

Did I get that right?

Form: did i get that right#clarification#confirmation#question

"So, we're meeting at 3 PM, not 4 PM. Did I get that right?"

Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.

Form: jump on the bandwagon#trend#conformity#popularity

"Everyone is buying those new smartphones, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon too."

Just in case.

Form: just in case#precaution#contingency#advice

"You should bring an umbrella, just in case it rains."

Let's give it a try.

Form: give [something] a try#suggestion#attempt#encouragement

"I'm not sure if this recipe will work."

"Well, let's give it a try!"

Let's give them the benefit of the doubt.

Form: give [someone] the benefit of the doubt#trust#fairness#judgment

"Despite the suspicious circumstances, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt."

I think you're barking up the wrong tree.

Form: be barking up the wrong tree#mistake#error#misunderstanding

"If you think I stole your pen, you're barking up the wrong tree; I haven't seen it."

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Form: out of the frying pan and into the fire#difficulty#misfortune#worsening

"Leaving my old job, which was stressful, only to find my new one even more demanding felt like going out of the frying pan and into the fire."

Any questions?

Form: any questions#presentation#query#formal

"That concludes my presentation. Any questions?"

I changed my mind.

Form: change [someone's] mind#decision#change#casual

"Actually, I changed my mind. Let's have pasta."

I'm looking forward to it.

Form: look forward to [something]#anticipation#excitement#positive

"I'm looking forward to it so much!"

Can you do me a favor?

Form: do [someone] a favor#request#help#polite

"Hey, can you do me a favor and pick up some milk on your way home?"

We're almost out of time.

Form: be out of time#urgency#time-management#warning

"We need to wrap this up quickly, we're almost out of time."

It's up in the air.

Form: up in the air#uncertainty#indecision#plans

"Our travel plans are still up in the air because of the weather."

It's just a drop in the ocean.

Form: a drop in the ocean#insignificance#amount#contrast

"Our small donation felt like a drop in the ocean compared to the massive funding required."

Let's catch up soon.

Form: catch up#social#future-plans#informal

"It was great seeing you! Let's catch up soon, okay?"

I'm dead tired.

Form: be dead tired#fatigue#exhaustion#informal

"After working twelve hours straight, I'm dead tired."

I'll take your word for it.

Form: take [someone's] word for it#trust#belief#agreement

"So, you didn't break the vase? Okay, I'll take your word for it."

He threw in the towel.

Form: throw in the towel#giving-up#resignation#defeat

"After trying for years, he finally decided on throwing in the towel on his dream of becoming a rock star."

I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.

Form: be caught between a rock and a hard place#dilemma#difficulty#choice

"I'm caught between a rock and a hard place; either I quit my job or move to a city I hate."

Take care.

Form: take care#farewell#well-wishing#casual

"See you next week!"

"You too! Take care."

I have no idea.

Form: i have no idea#ignorance#uncertainty#casual

"Where did I put my keys? Sorry, I have no idea."

This is off the record.

Form: off the record#confidential#secret#informal

"Just between us, this information is strictly off the record."

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Form: let sleeping dogs lie#conflict#avoidance#peace

"Should I bring up that old argument with him?"

"I think it's better to let sleeping dogs lie."

Let's do it by the book.

Form: by the book#rules#formality#strict

"Our company always does things strictly by the book to avoid legal issues."

I have to hit the books.

Form: hit the books#study#effort#academic

"I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight."

That just adds insult to injury.

Form: add insult to injury#misfortune#aggravation#worsening

"First, my car broke down, and then, to add insult to injury, I got a parking ticket."

We made it just under the wire.

Form: under the wire#deadline#timeliness#narrow-escape

"I submitted my essay just under the wire, only minutes before the deadline."

Let's put that on the back burner.

Form: on the back burner#postponement#priority#business

"We had to put the new project on the back burner due to budget cuts."

Let's call a spade a spade.

Form: call a spade a spade#bluntness#honesty#directness

"I know it's uncomfortable, but let's call a spade a spade: your performance has been declining."

Who let the cat out of the bag?

Form: let the cat out of the bag#secret#reveal#accident

"I tried to keep the party a secret, but my little brother let the cat out of the bag."

That's out of the question.

Form: that's out of the question#refusal#firm#impossibility

"You can't borrow my car for the weekend. That's out of the question—I need it."

I have mixed feelings.

Form: have mixed feelings#emotion#ambivalence#personal

"She got the promotion, but it means she'll move away. I have mixed feelings about it."

It's a small world.

Form: it's a small world#coincidence#surprise#social

""You know my cousin Sarah? I just found out she works with your brother!""

""Wow, it's a small world!""

I'm on the fence.

Form: be on the fence#indecision#uncertainty#casual

"I'm on the fence about whether to go to the party or stay home."

I can't wait.

Form: i can't wait#excitement#anticipation#impatience

""Our vacation starts tomorrow!""

""I know, I can't wait!""

Don't get me wrong.

Form: don't get me wrong#clarification#misunderstanding#conversation

"Don't get me wrong, I like the idea, but it might be too expensive."

