What's the expression?
To start over again because a previous attempt has failed.
Be back to the drawing board
You didn’t get a job you really wanted, but later you find a better one with higher pay and a nicer team. Looking back, not getting the first job turned out to be a good thing.
A blessing in disguise
If only I (drive). Then I wouldn’t have to go to work by bus.
If only I could drive. Then I wouldn’t have to go to work by bus.
It’s possible that she stayed at home yesterday as she wasn’t feeling well.
She might have stayed at home yesterday as she wasn’t feeling well.
To miss an opportunity or chance to do something.
Miss the boat
Someone envies their friend’s job because it seems easier and better paid, but when they switch careers, they realize the new job has its own problems.
The grass is always greener on the other side
I wish you (leave) your clothes on the floor. It’s not my job to pick them up.
I wish you wouldn’t leave your clothes on the floor. It’s not my job to pick them up.
They failed the exam so I’m sure they didn’t study very hard. (can't)
They failed the exam so they can't have studied very hard.
To look very angry or upset.
Have a face like thunder
After hearing you passed an important exam or got accepted into university, you feel extremely happy and excited for the rest of the day.
Walk on air
If only you (mention) the present to Gareth, it would still be a surprise.
If only you hadn’t mentioned the present to Gareth, it would still be a surprise.
I’m sure you were watching TV all night if you managed to finish that series.
You must have been watching TV all night if you managed to finish that series.
To be very pleased or delighted about something.
Tickled pink
After working a long shift or staying up all night studying, you feel extremely tired and can barely keep going.
Be dead on your feet
I shouldn’t (apply) for that job. I didn’t have the right skills.
I shouldn’t have applied for that job. I didn’t have the right skills.
I’m pretty sure it hasn’t been raining because the ground isn’t wet. (can't)
It can't have been raining because the ground isn’t wet.
To feel sad, low, or depressed.
Be down in the dumps
Before giving a big presentation in front of a large audience, you’re so nervous that your hands and voice start to shake.
Shake like a leaf
I wish my parents (live) nearer. They live too far away.
I wish my parents lived nearer. They live too far away.
I think someone broke the window when they were playing football.
The window must have been broken when someone was playing football.