Expressions

English Expressions, Idioms & Phrasal Verbs | Meanings, Examples & Usage

Phrasal-verb Relaxation

to disconnect mentally from work or stress

"She switches off from emails after yoga class."

Phrasal-verb Mental rest

to stop thinking about work or problems for a while

"On weekends, I try to switch off mentally and enjoy time with my family."

Phrasal-verb Technology

to start a device or piece of equipment

"Please switch on the computer before the class starts."

Phrasal-verb Listening

to change from one song, station, or style to another

"Let’s switch over to something more upbeat."

Phrasal-verb Operations

to change to a different option because of a need

"We switch over for winter hours to match customer demand."

Phrasal-verb Career

to change from one job or career path to another

"He switched over to software development after studying economics."

Phrasal-verb Energy

to start using something different, especially something more sustainable

"Many companies are now switching to renewable energy sources."

Idiom Friendship

two people who used to dislike each other but became friends

"They were sworn enemies turned friends after college."

Idiom Friendship

someone who will never be your friend

"They used to be close but now are sworn enemies."

Idiom Friendship

someone who was once your enemy but is now a friend

"After years of rivalry, they became sworn enemies turned friends."

Idiom Friendship

Friends who are deeply loyal to each other.

"Since childhood, they’ve been sworn friends."

Phrasal-verb Study

to study something intensively before an event

"I swot up on statistics before every data review."

Phrasal-verb Technology

to make sure data or actions are consistent across devices or platforms

"All files automatically sync across your devices."

Phrasal-verb Alignment

to make sure everyone understands the same plan

"Let's sync expectations up before we send the proposal."

Phrasal-verb Technology

to make systems or devices work together in harmony

"Please sync up your devices before starting the meeting."

Phrasal-verb Planning

to coordinate with someone about details or plans

"Let's sync up on the project timeline this afternoon."

Phrasal-verb Technology

to coordinate or match with something or someone

"The app will automatically sync up with your online account."

Phrasal-verb Collaboration

to coordinate tasks or schedules with others online

"Let’s sync with the marketing team tomorrow morning."

Idiom Business

the combined power of a group that is greater than the sum of individual efforts

"The synergy between the teams resulted in a groundbreaking product."

Idiom Innovation

the increased effectiveness or value that results from two or more companies working together

"The partnership created a synergy effect, benefiting both companies."

Idiom Diplomacy

to formally present a proposal for discussion

"The ambassador decided to table a proposal for regional cooperation."

Idiom Negotiation

to postpone discussing something until later

"They decided to table the discussion until next week."

Idiom Negotiation

to postpone discussion of a topic for later

"They decided to table the issue until next week."

Idiom Events

to add something extra, especially at the end

"They tacked on a brief Q&A after the session."

Phrasal-verb Problem-solving

to address problems together with someone

"Let's tackle issues with transparency during the review."

Phrasal-verb Participation

to join someone in an online group or conversation

"Feel free to tag along in our group discussion."

Phrasal-verb Interaction

to join someone, especially without an invitation, in an online or real-life activity

"He loves to tag along with influencers during live sessions."

Phrasal-verb Social media interaction

to include someone’s username in a post or photo

"Don’t forget to tag in your friends when you upload the group photo."

Phrasal-verb Work

to stop working for a short time to rest

"I usually take a break around noon."

Idiom Stress

to rest for a short while to relax

"Let’s take a breather before continuing the meeting."

Idiom Relaxation

to calm down or relax; to not overreact

"Hey, take a chill pill! It’s not that serious."

Idiom Patience

to calm down and relax

"Take a deep breath before reacting."

Idiom Movement

to take an indirect route

"We had to take a detour because of road construction."

Idiom Criticism

to disapprove of something; to have a negative opinion

"The manager takes a dim view of employees arriving late."

Idiom Risk

to take a risk in the hope of success

"She took a gamble by quitting her job to travel the world."

Idiom Movement

to go for a walk or leave; to go away

"Let’s take a hike in the mountains this weekend."

Idiom Finance

to suffer a financial loss

"The company took a hit after the stock market crash."

Idiom Environment

to imitate or follow someone’s good example

"Other cities should take a leaf out of Copenhagen’s book on eco-friendly transport."

Idiom Opportunity

to do something uncertain, trusting that it will succeed

"Starting her own company was a leap of faith, but it paid off."

Idiom Stress

to sit down and relax, especially after working hard

"Come in and take a load off."

Idiom Business

to decline suddenly and dramatically

"The company's stock took a nosedive after the scandal."

Idiom Making Plans

to decline an offer but suggest doing it another time

"Can I take a rain check on dinner? I am busy tonight."

Idiom Risk

to try something without knowing the result

"He took a shot in the dark and guessed the correct answer."

Idiom Decision

to make a firm decision or opinion known

"It’s time to take a stand and support what you believe in."

Idiom Lifestyle

to pause and reassess a situation

"Sometimes you need to take a step back to see the bigger picture."

Idiom Work

to cause harm or damage over time due to stress or overwork

"Long working hours can take a toll on your health."

Idiom Health

to become more ill

"His condition took a turn for the worse last night."

Phrasal-verb Emotion

to surprise or shock someone

"I was taken aback by his rude comment."

Phrasal-verb Family resemblance

to resemble a parent or relative in appearance or behavior

"He takes after his mother in both looks and nature."

Phrasal-verb Emotion

to begin to dislike someone or something without clear reason

"She suddenly took against her new neighbor."