Common English Expression

Sources: http://www.espressoenglish.net/wp-content/uploads/free/500-Real-English-Phrases.pdf

Beginner Phrases

Ways to Say Hello & Goodbye

• Hello
• Hi
• (informal) Hey
• Hi there
• (informal) Howdy
• Bye
• Bye-bye
• (informal) See ya later
• Take care
• Have a good one

Informal Ways to Say Yes and No

• Yeah
• Yup
• Mm-hmm!
• Uh-huh!
• Sure!
• Nope
• Nah
• Mm-mm
• Uh-uh
• No way!

Ways to Ask How Someone Is

• How are you?
• How’s it going?
• How ya doin’?
• How are things?
• How’s life?
• How have you been?
• How’s your family?
• What’s up?
• What’s new?
• What have you been up to lately?

Ways to Say How You Are

• I’m fine, thanks. How about you?
• Pretty good.
• Not bad.
• Great!
• Couldn’t be better!
• Can’t complain.
• I’ve been busy.
• Same as always.
• Not so great.
• Could be better.
• Note: The way to respond to “What’s up?” and “What’s new?” is typically “Not much.”

Ways to Say Thank You

• Thanks.
• Thanks a lot.
• Thank you so much.
• Thanks a million!
• Thanks for your help.
• Thanks for helping me.
• I really appreciate it.
• I’m really grateful.
• That’s so kind of you.
• I can’t thank you enough. (for extremely important things)
• I owe you one. (this means you want/need to do a favor for the other person in the future)

Ways to Respond to “Thank You”

• You’re welcome.
• No problem.
• No worries.
• Don’t mention it.
• My pleasure.
• Anytime.
• It was the least I could do.
• Glad to help.
• Sure!
• Thank you. (use this when you ALSO have something to thank the other person for)

Phrases for Apologizing

• I’m sorry that… [ex. I was so rude yesterday]
• It’s my fault. (= I am taking responsibility for the problem)
• Oops, sorry. (for very small problems)
• I should have… [ex. called you and told you I’d be late]
• (formal) I apologize for… [ex. the delay]

Ways to Respond to an Apology

• That’s OK.
• It happens.
• No problem.
• Don’t worry about it.
• I forgive you. (for serious problems)

Phrases for Introductions

• I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m… [your name]
• I don’t think we’ve met before. My name’s… [your name]
• This is…
• I’d like you to meet…
• Have you met… ?
• I’d like to introduce you to…
• Nice to meet you.
• It’s a pleasure to meet you.
• Likewise.
• And you.
• #1 and #2 are used to introduce yourself; #3-#6 are used to introduce someone else. #9 and #10 can be used as a response to #7 and #8.

Ways to Show Interest

• Really?
• That’s interesting.
• Uh-huh.
• Right.
• Gotcha.
• Sure.
•    You can use these phrases to show the other person that you are listening.

Ways to End a Conversation Politely

• It was nice chatting with you.
• Well, it’s getting late.
• Anyway, I should get going.
• (formal) Sorry, but I’m afraid I need to…
• I’m sorry to cut you off, but I actually gotta run. (cut you off = interrupt you)

Phrases for Telephone Calls

• Hi, this is Jane.
• (formal) May I speak with John Smith?
• (informal) Is John there?
• I’m calling about…
• I’m returning your call.
• (formal) One moment, please.
• (informal) Hang on a sec.
• He’s not here. Would you like to leave a message?
• Could you ask him to call me back?
• Thanks for calling.

Phrases for Asking for Information

• Can you tell me...?
• Could you tell me...?
• I'd like to know...
• Do you know...
• Do you have any idea...?
• Could anyone tell me...? (use this phrase when asking a group of people)
• Would you happen to know...?
• I don't suppose you (would) know...?
• I was wondering…
• I’m calling to find out… (use this phrase on the telephone)
•      Use #4, #5, #7, and #8 when you’re not sure if the other person has the information.

Ways to Say “I don’t know”

• I have no idea/clue.
• I can’t help you there.
• (informal) Beats me.
• I’m not really sure.
• I’ve been wondering that, too.

