Her heart skipped a beat.

Meaning: This means her heart stopped beating for a short time, which is often associated with feelings of surprise, fear, or excitement.

Choice of Words: Skipped is used to describe a sudden stop or pause, like a skipped heart beat. Beat refers to the rhythmic contractions of the heart. Together, they create a vivid image of a momentary interruption in the regular rhythm of the heart.

Alternative Expressions

The car sped past.

Meaning: This means that the car moved very quickly past something, such as a person or another car.

Choice of Words: The is used to refer to a specific car. Car is a vehicle that is used to transport people or goods. Sped means to move very quickly. Past means to go by or beyond something. When you put them together, "The car sped past" means that the car moved very quickly past something.

The dog barked at the mailman.

Meaning: This means that the dog made a loud noise, typically to express excitement or anger, towards the mailman.

Choice of Words: The is used to refer to a specific dog. Dog is an animal that is often kept as a pet. Barked means to make a loud noise, typically to express excitement or anger. At means to direct something towards someone or something. The mailman is a person who delivers mail. When you put them together, "The dog barked at the mailman" means that the dog made a loud noise towards the mailman.

Related Expressions