I beg to differ.

Form: i beg to differ#disagreement#polite#formal

"With all due respect, I beg to differ on that point."

Your guess is as good as mine.

Form: your guess is as good as mine#uncertainty#ignorance#no-idea

"What time will the meeting end?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

I'll see what I can do.

Form: i'll see what i can do#promise#assurance#help

"Don't worry about the problem, I'll see what I can do."

That makes sense.

Form: that makes sense#agreement#understanding#conversation

"We need to leave early to avoid traffic."

"That makes sense."

It is what it is.

Form: it is what it is#acceptance#resignation#reality

"We didn't get the funding, but it is what it is, we'll try again next year."

Keep in touch.

Form: keep in touch#farewell#social#contact

"It was great seeing you! Let's keep in touch."

First come, first served.

Form: first come first served#rule#fairness#priority

"We only have a limited number of tickets, so it's first come, first served."

I'm almost there.

Form: i'm almost there#arrival#location#progress

"Where are you? I'm almost there, just five more minutes."

I don't mind.

Form: i don't mind#agreement#permission#indifference

"Do you mind if I open the window? No, I don't mind."

What have you been up to?

Form: what have you been up to#greeting#social#catch-up

"Long time no see! What have you been up to lately?"

I have to be honest.

Form: to be honest#honesty#opinion#introduction

"To be honest, I'm not really a fan of that idea."

I have a lot on my plate.

Form: have a lot on [someone's] plate#busy#workload#responsibility

"I can't take on any new tasks right now; I already have a lot on my plate."

Keep up the good work.

Form: keep up the good work#encouragement#praise#motivation

"You're doing great! Keep up the good work."

It costs an arm and a leg.

Form: cost an arm and a leg#expensive#cost#money

"That fancy sports car must cost an arm and a leg."

Stop beating around the bush.

Form: beat around the bush#indirect#communication#avoidance

"Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you want."

I didn't catch that.

Form: i didn't catch that#listening#clarification#misunderstanding

"Could you repeat that? I didn't catch that last part."

Let's get down to business.

Form: get down to business#work#meeting#focus

"Enough small talk, let's get down to business."

They're a dime a dozen.

Form: a dime a dozen#common#uncommon#value

"Original ideas are hard to find; bland ones are a dime a dozen."

I'm going to hit the sack.

Form: hit the sack#sleep#tiredness#informal

"I'm so tired, I'm going to hit the sack."

Don't beat yourself up.

Form: beat [oneself] up#reassurance#self-compassion#mistake

"It was just a small mistake, don't beat yourself up about it."

Make sense?

Form: make sense#clarification#question#instruction

"So, we'll start with step one, then move to step two. Make sense?"

Actions have consequences.

Form: actions have consequences#responsibility#morality#proverb

"Remember, actions have consequences, so think before you act."

Keep your eyes open.

Form: keep [someone's] eyes open#vigilance#opportunity#awareness

"There might be some opportunities for promotion soon, so keep your eyes open."

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Form: rome wasn't built in a day#proverb#patience#encouragement

"I'm so frustrated, this project is taking forever! Don't worry, Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep at it."

You win some, you lose some.

Form: you win some you lose some#consolation#acceptance#casual

"I lost the game again! Ah well, you win some, you lose some. Don't let it get to you."

When pigs fly.

Form: when pigs fly#skepticism#impossibility#sarcasm

"Do you think he'll ever finish his novel? Yeah, when pigs fly."

I feel for you.

Form: feel for [someone]#empathy#sympathy#casual

"My dog just ran away. Oh no, I really feel for you. That's terrible."

What's up?

Form: what's up#greeting#informal#casual

"Hey John, what's up? Not much, just chilling. You?"

Sounds good.

Form: sounds good#agreement#approval#casual

"How about we meet at 7 PM? Sounds good to me!"

No worries.

Form: no worries#reassurance#polite#casual

"Thanks for waiting. No worries at all, I just got here."

It crossed my mind.

Form: cross [someone's] mind#thought#memory#idea

"I was thinking about visiting you, in fact, it just crossed my mind yesterday."

You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

Form: you scratch my back i'll scratch yours#cooperation#mutual-benefit#deal

"If you help me with this presentation, I'll definitely help you with your report next week. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Form: every cloud has a silver lining#encouragement#optimism#proverb

"I got fired today. I'm so sorry to hear that. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining; maybe this is a chance for a fresh start."

That ship has sailed.

Form: that ship has sailed#missed-opportunity#too-late#regret

"Should I apply for that job opening even though the deadline was yesterday? I think that ship has sailed, unfortunately."

Cut me some slack.

Form: cut [someone] some slack#request#forgiveness#informal

"Look, I know I'm late, but I had a flat tire. Cut me some slack!"

My bad.

Form: my bad#apology#informal#mistake

"You just spilled coffee on my shirt!"

"Oh, my bad! I'm so sorry."

I got it.

Form: i got it#understanding#responsibility#assurance

"Can someone answer the phone?"

"Don't worry, I got it!"

