Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "F"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Face The Music
"Face the music" means to accept the consequences or deal with the unpleasant situation one has created or been confronted with. It usually implies that one must confront a difficult reality or suffer the results of their actions.
Face To Face
"Face to face" refers to a situation where two or more people are interacting with each other directly, looking at each other's faces, typically in a personal, direct, or confrontational manner. It can describe a physical meeting, a conversation, or any form of communication that happens in person rather than through technology or indirectly.
Face Up To
"Face up to" means to confront or deal with a problem, situation, or person honestly and courageously, accepting the consequences and taking responsibility. It also implies acknowledging the reality of a difficult issue instead of avoiding it.
Failure To Do So
"Failure to do so" means not doing something that has been requested or required, which can result in negative consequences or implications.
Fall Back On
"Fall back on" means to rely on something or someone as a support or resource, especially in times of difficulty or when other options have failed. It implies having a backup plan or using a skill or knowledge that one can trust to provide stability or assistance when needed.
Fall Foul Of
To "fall foul of" means to encounter trouble, suffer a negative consequence, or come into conflict with someone or something, often unexpectedly. It usually implies that a person has violated a rule, law, or someone's expectations, leading to adverse outcomes.
Fall In Love
"Fall in love" is an idiomatic expression that means to develop strong feelings of affection and attachment towards someone, often unexpectedly. It implies the beginning of a romantic relationship or a deep emotional connection with another person.
Fall Short Of
"Fall short of" means to not meet or reach a certain standard, expectation, or goal. It implies that there is a gap between what was hoped for or required and what was achieved or delivered.
Far And Wide
"Far and wide" refers to a great distance or a wide area, suggesting something is spread out or can be found over a large expanse. It's often used to emphasize the extent or breadth of something.
Far Away From
The phrase "far away from" refers to a location or situation that is at a great distance or removed from something else. It indicates that something is not nearby or is distant in terms of physical space, time, or relevance.
Far From It
This phrase is a common idiomatic expression in English, meaning "completely the opposite" or "not at all". It is often used to convey that something is not what you expected or anticipated, and that the reality is actually the opposite. For example:<br><br>"I thought the movie was going to be great, but it was far from it - I hated it!"
Fast And Furious
The phrase "fast and furious" typically refers to something that is intense, rapid, and energetic. It often describes actions or events that happen with great speed and excitement, resembling the high-speed car chases and action sequences seen in the "Fast and Furious" movie franchise. The phrase can be used to describe anything from a thrilling race to a hectic pace of work or activity.
Fasten Your Seatbelts
"Fasten your seatbelts" is an instruction to securely buckle the safety belt in a vehicle to ensure personal safety during transportation. It reminds passengers to prepare for potential sudden movements or accidents while traveling.
Faute De Mieux
"Faute de mieux" is a French phrase that translates to "for lack of anything better" or "in the absence of a better option." It is used to express that a certain action or decision is taken because there is no more suitable alternative available.
Fed Up With
"Fed up with" is an idiomatic expression that means extremely tired or frustrated with something or someone. It can also imply that one has had enough of something and is ready to stop or get away from it. The phrase is often used to convey a sense of exasperation or annoyance. For example, "I'm fed up with this traffic, let's take a different route."
Feel Run Down
"Feel run down" means to feel physically or emotionally exhausted, drained, or lacking energy. It often refers to a state where someone feels as if they have been depleted of their usual vitality and strength.
Feira De Santana
"Feira de Santana" is a phrase in Portuguese that refers to a city located in the state of Bahia, Brazil. It is named after the Catholic holiday "Festa de São João," also known as Saint John's Festival, which is celebrated in June and is popularly associated with the folklore figure of Santana. The city is known for its cultural events, historical significance, and as a commercial hub in the region.
Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist, philosopher, short story writer, and journalist. He is considered one of the greatest novelists in world literature. His works explore deep psychological themes, existentialism, and the human condition, often set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia. Some of his most famous novels include "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," "Notes from Underground," and "The Idiot."
Ferdinand De Saussure
Ferdinand de Saussure was a Swiss linguist who is considered one of the founders of modern linguistics. He is best known for his work on structural linguistics, which emphasized the analysis of language as a system of interconnected elements rather than as individual words or sounds. Saussure's concepts, such as the distinction between "signifier" (the physical form of a word) and "signified" (the concept it represents), have greatly influenced not only linguistics but also fields like semiotics, anthropology, and literary theory. His major work is "Cours de linguistique générale" (Course in General Linguistics), published posthumously in 1916.
