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Health

The everyday English you actually use around health — booking and sitting through appointments, describing what's wrong, getting fitter, and getting over an illness.

15 situations72 phrases
At the doctor'sB1

Booking and getting seen by a GP.

make an appointmentcatch a coldbook in
Describing symptomsB1

Telling someone how you're feeling and what's wrong.

come down withpass outa splitting headache
Getting fitB1

Talking about exercise, diet and healthier habits.

keep fitcut down onhealthy lifestyle
Recovering from illnessB1–B2

Talking about getting better after being unwell.

get overpull throughbounce back
Kicking a bad habitB1–B2

That moment you finally decide enough's enough and try to pack it in.

give uppick upcut out
Getting a good night's sleepB1–B2

Swapping notes on why you're knackered and how to actually nod off.

drop offfresh airwear out
Watching your weightB1–B2

The slightly awkward chat about the belt getting tighter and doing something about it.

put onwork outlose weight
After a nasty accidentB1

The serious stuff — when someone's been hurt and everyone's passing on the news.

knock downseriously illknock out
Calling in sickB1

Phoning your boss when you're not well enough to come in.

under the weatherfeel up to
Asking after someone in hospitalB1

Checking how a friend is doing after a bad accident.

seriously injuredcome through
A bug going round the officeB1

Trying not to catch whatever's doing the rounds at work.

keep away fromkeep awayhold your breath
When stress is getting to youB1–C1

Opening up to a friend about feeling burnt out at work.

handle stresstake its tolla vicious cycle
Before a morning runB1–B2

Getting ready to head out and gradually building up your fitness.

warm upbuild up
When someone loses a loved oneB1

Finding the right words for a friend who's been bereaved.

pass awaymental health
Running on emptyB2

When work's piling up and you can feel it starting to get to you.

burn outslow down

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Multiple-meaning phrases in health

Same phrase, different jobs — compare the meanings before you use them.

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