Phrases for Asking for Someone’s Opinion & Giving Your Opinion

• What do you think about...?
• How do you feel about…?
• What's your opinion of...?
• What are your views on...?
• In my opinion…
• I'd say...
• Personally, I think/believe...
• If you ask me...
• The way I see it...
• From my point of view…

Phrases for Not Having an Opinion

• I’ve never given it much thought.
• I don’t have strong feelings either way.
• It doesn’t make any difference to me.
• I have no opinion on the matter.
• (very informal) Whatever.

Phrases for Agreeing

• Exactly.
• Absolutely.
• That’s so true.
• That’s for sure.
• I agree 100%
• I couldn’t agree with you more.
• That’s exactly what I think. / That’s exactly how I feel.
• (informal) Tell me about it! / You’re telling me!
• (informal) I’ll say!
• I suppose so. (use this phrase for weak agreement – you agree, but reluctantly)
• Note: Avoid the common error of saying “I’m agree” – the correct phrase is “I agree” or “I’m in agreement” – the second one is more formal.

Phrases for Disagreeing

• I don’t think so.
• I beg to differ.
• I’m afraid I don’t agree.
• I’m not so sure about that.
• That’s not how I see it.
• Not necessarily.
• Yes, but… [say your opinion]
• On the contrary.
• (very informal) No way!
• (very strong) I totally disagree.

Phrases for Responding to Good News

• Congratulations!
• That’s great!
• How wonderful!
• Awesome!
• I’m so happy for you!

Phrases for Responding to Bad News

• Oh no…
• That’s terrible.
• Poor you. (Use this to respond to bad situations that are not too serious)
• I’m so sorry to hear that.
• I’m sorry for your loss. (Use this only if someone has died)

Phrases for Invitations

• Are you free… [Saturday night?]
• Are you doing anything… [Saturday night?]
• Let me check my calendar.
• (informal) Do you wanna… [see a movie?]
• (formal) Would you like to… [join me for dinner?]
• I’d love to!
• Sounds great!
• I’d love to, but I have another commitment.
• I don’t think I can.
• Maybe another time.

Ways to Make & Respond to an Offer

• (more formal) Would you like a drink?
• (informal) Do you want some water?
• Can I get you something to eat?
• That’d be great, thanks. (= yes)
• No, thanks. I’m OK. (= no)

Phrases for Talking About Future Plans

• I’m going to…
• I’m planning to…
• I hope to…
• I’d like to…
• I might… / I may… 
• I’m thinking about…

Ways to Talk about Likes & Dislikes

• I love… [soccer]
• I’m really into… [soccer]
• I live for… [soccer]
• [soccer] is my thing.
• I’m crazy about… [soccer]
• I’m not a huge fan of… [modern art]
• [Modern art] isn’t my cup of tea.
• I don’t really care for… [modern art]
• I’m not into… [modern art]
• I can’t stand… [modern art] (this phrase expresses strong dislike)

Ways to Make a Suggestion

• How about… [ex. trying something new]?
• Why don’t you… [ex. talk to your boss]?
• Maybe we should… [ex. do more research].
• I’d recommend… [ex. going to the doctor].
• Have you thought about… [ex. buying a new computer]?

Phrases for Asking/Talking about Jobs

• Where do you work?
• What do you do? / What do you do for a living?
• I work at… [Microsoft].
• I’m a/an… [accountant].
• I’m unemployed. / I’m between jobs at the moment.
• I’m looking for work.
• I’m a stay-at-home mom/dad.
• I run my own business.
• I’m a freelance… [writer/designer/etc.]
• I’m retired.

Phrases for Describing Relationships

• I’m single.
• I have a boyfriend/girlfriend.
• We’re engaged. (= going to get married)
• We’re getting married in June.
• I’m married.
• I’ve been married for… [10 years].
• I’m divorced.
• I’m widowed. (= my husband/wife has died)
• I’m not looking for anything serious.
• I’m not quite over my ex. (= I still have feelings for my ex-boyfriend/girlfriend or ex-husband/wife)

Intermediate Phrases

Ways to Ask for Clarification

• Pardon? (if you didn’t hear or understand what the person said)
• Would you mind repeating that?
• What do you mean? (asking for more information)
• I’m not sure I follow you. (= I don’t understand)
• Could you explain… ?