I lost track of time.

Form: lose track of time#time#distraction#explanation

"I was so engrossed in the book that I completely lost track of time."

I'll keep you posted.

Form: keep [someone] posted#update#information#promise

"I'll keep you posted on the project's progress."

No big deal.

Form: no big deal#reassurance#informal#trivial

"Sorry I'm a few minutes late. No big deal, we just started."

Let's wrap it up.

Form: wrap it up#conclusion#meeting#suggestion

"We've covered everything on the agenda, so let's wrap it up."

Can I take a rain check?

Form: take a rain check#postponement#request#invitation

"I can't make it to dinner tonight, can I take a rain check?"

I'm exhausted.

Form: i'm exhausted#tiredness#fatigue#personal

"After working all day and then exercising, I'm absolutely exhausted."

I'm in a hurry.

Form: i'm in a hurry#urgency#time#excuse

"Sorry, I can't talk right now, I'm in a hurry."

Let me double check.

Form: double check [something]#verification#caution#checking

"Before we send this out, let me double check the figures."

It's on the tip of my tongue.

Form: be on the tip of [someone's] tongue#memory#frustration#recall

"What's that actor's name? Oh, it's on the tip of my tongue!"

It's out of my hands.

Form: be out of [someone's] hands#control#helplessness#resignation

"I wish I could help, but the decision has been made; it's out of my hands now."

Could you run that by me again?

Form: run [something] by [someone]#request#clarification#understanding

"The instructions were a bit complex. Could you run that by me again?"

I'm second to none.

Form: be second to none#boasting#skill#excellence

"When it comes to coding, I'm second to none in this team."

No pain, no gain.

Form: no pain no gain#motivation#effort#proverb

"Training for a marathon is tough, but no pain, no gain."

Look before you leap.

Form: look before you leap#caution#advice#proverb

"Before making such a big investment, remember to look before you leap."

Let bygones be bygones.

Form: let bygones be bygones#forgiveness#past#reconciliation

"We had an argument, but it's time to let bygones be bygones."

Practice makes perfect.

Form: practice makes perfect#effort#skill-development#proverb

"Don't get discouraged if you're not good yet; practice makes perfect."

It's a blessing in disguise.

Form: a blessing in disguise#luck#perspective#fortune

"Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because I found a much better one."

Money doesn't grow on trees.

Form: money doesn't grow on trees#money#frugality#parental-advice

"You can't just buy everything you want; money doesn't grow on trees."

Never say never.

Form: never say never#optimism#possibility#encouragement

"I'll never learn to play the guitar."

"Never say never! With practice, you can do anything."

The sky is the limit.

Form: the sky is the limit#optimism#potential#encouragement

"With your talent and dedication, the sky is the limit for what you can achieve."

I give you my word.

Form: give [someone] [someone's] word#promise#assurance#commitment

"Don't worry, I give you my word that I'll finish it by tomorrow."

It's raining cats and dogs.

Form: it's raining cats and dogs#weather#heavy-rain#idiomatic

"I can't go out right now; it's raining cats and dogs!"

Don't miss the boat.

Form: miss the boat#opportunity#regret#action

"If you don't apply for the scholarship soon, you'll miss the boat."

Long story short.

Form: make a long story short#summary#narration#conciseness

"To make a long story short, we decided to cancel the trip."

A piece of cake.

Form: a piece of cake#easy#simple#effortless

"Don't worry about the exam, it'll be a piece of cake."

You rock.

Form: you rock#praise#appreciation#informal

"Thanks for helping me move, you rock!"

Save it.

Form: save it#rejection#anger#disbelief

"I don't want to hear any more excuses. Save it."

Break a leg!

Form: break a leg#encouragement#good-luck#performance

"You have your big presentation today, right?"

"Break a leg!"

It's a piece of cake.

Form: be a piece of cake#easy#simplicity#assurance

"Don't worry about the exam; it's a piece of cake if you studied."

I'll pass.

Form: i'll pass#refusal#declining#polite

"Another slice of cake? That's very kind of you, but I'm stuffed. I'll pass."

I'll say!

Form: i'll say#agreement#emphasis#enthusiasm

"Amazing? I'll say! That movie was truly breathtaking."

Say no more.

Form: say no more#understanding#acknowledgement#discretion

"You want to tell me what happened at the party? Say no more. I think I can guess."

Dream on!

Form: dream on#skepticism#mockery#unrealistic

"Dream on! You never even play."

That's all for now.

Form: that's all for now#conclusion#presentation#temporary

"I've covered all the main points. That's all for now, but feel free to ask questions."

I'm tied up right now.

Form: be tied up#busy#unavailable#apology

"Can you call me back in an hour? I'm tied up with a client right now."

Drop me a line.

Form: drop [someone] a line#request#contact#informal

"If you're ever in town, make sure to drop me a line!"

Out of the question.

Form: out of the question#refusal#impossibility#firm

"You want to borrow my car for a cross-country trip? That's out of the question!"

I couldn't care less.

