English Idioms & Phrases

Hold your horses

Idiom

Means "wait a moment" or "be patient." Very useful in informal situations to calm someone who is rushing or excited.

Example: "Hold your horses, I'll explain everything in a second."

Bite the bullet

Idiom

Means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely, even though you don't want to.

Example: "I had to bite the bullet and tell my boss the bad news."

Too late

Common phrase

Missed opportunity or irreversible consequence.
[note: this is not in the sense of time, as in being late for a meeting]

Example: "A: We decided to take the deal. | B: Too late. We already gave the contract to Contrel."

Example: "It's too late to apologize now. The damage is already done."

Pull the plug

Idiom

Means to cancel something suddenly.

Example: "They pulled the plug on the event because of low ticket sales."

Take a shot / Have a shot at

Idiom / Collocation

Means to try something, even if success is not guaranteed – has a motivational feeling.

Example: "I think I'll take a shot at writing a novel this year."

Outrun

Phrasal verb / Collocation

Means to escape by running faster. Also used figuratively for problems or consequences you can't avoid.

Literal: "I outran the police on my bike."
Figurative: "You can't outrun your problems – you have to face them."

You bet

Idiom / Saying

Means "definitely", "of course", or "certainly" – a friendly, enthusiastic way to agree or confirm.

Dialogue:
A: How about fried chicken tonight?
B: You bet! That sounds great.

Take an interest in

Collocation

Means to become curious or start paying attention to something (hobby, topic, person, etc.).

Example: "She's really taking an interest in art lately – she visits galleries every weekend."