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40+ common English catchphrases frequently used in communication

What is an English catchphrase? Let's explore the definition and list of common English catchphrases most commonly used in daily conversation!

40+ common English catchphrases you should know!

I. Definition of English catchphrases

Catchphrases in English are words, phrases, or sentences that are used repeatedly and frequently in daily communication. Catchphrases are often used in "informal" conversations.

When the photographer wants you to smile, he says, “Say cheese!”.
Your friends and you are having lunch in a restaurant. Your friends say “Enjoy your meal 100%”.

II. Common English catchphrases used by foreigners

Let's learn which English catchphrases American and British commonly use!

1. Common English catchphrases used by American

No.	English catchphrases
1	Don’t go yet
2	Try your best!
3	Please go first. After you.
4	Just for fun!
5	Thanks for letting me go first.
6	Good job!/Well done!
7	What a relief.
8	That’s a lie.
9	What the hell are you doing?
10	The more, the merrier!
11	You’re a lifesaver.
12	It serves you right!
13	I know I can count on you.
14	Enjoy your meal!
15	Get your head out of your ass!

2. Common English catchphrases used by British

No.	English catchphrase
1	Make some noise!
2	Give me a certain time!
3	Congratulations!
4	I’m sorry to hear that.
5	Rain cats and dogs.
6	To argue hot and long.
7	Just kidding.
8	I’ll be shot if I know.
9	Strike it.
10	Got a minute?
11	Always the same.
12	Poor you.
13	Hit it off.
14	God knows!
15	Hit or miss.

III. Common English office catchphrases

Let's learn which catchphrases they commonly use in English conversations at work!

No.	English catchphrase
1	How long have you been working here?
2	How long does it take you to get to work?
3	That sounds like a fine/good idea.
4	Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask you something quickly?
5	In my opinion,...
6	You’re absolutely right.
7	I’m not so sure about that.
8	I’m very pleased to meet you.
9	Sorry for keeping you waiting.
10	Here’s my (business) card.

IV. Exercises on English catchphrases

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Match each catchphrase with its meaning

No.	English Catchphrase	Meaning
1	Don’t go yet!	A. Encouragement to put maximum effort into something.
2	Try your best!	B. Polite way of indicating that someone should go before you.
3	Please go first. After you.	C. Expression of gratitude for allowing someone to go ahead.
4	Just for fun!	D. Celebration of success or completion of a task.
5	Thanks for letting me go first.	E. Expression of relief after a tense situation.
6	Good job!/Well done!	F. Calling out someone for being untruthful.
7	What a relief.	G. Expression of frustration or disbelief.
8	That’s a lie.	H. Invitation to join in or participate for fun.
9	What the hell are you doing?	I. Acknowledgment of someone's helpfulness or rescue.
10	The more, the merrier!	J. Response indicating that someone's misfortune is deserved.
11	You’re a lifesaver.	K. Expression of trust and reliability in someone.
12	It serves you right!	L. Request for someone to enjoy their meal.
13	I know I can count on you.	M. Indication that something is being done purely for enjoyment or amusement.
14	Enjoy your meal!	N. Encouragement for a group to join in, implying more people means more fun.
15	Get your head out of your ass!	O. Criticism for being unaware or foolish.

Exercise 2: Match each catchphrase with its meaning

No.	English Catchphrase	Meaning
1	Make some noise!	A. Encouragement to celebrate or cheer loudly.
2	Give me a certain time!	B. Request for a specific time or deadline.
3	Congratulations!	C. Expression of sympathy or empathy.
4	I’m sorry to hear that.	D. Heavy rainfall.
5	Rain cats and dogs.	E. Prolonged argument or dispute.
6	To argue hot and long.	F. Humorous way of retracting a statement or teasing someone.
7	Just kidding.	G. Expression of uncertainty or ignorance.
8	I’ll be shot if I know.	H. Score a goal or success.
9	Strike it.	I. Request for a brief moment of someone's time.
10	Got a minute?	J. Situation or outcome that is consistent or predictable.
11	Always the same.	K. Expression of pity or sympathy.
12	Poor you.	L. Indication of a good initial relationship or connection.
13	Hit it off.	M. Expression of uncertainty, leaving things to fate.
14	God knows!	N. Description of something uncertain or unpredictable.
15	Hit or miss.	O. Congratulations on an achievement or success.

2. Answer

Exercise 1:

1 - B	2 - A	3 - B	4 - M	5 - C
6 - D	7 - E	8 - F	9 - G	10 - N
11 - I	12 - J	13 - K	14 - L	15 - O

Exercise 2:

1 - A	2 - B	3 - O	4 - C	5 - D
6 - E	7 - F	8 - G	9 - H	10 - I
11 - J	12 - K	13 - L	14 - M	15 - N

PREP has listed 40+ of the most common English catchphrases and you can easily use these catchphrases in your daily life. PREP wishes you all the best in your English learning journey!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.