Ways to Check if the Other Person Understands You

• Do you understand what I’m saying?
• Does that make sense?
• Do you know what I mean?
• Are you with me so far? (often used in the middle of a long explanation or instructions)
• Is that clear? (often used after giving orders, or expressing disapproval or another negative attitude)

Ways to Ask for Help

• I need a little help.
• Could you help me out?
• Could you give me a hand? (usually used for physical tasks)
• Could you spare a couple minutes?
• Could you do me a favor?

Ways to Ask Someone Else to Do Something

• (more formal) Would you mind… [opening the window]?
• Could you please… [turn off the lights]?
• (informal) Can you… [pass me the chicken]?
• Please… [send me the information].
• I’d appreciate it if you could… [wash the dishes].

Ways to Interrupt Someone

• Sorry to interrupt, but…
• Excuse me – could I talk to you for a minute? / do you have a minute? (when interrupting a conversation between two other people, to talk to one of them)
• Could I jump in here? (use this when interrupting a discussion among many people)
• Sorry – I just want to say that…
• (formal) May I have a word?

Ways to Encourage Someone

• Keep up the good work!
• That was a nice try. (say this after someone made a good effort but failed)
• That’s a real improvement.
• You’re on the right track.
• You’ve almost got it.
• You’re doing great.
• Don’t give up! / Hang in there! (when someone is currently having difficulties)
• You can do it!
• Give it your best shot. (best shot = best try, best effort)
• Nice job! / You did great! (after the person has done something good)

Phrases for Complaining

• I’m not happy about this.
• I’m sorry, but this is unacceptable.
• I’m not very satisfied with... [ex. this product / this situation]
• (informal) I can’t stand it when… [ex. the internet is slow]
• (informal) This sucks.

Phrases for Remembering, Reminding, & Forgetting

• I’ll always remember… / I’ll never forget…
• If I remember correctly… / As far as I can recall…
• I have a vague recollection of…
• It’s on the tip of my tongue. (=I’m trying to remember, but I can’t quite remember)
• My mind went blank. (= I couldn’t remember/think of anything)
• It doesn’t ring a bell. (=it doesn’t sound familiar)
• Please remember to… / Please don’t forget to…
• I’d like to remind you about…
• You haven’t forgotten to/about… have you?
• It completely slipped my mind! (= I completely forgot about it!)

Phrases for Saying Something is Easy & Difficult

• It’s a piece of cake.
• It’s a cinch.
• It’s a breeze.
• Anyone can do it.
• There’s nothing to it.
• It’s hard.
• It’s a bit tricky.
• It’s really tough.
• It’s not a walk in the park.
• It’s very demanding. (= it takes a lot of time and energy)

Expressions about Age

• She’s in her early twenties. (=20-23 years old)
• He’s in his late thirties. (=37-39 years old)
• She just turned six.
• Act your age! (use this when an adult is being immature, acting like a child)
• I’m not as young as I used to be.
• I’m not over the hill yet! (over the hill = an informal expression to say “old”)
• He’s no spring chicken. (= he’s not young)
• She’s wise beyond her years. (she is young, but she has the wisdom of an older person)
• I’m having a senior moment. (= I’m being forgetful)
• He lived to a ripe old age. (= a very old age)

Phrases for Shopping

• Do you have… ?
• Where can I find… ?
• I’m just browsing. (browsing = looking casually)
• I’m looking for…
• How much is this?
• Is this on sale?
• Can I try it on? (use this to ask if you can put on clothing to see if it’s the right size)
• I’ll take it!
• Do you take credit cards?
• I’d like to return/exchange this.

