Coming across the right way B1
How you sound to others — being straight with people without giving too much away.
How you seem to people
come across B2 — seem or give an impressionA: Did I come across as rude in the meeting?
B: No, you were just being honest.
come off as B2 — seem to be a particular type of personA: Did you like the new manager?
B: Yeah, but she comes off as really strict at first.
Being straight vs holding back
make up — invent (a story, excuse, etc.)A: Did you really see a celebrity at the café?
B: No, I just made it up.
tell the truth — be honestA: Did you break the vase?
B: I'll tell the truth—I did it by accident.
hold back B2 — withhold informationA: Did you tell your boss everything?
B: No, I held back some of the problems until I had a solution.
give away B2 — reveal a secretA: Did you tell anyone about my plans?
B: No, I promise I didn't give anything away.
Going furtherB2 · once the core feels easy
take back B2 — retract wordsOkay, I take it back — you were right. (casual)
I'd like to withdraw what I said earlier. (formal)
go back on B2 — not do something you promised or agreed to doA: Did Sarah agree to join our project?
B: She did, but she went back on her promise and said she's too busy now.
For nuanceC1 · for nuance
gloss over C1 — gloss over (something)A: Did the manager mention the delays in the meeting?
B: Not really—she just glossed over them and moved on to the next topic.
After the interview
Ellie: How did I do? Did I come across alright?
Mark: Honestly? You came off as a bit nervous, but in a nice way.
Ellie: I think I held back too much. Should've just told the truth about why I left.
Mark: Next time don't make anything up — they can always tell.
Keeping a secret
Sophie: Whatever you do, don't give it away — it's meant to be a surprise.
Will: I won't, but I'm rubbish at lying. I always come across as dead shifty.
Sophie: Just don't make up some daft story. Say nothing and hold back.
Will: Fine. Easier to just tell the truth and say I can't say, eh?