Australia Network - Nexus - English Bites Library - Common Expressions

of course

The expression of course is used to show that you are aware that what you have just said is well known.

The Earth goes around the sun and the moon, of course, goes around the Earth.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Heidi does derive from that original association with the nearby township of Heidelberg and of course the famous association, geographically, with the Heidelberg School of Artists.

Of course, or more informally, course is also used to emphasise that what you are saying is true.

Will you feed the animals?
Of course I will.

off limits

Somewhere that is off limits is a place where certain things or people are banned.

The school's staff room is off limits to students

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Montague Island rises from the South Pacific much like the mythical Bali Hai, beckoning to the mainland across 9 kilometres of open ocean. And just like Bali Hai, Montague has stayed off limits to all but a select few.

off the beaten track

Places that are off the beaten track are away from roads that are regularly used. A 'beaten track' is a path that's used often.

Huge parts of the Amazon are still off the beaten track.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

While Riversleigh is a long way off the beaten track, more and more visitors are defying the distance and trekking the path to prehistory.

off the cuff

A remark that's made off the cuff is made without any thought or preparation.

Some of his off the cuff remarks were a bit offensive.

off the radar

To be off the radar means to not be noticed.

Details of the program website are off the radar for the people involved in TV.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Older actors fall off the radar at far too early an age.

off the rails

To go off the rails is to get into trouble or behave badly.

Since he left school he's gone off the rails.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I probably had a, quite a normal upbringing, but Mum and Dad divorced and I went off the rails.

off the road

A car that is not in good enough condition to be driven in public or in need of repair is off the road:

My car is off the road this week.

off the streets

To get off the streets means to keep out of trouble.

Schools are a good way to get teenagers off the streets.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Two community artists set up Cirkidz as a way for disadvantaged young people to engage in the arts and, you know, get off the streets.

off their nut

Someone who is off their nut is crazy or foolish.

She's off her nut if she thinks she can climb Mount Everest on her own.

off your food

To be off your food is to have no appetite, especially if you are sick.

Our youngest boy is off his food.

offer a helping hand

To offer a helping hand is to give assistance.

You should offer a helping hand to people in need.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

As a trained horticulturist, she's there to offer a helping hand to all the gardeners, but she is fascinated with the plants the East Timorese grow.

old hat

old fashioned; out of date; done before

Using a landline telephone is a bit old hat these days.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Our cutting edge photonics technology is old hat for Mother Nature.

old timers

old people; people who have been doing something for a long time

One way to revitalise the company would be to get rid of all the old timers.

on a collision course

heading toward a dispute

The competing interests of the people concerned about this patch of forest and what should be donme with it are on a collision course.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Camels can live to the ripe old age of 50, meaning the feral population is only going to mushroom further. And that could see them on a collision course with humans.

on a knife-edge

To be on a knife edge is to be in a difficult situation where it is possible that something bad will happen.

He's in hospital and his life in on a knife edge.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But it does mean that there's no reserves, that the company operates on a knife-edge the entire time.

on about

talking about; meaning

I don't know what he's on about half the time.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We've got all our major politicians saying, "I want a fair go for X or Y", and I think that's what the miners were really on about.

on and on

continuously; without stopping

The traffic noise in the city goes on and on.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

And no matter what's going on, or who's talking, he just keeps going on and on.

on behalf of

If someone does something on your behalf, they do it for you as your representative.

I accepted the award on his behalf.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Buyer's Agent, Scott McGeever, is trying to locate their perfect place and will negotiate on their behalf.

On behalf of somebody also means because of or for somebody.

I worry on her behalf.

It can also mean in order to help someone.

We're raising money on behalf of the victims of the disaster.

on behalf of

in the name of ; for

I'd like to say thanks for this award on behalf of all of the people who have worked on this film.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Herb Bligh raised the flag on behalf of a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who call themselves the Brisbane Council of Elders.

on board

The expression used to say that someone is on or in a ship or public transport such a planes, trains and buses is on board:

How many passengers were on board?