Phrases for Talking about Food

• I’m starving! (= I’m very hungry)
• Let’s grab a bite to eat.
• How about eating out tonight? (eat out = eat at a restaurant)
• I brought some snacks.
• This soup is delicious!
• Could I have another helping of… [potatoes]? (another helping = another portion)
• I’ll have… (use this phrase for ordering in a restaurant)
• Could we get the check, please?
• I’m full. (= I’m satisfied)
• I’m stuffed. (= I ate a LOT, maybe too much!)

Phrases for Talking About TV

• Where’s the remote? (remote = remote control)
• Is there anything good on?
• Can I change the channel?
• I’ve already seen this episode.
• This is a rerun. (rerun = an old episode that was already shown on TV previously)
• I love this show!
• There are too many commercials.
• Stop channel-surfing. (channel-surfing = changing the channel quickly)
• Check the TV guide. (the TV guide has the information about the TV programming and schedule)
• It’s the season finale! (= the final episode of the season)

Phrases You’ll Hear in the Airport

• Do you have any bags to check?
• Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat? (aisle = corridor)
• Here’s your boarding pass. (boarding pass = the paper that permits you to enter the plane)
• Your flight leaves from gate 15.
• Your seat number is 8F.
• Flight 800 is now boarding. (boarding = passengers can enter the plane)
• Your flight has been delayed.
• Your flight has been canceled.
• This is the final call for flight 800.
• What is the purpose of your trip?

Ways to Talk About Price

• It cost a fortune.
• It cost an arm and a leg.
• That’s a rip-off. (= overpriced; far more expensive than it should be)
• I can’t afford it. (= I don’t have enough money to buy it)
• That’s a bit pricey.
• That’s quite reasonable. (= it’s a good price)
• It’s 20% off. (= there’s a 20% discount)
• That’s a good deal. (= a good value for the amount of money)
• It was a real bargain.
• It was dirt cheap. (= extremely inexpensive) More Travel English: http://www.espressoenglish.net/travel-english-conversations-in-the-airport

Phrases for Hot Weather

• It’s nice and warm today.
• It’s absolutely boiling! (boiling = extremely hot)
• We’re having a real heat wave. (heat wave = many consecutive days of hot weather)
• The sun’s really strong today.
• It’s hot and humid.

Phrases for Cold Weather

• It’s a little chilly.
• It’s freezing. (= extremely cold)
• The temperature’s dropping.
• Make sure to bundle up. (bundle up = put on warm clothes for protection against the cold)
• We’re expecting some winter weather. (winter weather = snow, hail, sleet, ice, etc.)

Phrases for Talking about Rain

• It’s drizzling. (= raining lightly)
• It’s pouring. (= raining heavily)
• It’s raining cats and dogs. (= raining heavily)
• I got caught in a downpour.
• I think the rain’s letting up. (letting up = getting lighter and stopping)

Ways to Say You’re Tired

• I’m exhausted.
• I’m dead tired.
• I’m pooped.
• I’m spent.
• I’m beat.
• I’m running on fumes. / I’m running on empty.
• I can hardly keep my eyes open.
• I’m off to bed.
• I’m gonna hit the sack. (hit the sack = go to bed)
• It’s bedtime for me.

Phrases for Promises & Resolutions

• I really should…
• I promise that I’ll…
• I swear I’ll / I won’t… (a very strong promise)
• No matter what happens, I’m going to…
• Come hell or high water, I’ll…
• #4 and #5 express your determination to do something, even if obstacles appear.

Excuses for Being Late

• Sorry I’m late.
• I overslept. (= I slept longer than I should have)
• My alarm didn’t go off.
• I had to wait ages for a bus. (ages = a very long time)
• The bus was late.
• The traffic was terrible.
• I couldn’t find a parking spot.
• I got lost coming here.
• I was tied up in a meeting. (tied up = occupied, impossible to escape)
• I just lost track of time. (= I didn’t notice what time it was)

Ways to Say Someone is Correct

• That’s right.
• That’s spot on.
• You’ve hit the nail on the head. / You’ve nailed it.
• I suppose so. (use this when you agree, but you are not completely convinced)
• I’m afraid you’re right. (use this in response to bad news, to say the bad news is correct)

Ways to Say Someone is Wrong

• I’m afraid that’s not quite right.
• I’m afraid you’re mistaken.
• No, you’ve got it wrong.
• No, that’s all wrong.
• (informal – rude) Baloney. / Bullshit.

