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Quiz 🎲|Every day, one new expression.|

Today's Expressions

Learn useful English expressions easily and fun.

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to needle someone

to subtly provoke or annoy someone · to tease repeatedly in an irritating way

What's the situation?

This expression describes when someone playfully, or sometimes not so playfully, bothers another person with repetitive comments, questions, or teasing. 😒 It's like poking someone with a stick, but with words! It's often used when someone keeps bringing up an embarrassing moment or a sensitive topic.

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to give someone a hard time

to tease or playfully annoy someone · to criticize or trouble someone

What's the situation?

This expression is super versatile! You can use it when you're playfully teasing a friend about something silly they did, or when someone is actually causing you a lot of trouble. 😉 It's all about context! For our study card, we'll focus on the lighter, more humorous side of it!

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to roast

to playfully criticize or make fun of someone, often in front of others · to make jokes at someone's expense

What's the situation?

Ever had a friend who just makes fun of you relentlessly, but you know it's all in good fun? 😂 That's 'to roast'! It's like a comedic attack, often among friends, where everyone takes turns playfully making jokes or criticisms about one person. It shows affection, believe it or not!

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I'm just messing with you

I'm just joking · I'm just teasing you

What's the situation?

Ever find yourself making a funny comment or a slight exaggeration, and you want to make sure your friend knows you're not serious? 🤔 This is your go-to phrase! It's perfect for when you've just said something cheeky or a bit sarcastic and want to lighten the mood. 😉

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to get a rise out of someone

to provoke an emotional reaction · to make someone react strongly (often angry or annoyed)

What's the situation?

Ever had that friend who just loves to tease you until you can't help but react? Or maybe you've been that friend! 😂 This phrase is perfect when you want to describe someone intentionally provoking another person for a reaction, usually a bit of anger or irritation. It’s often used playfully, but can also describe someone being genuinely annoying. ✨

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