Fine by me / fine with me
I’m ok with that
To owe someone
You have an obligation to pay, repay, or give something (like money, gratitude, or an apology) to them, often because they lent it to you or did you a favour. It signifies a debt, either financial or moral, and is used to acknowledge an obligation
“Bill: Let me pay for your drink. Bob: Thanks a lot, I owe you one.”
By its very nature
because of its natural habits, because it is that way:
“Cash is, by its very nature, universally transferable. “
“By its very nature, Scrum is a constant journey of inspection and adaptation”
A number of years ago
Several years ago, without specifying the exact number. It indicates an unspecified, significant duration, usually more than just “a few” (>3)
At the expense of someone or something
To the harm of someone or something:
“He had a good laugh at the expense of his brother.”
“He took a job in a better place at the expense of a larger income.”
Talk is cheap
It is easy to make promises or say you will do something, but it is much harder to actually follow through and take action.
It is often used to imply that someone’s words have little value without actions to support them, suggesting that results are more important than talk
“He promised to fix the leak, but talk is cheap—let’s see if he actually shows up!”
To have a bigger fish to fry
To have more important, interesting, or urgent matters to attend to, making the current task or topic unworthy of time or attention. It is commonly used to dismiss minor issues or to explain why someone is focusing on a higher-priority task
“The police weren’t interested in my stolen bike – they had bigger fish to fry”.
To be full of themselves
To be excessively conceited, arrogant, or self-absorbed, behaving as if they are far more important or talented than they actually are.
“Ever since he got that promotion, he has been so full of himself that he refuses to listen to anyone else’s ideas.”
To cross swords with someone
To disagree and argue with someone, or oppose them.
“These two politicians have crossed swords on many occasions.”
Tread on someone toes
When you offend someone by interfering in something they are responsible for, you are treading on their toes.
Bed of roses
To say the situation is not always happy, easy or comfortable, you can say it is not always a bed of roses.
Eye for something
If you are good at noticing things, you have a good eye for something
Heated discussion
A discussion, argument or debate that is full of angry and excited feelings is a heated discussion
All of next week
Refers to the entire duration of the upcoming calendar week, typically from Monday through Sunday.
“I am on holiday all of next week”
The final straw/The last straw
Refers to the last in a series of unpleasant events, actions, or annoyances that finally make a situation unbearable, leading to a loss of patience or a decision to stop accepting it.
“She had been late for work three times, but when she missed the big meeting, that was the final straw”.
To ring a bell
Something—usually a name, place, or description—sounds familiar or reminds you of something, but you cannot recall the exact details.
Positive: “Her face definitely rings a bell, but I can’t remember her name”.
Negative: “I’ve heard that song before, but it doesn’t ring any bells”.
Question: “Does the name John Smith ring a bell?”
By all means
To give enthusiastic permission, express polite agreement, or mean “certainly/definitely”. It signals that an action is encouraged and completely acceptable.
It can also mean “at any cost” or “using every possible method” to achieve a result.
- Giving Permission: “May I borrow your stapler?” “By all means!”.
- Encouragement: “If you have any questions, by all means, ask them”.
- Agreement: “Should I speak to the manager?” “Yes, by all means”.
- At Any Cost: “We must avoid that outcome by all means
Take the mickey out of someone
If you take the mickey out of someone or something, you make fun of them, usually in an unkind way.
“Stop taking the mickey out of my new haircut!”
“The older boys were taking the mickey out of him because of his glasses”
Loose cannon
A person whose unpredictable, uncontrolled, or reckless behaviour is likely to cause unintentional damage, embarrassment, or problems for their team or organisation. It describes someone who acts independently and cannot be relied upon to follow rules or plans, often acting on impulse.
“We can’t invite him to the merger meeting; he’s a total loose cannon and might say the wrong thing to the clients.”
Over the next few weeks
Refers to a period starting now and lasting for an uncertain, short duration of future time (roughly 2–5 weeks). It signifies ongoing or upcoming activity within that timeframe.
To return on Monday, the 22nd
to be back (at work) on Monday, 22nd
To see into something
To understand the true nature, hidden details, or inner workings of a complex situation, person, or problem.
“With her experience, she was able to see into the core of the problem immediately, offering a brilliant solution.”
“I will see into it” is a common phrase used to express a promise to investigate, examine, or deal with a specific problem, issue, or request.
“There is an issue with the invoice, but I will look into it immediately,” she assured the client.
To tell you the truth
A conversational idiom used to emphasise that the speaker is being honest, frank, or disclosing a hidden opinion/fact.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t remember who she is”.
Every once in a while
Something happens occasionally, sometimes, or at irregular, infrequent intervals.
“I visit my hometown every once in a while to see my parents.”