Ways to Say Someone is Smart

• He’s really sharp.
• She’s brilliant.
• He’s very bright.
• She’s a genius.
• He’s a smart cookie.

Ways to Say Someone is Stupid

• He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
• She’s a few cards short of a deck.
• He’s a bit slow.
• She’s a complete idiot.
• He’s really dumb.

Advanced Phrases

Ways to Avoid Answering a Question

• No comment.
• I’m not at liberty to say. (= I don’t have permission to give the information)
• Wait and see. (= you will discover the answer later)
• Let me get back to you. (= I will give you the answer later)
• I’m sorry, that’s confidential.
• I’m sorry, that’s personal.
• I’d rather not talk about it.
• It’s none of your business.
• Mind your own business.
• Why do you want to know?
• #8 and #9 are rather rude – telling the other person to stop inquiring about your life

Phrases for Being Rich & Poor

• He’s short on cash.
• He’s broke. (= he has no money)
• His bank account is overdrawn.
• He’s just scraping by. (= he is just barely surviving on little money)
• He makes minimum wage. (= he earns the minimum salary)
• He’s pinching pennies.
• He’s scrimping and saving.
• She’s very wealthy.
• She’s quite well-off.
• She’s loaded.
• She’s filthy rich.
• She inherited a fortune.
• She’s making a killing.
• She’s raking in the cash.
• She’s rolling in dough.
• #6 and #7 express the idea that the person is trying to conserve money, when they have very little money.

Phrases for Talking about Statistics

• The crime rate rose.
• The crime rate went up.
• There was a sharp increase in crime. (sharp = sudden and large)
• There was a gradual rise in crime.
• There was a spike in crime. (spike = a sudden increase and then decrease)
• The crime rate reached its peak. (peak = the highest point)
• The crime rate plateaued. (plateaued = stayed at the same level)
• There was a slight decrease in crime.
• The crime rate dropped.
• The crime rate plummeted. (= decreased a lot, very quickly)

Ways to Say Someone’s Talented

• She was born to… [dance].
• He’s a natural.
• She could do it in her sleep.
• He knows it inside out.
• She knows [New York] like the back of her hand.
• She’s a walking encyclopedia of… [philosophy].
• He’s in a class of his own.
• He’s the best in the business.
• She’s very gifted.
• He’s a [chemistry] whiz.

Phrases for Telling Someone to Wait

• Could you give me a minute?
• (informal) Hang on a sec / Just a sec.
• Hold on...
• Let me see/think…
• I'll be right with you.
• Bear with me.
• That’ll have to wait.
• Be patient.
• Not so fast!
• Hold your horses!
• #9 and #10 are used for cautioning someone to wait and not make a bad decision or take reckless action.

Phrases for Estimating & Guessing

• If I had to take a guess, I’d say… [she’s about 35 years old].
• It’s difficult to say, but I think… [our customers are more satisfied].
• Off the top of my head, I’d say… [the company has 500 employees]. (= what I remember/estimate, without checking the actual statistics)
• It’s about… [10 miles away].
• It’s around… [three hours long].
• I wouldn’t be surprised if… [Peter asks Jill to marry him].
• There’s a good chance… [it’ll rain tomorrow].
• I have a feeling/hunch… [the boss won’t be happy about this]. (hunch = an instinctive feeling)
• I bet… [he’ll be late].
• Your guess is as good as mine. (= I don’t know)

Phrases for Decisions

• I’m debating between… [option A and option B]
• I can’t make up my mind.
• I’m on the fence. (= I’m in the middle, I don’t know what to decide)
• I’ll take that into consideration.
• On the other hand…
• I’m having second thoughts. (= I’m reconsidering my decision)
• I changed my mind.
• He convinced/persuaded me to…
• Looking back, I know it was the right decision.
• It’s up to you. (= You can decide)

Phrases for Good Luck & Bad Luck

• Good luck!
• Better luck next time. (say this after someone fails, and you hope they do better next time)
• Just my luck! (this is a sarcastic phrase meaning that something UNLUCKY happened)
• Lucky you!
• That was a stroke of luck. (= a sudden event of good luck)
• Some people have all the luck. (say this when someone else is constantly lucky, and you feel like you’re not lucky)
• As luck would have it… (= by chance)
• He’s down on his luck. (= he’s having a long period of bad luck or difficulty)
• No such luck. (= something good that could have happened, didn’t happen)
• What rotten luck!

