Expression Cards: idiom
327 cards available.
idiom
soft power
Meaning
a country's ability to influence others through culture or values rather than force
Example
Japan uses **soft power** to promote its culture worldwide.
idiom
soft sell
Meaning
a subtle and persuasive way of selling without pressure
Example
They used a **soft sell** strategy to gain customer trust.
idiom
soft spot for someone
Meaning
to feel affection or kindness towards someone
Example
He has a **soft spot for** stray animals.
idiom
sorry sight
Meaning
something or someone that looks pitiful or regrettable
Example
After the storm, the park was a **sorry sight**.
idiom
sort out
Meaning
to organize or resolve a confusing situation
Example
We need to **sort out** this billing error today.
idiom
sort through
Meaning
to organize by separating what is needed from what is not
Example
Let’s **sort through** the survey responses this afternoon.
idiom
sound bite
Meaning
a short and catchy quote used in media coverage
Example
The politician’s **sound bite** went viral on social media.
idiom
sound off
Meaning
to express an opinion loudly or strongly
Example
Feel free to **sound off** during the feedback session.
idiom
sound out
Meaning
to quietly discover what people think
Example
She will **sound out** the team before making changes.
idiom
sour grapes
Meaning
pretending to dislike something you can’t have
Example
His comments about the award being unfair are just **sour grapes**.
idiom
source close to the matter
Meaning
an unidentified but informed source
Example
A **source close to the matter** confirmed the rumor.
idiom
Sow the seeds
Meaning
To begin a process that will develop in the future.
Example
Her small donations **sowed the seeds** of a larger charity movement.
idiom
sow the seeds of something
Meaning
to begin a process that leads to a result
Example
His actions **sowed the seeds of** mistrust among the team.
idiom
space out
Meaning
to stop paying attention
Example
He tends to **space out** during long meetings.
idiom
spaced out
Meaning
not paying attention; lost in thought
Example
He looked completely **spaced out** during the meeting.
idiom
spam someone
Meaning
to send too many messages or unnecessary information
Example
Don’t **spam me** with notifications every minute!
idiom
spark an idea
Meaning
to cause someone to have a new thought or idea
Example
That movie **sparked an idea** for my next project.
idiom
Speak from the heart
Meaning
To speak honestly and sincerely.
Example
When he apologized, he really **spoke from the heart**.
idiom
speak of the devil
Meaning
said when someone appears just as you mention them
Example
**Speak of the devil**, here comes John now!
idiom
speak one’s mind
Meaning
to say exactly what one thinks
Example
She always **speaks her mind**, even if it offends people.
idiom
speak out
Meaning
to express an opinion openly and boldly
Example
Employees are encouraged to **speak out** about improvements.
idiom
Speak the truth
Meaning
To tell the truth without lying.
Example
She decided to **speak the truth** no matter what the consequences were.
idiom
Speak the truth and shame the devil
Meaning
Speak the truth even if it may cause trouble or discomfort.
Example
She always believes that **speak the truth and shame the devil** is the right way.
idiom
speak up
Meaning
to express an opinion openly and clearly
Example
If you disagree, please **speak up** during the meeting.