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Sailing on Endeavour is not just a sailing experience, it's also becoming part of a life of Sir Joseph Banks and the various artists who were on board.

To be on board can also mean to be part of a team:

It's good to have you on board for this project.

To take something on board is to accept it or to realise something about it:

I'll take your recommendation on board when we make a decision.

on foot

by walking

I travel to work on foot.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

On Saturday afternoon, the 44-year-old became the first person to cross the Simpson Desert on foot

on hand

available or present

Is there a doctor on hand?

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's here the odd maintenance job is carried out with dad on hand to give plenty of professional advice.

on hold

Something that is on hold is delayed until later

She put her career on hold to have a baby.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

For researchers like Eric Mitran, it means he may have to put his experiments on hold, along with his dream that wearing perfume to the beach will one day be as routine as slapping on a hat and sun cream.

on home soil

in your own country; in your own territory; on your own ground

This year we'll be playing them on home soil.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

So I guess like, I'm still going to be playing until then, obviously, and be in the best form that I can because I'd love to captain Australia on home soil and win the World Cup.

on one hand / on the other hand

We use these expressions to contrast the good side of thing with a bad side.

On one hand fulltime work is good because of the money, but on the other hand you have no time to spend the money.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

On one hand, many plants that inhabit the Australian landscape have adapted to fire and even rely on it for germination. On the other hand, fire can be destructive, threatening people, their homes and livestock.

on second thoughts

On second thoughts means ‘when I thought more about it’ and to show that you’ve changed your mind.

I wanted to go, but on second thoughts it was too expensive.

on tenterhooks

To be on tenterhooks is to be very tense and anxious about what might happen.

I'm on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Finally the big day arrives, and the group is on tenterhooks.

on the decline

declining; going down

Our football team is on the decline.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Golfing generally, or advice is, it's been on the decline, particularly for the last couple of years.

on the drawing board

Something that is on the drawing board is being prepared or planned for.

There ia new shopping complex on the drawing board for this site.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Ideas for an animated feature film are also on the drawing board.

on the go

busy; constantly working (informal)

I've been on the go for hours.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Spring had barely begun when volunteers at the Bulga bushfire brigade in the NSW upper Hunter Valley got their first call of the season. They've been on the go ever since, led by group captain and veteran firefighter Errol Smith.

on the ground

where the action is; where things are happening; among people involved in something

On the ground there is little hope that the fighting will stop soon.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The evidence on the ground suggests that their numbers are increasing.

on the horizon

arriving soon; soon to happen

There is no change of government on the horizon.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

There are no new drugs on the horizon, as far as we know, so if we don't do something soon, invest money and convince pharmaceutical companies that they have to do more in this area, then we're going to be in dire straits.

on the house

If something is on the house it's free.

Don't bother paying - your drinks are on the house.

on the job

while working

I never drink when I'm on the job.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Whilst their training gives them the theoretical knowledge - how they put it into practice depends on their communication and leadership - skills usually learnt on the job.

on the line

To put something on the line means to risk it.

Soldiers put their life on the line in combat.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Every weekend and more often than not on weekday afternoons you find them, young children putting their bodies, and anything else for that matter, on the line, all in the name of fun.

on the lookout for

looking for; searching for

He's on the lookout for a new girlfriend.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

What he's on the lookout for is the invertebrate life, the waterbugs hiding under rocks and in crevices.

on the market

Something that is on the market is for sale.

Our house is on the market.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The pub had been on the market for a year and despite an inquiry from a bikie outfit, no-one, it seemed, wanted to take over what, for 120 years, had been the town meeting place, and so, the good folk of Devenish declared it their shout.

on the move

moving; moving in large numbers

You can tell it's going to rain when the ants are on the move.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Victoria is truly on the move. Every month, 12 Melbourne families are shifting to Ballarat alone for a better lifestyle.

on the right path

doing the correct thing

We're on the right path by stopping land clearing.

Another form of this expression is on the right track.

on the right track

To be on the right track is to be moving in the right direction or doing the right thing.

