Beat a dead horse
Definition: to make the same argument repeatedly; to say what has already been said
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: I understand. I shouldn't have lied to you.
B: Do you realize how serious this is?
A: Yes. I did ten minutes ago. But you don't have to keep on explaining it. You've been beating a dead horse.
Own example sentence: You are beating a dead horse when you keep arguing about the same things all the time.
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: I understand. I shouldn't have lied to you.
B: Do you realize how serious this is?
A: Yes. I did ten minutes ago. But you don't have to keep on explaining it. You've been beating a dead horse.
Own example sentence: You are beating a dead horse when you keep arguing about the same things all the time.
Bells and whistles
Definition: extra features that aren't essential for the operation of a machine, such as the global positioning system (GPS) in a car.
Usage: used in both conversation and writing
Sample dialogue:
A: What kind of phone are you going to buy?
B: I don't know yet, but I want something with all the bells and whistles.
A: Doesn't the extra stuff just add to the cost.
B: Maybe, but I love new technology. It's fun.
Own example sentence: My cell has all the bells and whistles and I can even use it under water.
Usage: used in both conversation and writing
Sample dialogue:
A: What kind of phone are you going to buy?
B: I don't know yet, but I want something with all the bells and whistles.
A: Doesn't the extra stuff just add to the cost.
B: Maybe, but I love new technology. It's fun.
Own example sentence: My cell has all the bells and whistles and I can even use it under water.
Boys will be boys
Definition: boys will be mischievous, get in trouble, and fight.
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: My two sons are always fighting. I don't know what to do to get them to stop.
B: Sometimes there isn't much a mother can do. Boys will be boys, you know.
Own example sentence: The brothers are ofter fighting, but boys will be boys.
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: My two sons are always fighting. I don't know what to do to get them to stop.
B: Sometimes there isn't much a mother can do. Boys will be boys, you know.
Own example sentence: The brothers are ofter fighting, but boys will be boys.
Bread and butter
Definition: someone's livelihood or income or something the usually works well.
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: The tam runs the same play every time. Why don't they try something new?
B: They have to stick with what works.
A: That play is theis bread and butter.
Own dialogue:
A: Why are we doing the same thing all the time?
B: It use to work well, that's why.
A: I guess that's our bread and butter.
Usage: conversational, informal
Sample dialogue:
A: The tam runs the same play every time. Why don't they try something new?
B: They have to stick with what works.
A: That play is theis bread and butter.
Own dialogue:
A: Why are we doing the same thing all the time?
B: It use to work well, that's why.
A: I guess that's our bread and butter.
Break a leg
Definition: "good luck"
Usage: figurative; wish them success before a preformace or game; used in conversation
Sample dialogue:
A: I'm so nervous! What if I forget the words to my song?
B: You won't fprger. You're going to be great!
A: OK; here I go. Wish me luck.
B: Break a leg.
Own dialogue:
A: I'm the next one on stage!
B: Don' be nervous! Break a leg.
Usage: figurative; wish them success before a preformace or game; used in conversation
Sample dialogue:
A: I'm so nervous! What if I forget the words to my song?
B: You won't fprger. You're going to be great!
A: OK; here I go. Wish me luck.
B: Break a leg.
Own dialogue:
A: I'm the next one on stage!
B: Don' be nervous! Break a leg.
Break a new ground
Definition: to do something no one else has done; pioneering
Usage: common in both speech and writing
Samlpe dialogue:
A: Did you hear? Someone found a new treatment for cancer.
B: That's great!
A: I know. It's about time someone broke new ground on cancer treatment!
Own examlpe sentence: They are hoping to break new ground on the treament for cancer.
Usage: common in both speech and writing
Samlpe dialogue:
A: Did you hear? Someone found a new treatment for cancer.
B: That's great!
A: I know. It's about time someone broke new ground on cancer treatment!
Own examlpe sentence: They are hoping to break new ground on the treament for cancer.
Break the ice
Definition: to eliminate tension, typically when people first meet or are in an uncomfortable situation
Usage: informal, conversational
Samlpe dialogue:
A: My boss spilled the whola bottle of wine on the table.
B: Wow. That must have been embarrassing.
A: It was actually good. It helped break the ice. Everyone stardet talking after that.
B: Well, that ended up being a great ice breaker.
Own examlpe sentence: When she spilled water on the table she broke the ice on her date.
Usage: informal, conversational
Samlpe dialogue:
A: My boss spilled the whola bottle of wine on the table.
B: Wow. That must have been embarrassing.
A: It was actually good. It helped break the ice. Everyone stardet talking after that.
B: Well, that ended up being a great ice breaker.
Own examlpe sentence: When she spilled water on the table she broke the ice on her date.
Break up
Definition: to end a relationship
Usage: conversational, informal; slang; sometimes followed by with
Sample Dialogue:
A: My boyfriend never calls me and never takes me to dinner.
B: He sounds like a bad boyfriend. Are you going to stay with him?A: No. I think I’m going to break with him.
Own Dialogue:
A: I have a feeling that my girlfriend doesn’t like me anymore.
B: That’s too bad. Do you think she will break up with you?
A: Actually, I think she might.
Usage: conversational, informal; slang; sometimes followed by with
Sample Dialogue:
A: My boyfriend never calls me and never takes me to dinner.
B: He sounds like a bad boyfriend. Are you going to stay with him?A: No. I think I’m going to break with him.
Own Dialogue:
A: I have a feeling that my girlfriend doesn’t like me anymore.
B: That’s too bad. Do you think she will break up with you?
A: Actually, I think she might.
Busy as a beaver
Definition: to be extremely busy
Usage: cliche phrase used in conversation and in writing
Sample dialogue:
A: Our family is having over a hundred relatives to our house for a party
B: Big parties can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
A: My dad has been working all day. He’s been as busy as a beaver preparing for this party.
Own Sentence: There is so much to do in school. I’m as busy as a beaver.
Usage: cliche phrase used in conversation and in writing
Sample dialogue:
A: Our family is having over a hundred relatives to our house for a party
B: Big parties can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
A: My dad has been working all day. He’s been as busy as a beaver preparing for this party.
Own Sentence: There is so much to do in school. I’m as busy as a beaver.
Busy as a bee
Definition: to be extremely busy
Usage: cliche phrase used in conversation and in writing
Sample dialogue:
A: Our family is having over a hundred relatives to our house for a party
B: Big parties can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
A: My dad has been working all day. He’s been as busy as a bee preparing for this party.
Own Sentence: You are busy as a bee with all the preparing for the competition.
Usage: cliche phrase used in conversation and in writing
Sample dialogue:
A: Our family is having over a hundred relatives to our house for a party
B: Big parties can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.
A: My dad has been working all day. He’s been as busy as a bee preparing for this party.
Own Sentence: You are busy as a bee with all the preparing for the competition.