A GREY AREA means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement. For Example: “We have always had a professional attitude to copyrighted texts, but online copyright is still a bit of a grey area.” Many people think they know what right and wrong are, but on closer examination it’s usually a grey […]

GO APE is an informal expression meaning to just lose control and become really angry or excited. For Example: When I told him we had tickets to see the rock concert on Saturday, he just went ape. (Meaning he was really excited). He’s a really nice guy, but just don’t talk about his old boss […]

IN THE AIR means people have a general feeling or expectation that something will happen in the near future. This feeling among people is often not clearly defined. For Example: No one knew for sure what was going to happen that summer, but a change was in the air. On the outside everyone seemed happy […]

To CLEAR THE AIR means to somehow resolve a difficult situation between people. It is especially used for talking openly about problems, or being patient and waiting for bad feelings to lessen. For Example: “Sharon’s been ignoring me all week because of what I said to her, but we finally talked this morning and it […]

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS means that what someone says is different from from what they do. It is often used when someone makes a promise but then doesn’t keep it. For Example: “Dad, I promise I’ll be on time for class and do all my homework as soon as I get it.” “Well that […]