Form: i couldn't care less#indifference#disregard#strong opinion

"People are gossiping about my new haircut, but honestly, I couldn't care less."

I mean it.

Form: i mean it#sincerity#emphasis#conviction

"I really appreciate your help, I mean it."

That's the last straw.

Form: that's the last straw#anger#breaking point#frustration

"He broke my favorite mug, and that's the last straw! I'm moving out."

Let's call it even.

Form: call it even#agreement#fairness#settlement

"You bought me lunch yesterday, and I bought you coffee today. Let's call it even."

It's written all over your face.

Form: it's written all over your face#observation#emotion#obvious

"Don't try to hide it, I can tell you're upset; it's written all over your face."

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Form: i wouldn't miss it for the world#commitment#excitement#attendance

"Your wedding is going to be amazing, I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Hang tight.

Form: hang tight#patience#waiting#informal

"The doctor will be with you shortly, just hang tight."

Let me sleep on it.

Form: sleep on [something]#decision making#postponement#consideration

"That's a big decision, so let me sleep on it and I'll give you my answer tomorrow."

It goes without saying.

Form: it goes without saying#obvious#agreement#emphasis

"It goes without saying that hard work is essential for success."

Give me a break.

Form: give me a break#frustration#exasperation#disbelief

"You expect me to finish all this by tomorrow? Give me a break!"

Take it or leave it.

Form: take it or leave it#negotiation#ultimatum#finality

"That's my final offer, take it or leave it."

You hit the nail on the head.

Form: hit the nail on the head#agreement#accuracy#insight

"So, you think the main issue is lack of communication?"

"Exactly! You hit the nail on the head."

Don't beat around the bush.

Form: beat around the bush#directness#request#informal

"Just tell me what you want, don't beat around the bush."

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Form: keep [someone's] fingers crossed#hope#support#good luck

"Good luck with your exam tomorrow! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you."

I'm in a pickle.

Form: be in a pickle#trouble#difficulty#predicament

"I accidentally deleted the main file and now I'm in a pickle."

So what?

Form: so what#indifference#challenge#defiance

"So what if I didn't finish my homework? I'll do it later."

Don't let me down.

Form: let [someone] down#trust#expectation#warning

"I'm counting on you for this project, so don't let me down."

You can count on me.

Form: you can count on me#assurance#reliability#support

"Don't worry about the task, you can count on me to get it done."

I'm starving.

Form: be starving#hunger#exaggeration#informal

"I haven't eaten all day, I'm starving!"

That is out of bounds.

Form: that is out of bounds#rules#inappropriate#boundary

"Discussing personal finances with colleagues is usually out of bounds."

Better safe than sorry.

Form: better safe than sorry#caution#prevention#risk-management

"It might take extra time to double-check everything, but it's better safe than sorry."

It's on me.

Form: it's on me#offering#payment#generosity

"Don't worry about the bill tonight, it's on me."

Now or never.

Form: now or never#urgency#opportunity#decision

"This is our last chance to invest in the company. It's now or never."

You’re telling me!

Form: you're telling me#agreement#emphasis#shared-experience

"You think it's boiling hot out here? You're telling me! I'm sweating through my shirt."

You should think twice.

Form: think twice#advice#caution#decision

"Before you quit your job, you should really think twice about it."

Don't be so sure.

Form: don't be so sure#warning#caution#overconfidence

"You think you've won already? Don't be so sure, the game isn't over yet."

Time's up.

Form: time's up#announcement#deadline#urgency

"Alright everyone, please put down your pens. Time's up."

Can I get a rain check?

Form: get a rain check#postponement#request#polite

"I'm swamped with work tonight, can I get a rain check for dinner?"

Cut to the chase.

Form: cut to the chase#directness#impatience#informal

"Stop with the long introduction and just cut to the chase, what's the real problem?"

I'm lost for words.

Form: i'm lost for words#amazement#shock#emotion

"After seeing the beautiful scenery, I was completely lost for words."

That's a no-brainer.

Form: that's a no-brainer#decision#obvious#informal

"Choosing between a free trip and working overtime? That's a no-brainer."

You are pushing it.

Form: you are pushing it#warning#overstepping#annoyance

"Asking for another extension on the deadline, you are really pushing it."

We're on the same page.

Form: be on the same page#agreement#understanding#collaboration

"After our discussion, I think we're finally on the same page about the project goals."

It's up in the air.

Form: it's up in the air#uncertainty#undecided#planning

"Our travel plans for next summer are still up in the air."

Spill it.

Form: spill it#imperative#informal#demand

"Come on, I know you know something. Spill it!"

You nailed it!

Form: nail it#success#praise#achievement

"That's exactly what I was looking for! You nailed it!"

Don't rub it in.

Form: don't rub it in#admonition#empathy#informal

"I know I failed the test, you don't need to rub it in."

It's not rocket science.

Form: it's not rocket science#simplicity#encouragement#clarity

"Don't overthink it, learning to use this software is not rocket science."

You are completely out of line.

Form: you are completely out of line#admonition#behavior#disapproval

"Talking to your boss like that, you are completely out of line."

