English expression
Play it safe
Meaning
Choose a cautious option to avoid risk.
In a sentence
Let’s play it safe and take the earlier bus.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
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THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
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English expression
Play second fiddle
Meaning
Have a less important or less powerful role than someone else.
In a sentence
After years of playing second fiddle, Noor wanted to lead a project herself.
English expression
Have other fish to fry
Meaning
Have more important things to do.
In a sentence
I’m not joining that argument; I have other fish to fry.
English expression
Odds and ends
Meaning
A collection of small, miscellaneous things, often of little importance or value.
In a sentence
There are a few odds and ends in the drawer, including old keys and spare buttons.
English expression
Over your head
Meaning
Too difficult for you to understand.
In a sentence
The advanced statistics section was over my head.
English expression
Out of sorts
Meaning
In an unhappy or unsettled mood.
In a sentence
I’ve been out of sorts since that frustrating meeting.
English expression
Out of practice
Meaning
Less skilled or fluent because you have not done an activity recently.
In a sentence
I can still play the piano, but I’m out of practice.
English expression
Out of the ordinary
Meaning
Different from what is usual or expected.
In a sentence
We wanted a birthday activity that was a little out of the ordinary.
English expression
Out for the count
Meaning
Deeply asleep, often after becoming very tired.
In a sentence
After the early flight, I was out for the count before dinner.
English expression
On the whole
Meaning
Generally, when considering everything together.
In a sentence
On the whole, the new timetable works well for our group.
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