Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
20th April 2024

Lighten up

We use this expression to tell somebody to take a more positive attitude. Usually this is when you are annoyed by somebody being negative.
Usage
Written: 
No
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Why does it always rain on Monday mornings? Back to work and crap weather, it's so depressing.
Oh come on! Lighten up. You're making everyone else feel depressed.
Example 2
I'm never going to get six point five in IELTS. I keep getting five point five.
Come one, lighten up. You have to adopt a more positive attitude.

Find an Online English Course