ExpressionsEnglish words

if I do say so myself

I think my cake is the best in the world, if I do say so myself.

it's business as usual

The storm caused some delays, but for our team, it's business as usual.

Once and for all

We need to settle this argument once and for all. She decided to clean the house once and for all before the guests arrived. He wanted to fix the car once and for all, so he took it to a professional mechanic.

Since we’re

Since we’re all here, let’s start the meeting. Since we’re going to the park, don’t forget your hat. Since we’re friends, I can trust you with my secrets.

meet your needs

We will do our best to meet your needs during your stay at the hotel. The service is tailored to meet your needs. Is the staff meeting your needs?

The upside of

The upside of the whole thing is that we got a free trip to Jamaica. The upside of moving would be a shorter commute to work.

Not for nothing

Not for nothing, but I think we should start studying earlier for the exam.

as arranged

The meeting will start at 10 AM, as arranged. We will meet at the café, as arranged last week. Everything is set for the party, as arranged with the team.

If that!

They said there were a lot of people at the party, but there were only a few, if that!

if I may say so myself.

I’m pretty talented, if I may say so myself.

make the most

We must make the most of our life.

make the most of

He always tries to make the most of every learning opportunity in school.

with all one's heart and soul

I worked on my project with all my heart and soul, and I am proud of the result. She loves her family with all her heart and soul, always putting them first. He plays the piano with all his heart and soul, making every performance special.

If that!!

There were only 15 people at the party, If that!

With all her heart

She hates him with all her heart.

There’s no need to

There’s no need to repeat that. I know what you mean. There’s no need to shout. I’m not deaf.

There’s no need

There’s no need to hurry! There’s no need to act like this. There’s no need to be upset.

live life to the fullest!

Every weekend, they try something new to live life to the fullest.

No need to

No need to bring anything to the party; just come and have fun! No need to apologize; it was just a mistake. No need to rush; we have plenty of time.

bad-mouth

You shouldn't bad-mouth your competitors. They've been bad-mouthing you behind your back.

making small talk

We were just making small talk so it's nothing important. He made small talk about his favorite vacation spot. I don't always make small talk with seatmates on a plane.

Crazy as it may sound

Crazy as it may sound, I actually enjoy waking up early to exercise. Crazy as it may sound, some people believe that talking to plants helps them grow. Crazy as it may sound, I think pineapple belongs on pizza!

Incredible as it may seem

Incredible as it may seem, some animals can sleep while they are swimming. Incredible as it may seem, the tallest mountain on Earth is not Mount Everest, but a mountain in the ocean.

speaks badly of

Everyone speaks badly of everyone else.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

When my friend suggested going skydiving, I said, "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

Good thing

Good thing it worked out. Good thing it went wrong. Good thing I'm alive.

it's just as well

It started to rain during our picnic, but it's just as well; we needed to cool off anyway. Has she called you yet? 'No, and it's just as well.

every other day

I go to the gym every other day.

Not in my wildest dreams did I think that

Not in my wildest dreams did I think that I would win the lottery.

As agreed

So, as agreed, we meet tuesday. Four hundred gold coins, as agreed.

to be on the safe side

I brought an umbrella to be on the safe side, in case it rains.

I did good in

I did good in my science project. I did good in the soccer match last weekend. I did well in my English exam.

Be bad for

Eating all that candy is bad for your teeth. Watching too much TV is bad for children. Too much work is bad for your health.

Better late than never.

She finally submitted her homework, and I told her, "Better late than never!

Been there

I know how you feel; I've been there before.

Back then

Back then, we used to play outside every day after school. I remember how different things were back then, before the internet. Back then, my family would go on road trips every summer.

As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for.

Back in

Back in the 90s, we didn't have smartphones. Back in high school I was stupid.

I know the feeling

When my friend told me she was sad about moving away, I said, "I know the feeling.

