Phrases That Start With D
English has a lot of phrases that don’t really follow normal grammar rules. But people use them all the time when they talk! These phrases mean something more than just the words in them, and if you learn them, your English will sound much more natural, not like it’s from a boring textbook. Instead of learning one word at a time, it’s more fun and useful to learn whole phrases.
Everyday English Phrases That Start With “D”
Learning phrases helps you share your opinion, ask for things, react to what’s happening, and talk more easily with others. In this guide, we’re going to learn phrases that start with the letter “D.”
These phrases have been divided into categories to easily learn and remember. Each phrase comes with an easy meaning and an example sentence, so you can see how to use it in real conversations.
Complete List of Phrases Starting with D
Here is the complete reference list of common everyday phrases and idioms starting with the letter “D.”
| # | Phrase | # | Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deal with it | 81 | Don’t be afraid |
| 2 | Deal with the problem | 82 | Don’t be silly |
| 3 | Deal with the situation | 83 | Don’t be shy |
| 4 | Decide for yourself | 84 | Don’t be surprised |
| 5 | Decide on something | 85 | Don’t be so sure |
| 6 | Decide to do something | 86 | Don’t bother |
| 7 | Deep down | 87 | Don’t bother yourself |
| 8 | Deep down inside | 88 | Don’t blame me |
| 9 | Definitely not | 89 | Don’t blame yourself |
| 10 | Definitely yes | 90 | Don’t break your promise |
| 11 | Depends on you | 91 | Don’t change the subject |
| 12 | Depends on the situation | 92 | Don’t count on it |
| 13 | Depends on what you mean | 93 | Don’t cut me off |
| 14 | Deserve better | 94 | Don’t delay |
| 15 | Do as I say | 95 | Don’t deny it |
| 16 | Do me a favor | 96 | Don’t disturb me |
| 17 | Do your best | 97 | Don’t do that |
| 18 | Do your homework | 98 | Don’t get angry |
| 19 | Do the right thing | 99 | Don’t get carried away |
| 20 | Do what you like | 100 | Don’t get me wrong |
| 21 | Do what you think is best | 101 | Don’t get nervous |
| 22 | Do without something | 102 | Don’t get upset |
| 23 | Do you agree? | 103 | Don’t give up |
| 24 | Do you mind? | 104 | Don’t go there |
| 25 | Do you mean…? | 105 | Don’t hesitate |
| 26 | Do you mind if…? | 106 | Don’t hold your breath |
| 27 | Do you understand? | 107 | Don’t hold it against me |
| 28 | Do you have a minute? | 108 | Don’t judge a book by its cover |
| 29 | Does that make sense? | 109 | Don’t jump to conclusions |
| 30 | Does it matter? | 110 | Don’t keep me waiting |
| 31 | Does it work? | 111 | Don’t let me down |
| 32 | Does that sound good? | 112 | Don’t let it get to you |
| 33 | Does that sound familiar? | 113 | Don’t lose hope |
| 34 | Don’t ask | 114 | Don’t make excuses |
| 35 | Don’t ask me | 115 | Don’t make me laugh |
| 36 | Don’t be afraid | 116 | Don’t make a fuss |
| 37 | Don’t be silly | 117 | Don’t make matters worse |
| 38 | Don’t be shy | 118 | Don’t mention it |
| 39 | Don’t be surprised | 119 | Don’t mind me |
| 40 | Don’t be so sure | 120 | Don’t miss the point |
| 41 | Don’t bother | 121 | Don’t miss out |
| 42 | Don’t blame me | 122 | Don’t play games |
| 43 | Don’t change the subject | 123 | Don’t push it |
| 44 | Don’t count on it | 124 | Don’t put it off |
| 45 | Don’t get me wrong | 125 | Don’t put all your eggs in one basket |
| 46 | Don’t give up | 126 | Don’t rush it |
| 47 | Don’t hesitate | 127 | Don’t rush into it |
| 48 | Don’t jump to conclusions | 128 | Don’t say I didn’t warn you |
| 49 | Don’t let me down | 129 | Don’t take it personally |
| 50 | Don’t let it get to you | 130 | Don’t take my word for it |
