“Back to square one” – starting something from the beginning
Example Sentences:
After spending hours trying to fix the broken computer, we realized that we needed to start from the beginning and go back to square one.
The project had to be completely redone because we realized that some of the assumptions we had made were incorrect, so we were back to square one.
After several failed attempts to find a solution, we decided to go back to square one and reassess the problem from the beginning.
The team was disappointed when they realized that they had made a mistake and would have to go back to square one, but they were determined to find a solution.
Despite all of the progress we had made, we were forced to go back to square one when we realized that our original plan wasn’t feasible.
“Barking up the wrong tree” – pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought
Example Sentences:
I thought the noise was coming from the basement, but I was barking up the wrong tree – it was actually coming from the attic.
I spent hours trying to track down the source of the error in my code, but it turns out I was barking up the wrong tree – the problem was with the server, not my code.
I thought my neighbor was the one who had taken my bike, but I was barking up the wrong tree – it was actually one of the kids in the neighborhood.
My boss accused me of stealing office supplies, but she was barking up the wrong tree – I had nothing to do with it.
I thought the solution to the problem was to add more resources, but I was barking up the wrong tree – we actually needed to change our approach completely.
“Beat around the bush” – avoid discussing a topic directly
Example Sentences
I’m tired of you beating around the bush – just tell me what you want to say.
The politician avoided answering the question and instead beat around the bush with vague statements.
I could tell that my friend was trying to drop a hint, but she was beating around the bush and not coming out and saying it directly.
The CEO was asked about the company’s financial performance, but instead of giving a straight answer, he beat around the bush and talked about other things.
I asked my mom if I could go to the concert, but instead of saying yes or no, she beat around the bush and talked about how expensive it was.
“Bite off more than you can chew” – take on more tasks or responsibilities than you can handle
Example sentence:
I agreed to take on too many projects at once and ended up biting off more than I could chew – I was overwhelmed and couldn’t complete everything on time.
I thought I could handle a full course load and a part-time job, but I ended up biting off more than I could chew – I had to drop one of the classes.
The company took on a new contract without realizing the full scope of the work, and ended up biting off more than they could chew – they had to turn down other opportunities to focus on it.
I wanted to impress my boss by volunteering for every extra project that came up, but I ended up biting off more than I could chew – I was working long hours and wasn’t able to complete everything to my satisfaction.
My friend wanted to try every new restaurant in the city in one week, but ended up biting off more than she could chew – she was too tired and full to enjoy the last few meals.
“Break a leg” – a way of wishing someone good luck, especially in the theater
Example sentences:
“Break a leg tonight!” I shouted to my friend as she headed off to her audition.
“Good luck on your presentation – break a leg!” I said as I gave my colleague a hug before she headed into the meeting.
My mom always tells me to “break a leg” before I go on stage, even though I’m not sure she knows what it means.
The director wished the cast of the play “break a leg” before opening night.
I was so nervous before my driving test that my friends all told me to “break a leg” – I guess they were trying to wish me good luck in their own way.