As far as

As far as I know, she is coming to the party. As far as I can tell, everything is going well. As far as my experience goes, practice is the key to improvement.

She was rocking that dress.

To top it all off

We had a great day at the park, and to top it all off, we found a hidden ice cream shop! She won the competition, and to top it all off, she received a scholarship. It started raining during our picnic, and to top it all off, we lost our car keys.

Don’t worry! You will rock this interview.

as it were

We are, as it were, on a journey to discover new ideas and possibilities. A friend is, as it were, a second self.

This song rules, I love it!

That's the problem

That's the problem. I'm unemployed and I have no money.

I can’t stop reading that book. It rules

Hopefully

Hopefully, we will finish the project on time.

ain't

I ain't going to the party tonight. They ain't finished their homework yet. She ain't happy with the results.

You can count on me

You can count on me, I'd be glad to help you. You can count on me, I'll always be there for you.

On the contrary

Many people think that cats are unfriendly. On the contrary, they can be very affectionate.

just business as usual

Even with the new policies, it’s just business as usual in the office.

just fire away

If you need anything, just fire away

Unlike

Unlike cats, dogs are very social animals. Unlike her brother, she loves to read books. Unlike the previous model, this car is more fuel-efficient.

quite the opposite

A - Is she angry? B - No, quite the opposite.

cushioning my fall

Thanks for cushioning my fall.

I wish

I wish I could travel to space one day. I wish I had told her how I felt. I wish my friends would come to my birthday party.

I'm at your disposal

After the meeting, I told my boss, "I'm at your disposal if you need any further information. If you need me, I'm at your disposal. I'm at your disposal for any further information you may need

There's no point in

There's no point in arguing about it. There's no point in waiting for the bus if it's already late. There's no point in trying to change his mind.

in the mood

She is not in the mood to talk right now. I'm not in the mood to work today

broaden my knowledge/broaden my horizons

I just want to broaden my knowledge of it. I’d like to work abroad to broaden my horizons

Speaking of that

Speaking of that, I need to remember to call my friend later.

Speaking of which

Speaking of which, have you seen the new movie that just came out?

It's no use

It's no use trying to convince him; he has already made up his mind. It's no use crying over spilled milk; we need to find a solution instead. It's no use waiting for her; she is already late for the meeting.

for good

She moved to another city for good. He quit his job for good. They decided to end the relationship for good.

it doesn't do any good.

I always tell them about that, but it doesn't do any good. I warned him but it didn't do any good.

it won't do any good.

I'll drop by to see that, but it won't do any good.

After all -

You don't need to call him. After all , he never calls you. We don’t have to work that hard. After all , we are not getting paid.

After all

I decided to go to the party after all. She didn't study much, but she passed the exam after all. We thought it would rain, but it was sunny after all.

to death.

I’m hungry to death

I'm at your disposal/I'll be there for you!

Don't worry about the project; I'm at your disposal to help you finish it. If you need me, I'm at your disposal/I'll be there for you!

only to a certain extent

The movie was entertaining, but only to a certain extent; the ending was disappointing.

Be something to death

Maria is tired to death. We were tickled to death that she finally got a job.

to death

I was amused to death

The only one missing

The only one missing is you. The only one missing is the woman. The only one missing is the dolden glow

First of all

First of all, let’s review what we learned last week.

something to go

I'm not nearly done reading this book! There are three more chapters to go!

There's only one exercise to go!

To go - finish

By the way

By the way, did you finish your homework?

Something left

The only thing left is to adjust the belt. The only thing left is the guest list. The only thing left is to adjust the belt.

Something to go -

Five months to go before my trip! Yay!

it's in God's hands

We hope she will live, but it's in God's hands. I would love a baby, but it's in God's hands.

For goodness' sake

I can't believe you forgot my birthday, for goodness' sake! For goodness' sake, Harry, what are you doing

For Christ's sake

For Christ's sake, can you please stop making that noise? For Christ's sake, Julie, what are you doing here? For God's sake, don't scare me like that!

two more to go

If you've been running for more than two hours then you have at least two more to go!