| 51 | Don’t mention it | 131 | Don’t tell me |
| 52 | Don’t mind me | 132 | Don’t tell anyone |
| 53 | Don’t miss out | 133 | Don’t waste your time |
| 54 | Don’t worry | 134 | Don’t worry about it |
| 55 | Don’t worry about me | 135 | Don’t worry about that |
| 56 | Don’t take it personally | 136 | Down in the dumps |
| 57 | Don’t take my word for it | 137 | Down the road |
| 58 | Don’t waste your time | 138 | Down to earth |
| 59 | Don’t worry about that | 139 | Down to the wire |
| 60 | Down in the dumps | 140 | Down and out |
| 61 | Down the road | 141 | Down the drain |
| 62 | Down to earth | 142 | Down the line |
| 63 | Down to the wire | 143 | Draw a blank |
| 64 | Down and out | 144 | Draw the line |
| 65 | Down the drain | 145 | Draw attention to |
| 66 | Down the line | 146 | Dream come true |
| 67 | Draw a blank | 147 | Drop a hint |
| 68 | Draw the line | 148 | Drop by |
| 69 | Draw attention to | 149 | Drop dead |
| 70 | Dream come true | 150 | Drop everything |
| 71 | Drop by | 151 | Drop me a line |
| 72 | Drop me a line | 152 | Drop the subject |
| 73 | Drop the ball | 153 | Drop the matter |
| 74 | Drop a hint | 154 | Drive someone crazy |
| 75 | Drive someone crazy | 155 | Drive someone up the wall |
| 76 | Drive someone up the wall | 156 | Dressed to kill |
| 77 | Dodge a bullet | 157 | Dressed to the nines |
| 78 | Devil’s advocate | 158 | Dress for success |
| 79 | Don’t worry | 159 | Do yourself a favor |
| 80 | Don’t forget | 160 | Do the trick |
Everyday English Expressions Starting with D
These phrases are frequently used in ordinary conversations at home, at work, at school, and with friends.
Deal with it
Meaning: Accept or handle a difficult situation.
“The weather is bad, so we have to deal with it.”
Deal with the problem
Meaning: Take action to solve a problem.
“We need to deal with the problem immediately.”
Decide for yourself
Meaning: Make your own decision.
“You have all the information, so decide for yourself.”
Decide on something
Meaning: Choose something after thinking about it.
“We need to decide on a restaurant.”
Decide to do something
Meaning: Make a decision to take an action.
“She decided to study abroad.”
Do your best
Meaning: Try as hard as you can.
“Just do your best in the exam.”
Do your homework
Meaning: Complete your homework or research.
“Make sure you do your homework before class.”
Do the right thing
Meaning: Act in the correct or responsible way.
“We should do the right thing and tell the truth.”
Do what you like
Meaning: Choose whatever you want to do.
“It’s your free time, so do what you like.”
Do without something
Meaning: Manage without something.
“We can do without a television for a few days.”
Do me a favor
Meaning: Ask someone to help you.
“Do me a favor and close the window.”
Do what you think is best
Meaning: Make the decision you believe is right.
“I’ve given you my advice; do what you think is best.”
Don’t worry
Meaning: Used to reassure someone.
“Don’t worry; I’ll take care of it.”
Don’t forget
Meaning: Used to remind someone about something.
“Don’t forget your keys.”
Don’t bother
Meaning: Used to say that something is unnecessary.
“Don’t bother making dinner for me.”
Don’t mention it
Meaning: You’re welcome.
““Thank you for your help.” “Don’t mention it.””
Don’t mind me
Meaning: Continue what you are doing without worrying about me.
“Don’t mind me; I’ll just sit here.”
Don’t waste your time
Meaning: Do not spend time on something unhelpful.
“Don’t waste your time arguing with him.”
Don’t worry about me
Meaning: Tell someone not to be concerned about you.
“Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.”
Do yourself a favor
Meaning: Do something that will help you.