It takes two to tango.

Form: it takes two to tango#proverb#responsibility#conflict

"Does he blame her for the argument?"

"Well, it takes two to tango."

I can't wrap my head around it.

Form: wrap [someone's] head around [something]#understanding#learning#effort

"It's a complex concept, but you need to wrap your head around it before the exam."

Keep an eye on him.

Form: keep an eye on [someone]#watching#supervision#care

"Could you please keep an eye on him while I'm in the other room?"

Look who's talking.

Form: look who's talking#retort#hypocrisy#informal

"You should really clean your room!"

"Look who's talking, your room is even messier!"

No sweat.

Form: no sweat#assurance#ease#informal

"No sweat, I'll be right there."

Make up your mind.

Form: make up [someone's] mind#decision#urgency#choice

"We need to leave soon, so make up your mind about what you want to do."

You're down to earth.

Form: be down to earth#personality#realistic#humble

"Despite her fame, she's very down to earth and easy to talk to."

Time will tell.

Form: time will tell#future#uncertainty#patience

"Do you think our new product will be successful?"

"It's hard to say now, time will tell."

You haven't seen anything yet.

Form: you haven't seen anything yet#excitement#anticipation#future

"This is just the warm-up; you haven't seen anything yet!"

I have cold feet.

Form: have cold feet#nervousness#hesitation#fear

"I was going to ask her out, but at the last minute, I got cold feet."

Take it easy.

Form: take it easy#relaxation#advice#farewell

"You've been working hard all week. Now go home and take it easy."

Keep me posted.

Form: keep [someone] posted#update#information#communication

"Let me know what happens with the job interview. Keep me posted!"

Whatever you say.

Form: whatever you say#agreement#resignation#compliance

"I've laid out all the reasons why I think we should go with option A, but you're still convinced B is the right choice. Fine. Whatever you say."

I'm all ears.

Form: i'm all ears#listening#attention#eagerness

"Alright, tell me all about your exciting news, I'm all ears!"

Bear with me.

Form: bear with [someone]#request#patience#understanding

"I need a moment to set up the projector, please bear with me."

It's up to you.

Form: be up to [someone]#decision#choice#neutral

"I don't have a strong preference for dinner, it's up to you where we eat."

Don't cut corners.

Form: cut corners#efficiency#quality#ethics

"We can't afford to cut corners on safety, even if it saves money."

Keep your chin up.

Form: keep [someone's] chin up#encouragement#optimism#support

"I know things are tough right now, but keep your chin up; it'll get better."

Sounds good to me.

Form: sounds good to me#agreement#suggestion#acceptance

"Meet at the cafe around 3 PM? Sounds good to me."

Your fly is open.

Form: zip up [someone's] fly#direct#warning#informal

"Hey, quickly, zip up your fly! You don't want to walk around like that."

After you.

Form: after you#polite#courtesy#offering

"Oh, the door's open. Thank you. Please, after you."

I couldn't agree more.

Form: i couldn't agree more#agreement#strong-opinion#formal

"I've heard some people say the new policy is a terrible idea, and I couldn't agree more."

Keep it up.

Form: keep it up#encouragement#praise#motivation

"Your performance has been excellent, keep it up!"

I blew it.

Form: blow it#mistake#regret#failure

"I had a chance to get the job, but I blew it in the interview."

You lost me.

Form: you lost me#confusion#clarification#misunderstanding

"Could you explain that again? You lost me at the part about quantum physics."

Let it go.

Form: let [something] go#forgiveness#advice#moving-on

"I know you're still upset about the argument, but you need to let it go."

That's a rip-off.

Form: that's a rip-off#price#disagreement#informal

"They're charging $20 for a small bottle of water? That's a rip-off!"

I'm broke.

Form: be broke#money#personal-state#informal

"Can we just stay home tonight? I'm completely broke until payday."

Hold your horses.

Form: hold [someone's] horses#impatience#warning#calming

"I'm going to tell him exactly what I think right now! ...Whoa, hold your horses. I need to take a second and think this through first."

So be it.

Form: so be it#acceptance#resignation#inevitability

"If they want to cancel the project, then that's their decision. So be it."

I'm over it.

Form: be over [something or someone]#resolution#past-events#informal

"Don't bring up that old issue again; I'm completely over it."

No hard feelings.

Form: no hard feelings#reconciliation#forgiveness#peace

"We had a big argument, but we've sorted it out, so no hard feelings."

You're a natural.

Form: you're a natural#praise#talent#compliment

"That was your first time playing guitar? Wow, you're a natural!"

Catch you later.

Form: catch you later#farewell#informal#departure

"I'm heading out now, catch you later!"

Time flies.

Form: time flies#observation#passage-of-time#surprise

"We've been talking for hours, but it feels like minutes. Time flies!"

Same here.

Form: same here#agreement#shared-feeling#informal

"You're looking forward to the holiday weekend?"

"Same here!"

Better late than never.

Form: better late than never#proverb#apology#acceptance

"He finally submitted his application, a week past the deadline, but better late than never."

