Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "L"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Leben Wie Gott In Frankreich
"Leben wie Gott in Frankreich" is a German phrase that translates to "living like God in France" in English. It means enjoying a luxurious, carefree, and indulgent lifestyle, often associated with the perception of the good life in France, known for its fine food, wine, and relaxed pace.
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew, also known as LKY, was the first Prime Minister of Singapore, serving from 1959 to 1990. He is widely regarded as the founding father of modern Singapore and is known for his authoritarian leadership style, economic policies, and transforming the city-state from a British colonial backwater into a prosperous and highly developed nation.
Legend Has It That
"Legend has it that" refers to a story or belief that has been passed down through time, often as part of folklore or popular culture, and may or may not be based on factual events. It suggests that the information following this phrase is a tale or an account that is not necessarily proven but is still widely known and discussed.
Lend A Hand
To "lend a hand" means to offer help or assistance to someone. It usually implies doing a task together or supporting another person in their work.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath who lived during the Renaissance era. He was a painter, sculptor, inventor, architect, scientist, and mathematician, widely regarded as one of the most influential artists and thinkers of his time. Some of his most famous works include the paintings "The Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." Da Vinci's notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, showcase his profound curiosity and innovative thinking across various fields.
Less And Less
"Less and less" means decreasing in quantity, frequency, or intensity over time. It implies that something is becoming smaller or lesser with each passing moment or instance.
Let Bygones Be Bygones
"Let bygones be bygones" is an idiom that means to forgive and forget past mistakes or disagreements, and move on from them without holding grudges or revisiting the issues. It suggests letting go of past tensions and focusing on the present or future.
Let Go Of
"Let go of" means to release or relinquish something, usually an object, a person, or an emotion. It can refer to physically letting something go from your grip or mentally releasing a thought, a worry, or a grudge. In a figurative sense, it means to stop holding on to something that is preventing you from moving forward or causing stress.
Let It Be
"Let it be" is a phrase that suggests accepting a situation as it is, rather than trying to change or control it. It implies allowing things to unfold naturally without interference or stress. This phrase can also be associated with the famous song by The Beatles, which carries a similar message of acceptance and resilience.
Let It Go
"Let it go" means to accept something and move on from it, especially when it's causing stress or negativity. It can involve forgiveness, releasing control, or accepting a situation you can't change.
Let Me Explain
"Let me explain" is an expression used when someone wants to clarify a point or provide more information about a topic. It indicates that the speaker intends to give an explanation to help the listener understand better.
Let Me Help You
This phrase means that the speaker is offering their assistance or support to the person they are addressing. They are willing to do something to make things easier or better for the other person.
Let Me See
"Let me see" is an expression used to indicate that someone wants to examine, consider, or recall something. It often implies that the person needs a moment to think or gather information before responding.
Let Off Steam
"Let off steam" means to release or express one's pent-up emotions, usually frustration, anger, or stress, often through physical activity or by talking about it. It is a way to relieve built-up tension.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
"Let sleeping dogs lie" is an idiomatic expression that means it's better to avoid disturbing or interfering with a situation, especially a problematic one, that is currently at rest or quiet. It suggests that trying to address or change the situation might create more trouble than leaving it alone.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag
"Let the cat out of the bag" is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was previously unknown. It comes from the idea of accidentally revealing the contents of a bag, which was sometimes used to deceive people, especially in markets where live animals were sold. When the cat is let out of the bag, the truth is uncovered.
Letter Of Credit
A letter of credit is a financial document issued by a bank on behalf of a buyer, guaranteeing payment to the seller as long as certain conditions are met. It serves as a promise to pay the seller if the buyer fails to do so, providing a layer of security for both parties in international trade transactions.
Lettre De Cachet
A "lettre de cachet" was a sealed letter issued by the French monarchy, typically containing orders or decrees that had the force of law. It could be used to imprison someone without trial, exile them, or make other arbitrary decisions. This practice was abolished during the French Revolution.
Lewis And Harris
Lewis and Harris is a single island in the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) of Scotland. It is the largest island in the archipelago, and is administratively considered two separate islands due to their distinct cultural and linguistic differences. Lewis is the northern part, which is flatter and more populated, while Harris, in the south, is more mountainous and sparsely populated. The name "Lewis and Harris" refers to this division.
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite
"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" is a French phrase that serves as the national motto of France. It translates to "liberty, equality, fraternity" in English. This phrase embodies the core values of the French Revolution and the ideals of the French Republic, emphasizing freedom, equal rights, and brotherhood among all citizens.