“Do yourself a favor and get some rest.”
Conversational Phrases That Start with D
These phrases are particularly useful when asking questions, clarifying information, or keeping a conversation going.
Do you agree?
Meaning: Asking whether someone has the same opinion.
“This is the best solution. Do you agree?”
Do you mind?
Meaning: A polite way to ask someone to stop or move.
“Do you mind? I’m trying to concentrate.”
Do you mean…?
Meaning: Used to check someone’s meaning.
“Do you mean we should leave now?”
Do you mind if…?
Meaning: A polite way to ask permission.
“Do you mind if I sit here?”
Do you understand?
Meaning: Asking whether someone understands.
“Do you understand the instructions?”
Do you have a minute?
Meaning: Asking whether someone has a little free time.
“Do you have a minute? I need your advice.”
Does that make sense?
Meaning: Asking whether something is understood.
“I’ll explain it again. Does that make sense?”
Does it matter?
Meaning: Asking whether something is important.
“Does it matter which one we choose?”
Does it work?
Meaning: Asking whether something functions successfully.
“I repaired the computer. Does it work now?”
Does that sound good?
Meaning: Asking whether someone agrees with a suggestion.
“We can meet at six. Does that sound good?”
Does that sound familiar?
Meaning: Asking whether someone recognizes something.
“The name sounds familiar. Does that sound familiar to you?”
Don’t get me wrong
Meaning: Used to clarify your real meaning.
“Don’t get me wrong; I like the job.”
Don’t ask me
Meaning: Used when you do not know the answer.
“Where did he go? Don’t ask me.”
Don’t tell me
Meaning: Used to show surprise or make a guess.
“Don’t tell me you forgot again!”
Don’t you think?
Meaning: Asking someone to agree with your opinion.
“It’s a beautiful place, don’t you think?”
Definitely
Meaning: Certainly or without doubt.
“I’ll definitely call you tomorrow.”
Definitely not
Meaning: Strongly saying no.
“Would I do that again? Definitely not.”
Depends on you
Meaning: The result is your responsibility or choice.
“The final decision depends on you.”
Depends on the situation
Meaning: The answer changes according to circumstances.
“There is no simple answer; it depends on the situation.”
Depends on what you mean
Meaning: More explanation is needed before answering.
“It depends on what you mean by “soon.””
Greetings and Social Phrases Starting with D
These expressions can help English learners sound more natural when meeting people, welcoming them, or saying goodbye.
Delighted to meet you
Meaning: Very pleased to meet someone.
“I’m delighted to meet you at last.”
Do come in
Meaning: A warm invitation to enter.
“Do come in and have a seat.”
Do sit down
Meaning: A polite invitation to sit.
“Please do sit down while you wait.”
Do drop by
Meaning: An invitation to visit briefly.
“Do drop by whenever you’re in the area.”
Drop in anytime
Meaning: An invitation to visit whenever convenient.
“You’re always welcome, so drop in anytime.”
Don’t be a stranger
Meaning: Encourages someone to visit or contact you again.
“It was lovely meeting you. Don’t be a stranger.”
Don’t be shy
Meaning: Encourages someone to feel comfortable.
“Don’t be shy; come and join us.”
Don’t worry about it
Meaning: Used to reassure someone.
““I’m sorry I’m late.” “Don’t worry about it.””
Do you have a minute?
Meaning: A polite way to begin a conversation.
“Hi, do you have a minute?”
Did you have a good day?
Meaning: A friendly question about someone’s day.
“Did you have a good day at work?”
Did you sleep well?
Meaning: A common morning question.
“Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
Do you need any help?
Meaning: A polite offer of assistance.
“Do you need any help with your bags?”
Don’t mind me
Meaning: Tells people they can continue normally.
“Don’t mind me; I’ll wait here.”
Don’t keep me waiting
Meaning: A playful or direct request not to be late.
“I’ll be ready at eight, so don’t keep me waiting.”
Don’t forget to call
Meaning: A reminder to contact someone.
“Don’t forget to call when you arrive.”
Drop me a line
Meaning: Send me a message.
