To frown on, or frown upon something, is to disapprove of it: to believe that it is wrong and that it should not be done. Examples of use: 1. Having an untidy garden is frowned upon in our neighbourhood. 2. Using your mobile phone in hospital is frowned upon. 3. I don't like visiting my [...]
Idiom: have words with
February 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To have words with someone is to argue with them or scold them. Examples of use: 1. She had words with her step-father two years ago, and they haven't spoken since. 2. If they keep parking their car in my parking space I'm going to have words with them. 3. If her child doesn't stop [...]
Phrasal verb: talk over
November 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To talk over something (or talk something over), is to discuss a problem or situation with someone. Examples of use: 1. I have been offered a job in Japan. I need to talk it over with my husband and children. 2. Richard: I don't know what to do about my mother. She is old, and [...]
Phrasal Verb: invite over
August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To invite over somebody (or invite somebody over) is to ask them if they would like to visit you at your home. To invite around / round somebody or invite somebody around / round means the same thing. Examples of use: 1. Why don't you invite your boss over for a meal on Friday? 2. [...]
Idiom: a heart of gold
May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
If someone has a heart of gold they are a very kind and generous person. Examples of use: 1. My grandmother's neighbour has a heart of gold. She helps my grandmother with her shopping and visits her every day. 2. He looks and acts like a very grumpy old man, but he has a heart [...]
Phrasal Verb: live down
May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To live down something (or live something down) is to stop feeling embarrassed about something you have done, or a mistake you have made. Examples of use: 1. He forgot to moor the boat properly. It will be a long time before he lives that down! 2. A. I feel so stupid for falling over [...]
Phrasal Verb: ask over / round
May 9, 2010 By 1 Comment
To ask somebody over (or ask somebody round) is to invite them to come to your house. Examples of use: 1. Janet and Anthony have asked us over for a meal. 2. We asked our neighbours over for a barbecue last weekend. 3. Gaby and Jared seem very nice. Why don't you ask them round [...]
