Definition
"It’s not my cup of tea."
It’s not something I enjoy or prefer.
"Going to the beach isn’t really my cup of tea, I prefer the mountains."
"Let’s play it by ear."
Let’s improvise or handle things as they come.
"I don’t have a plan for the weekend yet, I’ll just play it by ear."
"I’m swamped with work."
I have a lot of work or tasks to do.
"I can’t go out tonight, I’m swamped with work."
"I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it."
I’ll deal with a problem or issue when it happens, not before.
"I’m not sure what I’ll do if they ask me to work on the weekend, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it."
"It’s not the end of the world."
It’s not as bad as it seems; there’s still hope or a way to fix it.
"I forgot the meeting, but it’s not the end of the world. We can reschedule."
"That’s a whole different ball game."
It’s a completely different situation, often more complicated or challenging.
"Managing a team is one thing, but leading a company is a whole different ball game."
"That’s the last straw."
That’s the final thing that makes you lose patience.
"After he forgot my birthday for the third time, that was the last straw."
"Don’t take it the wrong way."
Please don’t misunderstand me or get offended.
"I didn’t mean to criticize you, don’t take it the wrong way."
"You’re preaching to the choir."
You’re telling me something I already know or agree with.
"I know I should exercise more, you’re preaching to the choir."
"I’m all ears."
I’m listening intently; I’m ready to hear what you have to say.
"You have some great ideas? I’m all ears!"
"I’m on the fence about it."
I’m undecided or uncertain.
"I’m on the fence about going to the party tonight, I have a lot of work to do."
"I’m in the loop."
I am informed or up to date on something.
"Thanks for keeping me in the loop about the project."
"That’s a no-brainer."
It’s an obvious decision or choice.
"Choosing the more affordable option was a no-brainer."
"It’s a blessing in disguise."
Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
"Losing my job was a blessing in disguise, I found a better one shortly after."
"That’s a slippery slope."
A situation or decision that could lead to negative consequences if you’re not careful.
"If we start bending the rules for one person, that’s a slippery slope."
"That’s easier said than done."
It’s much easier to talk about doing something than actually doing it.
"Quitting sugar is easier said than done, especially when it's everywhere."
"I’m feeling under the weather."
I’m feeling slightly sick or unwell.
"I can’t go out tonight, I’m feeling a bit under the weather."
"I’m at my wit’s end."
I’m frustrated and don’t know what to do anymore.
"After trying to fix the computer all day, I’m at my wit’s end."
"I couldn’t care less."
I don’t care at all.
"What they think of me? Honestly, I couldn’t care less."
"I’ve had enough of this."
I’m fed up or frustrated with the situation.
"After the third delay, I’ve had enough of this. I’m leaving."
"I can’t wrap my head around it."
I can’t understand it or make sense of it.
"I just can’t wrap my head around how that happened."
"Let’s not beat around the bush."
Let’s talk directly about the main issue, instead of avoiding it.
"Let’s not beat around the bush, do you want to take the job or not?"
"Let’s call it a day."
Let’s stop working for today or end what we’re doing.
"It’s getting late, let’s call it a day and finish this tomorrow."
"You’ve got to be kidding me."
I can’t believe it, or I think it’s unbelievable.
"You’re telling me I missed the train again? You’ve got to be kidding me."
"Don’t sell yourself short."
Don’t underestimate or undervalue yourself.
"You’re an amazing designer. Don’t sell yourself short when negotiating your salary."