“Drop me a line when you get home.”
Drop by later
Meaning: Visit later for a short time.
“Drop by later if you’re free.”
Do take care
Meaning: A warm way of saying goodbye.
“It was great seeing you. Do take care.”
Don’t be a stranger
Meaning: Keep in touch after leaving.
“Thanks for coming. Don’t be a stranger.”
Do have a safe trip
Meaning: A friendly wish for someone’s journey.
“Do have a safe trip home.”
Idioms Starting with D
Idioms have meanings that are not always obvious from the individual words. Learning these expressions can make your English more natural.
Down in the dumps
Meaning: Feeling sad or unhappy.
“He’s been down in the dumps lately.”
Down to earth
Meaning: Practical, friendly, and not arrogant.
“She is successful but very down to earth.”
Down the road
Meaning: At some time in the future.
“We may move abroad down the road.”
Down to the wire
Meaning: Continuing until the last possible moment.
“The negotiations went down to the wire.”
Down and out
Meaning: Without money, a home, or other resources.
“The charity helps people who are down and out.”
Down the drain
Meaning: Completely wasted or lost.
“All our hard work went down the drain.”
Down the line
Meaning: At a later time or point.
“We can discuss the details further down the line.”
Draw a blank
Meaning: Fail to remember or find something.
“I drew a blank when he asked me for the address.”
Draw the line
Meaning: Set a limit on what you will accept.
“I don’t mind helping, but I draw the line at working all night.”
Dream come true
Meaning: Something you strongly wished for that actually happens.
“Winning the scholarship was a dream come true.”
Drop the ball
Meaning: Make a mistake or fail to do something.
“I dropped the ball and forgot to send the report.”
Drive someone crazy
Meaning: Make someone extremely annoyed.
“That noise is driving me crazy.”
Drive someone up the wall
Meaning: Make someone very annoyed.
“His constant complaints drive me up the wall.”
Dodge a bullet
Meaning: Avoid a difficult or dangerous situation.
“We dodged a bullet by leaving before the storm.”
Devil’s advocate
Meaning: Someone who argues against an idea to test it.
“Let me play devil’s advocate for a moment.”
Drop a hint
Meaning: Give an indirect suggestion.
“She dropped a hint that she wanted a new phone.”
Dressed to kill
Meaning: Wearing very attractive or impressive clothes.
“She was dressed to kill at the party.”
Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Dressed very elegantly.
“Everyone was dressed to the nines for the wedding.”
Do the trick
Meaning: Produce the desired result.
“This small repair should do the trick.”
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Do not depend completely on one plan.
“Apply to several jobs; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
“Don’t” Phrases for Advice and Warnings
Many useful English expressions beginning with D use “Don’t”. They are common when giving advice, warnings, instructions, or reassurance.
Don’t be afraid
Meaning: Do not feel frightened or worried.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Don’t be silly
Meaning: Tells someone that their idea is unreasonable or unnecessary.
“Don’t be silly; you don’t need to apologize.”
Don’t be shy
Meaning: Encourages someone to be confident.
“Don’t be shy; introduce yourself.”
Don’t be surprised
Meaning: Warns someone that something may happen.
“Don’t be surprised if he arrives late.”
Don’t be so sure
Meaning: Says that something is not certain.
“Don’t be so sure; plans can change.”
Don’t bother
Meaning: Says that an action is unnecessary.
“Don’t bother coming if you’re too busy.”
Don’t blame me
Meaning: Says that you are not responsible.
“Don’t blame me; I wasn’t involved.”
Don’t blame yourself
Meaning: Tells someone not to feel responsible for a bad result.
“Don’t blame yourself for the accident.”
Don’t count on it
Meaning: Says something is unlikely or uncertain.
“Will he help us? Don’t count on it.”
Don’t delay
Meaning: Tells someone not to wait.
“Don’t delay; submit the form today.”
Don’t disturb me
Meaning: Asks someone not to interrupt you.
“I’m studying, so don’t disturb me.”
Don’t get angry
Meaning: Tells someone to remain calm.
