← Home

Casual

Informal expressions for everyday speech

daily-life B2

ring a bell

Learn the idiom 'ring a bell' to express that something sounds familiar but you cannot quite remember the details.
daily-life B2

run into

Master the casual English phrasal verb 'run into' to describe meeting someone unexpectedly or encountering problems.
entertainment C1

run the show

Learn how to use the idiom 'run the show' to describe someone who is in complete control of a situation, project, or organization.
entertainment B1

sci-fi movie

Learn the meaning of 'sci-fi movie', see conversational examples, and master this popular casual term for science fiction films.
SPONSORED Speak Mango

🎓 Everything English

Everything English, new every day — from phrasal verbs to slang

🔄 Fresh posts 5+ times/week · 12 Learning categories

Explore Everything English →
business B1

share an idea

Learn how to present your thoughts casually in workplace meetings using the phrase 'share an idea'. Includes practice and examples.
daily-life B1

show up

Improve your spoken English by mastering the casual phrasal verb 'show up' to talk about arriving at events, making unexpected appearances, or arriving late.
academic B1

skip class

Understand the casual English expression 'skip class'. Learn its meaning, see natural examples, avoid common mistakes, and test your knowledge easily.
daily-life C1

speak of the devil

Learn how to use the idiom 'speak of the devil' when someone you are talking about suddenly appears. Master this casual C1 English phrase.
daily-life B2

spill the beans

Learn how to use the common English idiom "spill the beans" to describe accidentally or intentionally revealing a big secret or surprise before the right time.
entertainment B2

spoiler alert

Learn how and when to use the popular casual phrase 'spoiler alert' in English conversations to avoid accidentally ruining movie or book endings for others.
daily-life C1

steal someone's thunder

Learn how to use 'steal someone's thunder' to describe when someone takes attention or praise away from another person. Essential C1 English.
SPONSORED Speak Mango

🎓 Everything English

Unlimited English feed for the price of a cup of coffee

☕️ $5.99/mo All-in-one Membership · Best value

Join Membership →
entertainment C1

steal the show

Learn the meaning of 'steal the show' in English. Discover how to use this common idiom with examples, practice exercises, and pronunciation tips.
entertainment B2

steal the spotlight

Discover the meaning of 'steal the spotlight' and how to use it when someone captures all the attention in a situation.
travel C1

thumb a ride

Learn what 'thumb a ride' means, how to use this casual travel idiom in English conversations, and see natural examples of hitchhiking expressions.
relationships B2

tie the knot

Learn the casual idiom 'tie the knot' and how to use it when talking about getting married.
business C1

touch and go

Discover the meaning of 'touch and go' in business English. Learn how to use this phrase to describe risky, uncertain, or precarious situations.
business B2

touch base

Master the business idiom 'touch base'. Learn how to use it to briefly contact or catch up with someone in a professional setting.
travel B2

tourist trap

Discover what a 'tourist trap' is and how to use this phrase to describe overpriced, crowded travel destinations.
travel B2

travel on a shoestring

Master the expression 'travel on a shoestring' to talk about backpacking and traveling on an extremely tight budget.
entertainment B2

tune in

Learn how to use the phrasal verb 'tune in' to talk about watching, listening, or paying attention to broadcasts and shows.