Describing Qualities - Old & New Things

Explore English idioms regarding old or new things with examples like "old hat" and "cutting edge".

review-disable

review

flashcard-disable

flashcard

spelling-disable

spelling

quiz-disable

quiz

start-learning
Describing Qualities
old shoe
old shoe [phrase]

something or someone that is familiar, comfortable, and easy to be around

Ex: The veteran employee was considered an old shoe in the company , as he knew the ins and outs of the business .
cutting edge
cutting edge [noun]

the forefront or leading position in a particular field or area of activity, characterized by the most advanced or innovative practices, technologies, or ideas

Ex:
(last|final) word
(last|final) word [phrase]

something that is considered the most fashionable or advanced in comparison with others of the same type

Ex: The smartphone 's sleek design , powerful features , and intuitive user interface make it the last word in mobile technology .
the shape of things to come
the shape of things to come [phrase]

a short glance of what one is likely to experience or what might happen in the future

Ex: The company 's successful expansion in international markets is a sign of the shape of things to come , pointing towards global dominance .
a breath of fresh air
a breath of fresh air [phrase]

someone or something that presents a refreshing change compared to what existed before

Ex: The young artist 's bold and innovative approach to painting brought a breath of fresh air to the traditional art scene .
to [fall] to pieces
to [fall] to pieces [phrase]

to age gradually, leading to a state of poor or declining condition

Ex: The old book , left exposed to moisture and pests , had fallen to pieces , its pages yellowed and torn .
in mint condition
in mint condition [phrase]

(of objects) in a perfect or unharmed condition

Ex: The antique watch , kept in a display case and rarely worn , remained in mint condition with its original parts intact .
old hat
old hat [phrase]

used to describe something that has been used many times or has existed for an extended period of time and is no longer new

Ex: For the fashion-forward , last year 's trends are already old hat ; they 're always looking for the latest styles .
to [gather|collect] dust
to [gather|collect] dust [phrase]

to be ignored or left unused for a very long time

Ex: The unfinished novel lay on the shelf , gathering dust , as the author struggled with writer 's block .
bricks and clicks
bricks and clicks [phrase]

a business that has both real physical stores and also sells products or services online through a website or app

Ex: The bricks and clicks approach allowed the bookstore to thrive in the digital age by combining an online platform with their physical store , offering customers a seamless shopping experience .
hot off the press
hot off the press [phrase]

(of a paper, particularly a newspaper) recently printed

Ex: The magazine featured an exclusive interview with the celebrity , offering readers insights hot off the press .
Describing Qualities
Good Quality or Condition Poor Quality or Condition Boring or Interesting Comparison
Similar or Dissimilar Order and Tidiness Old & New Things Shape, Color & Texture
Place & Position Location & Placement Compatibility & Incompatibility Suitability & Unsuitability
Usefulness & Value Nature Vehicles Describing Qualities