Only a little bit is left before the New Year. Many of us perceive this holiday as the beginning of a new life or a new chapter in a book. How to make sure that the new chapter begins not with vanity and...

‘Thing’ may not seem the most exciting word, but it features in a very large number of informal expressions that are often used in conversation. ⠀ THE MAIN THING Starting with a very common spoken phrase, the main thing means ‘what is most important in this situation’: I don’t know how much money she earns but she’s happy and that’s the main thing. ⠀ THE WHOLE THING This expression can be used to mean ‘everything related to a particular activity or situation’: I love everything about teaching – the kids, my subject, being part of a team – the whole thing...