What's eating you?

Form: what's eating [someone]#concern#inquiry#empathy

"You seem really quiet and troubled today. What’s eating you?"

It's a long shot.

Form: it's a long shot#probability#risk#unlikely

"Winning the lottery is a long shot, but someone has to win."

I'm dying to know.

Form: be dying to do [something]#curiosity#eagerness#impatience

"You can't just leave me hanging like that! Come on, I'm dying to know what happened next!"

Don't be a stranger.

Form: don't be a stranger#farewell#social#encouragement

"It was great catching up. Don't be a stranger, okay?"

Make yourself at home.

Form: make oneself at home#hospitality#welcome#comfort

"Welcome to my home! Please, make yourself at home."

Could you give me a hand?

Form: give [someone] a hand#request#help#assistance

"This box is really heavy, could you give me a hand?"

I'm out of here.

Form: i'm out of here#departure#leaving#informal

"It's 5 PM, my shift is over, I'm out of here!"

Fingers crossed!

Form: fingers crossed#hope#good-luck#wish

"I hope the interview goes well tomorrow. Fingers crossed!"

Hang in there.

Form: hang in there#encouragement#support#perseverance

"I know it's a difficult time, but you just have to hang in there."

I mean what I say.

Form: i mean what i say#sincerity#seriousness#warning

"When I tell you to be careful, I mean what I say."

Get it together.

Form: get it together#correction#focus#self-control

"You're making too many mistakes; you need to get it together."

Go with the flow.

Form: go with the flow#advice#acceptance#relaxation

"Don't try to control everything, just relax and go with the flow."

Keep it to yourself.

Form: keep it to yourself#secret#confidentiality#discretion

"This is a secret, so please keep it to yourself."

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Form: we'll cross that bridge when we come to it#proverb#future#worry

"What if the plan doesn't work out?"

"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it."

I owe you one.

Form: i owe you one#gratitude#obligation#favor

"Thanks for helping me move, I owe you one."

You got this.

Form: you got this#encouragement#confidence#support

"You're nervous about the presentation, but don't worry, you got this!"

I've had enough.

Form: i've had enough#frustration#declaration#determination

"I've had enough! I'm leaving now."

On second thought.

Form: on second thought#reconsideration#change-of-mind#decision

"I think I'll have the pasta. On second thought, maybe I'll have the salad."

Are you kidding me?

Form: are you kidding me#surprise#disbelief#frustration

"Are you kidding me?"

Keep a low profile.

Form: keep a low profile#discretion#avoidance#caution

"After the scandal, the celebrity decided to keep a low profile for a while."

Let's start from scratch.

Form: start from scratch#new beginning#restart#planning

"Our first attempt failed, so let's start from scratch and try a new approach."

It rings a bell.

Form: ring a bell#recognition#memory#familiarity

"That name rings a bell, but I can't quite place where I know it from."

No strings attached.

Form: no strings attached#unconditional#offer#generosity

"I'll help you with your project, no strings attached; I just want to see you succeed."

That's music to my ears.

Form: that's music to my ears#happiness#relief#good news

"Your promotion has been approved."

"That's music to my ears!"

Under the table.

Form: under the table#secret#illegal#clandestine

"The company was accused of making under the table payments to avoid taxes."

I'm running late.

Form: run late#apology#urgency#time

"I need to leave now, I'm running late for my appointment."

You have to read between the lines.

Form: read between the lines#interpretation#understanding#implication

"She said she was 'fine', but if you read between the lines, you could tell she was really upset."

You need to step up your game.

Form: step up [someone's] game#motivation#improvement#challenge

"If you want to make the team, you really need to step up your game."

My hands are tied.

Form: my hands are tied#helplessness#restriction#policy

"I'd love to help you, but my hands are tied due to company policy."

Leave me alone.

Form: leave me alone#request#privacy#annoyance

"I'm not in the mood to talk right now, just leave me alone."

You bet.

Form: you bet#agreement#assurance#informal

"You bet! What time?"

Don't jump the gun.

Form: jump the gun#caution#patience#advice

"I know you're excited to announce the news, but don't jump the gun; we need to wait for official approval."

Now you're talking.

Form: now you're talking#agreement#approval#enthusiasm

"Now you're talking! I'm starving."

You're a lifesaver.

Form: you're a lifesaver#gratitude#help#appreciation

"Thanks for helping me with this report last minute, you're a lifesaver!"

Not my problem.

Form: not my problem#indifference#disclaimer#informal

"Not my problem, I'm just here to pick up documents."

Pull yourself together.

Form: pull yourself together#encouragement#calm down#command

"After the bad news, he was crying, but his friend told him to pull himself together."

It’s a long story.

Form: it's a long story#explanation#avoidance#informal

"Why was he fired? Oh, it's a long story; I'll tell you later."

Get out of here!

Form: get out of here#surprise#disbelief#exclamation

"Get out of here! Are you serious?"

You can say that again.

Form: you can say that again#agreement#emphasis#informal

"You can say that again! I'm soaked."

Keep holding on.