English Bites is on the right track.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

While Alexandra doesn't yet have the hard evidence its scheme will work, its residents are confident they're on the right track.

on the rise

going up; increasing

The world's population is on the rise.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

But farmers like Shane O'Connor don't agree with Jenny's figures, they say if anything bat numbers are on the rise. .

on the road

On the road means being in a car travelling somewhere.

I'm on the road for more than an hour every day.

To be on the road also means to be constantly travelling.

Life on the road can be very lonely.

This expression is used in Drive Through 28/2/06.

I was a salesperson on the road.

on the run

runnning away from or hiding from the police

Life on the run is so difficult that many criminal are relieved to be caught.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

He has a gash to his hand and puncture wounds to his head where the crocodile clamped onto his skull. He was on the run from police at the time in the township of Daly River, wanted for breaching his bail conditions.

on the same wavelength

To be on the same or similar wavelength is to share the same opinion or have the same feeling about something.

I get on really well with him because we're on the same wavelength.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We have meetings that we sort out our different ideas and we run training programs so that we try and help people to all get on a similar wavelength, based on the, sort of, sustainable horticulture and permaculture principles.

on the side

Something that's done on the side is done as well as or in addition to your main job.

I work as a teacher, but I do a bit of creative writing on the side.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I work as a designer in Alice Springs. I work at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and also do my own practice on the side.

on the turps

To be on the turps is to be drinking a lot of alcohol.

I hear you were on the turps last night.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

You get the people going out on a yabby picnic and they take a big heap of grog with them, they get on the turps, fall in the river and all sorts of terrible things.

on the verge

To be on the verge of doing something is to be just about to do something.

I'm on the verge of quitting my job.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Led by Melbourne lawyer Mark Rawson, they're on the verge of unlocking an elaborate network of World War Two tunnels.

on their merits

according to their quality and not their connections

Students are selected for this college on their merits.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

This national body would judge all transport projects on their merits, awarding funding to the best projects, regardless of whether they are road, rail or sea.

on top of something

in addition to that

On top of my teaching work I have to coach the school football team.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's a nice easy-going atmosphere and, like today, I found the parking very easy and on top of that it's nice friendly place.

on your agenda

Something that is on your agenda is something you plan to do.

Travelling overseas is not on my agenda at the moment.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

So I take it from what you're saying that a mass dosing of children through government schools would not be on your agenda?

once and for all

finally and definitely

We've got to fix the problem with the drains once and for all.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The team hopes to capture the cat on film, solving the mystery once and for all, but if they don't ?

once bitten twice shy

To be once bitten twice shy is to be very careful about letting something bad happen that has already happened to you once.

When it comes to gambling, I'm once bitten twice shy.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I mean, an experience like that just makes you once bitten twice shy.

once in a blue moon

Something that happens once in a blue moon happens very rarely.

I travel overseas once in a blue moon.

one step ahead

To be one step ahead is to have a small advantage in a competitive situation.

We have to keep one step ahead of the competition or we will lose business.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

For the time being credit card companies and banks around the world are turning to so-called smart cards in an effort to keep at least one step ahead of the scammers.

one step further

to a more advanced level

You should take your English one step further.

open a can of worms

To open a can of worms is to reveal something unpleasant or something that will cause a lot of trouble.

The investigation has opened a can of worms.

open to

To be open to something is to be willing to consider it or to be receptive to it.

I'm open to any suggestions.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's prompted the government there to consider giving children fish oil pills en masse. The state government here says it's open to the idea as well.

open up

relax and say what you think

It was a long time before he opened up and shared his feelings.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I was very privileged because they'd really open up and share some of the most intimate parts of their lives and their journeys.

opening doors

creating chances or opportunities

A good education helps in opening doors.

other day

The other day means a few days ago.

