Learn advanced speaking expressions and enhance your English vocabulary with useful phrases for everyday conversations.
These commonly used English expressions will assist you in achieving fluency, and detailed explanations will make you more comfortable when using them yourself.
List of advanced expressions
Advanced speaking expressions
Harry
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at the end of the day
Meaning: used to introduce a summary or conclusion
Examples:
I know it’s been a tough project, but at the end of the day, we have learnt a lot.
I know this has been a tough year, but at the end of the day, it will help you pass the exams.
At the end of the day, I think we can all agree that family is what’s most important.
as a matter of fact
Meaning: used to introduce a fact or piece of information
Example:
As a matter of fact, I’ve just finished talking to Granny.
As a matter of fact, I sent an email to you two minutes ago. You should see it in your inbox.
As a matter of fact, I’ve just got off the phone to that client. I’m going to meet them next week.
As a matter of fact, I’ve already completed that task. No need to remind me.
As a matter of fact, I won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow. I’m going to meet with that client.
by and large
Meaning: used to indicate a general trend or overall view
Examples:
You get one or two people who are regularly late, but by and large, everybody seems to start work around the same time.
By and large, I tend to agree with you.
By and large, the new policy has been well-received by employees.
By and large, we tend to get a lot of rain in the months of March and April.
in the grand scheme of things
Meaning: used to indicate the larger context or perspective; when you take everything into consideration, the really important matters
Examples:
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter whether we miss our deadline by 15 minutes or a day, it’s not going to change dramatically.
In the grand scheme of things, this setback is just a minor setback. Don’t worry.
In the grand scheme of things, a few extra dollars spent here and there isn’t a big deal.
Advanced speaking expressions
in the nick of time
Meaning: used to indicate that something was done just in time
Examples:
We arrived in the airport in the nick of time just as our flight was being called.
The paramedics arrived in the nick of time and saved the person’s life.
I took my roast beef out of the oven in the nick of time. A few minutes later, it would have been burnt.
jump through hoops
Meaning: used to indicate a difficult or challenging task
Examples:
Ha, that boss! He makes you jump through hoops just to get your salary.
I had to jump through hoops to get all this paperwork done on time. It was a really challenging time.
The candidate had to jump through hoops to get the job, but it was worth it in the end.
throw in the towel
Meaning: used to indicate giving up or admitting defeat
Examples:
I’m going to throw in the towel. I really can’t work this out.
I’m never going to get this. I’m just going to throw in the towel. I’ll tell the teacher.
After trying for months, I finally threw in the towel and admitted that I couldn’t complete the task.
We were losing badly, so we decided to throw in the towel, and we ended up getting beaten 10-0.
have a lot on one’s plate
Meaning: to have a lot of responsibilities or tasks to manage at once
Examples:
I can’t take on any more work at the moment. I have a lot on my plate.
I’d love to go out with you tonight, but I can’t. I have a lot on my plate, and I need to get this work completed.
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let’s play it by ear
Meaning: to be flexible and make plans as they develop, without a fixed schedule or agenda
Examples:
We haven’t decided where to go for dinner yet, so let’s play it by ear and see where the evening takes us.
I’m not sure what time I’ll be able to finish my work today, so let’s play it by ear and decide on a meeting time once I’m done.
it’s not rocket science
Meaning: used to say that something is not complicated or difficult to understand
Examples:
Cooking an omelette is not rocket science. You break a few eggs, whisk them with some ingredients, and voila!
Don’t worry about figuring out how to use this new software. It’s not rocket science.
under the weather
Meaning: to feel sick or unwell
Examples:
I won’t be able to come to work today – I’m feeling under the weather.
She’s been feeling under the weather. I think a few days in bed will do her the world of good.
jump the gun
Meaning: to act or do something a little bit prematurely
Examples:
I think we’re jumping the gun by making plans before we know for sure what our schedule will be like.
Let’s not jump the gun and assume we got the job until we hear back from the recruiter.
Advanced speaking expressions
bite the bullet
Meaning: to face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely
Examples:
When the toothache persists, you have to bite the bullet and make that visit to the dentist.
I know you’re nervous about the presentation, but you just have to bite the bullet and get it done.
I don’t want to have a conversation with my boss, but I have to bite the bullet and tell him that I’m leaving.
get the ball rolling
Meaning: to start something
Examples:
Who wants to get the ball rolling? Who’s got the first idea?
Let’s get the ball rolling on planning the party by setting a date and sending out invitations.
We need to get the ball rolling on this project if we want to meet the deadline.
hit the nail on the head
Meaning: to be exactly right about something
Examples:
Yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head. This guy is really very precise.
You hit the nail on the head – I’ve been feeling really stressed out lately.
My friend knew exactly what was wrong with my car. He hit the nail on the head.
We have 15 advanced speaking expressions and phrases for business and conversational English that can make you sound more like a native speaker.
Make sure you understand them and look at the given examples. Listen to them again and observe how I use them. If you need more, feel free to contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com
You don’t have to remember all of them but practise a few.
Thank you for watching and remember to join me for the next lesson.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 439
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Adjectives to describe physical appearance
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
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