|
|
Hard to find English phrases
Phrases from spoken English that are hard to find in the dictionary because they have no distinctive keyword. Useful for people learning English as a second language.
Most people just say bye, but sometimes they say bye now, a friendly form of bye.
Wordreference.com
Wordreference.com
Meaning please explain what you mean.
(Example)
"I thought the video didn't make sense"
"How so?".
Thefreedictionary.com
(Example)
"I thought the video didn't make sense"
"How so?".
Thefreedictionary.com
Meaning I am aware of a problem and already doing something to stop it or avoid it.
(Example)
A boss might say to an employee: "That empty office needs to be cleaned today" and the employee might answer: "I'm on it!", meaning say no more! I'll take care of it right away!.
English-test.net
(Example)
A boss might say to an employee: "That empty office needs to be cleaned today" and the employee might answer: "I'm on it!", meaning say no more! I'll take care of it right away!.
English-test.net
As if it were really so, in a manner of speaking.
(Example)
John helps me with my taxes. He's my accountant, so to speak.
Wordnetweb, Yahoo Answers
(Example)
John helps me with my taxes. He's my accountant, so to speak.
Wordnetweb, Yahoo Answers
Being the kind it is (or was, etc.): used in referring to something in either an apologetic or a derogatory way.
(Example)
I've worked for days on this report, and I've done the best that I can do. It's my supreme effort—such as it is.
Yourdictionary.com
(Example)
I've worked for days on this report, and I've done the best that I can do. It's my supreme effort—such as it is.
Yourdictionary.com
In the actual state of affairs and (often) contrary to expectations.
(Example)
"Would you like a more challenging exercise next?"
"Thanks, but the current one is hard enough as it is"
Wordnetweb
(Example)
"Would you like a more challenging exercise next?"
"Thanks, but the current one is hard enough as it is"
Wordnetweb
used to indicate that a word or statement is perhaps not exact though practically right.
(Example)
Our dog always barks when strangers knock on the door. He's the doorguard, so to speak.
Wordnetweb, Wiktionary
(Example)
Our dog always barks when strangers knock on the door. He's the doorguard, so to speak.
Wordnetweb, Wiktionary
Any of several additional, unmentioned things.
(Example)
The furniture store was full of tables, chairs, sofas and what have you.
Wiktionary
(Example)
The furniture store was full of tables, chairs, sofas and what have you.
Wiktionary
Namely; in other words; used to announce clarification.
Wordnetweb Wiktionary (that is to say) , Wiktionary (that is)
Wordnetweb Wiktionary (that is to say) , Wiktionary (that is)
Resembling; similar to; in a way; somewhat.
(Example)
The child made a little house of sorts out of blankets, the sofa and a table.
Wiktionary
(Example)
The child made a little house of sorts out of blankets, the sofa and a table.
Wiktionary
Similar to, but not exactly equal.
(Example)
Maybe we can get something along the lines of garlands to decorate John's office for his birthday.
Wiktionary
(Example)
Maybe we can get something along the lines of garlands to decorate John's office for his birthday.
Wiktionary
My fault. Synonymous to the often used Latin phrase "mea culpa".
Wikipedia, Wcu.edu, urban dictionary
Wikipedia, Wcu.edu, urban dictionary
A lot.
(Example)
John, who knows as much as anyone about ice cream, is put in charge of developing a new flavor for the dairy company. (It means John knows a lot about ice cream)
(Example)
John, who knows as much as anyone about ice cream, is put in charge of developing a new flavor for the dairy company. (It means John knows a lot about ice cream)