7 Advanced phrases!

SEVEN ADVANCED PHRASES NATIVE SPEAKERS USE DAILY!

7 Advanced Phrases

In English, there are so many phrases and expressions that native speakers use that are not necessarily taught in a regular class. Today, we will look at seven of the most commonly used phrases by native speakers. 

#1. To be Paid Under the Table

To be paid under the table simply means to receive payment for something being done illegally or unauthorized. In some places, this is being done so as to escape the paying of taxes.

Examples:

1. The employee was paid under the table.
2. They pay me under the table. 
3. My colleague was paid under the table.
4. Mike was paid under the table to ensure that Daniel’s daughter graduated with honors.
5. Eric was paid under the table to keep quiet about the company’s accounts.

#2. To Crash Somewhere 

The first thing that may come to mind may be that of a car accident. Well, in this case, the word crash is used in a completely different way. 

 To crash somewhere means to find a place to sleep. This may not necessarily mean a nice and cozy bed. It may be on the couch or the sofa of another person. Basically, you are just looking for a place to spend the night so that you are not on the street or sleeping in your car.

Examples:

1. I need a place to crash tonight. 
2. Can I crash at your place for a few days?
3. I am tired. Let’s crash here for tonight and leave early in the morning.
4. My friend just needs a place to crash before his flight.  He will be gone before you know it.

#3. You Can't Go Wrong

We use this phrase when we know for a fact that something, especially a purchase, was a good choice or a good deal. Most of the time, there is usually something wrong or defective with the product. It means that you have nothing to lose. You have made a wise choice.

Examples:

1. You paid a dollar for that shirt, even though it has a small hole on it. You can't go wrong. 
2. You paid $300 for a flat-screen TV with no remote control. You can’t go wrong.
3. You’ve got a nice pair of shoes at Goodwill with a foot that has no buckle. You can’t go wrong. You only paid $5.00 for it.
4. You've got a computer that allows you to do everything. You just need to keep it plugged in. You can’t go wrong.
   
   

#4. Make it Work!

To make it work means to make the best out of a terrible situation. Do what you can with what you have.

Examples:

1. Because of the pandemic, I have had to stay home, work, and take care of the kids. I had to make it work.
2. I can only go to the store once a month. I had to make it work.
3. I can’t take the kids to the park as I would like to but I play games with them as much as I can. I had to make it work.
4. My husband had another family before I met him, but we make it work. 

#5 Where What or Why on earth?

We use this phrase to express the idea of us or another person being clueless about something. This usually happens when you haven’t seen or heard something in a long time.

Examples:

1. Where on earth did you find my mom's necklace?
2. Why on earth would anyone want to do that?
3. What on earth were you thinking?
4. Why on earth would he jump off that building when he said life was so good?

#6. Some May Argue 

This phrase can be used in a negative and in a positive way. It is being used to express differing viewpoints. 

Examples:

1. Argentina is a great, friendly place to live. However, some may argue that it has crazy traffic. 
2. Belize is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters but some may argue that it is far from safe.
3. In winter it is very cold but some may argue that during the day, it is really hot. 
4. Some may argue that children today have it better today than when the older generation went to school. 

#7. Take Something UP!

This phrase is used to express that someone has started something new.

Examples:

1. Last year, I took up tennis. 
2. I took up learning English since the pandemic began.
3. I took up football last summer.
4. I took up teaching children in my free time.
5. I love animals so I took up a job as a veterinarian.

So, there you have it.  Seven most commonly used phrases by native speakers. It is important to try and use these phrases with everyone the opportunity presents itself so that you can become more familiar with them and be one step closer to sounding like a native speaker.