Film A Clef
"Film à clef" is a French term that translates to "keyed film" in English. It refers to a movie or a literary work that is based on real events or people, but the characters and settings are disguised with fictional names or altered details. It is a way for authors or filmmakers to tell a story inspired by true events while maintaining some level of anonymity or protection for those involved. The "clef" or "key" alludes to the understanding that the true identities and inspirations can be deciphered by those who have knowledge of the real-life counterparts.
Filum Durae Matris Spinalis
The phrase "filum durae matris spinalis" refers to a structure in the human anatomy. It is translated as "the thread of the spinal cord sheath" or more commonly known as the "filum terminale." It is a thin, fibrous band that extends from the lower end of the spinal cord, connecting it to the vertebrae. It helps to anchor the spinal cord within the protective spinal canal and provides support.
Fin De Siecle
"Fin de siècle" is a French phrase that refers to the end of a century, typically with a focus on the cultural, social, and artistic movements and changes that characterized that period. It is often used to describe the late 19th century, particularly the closing years of the 1800s, which was marked by a sense of optimism, experimentation, and also anxiety as the new century approached. The term is associated with a sense of transition, reflection on the past, and anticipation of what was to come.
Fine Thanks And You
This phrase is a common response to someone's inquiry about how you are doing. "Fine" means that you are doing well or okay. "Thanks" expresses gratitude, possibly for their concern. "And you?" is a polite way to ask how the other person is doing in return.
First Among Equals
"First among equals" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is considered the leader or most prominent figure in a group, but still regarded as equal to the others in terms of status or abilities. It implies that the person is not fundamentally higher or superior, but rather stands out due to their qualities or achievements.
First And Foremost
"First and foremost" means primarily or most importantly. It is used to emphasize something as the main priority or the most significant point.
First Come First Served
"First come, first served" is a principle or policy that means people who arrive first or request something first are served or attended to before those who come later. It is often used in situations where resources or services are limited and allocation needs to be fair and orderly.
First In Last Out
"First in, last out" (FILO) is a principle often used in various contexts, such as inventory management, emergency procedures, or job termination. It means that items or people who were the first to enter a system or situation will be the last ones to exit. In the context of inventory, it refers to the practice of using or selling older stock before newer items. In emergency situations, it may mean that those who arrived first at a location should leave last for safety reasons. In terms of job termination, it could imply that employees who have been with a company the longest are the last to be laid off.
First Of All
"First of all" is an expression used to introduce the first point or the most important consideration in a list or argument. It is often used to prioritize or emphasize something before mentioning other items or points.
First Things First
"First things first" means addressing the most important or urgent matters before anything else. It emphasizes the priority of dealing with the most crucial tasks or issues at hand.
First World War
The First World War, also known as WWI or the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved most of the world's great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies (primarily consisting of France, Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and later the United States) and the Central Powers (led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria). The war resulted from a web of alliances, imperial rivalries, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. It led to the deaths of millions of people, the fall of empires, and significant changes in the political landscape, ultimately contributing to the rise of new world powers and the conditions for the Second World War.
Firth Of Clyde
The "Firth of Clyde" is a large estuary, or sea bay, located in southwestern Scotland. It is where the River Clyde meets the Irish Sea. The firth is an important waterway, known for its maritime history, commercial shipping, and naval activities. It also has several coastal towns and cities, including Glasgow, Greenock, and Clydebank.
Firth Of Forth
The "Firth of Forth" is a large estuary, or tidal river mouth, located in Scotland. It is formed where the River Forth flows into the North Sea, and it stretches approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the city of Edinburgh to the coast. The firth is known for its iconic bridges, including the Forth Road Bridge and the historic Forth Bridge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fish And Chips
"Fish and chips" is a traditional British dish consisting of fried fish (usually cod, haddock or plaice) served with deep-fried potato chips. It is a popular fast food enjoyed in the United Kingdom and in many other countries around the world. The dish typically comes wrapped in paper and may be accompanied by condiments like salt, vinegar, and tartar sauce.
Fish N' Chips
"Fish and chips" is a traditional British dish consisting of fried fish (usually cod, haddock or plaice) served with deep-fried potato chips. It is a popular fast food dish and often wrapped in paper for takeout.
Fits And Starts
"Fits and starts" refers to a series of irregular, intermittent actions or progress, often with pauses or interruptions. It describes a non-smooth and inconsistent pattern of movement or activity.