“Don’t get angry; let’s discuss the problem.”
Don’t get nervous
Meaning: Tells someone not to become anxious.
“Don’t get nervous before the interview.”
Don’t get upset
Meaning: Tells someone not to become emotionally distressed.
“Don’t get upset over a small mistake.”
Don’t give up
Meaning: Encourages someone to continue trying.
“Don’t give up; you’re almost finished.”
Don’t hesitate
Meaning: Encourages someone to act or ask without fear.
“Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help.”
Don’t rush it
Meaning: Tells someone to take their time.
“Take your time and don’t rush it.”
Don’t rush into it
Meaning: Warns someone not to make a quick decision.
“Think carefully and don’t rush into it.”
Don’t say I didn’t warn you
Meaning: Reminds someone that you previously gave a warning.
“If you ignore the instructions, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Don’t take it personally
Meaning: Tells someone not to feel personally offended.
“He is having a bad day, so don’t take it personally.”
“Don’t” Phrases for Conversation and Relationships
These expressions are useful when dealing with misunderstandings, disagreements, promises, and personal relationships.
Don’t break your promise
Meaning: Keep the promise you made.
“You promised to help, so don’t break your promise.”
Don’t change the subject
Meaning: Do not move to a different topic to avoid discussion.
“Don’t change the subject; answer my question.”
Don’t cut me off
Meaning: Do not interrupt me while I am speaking.
“Please don’t cut me off while I’m explaining.”
Don’t deny it
Meaning: Stop saying something is untrue when it appears true.
“Don’t deny it—you were there.”
Don’t get carried away
Meaning: Do not become too excited or extreme.
“It’s a good opportunity, but don’t get carried away.”
Don’t get me wrong
Meaning: Clarifies that you do not intend to criticize something completely.
“Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate your help.”
Don’t go there
Meaning: Tells someone not to discuss a particular sensitive topic.
“Don’t go there; we’ve already discussed that issue.”
Don’t hold it against me
Meaning: Do not remain angry with me because of something I did.
“I made a mistake, so please don’t hold it against me.”
Don’t let me down
Meaning: Do not disappoint me.
“I trust you, so don’t let me down.”
Don’t let it get to you
Meaning: Do not allow something to upset you.
“Ignore the criticism and don’t let it get to you.”
Don’t lose hope
Meaning: Continue believing that things can improve.
“Don’t lose hope; we still have several options.”
Don’t make excuses
Meaning: Stop giving reasons to avoid responsibility.
“Don’t make excuses; just admit the mistake.”
Don’t make me laugh
Meaning: Used to show that you strongly disagree with or doubt something.
“You think he can finish in five minutes? Don’t make me laugh.”
Don’t make a fuss
Meaning: Do not make something seem more important than it is.
“It’s only a small injury, so don’t make a fuss.”
Don’t make matters worse
Meaning: Do not make a bad situation even worse.
“Stay calm and don’t make matters worse.”
Don’t mention it
Meaning: A polite response to thanks.
““Thanks for helping.” “Don’t mention it.””
Don’t miss the point
Meaning: Do not fail to understand the main idea.
“Don’t miss the point; the problem is the cost.”
Don’t play games
Meaning: Be honest and serious.
“Don’t play games with me; tell me the truth.”
Don’t push it
Meaning: Do not go too far.
“I’ve already helped you, so don’t push it.”
Don’t put it off
Meaning: Do not delay doing something.
“Don’t put it off until tomorrow.”
Useful “Don’t” Phrases for Decisions and Situations
These expressions are helpful when discussing choices, risks, expectations, and difficult situations.
Don’t hold your breath
Meaning: Do not expect something to happen soon.
“He says he’ll apologize, but don’t hold your breath.”
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Do not judge something by its appearance.
“The restaurant looks simple, but don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Don’t jump to conclusions
Meaning: Do not decide something is true without enough evidence.
“Don’t jump to conclusions before hearing his side.”
Don’t keep me waiting
Meaning: Do not make me wait for too long.
“Please arrive on time and don’t keep me waiting.”
