Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "H"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Have To Have Had
The phrase "have to have had" is a combination of modal verb "have to" and the past perfect form "had." It indicates that something was necessary or mandatory in the past, and it has already been completed. <br><br>For example: "I have to have had a valid passport to travel abroad last year." This means that in the past (last year), it was necessary for the speaker to possess a valid passport, and they indeed did have one for the travel to take place.
Have To Have
"Have to have" means that something is necessary or essential. It expresses a strong need or obligation to possess, do, or obtain something. For example, "I have to have my morning coffee before starting my day" means that having coffee is a must for the speaker's daily routine.
Have You Been
The phrase "have you been" is a question that is often used to ask about someone's past experiences, actions, or whereabouts. It is commonly used as a polite way to inquire about someone's history, such as:<br><br> Have you been to that city before?<br> Have you been studying [subject] long?<br> Have you been feeling unwell lately?<br><br>The phrase is often used in informal conversations, and it can be used with friends, family, or even strangers. It's a way to show interest and concern for the other person, and it can help to build rapport and foster a sense of connection.
Have You Got Any
The phrase "have you got any" is an informal way to ask if someone has any of something, usually referring to a specific item or quantity. For example, "Have you got any apples?" means "Do you have any apples available?"
Have You Got
"Have you got" is an informal way of asking if someone has possession of something or if they have completed a certain action. It is equivalent to "Do you have" or "Have you received/obtained." For example:<br><br>- "Have you got the keys to the house?" means "Do you have the keys to the house?"<br>- "Have you got the homework done?" means "Have you completed the homework?"
Have You Had
The phrase "have you had" is usually used in the context of asking if someone has experienced something or consumed something in the past. For example, "Have you had pizza before?" or "Have you had your breakfast today?" It's a question construction using the present perfect tense to inquire about a previous action or event.
Have Your Cake And Eat It
The phrase "have your cake and eat it" means to want or try to enjoy two desirable but mutually exclusive things simultaneously, implying that one cannot have both without giving up one of them. It suggests being greedy or unrealistic in expecting to keep something while also enjoying its benefits fully.
He'll Have Been
The phrase "he'll have been" is a future perfect continuous tense construction in English. It suggests an action that will have started at some point in the past and will continue up to a specific time in the future. <br><br>For example, "By this time tomorrow, he'll have been working for 12 hours straight." This means that as of the mentioned future time (tomorrow), the action (working) will have started at an earlier point in the past and will still be ongoing.
He'll Have Had
The phrase "he'll have had" is a future perfect construction in English, which combines the future tense with the perfect aspect. It suggests that something will have been completed or experienced by a certain point in the future. <br><br>For example: "By this time tomorrow, he'll have had his exam." This means that the exam will be finished for him at some point before tomorrow's end.
He Who Laughs Last
The phrase "he who laughs last" means that the person who achieves success or has the last word in a situation, especially after a period of adversity or mockery, is the one who ultimately has the most satisfaction or vindication. It suggests that initial triumph or ridicule may not determine the final outcome.
Head And Shoulders Above
"Head and shoulders above" is an idiomatic expression that means someone or something is significantly better, more skilled, or superior to others in a particular aspect or comparison. It comes from the visual image of one person's head being visibly higher than others' heads and shoulders, indicating a clear distinction or advantage.
Head Over Heels
"Head over heels" is an idiomatic expression that means to be completely and utterly in love, or to be very enthusiastic or passionate about something. It also describes a situation where someone is upside down, with their head lower than their feet, typically used metaphorically to express intense feelings or being deeply involved in a particular situation.
Head To Head
"Head to head" refers to a direct confrontation or competition between two individuals or teams, where they face each other directly. It can be used to describe a sports match, debate, election, or any situation where two parties are compared or matched against one another.
Heads Or Tails
"Heads or tails" is a phrase used when flipping a coin to make a decision or settle a dispute. It refers to the two sides of a coin, with "heads" usually depicting a person's head on one side and "tails" being the opposite side. When someone says "heads or tails," they are asking which side you choose before the coin is flipped. The outcome of the flip will determine which choice wins.
Helen Of Troy
"Helen of Troy" refers to a legendary figure from Greek mythology, known as Helen or Helen of Sparta. She was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, and her abduction or elopement with Paris of Troy sparked the Trojan War. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe an extremely alluring or captivating woman whose beauty causes great fascination or conflict.