For the love of God

For the love of God, Harry, what are you doing?

For heaven’s sake

For heaven’s sake, turn down the volume

From your lips to God’s ears

(A)Believe in yourself! We know you can beat them. (B) From your lips to God’s ears.

May God be praised

After hearing about the good news, she exclaimed, "May God be praised for this blessing! May God be praised for ever and ever! May God be praised from this moment through eternity.

By the looks of it

By the looks of it, they are having a great time at the party. By the looks of it, the weather is going to be nice this weekend. By the looks of it, she has been working hard on her project.

from there on out

After the meeting, we decided to work together from there on out. She promised to be more responsible from there on out. Once he moved to the city, everything changed from there on out.

daydreaming

She was daydreaming about her vacation while sitting in class. Stop daydreaming and pay attention.

But for

But for his help, I couldn't have finished the project on time. But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. But for these interruptions, the meeting would have finished earlier.

Badass

This is badass! That dude is badass! What a badass watch!

lost interest

I don't go there anymore because I have lost interest

on the move

The children were on the move, running to catch the bus. What are your current investments on the move?

Lose the will

I won't lose the will to fight. After six months in hospital she began to lose the will to live. Mary never lost the will to live.

in progress

The construction of the new park is in progress. My homework is in progress, so I can't play right now. The meeting is in progress, please do not disturb.

Lost interest---

This is not because I've lost interest but because of family illness. Why have I lost interest in working out?

underway

The construction of the new park is underway. Our plans for the summer vacation are already underway. The meeting is underway, so please be quiet.

this and that

We talked about this and that during our lunch break.

thick and thin

My best friend has always been there for me through thick and thin.

here and there

The children were playing here and there in the park.

ups and downs

Life is full of ups and downs, but we learn from every experience.

high and low

I looked high and low for my missing toy.

give and take

In a good friendship, there is always a sense of give and take.

time and again

I have told him time and again to clean his room.

bread and butter

For many families, their bread and butter comes from farming.

by and large

By and large, the weather has been nice this summer.

do a handbrake turn

He took the corner doing a handbrake turn.

fair and square

The team won the match fair and square, with no cheating involved. She always plays fair and square, making sure everyone has a chance. We agreed to settle the argument fair and square, without any tricks.

pulled a handbrake turn

He pulled a handbrake turn at the corner.

born and bread

He was born and bred in a small village by the sea.

All along

I knew the answer all along. She has been right all along, and no one listened. Were you lying to me all along?

Along the lines of

I was thinking along the lines of a more casual design. (past continuous) The movie is along the lines of a psychological thriller. (present simple) She has written something along the lines of a travel diary. (present perfect)

Even with

Even with the bad weather, we had a great time at the beach.

over whether

There was a lot of debate over whether we should go on the trip or stay home.

Forever and ever

I will love you forever and ever. They promised to be friends forever and ever. In my heart, you will stay forever and ever.

Eventually,

Eventually, she became the company’s CEO. He studied hard and eventually passed the exam.

Would rather

I would rather go for a walk than stay indoors. I would rather read a book than watch TV.

Something tells me

Something tells me that it will rain tomorrow. Something tells me this is going to be a great experience.

I can guarantee you

I can guarantee you that this product will meet your expectations.

You can be sure that

You can be sure that I will always support you in your decisions.

For starters

For starters, we need to gather all the materials before we start the project. For starters, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Talking to him feels like talking to an old friend

I have a strong desire to

I have a strong desire to learn new languages.

It feels like

When I listen to this song, it feels like I'm back in my childhood. It feels like summer already with this heat.

I sense that

I sense that something is wrong. I sense that she is upset.

I have the impression that

I have the impression that she’s unhappy with her job.

I feel like we should try a different approach.

like rather than

I like reading rather than watching television. She likes jogging rather than sitting at home all day. They enjoy traveling rather than staying in one place.

