Phrasal verbs and idioms for challenging times (and positive thinking… because we need it!)

By Isabel Solano.

Ah! 2020. What a year, right? Let’s be honest, we all wanted this year to be much different from what it has been some far. When we rang* in the New Year back on January 1st, we had hopes and dreams we wanted to achieve. We had listed our New Year’s resolutions and we had gotten our new gym membership, yoga mat or flight tickets! We were ready.

But this year had other plans in store* *for us and even though it hasn’t been easy, hope is never lost. In every situation there’s always a positive side, even if it seems impossible to see from where we stand. So today, I want to give you some vocabulary that can help you express your feelings during these challenging times and idioms you can use to motivate yourself and others. 

Let's get started...

1. Cope with something (phrasal verb): to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties, especially successfully or in a way that is calm and adequate. 

Example: Because of our ability to cope with the stress of life changes, we have been able to stay positive during these times.

2. Hang in there (idiom): This expression is used to advice someone to remain persistent and determined in difficult circumstances. It’s another way to say “Don’t give up”.

Example: I’m sorry to hear that you lost your job but hang in there. Keep looking! I’m sure we will find a new one soon.

3. To embrace something: Literally, to embrace is to hug. However, it can also mean to welcome something with open arms whether it be physical or not. We can embrace good things but we can also embrace change or challenges. To embrace a challenge is the willingness to welcome obstacles.

Example: Teachers around the world were nervous to start teaching online during the pandemic but they embraced the challenge, learned the new technology and now they are doing a great job! 

4. To ride something out (phrasal verb): Originally, this expression referred to a ship surviving a storm. Now, it can be used to express getting through a dangerous or difficult situation without being harmed or affected. 

Example: The country was able to ride out the economic crisis. 

5. Every cloud has a silver lining (idiom/proverb):  This idea comes from the understanding that behind dark clouds the sun is always shining even if we cannot see it. This idiom can be used to express that every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect, even though this may not be immediately apparent.

So, no matter how difficult things might seem, just remember, every cloud has a silver lining.

Until next time! 

Isabel.

*to ring the new year:To mark the end of the previous year and usher in the start of a new one, typically with a party or other celebration.

**in store (for someone/something) planned or likely to happen: We have a big surprise in store for you.