Phrases for Worries & Relief

• I’m scared that…
• I can’t help thinking that… (use this for thoughts that you try to avoid, but they keep coming into your mind)
• It’s been keeping me up at night. (use this when you’re so worried about something that you can’t sleep)
• What if… ?
• Whew!
• Thank goodness!
• What a relief!
• You had me worried for a moment.
• You have no idea what a relief it is.
• That’s a huge load off my mind.

Phrases for Talking about the Future

• It’ll happen any day now.
• It’s right around the corner.
• …in the near future.
• It will/won’t happen in our lifetime. (= in the next 40-50 years)
• It’s a sign/taste of things to come. (= it indicates how things will be in the future)
• I’m counting down the days until… (= I’m excited about the future event, I can’t wait for it to happen)
• Sooner or later… / It’s bound to happen eventually. (= it will definitely happen sometime in the future)
• I’ll get around to it. (= I’ll do it sometime in the future, but I don’t know exactly when)
• I’ll do it right away. / I’ll get right on it. (= I’ll do it immediately)
• Time will tell. (in the future, we will know if something is true/false or good/bad)
• #1, #2, and #3 are used to say something will happen soon.

Phrases for Compliments

• You look nice. / You look amazing!
• What a beautiful [necklace/dress/etc.]!
• I like your [shirt/shoes/haircut/etc.]
• The lasagna is delicious.
• You’re a fantastic cook.
• My compliments to the chef!
• What a nice apartment!
• You have a beautiful home.
• He’s/She’s so cute!
• Your kids are a lot of fun.
• #1-3 are used for complimenting a person’s appearance #4-6 for complimenting a person’s cooking #7-8 for complimenting a person’s home #9-10 for complimenting a person’s children.

Phrases for Certainty & Probability

• I’m absolutely sure.
• I’m positive that…
• I have no doubt that…
• I’m a hundred percent certain.
• I’m convinced that…
• Chances are that… (= this will probably happen)
• Odds are that… (= this will probably happen)
• I seriously doubt it.
• I don’t think so.
• Probably not.
• It’s not very likely.
• There’s not much chance of that.
• I’d be very surprised if that happened.
• I wouldn’t bet on it. (= there’s a small chance it could happen… but it probably won’t happen)
• That’ll never happen.

Ways to Say Something is Interesting/Boring

• It’s fascinating.
• It’s intriguing.
• I couldn’t tear myself away.
• I couldn’t put it down. (this phrase is used for en extremely interesting book)
• I was so into it, I lost track of time.
• It does nothing for me.
• I was bored to tears.
• I was bored to death.
• I was dying of boredom.
• It’s about as exciting as watching paint dry. (= it’s very boring)

Phrases for Cheering Someone Up

• What’s the matter?
• What’s wrong?
• Are you all right?
• You look a bit down. (= a little sad)
• Is there anything I can do to help?
• Cheer up! / Chin up!
• It’s not so bad.
• Everything will be OK.
• Look on the bright side. (= consider the positive aspects)
• It’s not the end of the world. (this phrase is used when someone is upset about something small and trivial)

Phrases for Disappointment

• What a pity!
• What a shame.
• How disappointing.
• That’s too bad.
• Bummer.
• It was a real letdown.
• It didn’t live up to my expectations.

Ways to Say You Don’t Believe Someone

• Yeah, right.
• You're kidding.
• You're pulling my leg.
• That's a bit of an exaggeration.
• He’s stretching the truth.
• He’s not telling the whole truth.
• She’s being economical with the truth. (= she’s lying or not telling the entire truth)
• His story is fishy.
• That's an outright lie.
• That's a pack of lies.

