UP IN ARMS means that there is strong opposition or anger against something. For Example: “We heard the news over the radio at lunch break and I tell you, we were really up in arms about it.” (Meaning they strongly disagreed with the news on the radio). When their children […]

A GREY AREA means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement. For Example: “We have always had a professional attitude to copyrighted texts, but online copyright is still a bit of a grey area.” Many people think they know what right and wrong are, but on closer […]

GO APE is an informal expression meaning to just lose control and become really angry or excited. For Example: When I told him we had tickets to see the rock concert on Saturday, he just went ape. (Meaning he was really excited). He’s a really nice guy, but just don’t […]

IN THE AIR means people have a general feeling or expectation that something will happen in the near future. This feeling among people is often not clearly defined. For Example: No one knew for sure what was going to happen that summer, but a change was in the air. On […]

To CLEAR THE AIR means to somehow resolve a difficult situation between people. It is especially used for talking openly about problems, or being patient and waiting for bad feelings to lessen. For Example: “Sharon’s been ignoring me all week because of what I said to her, but we finally […]