Form: keep holding on#encouragement#perseverance#difficult situation

"The waves are rough, but we need to keep holding on to the rope until the rescue team arrives."

Take my word for it.

Form: take [someone's] word for it#trust#recommendation#assurance

"It's the best restaurant in town, take my word for it."

Who cares?

Form: who cares#indifference#disregard#informal

"Maybe I made a mistake… but who cares."

Bite your tongue!

Form: bite [someone's] tongue#warning#restraint#anger

"I can't believe he said that!"

"Bite your tongue! Don't let your anger get the best of you."

Step on it!

Form: step on it#urgency#speed#command

"We're going to be late! Step on it!"

It's a deal.

Form: it's a deal#agreement#negotiation#settlement

"Alright, I've reviewed the proposal. It's ambitious, and the risks are significant. But the potential payoff... that's undeniable. You've made a compelling case. You get the funding, and in return, I expect results that will redefine this industry. It's a deal."

Go for it!

Form: go for it#encouragement#opportunity#action

"If you really want to try out for the team, then go for it!"

You read my mind.

Form: read [someone's] mind#agreement#telepathy#surprise

"Wow, I was just thinking we should order pizza for dinner! You read my mind."

Fair enough.

Form: fair enough#agreement#acceptance#understanding

"Oh, you can't make it to the party tonight because you have to work? Fair enough. We'll just have to catch up next time."

Not on my watch.

Form: not on [someone's] watch#authority#prohibition#determination

"Not on my watch!"

Don't mind me.

Form: don't mind [someone]#politeness#discretion#casual

"I'm just going to sit here and read; don't mind me."

Good for you!

Form: good for [someone]#congratulations#approval#happiness

"You finally got that promotion! That's fantastic! Good for you!"

Let's keep in touch.

Form: keep in touch#farewell#relationship#communication

"It was great catching up with you. Let's keep in touch!"

Let's touch base later.

Form: touch base with [someone]#communication#follow-up#meeting

"I need to confirm the details, so let's touch base later this afternoon."

You're right on the money.

Form: be right on the money#accuracy#agreement#confirmation

"So, the problem is a lack of communication... Yes, that's exactly it. Right on the money."

I'm flattered.

Form: be flattered#compliment#gratitude#humility

"Wow, thank you. To hear you say my presentation was brilliant... I'm flattered."

Get to the point.

Form: get to the point#directness#impatience#communication

"Stop beating around the bush and just get to the point."

Keep me in the loop.

Form: keep [someone] in the loop#request#update#communication

"Let me know what happens with the project; please keep me in the loop."

Don't hold your breath.

Form: don't hold your breath#caution#pessimism#advice

"He said he'd pay me back soon, but don't hold your breath; he's always late."

It’s not my cup of tea.

Form: it's not my cup of tea#dislike#preference#informal

"Watching horror movies is really not my cup of tea; I prefer comedies."

It totally slipped my mind.

Form: it totally slipped my mind#forgetfulness#apology#memory

"I'm so sorry, I meant to call you back, but it totally slipped my mind."

Let's play it by ear.

Form: play it by ear#flexibility#improvisation#uncertainty

"We don't have a fixed plan for the trip yet, so let's play it by ear."

Hit me up later.

Form: hit [someone] up#request#contact#informal

"I'm busy right now, but hit me up later tonight and we can chat."

I'm on top of it.

Form: be on top of [something]#assurance#responsibility#control

"Don't worry about the upcoming deadline; I'm on top of it."

Good thinking.

Form: good thinking#approval#agreement#praise

"Good thinking!"

Hold your breath.

Form: hold [someone's] breath#instruction#health#action

"The doctor told me to hold my breath for ten seconds."

Off the top of my head.

Form: off the top of [someone's] head#memory#spontaneous#hesitation

"Off the top of my head, I can't remember her exact address."

It blew my mind.

Form: blow [someone's] mind#amazement#excitement#surprise

"The concert was incredible; the special effects really blew my mind."

I’m swamped.

Form: be swamped#busy#work#informal

"Sorry, I can't meet for coffee this week, I’m swamped with work."

Let’s wrap this up.

Form: wrap [something] up#conclusion#meeting#decision

"We've been discussing for an hour; let’s wrap this up and make a decision."

So far, so good.

Form: so far so good#progress#status#optimistic

"I've been asked about the progress on the new project, and honestly? So far, so good."

It came out of the blue.

Form: out of the blue#sudden#unexpected#surprise

"My old friend called me out of the blue after ten years."

Point taken.

Form: point taken#acknowledgment#agreement#understanding

"You're right, we do need to be more careful with our spending. Point taken."

Suit yourself.

Form: suit yourself#indifference#permission#acceptance

"You don't want to come to the cinema tonight?"

"Okay, suit yourself."

Don't push your luck.

Form: push [someone's] luck#warning#caution#risk

"You got away with it this time, but don't push your luck."

Spill the beans.

Form: spill the beans#secret#revelation#informal

"Come on, spill the beans! What's the big secret?"

I'm under the weather.

