10 Advanced English Phrases You Need To Know

 10 Phrases with explanations and examples

Improving your English proficiency is a valuable skill that can open up many opportunities in both personal and professional life.

Learn new words, phrases, idioms, and collocations daily and try using them in conversations and writing. Use flashcards or vocabulary apps like Anki to help memorise words. There are many more ways to improve your speaking or reading as long as you practice regularly and dedicate a specific amount of time each day because consistency is key. Keep a journal in English to improve your writing skills.

I prepared for you 10 advanced English phrases to improve your language:

1. At face value

"At face value" is an expression used to describe how something appears or seems initially, without delving deeper into its details or considering other factors at play. 

Here's an example sentence:

"Her extravagant lifestyle, with frequent trips abroad and designer clothing, may make her seem wealthy at face value, but in reality, she's heavily in debt."

2. To have a crack at something

"To have a crack at something" is an informal expression that means to attempt or try something, often implying that you're giving it your best effort.

Here are some examples of how you can use this phrase in sentences:

• "I've never played chess before, but I'm willing to have a crack at it."
• "She decided to have a crack at baking a chocolate cake for the first time."
• "Despite not being a great singer, he had a crack at performing a solo in the talent show."

In these examples, "have a crack at" indicates a willingness to try or attempt something, often with determination and enthusiasm.

3. To burn a midnight oil

"Burning the midnight oil" is an idiom that means staying up late at night to work or study. 

Here are some examples of when you might use this expression:

•  "I had to burn the midnight oil for weeks before my final exams."
•  "I had a tight deadline for the project, so I had to burn the midnight oil to finish it on time."
•  "The author burned the midnight oil to finish writing the last chapter of his novel."

4. To strike a balance

Striking a balance often refers to finding a middle ground or compromise between two opposing or conflicting ideas, needs, or interests.

 Here are some examples of situations where striking a balance is essential:

• An employee wants to excel in their career but also wants to spend quality time with their family. They may need to strike a balance by setting boundaries for work hours and prioritizing family time on weekends.
• Someone wants to maintain a healthy diet but enjoys occasional treats. They can strike a balance by practising moderation and allowing themselves to be treated in moderation rather than completely depriving themselves.
• A student needs to balance studying for exams with participating in extracurricular activities. They can balance by creating an academic and personal development study schedule.

5. To let off the steam

This idiom means to release pent-up emotions, stress, or frustration. 

Here are some examples:

• After a long and stressful week at work, Jane decided to go for a run to let off steam.
• Instead of arguing with his coworker, Mark went for a walk to let off some steam and calm down.
• Playing video games is how Tom likes to let off steam after a tough day.

6. To count one's blessings

Counting one's blessings means reliving and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, even when things might not be perfect.

Here are some examples of things people can be thankful for:

• Being healthy is a valuable blessing. Many people struggle with health issues, so it's something to be thankful for if you're in good health.
• Having a loving and supportive family or a close-knit group of friends is a significant blessing. These relationships provide companionship, love, and a support system.
• Having a job or access to education can be a blessing. It means you have opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to society.

7. To bloom

"Bloom" is a versatile word used in various contexts to describe growth, development, and flourishing. 

Here are some examples of how "bloom" can be used in different sentences:

• In this sentence, "bloom" describes flowers opening up and displaying their colourful petals during spring.
• Here, "bloom" is used metaphorically to indicate the growth and success of someone's career after putting in effort and time.
• In this context, "bloom" shows the development and growth of the artist's talent as she explores her passion for painting.

8. To stick one's neck out

To "stick one's neck out" is an idiom that means to take a risk or make oneself vulnerable by expressing an opinion or taking a stand on a controversial issue.

 

Here are some examples of situations where someone might stick their neck out:

• Imagine an employee who believes a new company policy is terrible. They might say, "I'll stick my neck out here and say that I think this policy will hurt employee morale."
• Politicians might stick their neck out by taking a controversial stance on an important issue, like immigration reform. They could say, "I'm going to stick my neck out and propose a more lenient immigration policy, even though it might not be popular with my party."
• In a family meeting, someone might say, "I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that we reconsider how we handle our finances, even if it means making some tough changes."

9. A knee-jerk reaction

A knee-jerk reaction is an immediate and often impulsive response to a situation or stimulus without thinking it through. 

Here are some examples:

• When someone unexpectedly pops a balloon near you, you instantly jump in surprise without consciously deciding to do so.
• Imagine someone accidentally bumps into you on a crowded street, and you immediately shout or yell at them in anger without considering the circumstances.
• You burst into laughter when you hear a funny joke before you consciously process the humour.

10. To split hairs

Splitting hairs means making fine or trivial distinctions or nitpicking over small, unimportant details. It often involves being overly critical or pedantic. 

Here are some examples of splitting hairs in various contexts:

• She was complaining about the size or consistency of chopped vegetables in a homemade meal.
• She criticises someone for using salted butter instead of unsalted in a recipe.
• I am debating the shade of a colour used in a painting, even if it doesn't significantly impact the overall aesthetic.