Expressions for Bad People

• He’s a creep. (= unpleasant, suspicious, makes you afraid/uneasy)
• He’s a pervert. (= someone with disgusting sexual tendencies)
• He’s a sicko.
• He’s a scumbag.
• He’s an asshole.
• He’s a jerk.
• He’s a bastard.
• She’s a bitch. (= she’s irritating and unpleasant)
• She’s a psycho. (= crazy, irrational)
• She’s a slut. (= she has sex with a lot of people)

Words for Describing Speaking

• He yelled.
• She screamed.
• I whispered. (= spoke in an extremely quiet voice)
• We chatted. (= had an informal conversation)
• He mumbled. (= spoke in a low voice, not clearly, without opening his mouth much)
• My kids whined. (= complained)
• He rambled. / He went on and on. (= talked too much without stopping)
• She stammered.
• I snapped at my husband. (= said a quick and angry remark)
• He muttered. (= spoke in a low voice, usually making complaints or negative comments)

Phrases for Facial Expressions

• She was beaming. (= she had a big, radiant smile)
• The kids were smiling from ear to ear.
• He looked puzzled. (= confused)
• She grinned. (= had a small smile)
• He winced when the doctor gave him an injection. (= had a quick expression of pain)
• She gave me a dirty look. (= looked at me angrily)
• She blushed. (= her face turned red because she was embarrassed)
• His eyes were glazed over. (= he appeared
• Why the long face? (an informal expression to ask why someone looks sad or upset)
• Her expression was unreadable. (= you can’t know what she is feeling)

Phrases to Describe Offending or Upsetting People

• They got off on the wrong foot. (= when they first met, they didn’t get along)
• He got on the teacher’s bad side.
• She took offense at his comment.
• He has a chip on his shoulder. (= he is easily offended)
• She got bent out of shape.
• He left in a huff.
• She got her panties in a wad.
• He has a short fuse. (= he gets angry easily)
• She dissed my mother. (= she insulted/disrespected my mother)
• He got his nose out of joint.
• #5, #7, #10 all mean the person got irritated/annoyed

Phrases for Bad Travel Experiences

• My flight was overbooked. (overbooked = there were too many passengers and not enough seats)
• My flight was delayed/canceled.
• My luggage was lost.
• I was jet-lagged. (= I felt tired because of the time zone difference between my origin and destination)
• My hotel was in a seedy area. (seedy = possibly unsafe)
• I was mugged. (= I was robbed on the street)
• The weather was miserable.
• I got the runs. (= diarrhea)
• The place was a tourist trap. (= made only for tourists; not authentic)
• I couldn’t wait to get back home.

Phrases for Drinking (Alcohol)

• It’s on me. (= I’ll buy you a drink)
• I’d like to make a toast. (= I’d like to honor a person/event/idea)
• Here’s to… (your health / the New Year / our success)!
• Another round of drinks, please.
• Put it on my tab. (tab = bill to pay later, before you leave)
• He’s a bit tipsy. (= a little bit drunk)
• He’s completely sloshed/wasted/plastered. (= completely drunk)
• She’s trying to drown her sorrows. (= drinking alcohol for relief from pain/sadness)
• I’m the designated driver. (= I’m not drinking alcohol because I will drive other people home later)
• I had a hangover. / I was hung over. (= the bad feeling you have the morning after drinking too much)

Comparative Idioms

• It’s as light as a feather.
• It’s as dry as a bone.
• It’s as flat as a pancake.
• He’s as mad as a hornet.
• It’s as old as the hills.
• It’s as quick as lightning.
• She’s as sick as a dog.
• He’s as strong as an ox.
• They’re as different as night and day.
• She’s as stubborn as a mule.
• He’s as proud as a peacock.
• She’s as white as a sheet. (usually used when someone is very afraid or very sick)
• It’s as solid as a rock.
• It’s as good as new. (used after something broken has been repaired)
• It’s as clear as mud. (= it’s not clear at all)