In Ages – Open To
In Ages
| Definition: | Example: |
| Since a very long time ago. | Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages. It must be at least two or three months since we last spoke to each other. |
In Case
| Definition: | Example: |
| What to do if something happens. | I will take my umbrella in case it rains. |
In Favor Of
| Definition: | Example: |
| To like something or to approve of it. | My company is in favor of changing our holiday schedule. |
In Order To
| Definition: | Example: |
| For the purpose of something. To do something because of something else. | They have decided to close down the school for the summer in order to do some major repairs. |
In the Black
| Definition: | Example: |
| When a business is making money and is profitable. | Our business is really improving. We’ve been in the black all year. |
In the Nick of Time
| Definition: | Example: |
| Just in time for something. Arriving or doing something at the exact time before it is too late. | I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine! |
Keep in Touch
| Definition: | Example: |
| To not stop communicating with someone. To stay in contact. | Don’t forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you’re doing while you’re away. |
Keep Someone/Something in Mind
| Definition: | Example: |
| To remember or think about something or someone. | I told my employees to keep in mind the new starting time for work. |
Keep One’s Chin Up
| Definition: | Example: |
| Remain strong and to keep trying. | I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon. |
Kind Of
| Definition: | Example: |
| Similar to something, but not the same. Not fully or 100%. | Your hamburgers are kind of like what my mom used to make. I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night. |
Know Something Like the Back of Your Hand
| Definition: | Example: |
| To know something or someone very well. | If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand. She knows her husband like the back of her hand, since they have been together for 20 years. |
Look Up
| Definition: | Example: |
| To search for something in a dictionary, book or on a search engine like Google. | I will look up my friend’s name in the telephone book. Look up the answer through a search on Google. |
Miss the Boat
| Definition: | Example: |
| To miss an opportunity. | The sale ends today at noon. If we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss the boat! |
Next to Nothing
| Definition: | Example: |
| To cost very little. | I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That’s next to nothing! |
Of Course
| Definition: | Example: |
| Certainly, definitely or naturally. | Of course you can use my car if you want to. |
Once in a While
| Definition: | Example: |
| Not very often or very rarely. | Have you been to the new movie theater? No, I only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV. |
On Time
| Definition: | Example: |
| At the scheduled time, exactly at the correct time, punctually. | Our train arrived exactly on time. |
Open To
| Definition: | Example: |
| To want to learn about different ideas, people and cultures. | Most members of the class were open to the teacher’s ideas. |