English expression
Bring the house down
Meaning
To make an audience laugh or applaud very enthusiastically.
In a sentence
The final song brought the house down at the school concert.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
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THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
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English expression
Break new ground
Meaning
To do or discover something new, rather than simply follow established methods.
In a sentence
The student team hopes to break new ground with its recycling design.
English expression
Blow hot and cold
Meaning
To keep changing between enthusiasm and a lack of interest, making your feelings unclear.
In a sentence
Sam keeps blowing hot and cold about joining the course.
English expression
Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning
People with similar interests or characteristics tend to spend time together.
In a sentence
The keen gardeners all chose the same table—birds of a feather flock together.
English expression
Better safe than sorry
Meaning
It is better to take a precaution than to risk a problem you may regret.
In a sentence
I saved a second copy of the presentation—better safe than sorry.
English expression
Below the belt
Meaning
Unfair and insulting, especially in a personal remark during an argument.
In a sentence
Mocking her accent during the debate was below the belt.
English expression
Behind the times
Meaning
Old-fashioned or no longer up to date.
In a sentence
Our paper-only booking system is behind the times.
English expression
Back to basics
Meaning
Returning attention to the simplest and most important parts of something.
In a sentence
We went back to basics and practised writing clear topic sentences.
English expression
At your wits’ end
Meaning
So worried, frustrated or confused that you do not know what to do next.
In a sentence
I was at my wits’ end after the printer failed for the fifth time.
English expression
At sixes and sevens
Meaning
Confused or badly organised.
In a sentence
We were at sixes and sevens after the office move.
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