Don’t miss out
Meaning: Do not fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
“Book your ticket now so you don’t miss out.”
Don’t take my word for it
Meaning: Check the information yourself.
“Don’t take my word for it; check the figures.”
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Avoid relying completely on one option.
“Apply to several universities instead of putting all your eggs in one basket.”
Don’t put it off
Meaning: Do not postpone something.
“Don’t put off your doctor’s appointment.”
Don’t make matters worse
Meaning: Avoid increasing a problem.
“Think carefully so you don’t make matters worse.”
Don’t waste your time
Meaning: Avoid spending time on something useless.
“Don’t waste your time arguing about it.”
Don’t worry about that
Meaning: Reassures someone that something is not a problem.
“Don’t worry about that; I’ll handle it.”
Don’t worry about it
Meaning: Says that something is not important or troublesome.
“You forgot the book? Don’t worry about it.”
Don’t count on it
Meaning: Do not depend on something happening.
“He might come, but don’t count on it.”
Don’t say I didn’t warn you
Meaning: Reminds someone that they were warned.
“If you don’t back up your files, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Don’t take chances
Meaning: Avoid unnecessary risks.
“Don’t take chances when driving in bad weather.”
Don’t make assumptions
Meaning: Do not believe something without evidence.
“Don’t make assumptions before checking the facts.”
Don’t overlook it
Meaning: Do not fail to notice something important.
“Don’t overlook the small details.”
Don’t underestimate yourself
Meaning: Do not believe you are less capable than you are.
“Don’t underestimate yourself; you can do this.”
Don’t overthink it
Meaning: Do not think about something excessively.
“It’s a simple decision, so don’t overthink it.”
Don’t let fear stop you
Meaning: Do not allow fear to prevent action.
“Don’t let fear stop you from trying something new.”
Action, Work, and Success Phrases Starting with D
These phrases are useful in professional, academic, and goal-oriented situations.
Do the trick
Meaning: Successfully solve a problem or produce the desired result.
“A little extra practice should do the trick.”
Do your part
Meaning: Complete the responsibility assigned to you.
“Everyone needs to do their part.”
Do the job
Meaning: Complete a task successfully.
“This tool will do the job perfectly.”
Do your duty
Meaning: Carry out your responsibility.
“Every employee should do their duty honestly.”
Do what it takes
Meaning: Do whatever is necessary to achieve something.
“She will do what it takes to succeed.”
Do some research
Meaning: Study information carefully before making a decision.
“Do some research before buying a new laptop.”
Do the math
Meaning: Calculate the figures or consider the facts.
“Do the math before deciding whether you can afford it.”
Do business
Meaning: Carry out commercial activity with someone.
“Our company does business with several foreign firms.”
Do well
Meaning: Perform successfully.
“She did well in her final examination.”
Do better
Meaning: Improve one’s performance.
“You can do better if you practice regularly.”
Do something about it
Meaning: Take action to solve a problem.
“The road is dangerous, so the authorities should do something about it.”
Do away with
Meaning: Remove or eliminate something.
“The company plans to do away with unnecessary paperwork.”
Do justice to
Meaning: Represent or treat something fairly or accurately.
“The short article doesn’t do justice to his achievements.”
Do your part
Meaning: Contribute to a shared task.
“If everyone does their part, we will finish early.”
Decide on a plan
Meaning: Choose a particular plan.
“The team decided on a plan after the meeting.”
Deliver on a promise
Meaning: Do what you promised to do.
“The company delivered on its promise to improve the service.”
Deliver results
Meaning: Produce the expected outcome.
“The new strategy has delivered good results.”
Develop a skill
Meaning: Improve your ability in a particular area.
“Reading regularly helps you develop your vocabulary.”
Drive progress
Meaning: Help something develop or improve.
“New technology can drive progress in education.”
Dream big
Meaning: Have ambitious goals.
“Dream big and work steadily toward your goals.”
Practice makes permanent. Test your grasp of everyday phrases, idioms, and conversational expressions starting with the letter “D” using the exercises below.
