GET YOUR OWN BACK means to get some kind of revenge, to do or get something in return for a bad thing someone did to you. For Example: The director has been unfair to the teachers all week, so here’s your chance to prove you’re right and get your own back. I hope you haven’t […]

BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF means that you are happy someone or something unpleasant is finished or gone. For Example: Last night we had a farewell party for John, but to be honest I’m glad to see the back of him. (Meaning I’m glad he is gone). Christmas came and went and Ruth […]

UP IN ARMS means that there is strong opposition or anger against something. For Example: “We heard the news over the radio at lunch break and I tell you, we were really up in arms about it.” (Meaning they strongly disagreed with the news on the radio). When their children have to go to a […]

A GREY AREA means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement. For Example: “We have always had a professional attitude to copyrighted texts, but online copyright is still a bit of a grey area.” Many people think they know what right and wrong are, but on closer examination it’s usually a grey […]

GO APE is an informal expression meaning to just lose control and become really angry or excited. For Example: When I told him we had tickets to see the rock concert on Saturday, he just went ape. (Meaning he was really excited). He’s a really nice guy, but just don’t talk about his old boss […]

IN THE AIR means people have a general feeling or expectation that something will happen in the near future. This feeling among people is often not clearly defined. For Example: No one knew for sure what was going to happen that summer, but a change was in the air. On the outside everyone seemed happy […]

To CLEAR THE AIR means to somehow resolve a difficult situation between people. It is especially used for talking openly about problems, or being patient and waiting for bad feelings to lessen. For Example: “Sharon’s been ignoring me all week because of what I said to her, but we finally talked this morning and it […]

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS means that what someone says is different from from what they do. It is often used when someone makes a promise but then doesn’t keep it. For Example: “Dad, I promise I’ll be on time for class and do all my homework as soon as I get it.” “Well that […]

A PIECE OF THE ACTION means that someone wants to be involved in some popular or beneficial social activity. For Example: Due to the team’s success in recent games ticket sales have soared, and it seems everyone wants a piece of the action. – (Meaning lots of people want to see the team.) Studying online […]

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT means that someone needs to do much better, especially because they are behaving unacceptably. For Example: John’s been late for work almost every day this week, and he always stays out late with his friends. He needs to clean up his act, or he’ll lose his job. The recent scandal yet […]