English Expressions, Idioms & Phrasal Verbs | Meanings, Examples & Usage
someone appears active but is not thinking clearly
"When the AI glitched, it was like the lights were on but nobody’s home."
the largest portion of something
"Developed nations still get the lion's share of global trade profits."
the power and reach of the law to catch criminals
"The long arm of the law finally caught the escaped prisoner."
Any big task starts with a small action.
"Don't worry about the entire project, the longest journey begins with a single step."
something decided by chance
"You can’t choose your team; it’s the luck of the draw."
A place where many different cultures blend together
"New York is often called the melting pot of cultures."
The ability to make money or succeed in everything one does.
"She seems to have the Midas touch—every project she starts becomes a success."
a person's or society’s sense of right and wrong
"We must ensure AI doesn’t lose its moral compass."
The more you learn, the more you realize how little you actually know.
"After years of study, he said, 'The more you know, the less you know.'"
The more you learn, the more you understand how much there is left to learn.
"The more you know, the more you realize you don’t — that’s the beauty of curiosity."
The more people there are, the better the situation becomes.
"It will be more fun if everyone joins in. The more the merrier."
the complete and unvarnished truth
"She told me the naked truth about what happened."
something that will become extremely popular or successful soon
"Everyone thinks blockchain is the next big thing."
the basic practical details of something
"We discussed the nuts and bolts of the new software project."
having traditional beliefs or methods
"My professor is from the old school; he prefers chalkboards to slides."
words and communication have more power than violence
"He believes the pen is mightier than the sword, so he fights with ideas, not weapons."
a person who looks very healthy
"Despite his age, he’s still the picture of health."
a controversial issue that no one wants to handle
"Corruption has become a political hot potato in the country."
a person who secretly controls or influences the leader
"Though he's not the CEO, he's the power behind the throne."
people or organizations who hold authority or control
"The decision depends on the powers that be."
the real value of something can only be judged when it's put to use
"He claims the app is great, but the proof is in the pudding."
the genuine or original thing
"This painting is the real McCoy, not a copy."
used to say that everyone knows what happened next
"They met in college, fell in love, and the rest is history."
the most ethical or moral action to take
"Apologizing was the right thing to do."
the system or symbol representing fairness and equality in law
"The judge ensures that the scales of justice remain balanced."
A symbol of shame or social stigma.
"In that conservative town, being divorced was like wearing a Scarlet Letter."
learning through difficult experiences in life
"He didn’t go to college, but he learned from the school of hard knocks."
exclusive or sensational news
"The journalist got the scoop on the celebrity wedding."
An event with worldwide significance or impact.
"The invention of the internet was the shot heard around the world in communication."
to continue despite difficulties
"Even after the power went out, the actors knew the show must go on."
a hypothetical future point when AI surpasses human intelligence
"Some experts believe the singularity could change humanity forever."
there is no limit to what someone can achieve
"With her talent and dedication, the sky’s the limit."
a piece of evidence that clearly proves guilt
"The email was the smoking gun in the corruption case."
the beginning of a new idea or thought
"That comment gave me the spark of an idea."
when news becomes public or is first reported
"When the story broke, everyone was shocked."
A metaphor for happiness or positivity, often used when things are going well.
"After all the hard work, things finally seemed to be shining."
Better times will come after bad ones.
"Don’t worry too much — the sun will shine again."
a student who is favored by the teacher
"Everyone knows he’s the teacher’s pet in our class."
a situation has started to change in your favor
"After months of bad luck, the tide has turned for our team."
a small visible part of a much larger problem
"The few complaints we received are just the tip of the iceberg."
the moment when a change becomes unstoppable
"Climate change has reached the tipping point for action."
The truth can be painful or difficult to accept.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but the truth hurts."
By being truthful, you can avoid trouble and feel liberated.
"Even though it was hard, the truth will set you free in the end."
A life lived without introspection or self-reflection is not truly fulfilling or meaningful.
"Socrates' belief that the unexamined life is not worth living continues to inspire those seeking a deeper understanding of existence."
to have control or an advantage over someone
"The ruling party has the upper hand in this situation."
the ability to imagine and plan the future clearly
"Many politicians lack the vision thing."
A situation in which you must wait for something to happen.
"It’s all about the waiting game when you’re looking for a job."
be careful what you say because someone might be listening
"Speak quietly—the walls have ears."
used to express how one understands or interprets something
"The way I see it, we should try again."
everything; the entire effort
"She went the whole nine yards to make her wedding perfect."