Something you hold in low priority or something that does not require immediate attention. For Example: “That project is on the back burner for now, there are other important things I need to focus on.”

This phrase is similar to the phrase “burning one’s bridges”. It means you’re cutting off ties to something that previously added value to your life. For Example: When you burn your boats, you disassociate yourself from something you once valued.

Alienating or destroying a once utilized connection. For Example: If you used to have a friend who could get you discounted electronics but are no longer friends with that person, you could say, “I burned bridges with that guy,” which indicates you destroyed or ended the relationship you once had with him.

This phrase is similar to “a line in the sand.” It means that there will be a time of reckoning. For Example: If something has been taking place which you do not condone and you intend to put a stop to it, you could say, “the buck stops here with me.”

In investing, when a bubble bursts it means that correction occurs in which something that was previously viewed as being very valuable is no longer viewed as having as much value. So if a football player was said to have tons of potential but by his fourth season had not performed exceptionally, you could say, […]

To avoid dealing with an issue until dealing with it becomes absolutely imminent. For Example: If your friend asked, “what are we going to do about getting a ride home later?” You could respond, “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” which is your way of saying that you would rather wait to […]

This phrase is often used to indicate that something is very unlikely to happen. For Example: If your friend said, “hey, maybe you’ll win the lottery tomorrow!” You could respond, “well, don’t hold your breath.” What you are saying is “don’t hold your breath until this happens because if you did it would be the […]

When someone feels they are being attacked or over-utilized, they might say, “oh give me a break!” This phrase can also be used as a response to something seemingly ridiculous. For Example: If your friend said, “I think Tottenham will beat Manchester United,” you could say, “oh give me a break!” This would indicate that […]

This phrase indicates a brilliant invention or discovery. Sliced bread is assumed to be a brilliant idea. For Example: “that’s the greatest idea since sliced bread,” it serves to strongly compliment the merits of the idea.

Someone’s basic source of income or value. For Example: “I can’t skip work on Fridays. That day is my bread and butter.” That phrase implies the speaker makes a lot of money on Fridays.