I’m looking forward to

I’m looking forward to meeting you at the conference.

I’m keen to

I’m keen to explore new opportunities. I’m keen to learn how to play the guitar.

As opposed to

He chose to play soccer as opposed to basketball. He likes action movies as opposed to romantic comedies.

Not less than

her project requires not less than 20 hours of work.

I can tell that

I can tell that you are excited about the trip. I can tell that he’s worried about something.

Instead

I didn’t go to the party; instead, I stayed home.

I would visit my grandmother every weekend when I was a child.

After that argument, I feel like everything’s falling apart.

Drop the Ball

I really dropped the ball on that project; I should have been more organized.

It serve someone right

She didn't study for the test, and it serves her right that she failed. He spent all his money gambling; it serves him right that he's broke now. They didn’t listen to advice, so it serves them right that they got lost.

feel like

I feel like going out for a walk to clear my mind. Do you feel like watching a movie tonight?

you had it coming..

After all those lies, you had it coming when nobody believed you. You kept pushing people away, so you had it coming when they stopped reaching out.

I will read a book instead of watching TV.

When I was a child, I would play outside every day.

What if

What if it rains tomorrow?

I feel like something’s not right here.

It serves you right

You didn’t lock the door; it serves you right that your bike was stolen.

that's what you get

You didn’t study for the exam, and that’s what you get for slacking off.

I’m eager to

I’m eager to start my new job.

I've got a good mind

I've got a good mind to start my own business after seeing how well hers is doing.

that's what you get.

You were gossiping about others, so that’s what you get when they don’t trust you anymore.

I long to

I long to travel the world.

It serves them right

They didn’t listen to advice, so it serves them right that they got lost.

Run errands

I need to run errands this afternoon, like picking up groceries and going to the bank. I need to run errands before the weekend.

You had it coming

After ignoring all the warnings, when the project failed, she realized she had it coming.

I've half a mind to

I've half a mind to quit my job if things don’t improve soon.

I yearn for

I yearn for the days when we could travel freely.

I feel as though

I feel as though I’ve met her before.

I got a mind to

I got a mind to travel more this year and explore new places.

I’m itching to

I’m itching to get started on this project.

I dread to think

I dread to think what would happen if we didn't prepare for the storm. I dread to think how much time I wasted on that project. I dread to think of the impact this decision could have on our future.

I can’t wait to

I can’t wait to go on vacation!

I'm dying to

I'm dying to see the new movie that just came out! I'm dying for a vacation; I need a break from work. I'm dying for some coffee; it's been a long night.

at the most

You should arrive by 5 PM; the meeting will last for an hour at the most. I can help you with your project for three hours at the most this weekend.

Hardly ever

I hardly ever eat junk food. She hardly ever goes to the movies. They hardly ever play outside in the winter.

happen to

Do you happen to see my keys anywhere? She happened to be at the same party as me.

I made my case

During the meeting, I made my case about the importance of teamwork.

he made his case

She made her case clearly, explaining all the benefits of the new policy.

Watch your back

When you go to that party, make sure to watch your back; you never know who might be there. She told him to watch his back after he had a disagreement with his coworker. In this business, you have to watch your back; not everyone is your friend.

just in case

He took some extra snacks just in case we get hungry on the trip.

couldn't help but

I couldn't help but smile when I saw the puppy. She couldn't help but laugh at the funny joke. They couldn't help but cheer when their team won the game.

Make (something) count

During your vacation, try to explore new places and make every moment count. To make each day count!

Don't get me wrong

Don't get me wrong, I like your idea, but I think we need to change a few things. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with you, but I also need some time for myself.

From time to time

I like to go hiking from time to time. She visits her grandparents from time to time. We have a family gathering from time to time.

Now and then

I like to go hiking now and then when I have free time. Now and then, I treat myself to a nice dinner. She visits her grandparents now and then on weekends.

