10 English expressions that include numbers There are many expressions in English that have numbers in them. Here are five examples that are commonly used. You can see in the short dialogues between John and Fiona how the expressions might be used in everyday situations. 1. To be a million miles away Meaning: To be distracted and not paying attention. Example John: “So, what do you think about my idea?” Fiona: “I’m sorry. What did you say? John: “Were you not listening?” Fiona: “I was a million miles away thinking about something important.” 2. To be dressed to the nines Meaning: To be dressed very smartly or elegantly. Example Fiona: “Is that a new suit you’re wearing? You’re really dressed to the nines today. What’s the special occasion?” John: “I’ve got an important meeting with new clients today and I want to impress them.” 3. To give three cheers Meaning: A way to congratulate someone, Example John: “Let’s give three cheers for Fiona for winning the salesperson of the year award. John: “Hip hip.” Everyone else in the room says: “Hooray” As you can see from the above example, whenever someone says, “Three cheers” it is normal to then say, “hip hip” and “hooray” three times. It’s good fun and super friendly. (Hooray is used by a group of people to congratulate someone.) 4. To be six feet under Meaning: An informal way to say that someone has died. Traditionally, a person is buried six feet below the surface of the ground. Example John: “I haven’t seen our old neighbour, Jim, for a long time. Do you know if he’s OK?” Fiona: “I’m sorry to tell you that Jim is six feet under. He died last month.” 5. That makes two of us Meaning: To be in complete agreement with someone Example John: “I’m really fed up with the way that Mary is behaving in the office.” Fiona: “That makes two of us. I’m also unhappy with her behaviour.”