Hell Of A
"Hell of a" is an informal expression used to emphasize something, often indicating that it's impressive, intense, or extraordinary. For example, "That was a hell of a performance" means the performance was exceptional or remarkable.
Hello My Name's
"Hello, my name is" is a common introduction phrase used to greet someone and share your name. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, you might say, "Hello, my name is John." It's a polite and friendly way to introduce yourself.
Hem And Haw
"Hem and haw" is an expression used to describe someone who is hesitant, uncertain, or stalling when speaking, often due to nervousness or indecision. They might be prolonging their answer or trying to find the right words.
Hemmed And Hawed
"Hemmed and hawed" is an idiomatic expression that means to hesitate, stammer, or be indecisive when speaking, typically due to uncertainty or unwillingness to commit to an answer. It often implies that the person is trying to avoid giving a straightforward response.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau was an American philosopher, writer, and naturalist who lived from 1817 to 1862. He is best known for his book "Walden," which chronicles his two-year experiment living in simplicity and self-sufficiency at Walden Pond, and for his essay "Civil Disobedience," which influenced nonviolent resistance as a form of protest. Thoreau was a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing individualism, nature, and the importance of personal experience over material possessions.
Here And There
"Here and there" refers to different places or locations, implying that something is scattered or found in various spots, rather than in one specific place. It can also mean occasionally or sporadically.
Here It Is
The phrase "here it is" is used to indicate that something is being presented, shown, or given to someone. It can be a response to a request or an announcement of the arrival or availability of a particular item or information. In essence, it means that whatever was asked for or expected has now been provided.
Here You Are
"Here you are" is an expression used to indicate that you are giving something to someone or handing something over to them, often accompanied by physically handing the item over. It can also be used to acknowledge that you have received something.
Here You Go
"Here you go" is an informal expression used to indicate that something is being given or handed over to someone, often accompanied by physically handing them the item or completing an action they requested. It can also be used to present information or a response to a question.
Hi How Are You
"Hi, how are you?" is a common greeting in English used to ask about someone's well-being or to initiate a conversation. It is a friendly and informal way to express interest in the other person's state of mind or to simply be polite.
Hic Et Nunc
"Hic et nunc" is a Latin phrase that means "here and now." It refers to the present moment and location, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what is happening currently rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Hic Et Ubique
"Hic et ubique" is a Latin phrase that means "here and everywhere" or "everywhere and always." It suggests being present or applicable in all places and at all times.
High And Mighty
The phrase "high and mighty" means acting or feeling as if one is superior to others, often in a condescending or arrogant manner. It suggests someone who thinks they are more important or better than others.
Hip Hip Hoorah
"Hip hip hooray" is an expression used to show enthusiasm or celebrate something. It's often shouted at events or occasions to express excitement. The phrase has its origins in a Viking war cry and has evolved into a cheer or celebratory exclamation in modern times.
Hip Hip Hooray
"Hip hip hooray" is an expression used to show excitement, joy, or celebration. It's often shouted as a cheer or to express enthusiasm about something. The phrase has its roots in maritime history, where it was used as a cheer for pirates or sailors. Today, it's commonly heard at events, parties, or anytime people want to celebrate something.
Hip Hip Hurrah
"Hip hip hurrah" is an interjection used to express joy, excitement, or celebration. It can be used in various contexts such as cheering, congratulating, or expressing enthusiasm.
Hip Hip Hurray
"Hip hip hooray" is an exclamation used to express joy or celebration, often used to mark a special occasion or achievement. It is an old-fashioned phrase that is still commonly used today, particularly in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as when a person is being honored or a milestone is being reached. The phrase is usually shouted three times: "Hip! Hip! Hooray!"
Hit And Miss
"Hit and miss" refers to a situation where something is unpredictable, inconsistent, or has both successful and unsuccessful elements. It implies that there are moments of success interspersed with failures or misses. It can be used to describe a process, a person's performance, or the outcome of an endeavor that is not always reliable or steady.
Hit And Run
"Hit and run" refers to a situation where someone, typically a driver, causes an accident or damage to another person or property and then leaves the scene without taking responsibility or providing assistance. It is considered illegal and can have serious legal consequences.
Hit It Off With
"Hit it off with" means to establish a good relationship or connection with someone, often immediately or from the start. It suggests that two people have a friendly or compatible rapport and get along well.
Hit It Off
"Hit it off" means to establish a good relationship or connection with someone immediately, often when you first meet them. It suggests that you have similar interests or personalities and are able to communicate and get along well from the start.