Every now and again

We go to the beach every now and again, but not as often as we would like.

Every so often

Every so often, we have a family gathering to catch up.

Off and on / On and off

I have been studying off and on for the test this week. She works on and off at the café during the summer.

Un a while / In a little while / in a little bit

I'll call you back in a little while. Can you wait for me? I'll be there in a bit. Let's go to the park in a while when it stops raining.

As of today

As of today, the store is offering a special discount on all items.

at least

You should study for at least an hour every day to improve your grades. At least she was honest about her feelings, which is important in a relationship.

What good are

What good are these old shoes if they have holes in them? What good are promises if they are never kept? What good are these tools if we don’t know how to use them?

From (because, due to)

My back hurts from sitting too much. My stomach hurts from eating too much. She learned a lot from studying every day.

because of + ing / because of too much

He’s tired because of working too much. She got sick because of too much sugar. We canceled the picnic because of raining.

due to / as a result of (formal)

The pain increased due to sitting too long. He felt bad as a result of eating too much.

for a couple of years

They worked together on the project for a couple of years.

At the very least

At the very least, we should get together once a month.

than anybody ever knew

She cared for him more than anybody ever knew. The secret was deeper than anybody ever knew. His talent was greater than anybody ever knew.

without fail.

We need to mow our lawn today, without fail. We need to go shopping for food tomorrow, without fail.

In the past

In the past, our town was much smaller than it is now.

it is going to work out fine

Don’t worry about the presentation; it is going to work out fine in the end. Just follow the plan, and it is going to work out fine.

With all the respect

With all the respect, I think we should consider a different approach to this problem. With all the respect, your idea may not be the best solution for our project.

Let me get this straight

Let me get this straight: you want to go to the park after school, right? So, let me get this straight: you finished your homework, but you still want to play video games?

Don’t ever

Don’t ever forget to say thank you. Don’t ever lie to me again.

I can assure you that

I can assure you that your package will arrive on time.

Regardless of

Regardless of the weather, we will go to the park. Regardless of the challenges, she pursued her dreams.

has taken hold of

The excitement for the new game has taken hold of the entire school. Fear has taken hold of the community after the recent events. Her passion for painting has taken hold of her life, inspiring her to create every day.

rather than that

I’d choose to study rather than that.

back in the good old days

I remember back in the good old days when we would gather around the radio to listen to stories.

I'm humbled by your

I'm humbled by your kind words during my difficult time. I'm humbled by your generosity in helping those in need. I'm humbled by your support for my project.

Never ever

He promised to never ever lie to me again. I’ll never ever forget this day.

for a couple of

I will be there for a couple of hours. We need to wait for a couple of minutes before the show starts.

Just like in the old times

We used to play outside every day, just like in the old times.

once in a while

I like to go hiking once in a while. She visits her grandparents once in a while. We eat out at a restaurant once in a while.

on God's good humor

When the storm passed just in time for the picnic, we all felt we were on God's good humor. We managed to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant, all thanks to being on God's good humor.

The very

The very best cake I have ever tasted was at her birthday party. This is the very book I was looking for! He is the very person I wanted to talk to about the project.

The second (afterwards)

She finished her homework; the second, she played video games.

be nothing but

This book is nothing but a collection of old stories. Her excuse was nothing but a lie.

Next thing you know

We were just having fun at the park, and next thing you know, it started to rain.

Least of all

I thought everyone would enjoy the movie, least of all my brother, who hates action films. She was the last person to complain about the noise, least of all because she loves music.

No less than

You need no less than eight hours of sleep each night.

Not only... but also

He is not only a great singer, but also an amazing dancer. She is not only a skilled musician but also a great teacher

take on the world

After graduating, she felt ready to take on the world.

Cast your eyes over

Can you cast your eyes over this report before I submit it?

