Expectations shape our thoughts and actions daily. Mastering expressions related to expectation can improve your communication skills significantly. In this post, we explore 20 idioms and phrasal verbs that capture the essence of expectation, providing short meanings and example sentences for each. Let’s dive in!
1. Waiting in the Wings
Meaning: Ready to act
Example: She’s waiting in the wings for her turn.
2. Hold Your Breath
Meaning: Anticipate anxiously
Example: We held our breath for the results.
3. Look Forward To
Meaning: Eagerly anticipate
Example: I look forward to the weekend plans.
4. High Hopes
Meaning: Strong expectations
Example: He has high hopes for his promotion.
5. Pin One’s Hopes On
Meaning: Rely on
Example: She pinned her hopes on winning.
6. Keep One’s Fingers Crossed
Meaning: Hope for luck
Example: Let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather.
7. Count On
Meaning: Depend on
Example: You can count on me for support.
8. Dream Big
Meaning: Have ambitious goals
Example: They encourage their kids to dream big.
9. On the Horizon
Meaning: Likely to happen
Example: A big change is on the horizon.
10. Bated Breath
Meaning: Anxious anticipation
Example: We waited with bated breath for news.
11. Cross That Bridge
Meaning: Deal with when needed
Example: We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
12. Up in the Air
Meaning: Uncertain
Example: Our plans are still up in the air.
13. On Pins and Needles
Meaning: Nervously awaiting
Example: I’m on pins and needles waiting for the call.
14. Bet On
Meaning: Expect confidently
Example: You can bet on his success.
15. Shooting for the Stars
Meaning: Aiming high
Example: She’s shooting for the stars in her career.
16. Put All Eggs in One Basket
Meaning: Rely on one plan
Example: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
17. Leave No Stone Unturned
Meaning: Try everything
Example: He left no stone unturned in his research.
18. Make or Break
Meaning: Critical outcome
Example: This exam is make or break for her.
19. Aim High
Meaning: Set high goals
Example: They always aim high in their projects.
20. A Waiting Game
Meaning: Deliberate waiting
Example: It’s a waiting game to see the results.