Form: be under the weather#illness#health#informal

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I might go home early."

Give it a rest.

Form: give [something] a rest#frustration#stop#annoyance

"You've been complaining about that for hours. Can you just give it a rest?"

My lips are sealed.

Form: [someone's] lips are sealed#secret#promise#assurance

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret. My lips are sealed."

Mind your own business.

Form: mind [someone's] own business#privacy#annoyance#rude

"Why am I going home so early? Just mind your own business."

By all means.

Form: by all means#permission#agreement#polite

"By all means, please open it. It's a bit stuffy in here."

I have to bite the bullet.

Form: bite the bullet#endurance#courage#difficulty

"The project is difficult, but we just have to bite the bullet and finish it."

I'm keeping my options open.

Form: i'm keeping my options open#decision#flexibility#future

"I haven't decided which university to go to yet; I'm keeping my options open."

Out of sight, out of mind.

Form: out of sight out of mind#proverb#forgetting#absence

"I haven't thought about my old ex-boyfriend since we broke up; out of sight, out of mind, I guess."

Watch your step.

Form: watch your step#warning#safety#caution

"The stairs are steep, so watch your step."

Just my luck.

Form: just my luck#bad-luck#irony#resignation

"The last slice of pizza is gone."

"Oh, just my luck."

Look on the bright side.

Form: look on the bright side#encouragement#optimism#perspective

"Things might seem bad now, but try to look on the bright side."

That's a wrap.

Form: that's a wrap#conclusion#completion#informal

"After hours of filming, the director finally said, 'That's a wrap!'"

Mind the gap.

Form: mind the gap#public-announcement#safety#warning

"Please mind the gap between the train and the platform."

Over my dead body.

Form: over my dead body#refusal#strong-opposition#determination

"You want to sell my vintage car? Over my dead body!"

There's no catching you.

Form: there's no catching you#admiration#speed#skill

"You finished the race so quickly; there's no catching you!"

Actions speak louder than words.

Form: actions speak louder than words#proverb#integrity#effort

"Don't just promise to help, do something. Actions speak louder than words."

Take your time.

Form: take [someone's] time#encouragement#patience#reassurance

"There's no rush, you can take your time to finish the report."

I'm on my way.

Form: i'm on my way#arrival#departure#status

"Hang tight, I'm on my way!"

Don't sweat it.

Form: don't sweat it#reassurance#comfort#forgiveness

"You're sorry you broke my favorite mug? Don't sweat it, it was old anyway."

Not a chance.

Form: not a chance#rejection#impossibility#strong-negative

"Lend me money again? After what he said last time? Not a chance."

Let's call it a day.

Form: call it a day#conclusion#work#break

"It's getting late, let's just call it a day and pick this up tomorrow."

It slipped my mind.

Form: slip [someone's] mind#forgetting#apology#regret

"Oh no, I completely forgot about the appointment! It slipped my mind."

I doubt it.

Form: i doubt it#disagreement#skepticism#prediction

"I know some people are hopeful they'll approve our proposal, but personally, I doubt it. It's just too risky."

Beats me.

Form: beats me#ignorance#uncertainty#informal

"Why did the train stop so suddenly? Beats me. I have no idea."

Count me in.

Form: count [someone] in#participation#agreement#invitation

"A hiking trip this Saturday? Sounds great! Count me in."

Speak of the devil!

Form: speak of the devil#surprise#coincidence#informal

"We were just talking about him, and speak of the devil, here he comes!"

You should sleep on it.

Form: sleep on [something]#advice#decision-making#consideration

"Don't decide right now; sleep on it and let me know in the morning."

Long time no see.

Form: long time no see#greeting#reunion#informal

"Mark! Wow, long time no see. You look great!"

Sooner rather than later.

Form: sooner rather than later#urgency#priority#advice

"We need to address this urgent issue sooner rather than later."

That makes two of us.

Form: that makes two of us#agreement#shared-feeling#empathy

"You're completely exhausted after that marathon? That makes two of us. I don't think I'll be able to walk tomorrow."

I hear you.

Form: i hear you#understanding#empathy#acknowledgment

"So you're frustrated with the current process? I hear you. It's definitely not ideal."

That's easier said than done.

Form: easier said than done#proverb#difficulty#skepticism

"I know I just need to be more organized, but that's always easier said than done."

You're pulling my leg.

Form: pull [someone's] leg#joking#teasing#disbelief

"A unicorn in the garden? That's impossible! You’re pulling my leg."

Don't jump to conclusions.

Form: jump to conclusions#warning#judgement#patience

"I know it looks bad, but don't jump to conclusions; let's hear his side of the story first."

I cross my heart.

Form: cross [someone's] heart#promise#sincerity#assurance

"I promise I won't tell anyone; cross my heart."

That rings a bell.

Form: ring a bell#memory#recognition#familiarity

"John Smith... hmm. That name rings a bell, but I can't seem to place him."

Let's play it by ear.

Form: play it by ear#flexibility#improvisation#planning

"We don't have a fixed plan for tomorrow; let's just play it by ear."