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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Explore everyday expressions about a bad day, frightening moments, close calls, and relaxing.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode strings together expressions built around “hair,” from a day when everything seems to go wrong to letting go and enjoying yourself. Some of the phrases are playful or exaggerated, so the situation and tone help listeners understand what a speaker means.
Cultural note: “Bad hair day” can refer to appearance, but it is also commonly used for a day when several things go wrong. “Let your hair down” is figurative and casual; it does not mean that someone should ignore boundaries or responsibilities.
Keep exploringA difficult day, a frightening surprise, or a chance to relax—what changes when “hair” appears in the phrase?
Phrase guide · 7 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Phrases for a frustrating day, distraction, or irritation.
Meaning
A day when things seem to go badly; it can also mean a day when someone dislikes how their hair looks.
Tone & use
Informal and often humorous. The broader meaning is figurative, so context distinguishes it from a literal hair problem.
Example
“The train was delayed, the printer jammed, and I spilled coffee on my notes—it was a real bad hair day.”
Meaning
Bother or distract someone, especially by staying close or interrupting.
Tone & use
Informal and mildly critical. It can sound impatient; a direct, polite request is kinder when asking for space.
Example
“I need twenty quiet minutes to finish this report, so please try not to get in my hair until lunch.”
Meaning
Feel extremely frustrated or worried while trying to solve a problem.
Tone & use
Informal exaggeration. It describes frustration, not a literal action; avoid it if the context could be taken literally.
Example
“The team was pulling its hair out over a software bug that appeared only on older phones.”
Expressions for a frightening experience or a very small distance.
Meaning
Extremely frightening or thrilling.
Tone & use
Informal and vivid. It can describe a scary experience or an exciting one; the surrounding context makes the difference clear.
Example
“The documentary included a hair-raising account of a climber caught in a sudden storm.”
Meaning
Very close to something, especially success, failure, or a dangerous event.
Tone & use
A vivid idiom that emphasizes a very small margin. Use “very close” when plain language is more suitable.
Example
“The candidate came within a hair’s breadth of winning the final seat.”
Letting go socially and avoiding arguments over tiny details.
Meaning
Argue about very small or unimportant differences.
Tone & use
Often critical: it suggests the distinctions being debated do not matter much. Be careful not to use it to dismiss a detail that is genuinely important.
Example
“The reviewers agreed on the main recommendation and decided not to split hairs over the heading’s punctuation.”
Meaning
Relax and enjoy yourself without behaving formally.
Tone & use
Informal. It usually describes taking a break from a serious or formal mood, while still respecting other people’s boundaries.
Example
“After the conference ended, the presenters let their hair down at a casual dinner.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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