Other than the fact that

Other than the fact that it was raining, we had a great time at the picnic. Other than the fact that she was late, everything went smoothly during the meeting. Other than the fact that he is new, he is doing very well in his job.

for a couple of days

She borrowed my book for a couple of days and then returned it.

I ain't got nothing left to lose

She decided to go on the adventure, saying, "I ain't got nothing left to lose, so why not?

If ever

I will help you, if ever you need it. If ever you visit Paris, make sure to see the Eiffel Tower. If ever you need help, call me.

Let alone

He can't even cook a simple meal, let alone prepare a full dinner. I can barely afford a car, let alone a new house.

Bear the full burden alone

She decided to bear the full burden alone when her friends couldn't help her with the project. In times of crisis, some people choose to bear the full burden alone rather than

Fall through the cracks

The important email fell through the cracks, and I missed the deadline. Some students may fall through the cracks if they don’t get enough support

but rather

I don't want pizza, but rather a salad. She is not shy, but rather very outgoing. He didn't fail the test, but rather he got the highest score in the class.

Much as

Much as I love ice cream, I can't eat it every day. Much as I like you, I wouldn’t want to live with you.

From now onward

From now onward, we must stay focused.

Be cast away

In the movie, the main character is cast away and must learn to survive alone.

Back when

Back when I was a child, we played outside every day. Back when the store was open late, we could go shopping after dinner. Back when we lived in the city, we had so many friends nearby.

No one's ever

No one's ever seen a rainbow like that before. No one's ever told me that story. No one's ever finished the puzzle in under an hour.

(apartment, job, house) hunting

I am apartment hunting this weekend to find a new place to live. She is job hunting because she wants to change her career. They are house hunting in the city to find their dream home.

be supposed to

We were supposed to meet at the park, but it started raining. I am supposed to help my little brother with his project. I was supposed to meet my friend yesterday, but I forgot.

go rogue

One of the soldiers went rogue and attacked without orders. Fans loved when the hero went rogue against the corrupt system.

know my way around

After working here for a year, I really know my way around the office. She knows her way around computers, which helps her fix any issues quickly.

than ever

She is happier than ever since she moved to a new city. He feels stronger than ever after his training. This year, the team is performing better than ever.

Vouch for someone

He’s a good guy. I’ll vouch for him.

You better

You better finish your homework before playing video games. You better wear a jacket; it's cold outside. You better call your friend to apologize.

Eventually.

Don’t worry, they’ll find out eventually. Eventually, technology will replace this method.

plenty of

There are plenty of apples in the basket. We have plenty of time to finish the project. She has plenty of friends in her new school.

Bask in the

After a long winter, we love to bask in the warm sunshine. She basked in the applause after her amazing performance.

be no longer

The store is no longer open on Sundays. She is no longer interested in playing soccer. They are no longer friends after the argument.

is coming up

My birthday is coming up, and I can't wait to celebrate! The deadline for the project is coming up soon.

when it comes to

When it comes to sports, I prefer soccer. When it comes to studying, I like to have a quiet place. When it comes to food, she loves Italian cuisine.

keep track

It's important to keep track of your homework assignments. I'm keeping track of the guest list.

was at risk of

The patient was at risk of developing complications after the surgery. The project was at risk of failing due to lack of funding. I was at risk of dying because them.

be out of the loop

I’m out of the loop. What happened? I’m not caught up on that yet. Man, you’re out of the loop. (Cara, você tá por fora.) I'm out of the loop. I need to keep up with the news. (Tô por fora. Preciso me atualizar nas notícias.)

keep up with the topic / subject

I like to keep up with the topic. I try to stay on top of the subject. (Tento me manter por dentro do assunto.) I’m up to date on this topic. (Estou por dentro desse assunto.)

stay/be in the loop

I like to stay in the loop. (Gosto de ficar por dentro.) I like to be in the loop about everything. (Gosto de estar por dentro de tudo.)

we’ve been asked to

We’ve been asked to help with the school project.