May 28, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
To sell off something (or sell something off) is to sell it at a reduced or low price because you do not want it or because you need the money. Examples of use: 1. He sold off all his books because he needed to raise some money for his air fare. 2. They are selling […]
May 26, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
To big up somebody or something is to give someone or something praise, to acknowledge them in a positive way, or talk a lot about how excellent someone or something is. Informal. big-up can also be used as a noun – e.g. a big-up to all my wonderful fans! Exampes of use: 1. Everyone bigs […]
May 25, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
To stand by somebody is to support or help them through a difficult time or situation. Examples of use: 1. Jane stood by her husband when he went to prison. 2. Her family did not stand by her when she needed them. 3. We don’t care what she has done. She’s our daughter and we […]
May 24, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
If something dawns on you, you realise or begin to understand something. Examples of use: 1. We were driving to the airport when it dawned on us that we were completely lost. 2. It suddenly dawned on him that he couldn’t pass his exams because he hadn’t worked hard enough. 3. After months of […]
May 24, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
To listen in is to listen to what someone is saying, especially secretly. Examples of use: 1. You shouldn’t listen in on other people’s private telephone calls. 2. I think someone is listening in on our conversation. 3. When I was a teenager my mum used to listen in on my telephone conversations. To […]
May 23, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
To hang out something (or hang something out) is to suspend it outside for drying or airing. Informal. Examples of use: 1. It’s a lovely sunny day. I think I will hang the rugs out to air. 2. Can you hang out the washing, please? To hang out of a window, or other opening, is […]
May 23, 2010 By Angela Boothroyd
An Indian summer is a period of warm sunny weather in late autumn or early winter in the Northern Hemisphere, usually occurring after a period of cold or frosty weather. An alternative definition is that an Indian summer is a time of great happiness or success that happens late in a person’s life or career. […]