Exercises: Common English Phrases Starting with D
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence using the correct phrase from the box.
- Please ______ and close the door.
- You have an important exam tomorrow, so ______.
- ______ before you hear the complete story.
- She is very successful but still ______.
- “Thank you for helping me.” “______.”
- The problem is difficult, but we have to ______.
- ______ and keep trying.
- ______ and send me the report today.
- I don’t mind helping, but I ______ at working all night.
- ______; everything will be fine.
- drop by
- do your best
- don’t jump to conclusions
- down to earth
- don’t mention it
- deal with it
- don’t give up
- do me a favor
- draw the line
- don’t worry
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Phrase
Choose the phrase that best completes each sentence.
- a) Don’t rush into it
- b) Don’t mention it
- a) Drop me a line
- a) Does that make sense?
- a) Don’t let it get to you
- a) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
- b) Down to earth
- c) Down the drain
- a) Don’t give up
- a) Don’t put it off
Exercise 3: Match the Phrase with Its Meaning
Pair each phrase on the left with its corresponding definition on the right.
- 1. Drop by—A. Do not become upset by something
- 2. Don’t take it personally—B. Visit for a short time
- 3. Down in the dumps—C. Set a limit
- 4. Draw the line—D. Feeling sad
- 5. Do your best—E. Try as hard as possible
- 6. Don’t jump to conclusions—F. Do not decide without enough evidence
- 7. Down to earth—G. Friendly and practical
- 8. Drop the ball—H. Make a mistake
- 9. Don’t hesitate—I. Feel free to act or ask
- 10. Dream come true—J. Something greatly wished for that happens
- 1. B—Drop by = Visit for a short time
- 2. A—Don’t take it personally = Do not become upset by something
- 3. D—Down in the dumps = Feeling sad
- 4. C—Draw the line = Set a limit
- 5. E—Do your best = Try as hard as possible
- 6. F—Don’t jump to conclusions = Do not decide without enough evidence
- 7. G—Down to earth = Friendly and practical
- 8. H—Drop the ball = Make a mistake
- 9. I—Don’t hesitate = Feel free to act or ask
- 10. J—Dream come true = Something greatly wished for that happens
Frequently Asked Questions About Phrases That Start with D
What are some common English phrases starting with D?
Some common phrases include “Don’t worry,” “Do your best,” “Don’t give up,” “Do you mind?,” “Don’t mention it,” “Drop by,” “Drop me a line,” “Down to earth,” and “Don’t take it personally.”
What is the meaning of “Don’t get me wrong”?
“Don’t get me wrong” means that you want someone to understand your statement correctly and not interpret it negatively.
“Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate your help, but I need to do this myself.”
What does “Do your best” mean?
“Do your best” means to try as hard as possible.
“Don’t worry about the result. Just do your best.”
What does “Don’t mention it” mean?
“Don’t mention it” is a polite response to someone who thanks you. It means “You’re welcome” or “It was no problem.”
““Thanks for helping me.” “Don’t mention it.””
What does “Down to earth” mean?
“Down to earth” describes someone who is practical, friendly, and not arrogant.
“Despite being famous, he is very down to earth.”
What does “Drop by” mean?
“Drop by” means to visit someone briefly, usually without a formal arrangement.
“I’ll drop by your office after lunch.”
What is the difference between “Don’t worry” and “Don’t worry about it”?
Both expressions can reassure someone. “Don’t worry” is generally used to tell someone not to be concerned, while “Don’t worry about it” often means that a particular problem or mistake is not important.
“Don’t worry; everything will be fine.”
“You forgot to call? Don’t worry about it.”
What does “Don’t jump to conclusions” mean?
It means not to make a decision or form an opinion before you have enough information.
“Don’t jump to conclusions before you hear the whole story.”
What does “Don’t take it personally” mean?
It means that someone should not feel personally offended or hurt by something.
“He is under a lot of pressure, so don’t take his comments personally.”
What does “Down the road” mean?
“Down the road” can mean at some point in the future.
“We may move to another city down the road.”

