Friday Focus: Expressions for Celebrations

Let's Get This Party Started!

Today, we're finishing off our week exploring the exciting world of parties and celebrations.

Whether it's a personal birthday bash, a local festival, a national holiday, or even a global event, there are lots of colourful and native-sounding ways to talk about these happy occasions.

Let's look at some useful expressions, collocations (words that often go together), and idioms that will help you sound more natural when you're chatting about a good time.

First off, let's talk about getting ready for a party. You might hear people say they are going to "deck the halls." This idiom originally referred to decorating for Christmas, but it can be used more generally to mean decorating a place festively for any celebration. Imagine putting up balloons, streamers, and lights – you're decking the halls!

When the party is in full swing, you might hear someone say it's "in full swing." This collocation describes a situation where things are lively and energetic. The music is playing, people are dancing and chatting – the party is in full swing!

Another common expression you might hear is to "let your hair down." This idiom means to relax and enjoy yourself, often in a lively or informal way. After a long week of studying or working, a party is a great place to let your hair down and have some fun.