I only met him the other day.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

You know, just the other day we had a bloke come in from the woodchopping with the axe and you know, first strike and he buckled the end of the axe so he brought it in and we fixed it up for him...

other half

wife or husband

I'll have to talk to my other half to make sure it's alright.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

My other half does all the cooking and baking and I decided I'd better challenge her.

out in the boondocks

Boondocks is a slang term used to describe a remote, undeveloped place. To say you’re out in the boondocks means you’re far away from the city, way out in the country.

You're not going to find a café out in the boondocks.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

In business terms we're out in the boondocks here.

out of action

not working or unable to do the usual things because of damage or illness

Their star player has injured his knee and is out of action for two months.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Already $5,000 out of pocket and with no idea how long the crane is out of action, Gary Norton is still waiting for answers.

out of bounds

Somewhere that is out of bounds is a place where people are not allowed to go.

The school's staff room is out of bounds to students

out of breath

To be out of breath is to be puffing and panting after some hard physical effort.

When I got to the bus after running 50 metres I was out of breath.

out of contention

To be out of contention is to no longer have any chance of winning or getting what you want.

If we lose today , then we're out of contention for the cup.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The possibility at that stage was not being able to adopt from Australia - there was no possibility. There was, at that stage, about a 10-year waiting list, which put us out of contention through age anyway.

out of date

not including the latest information; not modern

This old atlas is out of date.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

They're up to eighty years out of date.

out of hand

out of control

They got into an argument and things got out of hand.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Jane Sanders is a community lawyer in Sydney who's seen what can happen when youth spending gets out of hand.

out of harm's way

To be out of harm's way is to be in a place where no damage or injury can happen.

Put the hot coffee out of harm's way - there's a toddler here.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The Planning Department has come up with a fairly drastic plan to keep the birds out of harm's way.

out of keeping

not expected or appropriate

The way he dresses in second-hand clothes is out of keeping with his wealth.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

He is incredibly young and yet he has a maturity, an emotional maturity about him, that is completely out of keeping with his years.

out of left field

Something out of left field is unconventional or experimental.

This new idea is out of left field, but it might work.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It's an idea out of left field, for a group of young people that haven't always followed the straight and narrow.

out of place

uncomfortable

I felt out of place at that fancy restaurant.

in the wrong place

The sheep dog looked out of place among the poodles.

This expression is used in Rail Workers 15/12/03.

One stage I felt like leavin', eh. 'Cause I felt out of place.

out of pocket

To be out of pocket is to have lost money.

I'm $50 out of pocket after going to the casino.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Already $5,000 out of pocket and with no idea how long the crane is out of action, Gary Norton is still waiting for answers.

out of reach

not affordable; too expensive

A new car is out of reach for me.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

Increasingly this thrill - the theatre and the security from owning real estate - is out of reach for ordinary Australians.

out of strife

To get out of strife is to get out of trouble.

I f I get this job we can get out of strife with the bank.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

I take all the car repair equipment, contingency stuff like rations and extra fuel and water and if something happens we can get you out of strife.

out of the blue

Something that comes out of the blue happens suddenly and unexpectedly.

The news that he was goiung to be sacked came out of the blue.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

We all got letters last August, September, I think, out of the blue, saying that the amount of money we could earn on public patients was going to be decreased dramatically

out of the question

not possible; not worth considering

Walking to work is out of the question.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

It wasn't so long ago that a game of tennis was out of the question for Alan Morgan.

out on a limb

in a dangerous position; in a position that is risky

He went out on a limb to start his business.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

So the closure of the Nambour mill, which processes half a million tonnes of cane per season, leaves 120 Sunshine Coast cane farmers out on a limb.

out there

Something that is out there is experimental and unusual.

Their style is really out there.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

All my designs would always be pretty much out there.

out-of-pocket expenses

money that has to be paid; expenses that you have to pay

You must cut your out-of-pocket expenses if you're going to save money.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

The out-of-pocket expenses of buying a new house can be astronomical.

over the moon

extremely happy

She's over the moon about her exam results.

This is how the expression is used in one of our stories:

She was still over the moon about an invitation to the Florence Biennale in December.


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