Collocations and word pairs

know you hate speaking in public, but you’ll just have to put a brave face on it / find your feet.

I’m not sure of the ifs or buts / ins and outs, but I get the general idea.

t’s sometimes stressful, but more or less / by and large I enjoy my job

Being around young people has given her a new lease of time / life.

I don't have a very sweet tooth, but I enjoy a bit of chocolate there and then / now and then.

I was absolutely / very pleased to hear that I’d got the job

His books are more than just funny, they’re very / absolutely hilarious.

I can’t eat any more. That pizza was absolutely big / enormous!

We looked at the ups and downs / pros and cons of emigrating and decided to stay

Don’t buy a cheap car. It won’t stand the test of life / time.

‘Can I borrow €1,000?’ ‘Not on your time / life!’

We can’t find a flat, so we’re staying with friends for the time / life being.

Be careful with that vase. It’s very valuable / priceless

You look tired.’ ‘I’m very / absolutely exhausted!’

You can bet your life / time she’ll keep us waiting