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Everyday Life - Communication

Explore English idioms that relate to communication, including "on the line" and "lose touch".

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English idioms related to Everyday Life
to [be|get|stay] in touch

to be in contact with someone, particularly by seeing or writing to them regularly

Ex: I will get in touch with solicitors about this. 
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to [get] hold of {sb}

to manage to meet someone in person or contact them on a telephone, through message, etc.

Ex: I've been trying to get hold of John all day, but his phone seems to be switched off. 
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to [drop] {sb} a line

to contact a person with a brief message, phone call, or letter

Ex: I haven't seen you in a while. Why don't you drop me a line and let me know how you've been? 
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on the line
on the line
[phrase]

used for saying that someone is waiting or talking on a telephone

Ex: While I was on the line with the customer service representative, I explained my issue and asked for assistance. 
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on hold
on hold
[phrase]

waiting on the phone until the receiver speaks

Ex: We try not to keep people on hold for more than a couple of minutes. 
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over and out
over and out
[interjection]

said in a radio communication to indicate that the conversation is over

Ex: After delivering the status report, the pilot radioed, "Mission accomplished, over and out." 
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to [cross] {one's} [path]

to unexpectedly encounter or meet someone or something, often with significant consequences

Ex: I never thought I'd cross paths with my high school sweetheart after all these years. 
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to [put] {sb} in touch with {sb}

to provide someone with the contact information of another person such as their phone number, E-mail, or address

Ex: I can put you in touch with my friend who's a real estate agent if you're looking for a new home. 
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to {not} [see|find] hide nor hair of {sb/sth}

to have not seen or heard about a person or thing for a considerable amount of time

Ex: I haven't seen hide nor hair of her since last Friday. 
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to [lose] touch

to be no longer in contact with a friend or acquaintance

Ex: I used to be close friends with her, but we've gradually lost touch over the years. 
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to [keep|hold] {sb/sth} at arm's (length|distance)

to not form a friendly relationship with a person or avoid getting involved with something

Ex: He's a nice guy, but I have to keep him at arm's length until I get to know him better. 
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to {not} [know|recognize] {sb} from Adam

to fail to recognize someone as one has never met them or knows nothing about them

Ex: When he approached me on the street, I had no idea who he was—I couldn't have recognized him from Adam. 
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to [touch] base (with|)

to make contact with someone in order to exchange information or to consult with them

Ex: I'll touch base with you next week to discuss our project's progress. 
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ships (that|) [pass] in the night

a situation where two people or groups cross paths briefly and then continue on their separate ways without any meaningful interaction or connection

Ex: The two men met once, like ships that pass in the night, and never met again. 
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out of touch
out of touch
[phrase]

not having been in contact with someone and unaware of their current situation

Ex: By the time he was settled in, he became out of touch with that friend. 
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