living under a rock
Definition: (idiom) To be unaware of things that are widely known; out of touch with current events.
Example: Wait, you haven't seen that movie yet? Have you been living under a rock?
by design
Definition: (idiom) Done on purpose or intentionally, not by accident.
Example: The narrow hallways in the museum are narrow by design, so visitors slow down and look at the art.
set the tone
Definition: (idiom) To establish the general mood or atmosphere for something that follows.
Example: The manager's calm opening remarks set the tone for the rest of the meeting.
splurge
Definition: (verb) To spend more money than usual, often on something enjoyable but not necessary.
Example: After months of saving, they decided to splurge on a fancy dinner for their anniversary.
fallen for that one
Definition: (idiom) To have been tricked or deceived by something, especially something you should have recognized.
Example: The email looked official, but it was a scam — I can't believe I fell for that one.
catch your eye
Definition: (idiom) To attract someone's attention, usually because it looks interesting or unusual.
Example: A bright yellow jacket in the shop window caught my eye as I walked past.
without thinking twice
Definition: (idiom) To do something quickly and confidently, without much consideration.
Example: When her friend asked for help moving, she agreed without thinking twice.
spot it
Definition: (verb, phrasal) To notice or see something, often something small or hidden.
Example: The editor is great at proofreading; she can spot a typo from across the room.
playing chess
Definition: (idiom) Thinking several steps ahead strategically, as if planning moves in the game of chess.
Example: In business negotiations, you sometimes feel like you're playing chess with the other company.
impulse buy
Definition: (noun) Something purchased suddenly, without planning, usually because of a sudden desire.
Example: That inflatable pool was a total impulse buy — we don't even have a backyard.
add up
Definition: (idiom) To accumulate gradually into a large total.
Example: Those small daily coffee purchases really add up over the course of a year.
carefully thought out
Definition: (idiom) Planned in a detailed and deliberate way, not left to chance.
Example: Her presentation was carefully thought out, with an answer ready for every possible question.
turn the tables
Definition: (idiom) To reverse a situation so that you gain the advantage instead of the other side.
Example: After losing the first two games, the team turned the tables and won the championship.
sticking to it
Definition: (idiom) Continuing to follow a plan, rule, or decision without giving up.
Example: He made a workout schedule in January and, surprisingly, he's still sticking to it in June.
classic mistake
Definition: (noun phrase) A common error that many people tend to make.
Example: Forgetting to save your work before the computer updates is a classic mistake.
guilty as charged
Definition: (idiom) An admission that an accusation made against you is true.
Example: "Did you eat the last slice of cake?" "Guilty as charged."
serious damage
Definition: (noun phrase, informal) A large negative impact, often used humorously about spending money.
Example: He did some serious damage at the electronics store during the holiday sale.
driver's seat
Definition: (idiom) In a position of control over a situation.
Example: Once she learned to budget, she finally felt like she was in the driver's seat of her finances.
call the shots
Definition: (idiom) To be in control and make the important decisions.
Example: As the project leader, she gets to call the shots on the final design.
on autopilot
Definition: (idiom) Doing something automatically, without conscious thought or attention.
Example: By the end of a long shift, the barista was making coffee almost on autopilot.
not gonna lie
Definition: (idiom, informal) Used to introduce an honest, sometimes surprising, statement.
Example: Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous before my first job interview.
figuratively speaking
Definition: (idiom) Not literally true, but expressed as a metaphor or exaggeration for effect.
Example: The whole office was on fire with excitement, figuratively speaking, after the big announcement.