Licentia Veterum Poetarum
"licentia veterum poetarum" is a Latin phrase that translates to "the license of ancient poets." In this context, "license" refers to the freedom or artistic privilege that poets in ancient times were granted to exaggerate, bend the rules, or use creative liberties in their works. It signifies the tradition of poets using poetic license to enhance their storytelling or convey emotions.
Line Of Sight
"Line of sight" refers to an unobstructed path or view between two points, allowing direct visual contact or communication. It means that there is nothing blocking the direct line between the observer and the object or person being observed. In military, aviation, or navigation contexts, it also refers to the range within which a signal or target can be seen or detected without the aid of technology. In everyday terms, it's what you can see clearly without anything getting in the way.
Lira Da Braccio
"Lira da braccio" is an Italian term that refers to a stringed musical instrument from the Renaissance period. It was a type of lyre played with a bow, similar to a small violin or a lute. The word "da braccio" means "of the arm," indicating that the instrument was held against the player's shoulder or arm.
Lis Alibi Pendens
"Lis alibi pendens" is a Latin phrase that means "There is a pending suit somewhere else". It refers to a situation where a lawsuit is already underway in another court or jurisdiction, and where it is unnecessary to re-litigate the same issues in another court. In other words, it is a doctrine that bars a second lawsuit from being filed while a similar lawsuit is already pending elsewhere.
Listen And Repeat
The phrase "listen and repeat" refers to a method of learning or practicing a language or any other skill where the listener hears a word, phrase, or sentence, and then mimics or repeats it to improve their pronunciation, memory, or understanding. It's a common exercise in language classes or language learning apps.
Listen To Me
The phrase "listen to me" is an imperative statement, typically used by someone who wants to ensure that their words are being paid attention to by another person. It implies that the speaker has something important or relevant to say and expects the listener to give them their undivided attention.
Lit De Justice
"Lit de justice" is a French term that refers to a solemn ceremony held in the presence of the French monarch or, historically, other heads of state, during which legal or constitutional acts are performed. It typically involves the king or queen sitting on their throne to preside over important judicial or parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing the sovereign's role as the ultimate authority in the administration of justice. In modern times, it is mostly a symbolic event.
Little By Little
"Little by little" means gradually or step by step, referring to the process of something happening or changing slowly over time.
Little Lord Fauntleroy
The phrase "Little Lord Fauntleroy" refers to a novel and its protagonist written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1886. The story follows the life of Cedric Errol, a young American boy who inherits the title of Earl of Dorincourt and the Fauntleroy estate from his grandfather. The novel explores themes of class, identity, and social change as Cedric navigates his new aristocratic life, earning the nickname "Little Lord Fauntleroy" due to his formal and noble demeanor.
Little Red Riding Hood
"Little Red Riding Hood" is a classic European fairy tale about a young girl named Little Red Riding Hood, who wears a red hooded cloak. She sets out to visit her sick grandmother and encounters a cunning wolf along the way. The wolf, pretending to be friendly, manages to get ahead of her and reaches her grandmother's house, where he disguises himself as the grandmother. When Little Red Riding Hood arrives, she is fooled by the wolf's disguise and eventually falls prey to him. The story often teaches caution about talking to strangers and has been adapted into various forms of media, including books, films, and plays.
Live And Let Live
"Live and let live" is a phrase that means to tolerate or respect other people's choices, beliefs, or lifestyles, even if they differ from one's own. It promotes the idea of coexistence and non-interference in others' affairs, as long as they do not harm others.
Llywelyn Ap Gruffydd
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was the last prince of an independent Wales, ruling from 1246 until his death in 1282. He was a key figure in Welsh resistance against English domination and is remembered as a significant Welsh national hero.
Lo And Behold
"Lo and behold" is an expression used to draw attention to something surprising or unexpected that has been discovered or revealed. It implies that what follows is remarkable or worth noticing.
Lomas De Zamora
Lomas de Zamora is a district and a city located in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is part of the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area. The name refers to the hills (lomas) in the region and is named after José de San Martín's victory at the Battle of Zamora in Venezuela during the Spanish American Wars of Independence.
Long Time No See
"Long time no see" is an informal expression used to greet someone you haven't seen or spoken to for a considerable period. It acknowledges the passage of time since your last encounter.
Look After Yourself
"Look after yourself" means to take care of yourself, ensuring your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's a phrase used to encourage someone to prioritize their own health and happiness.