Media blitz
a campaign of intense coverage in the media for the purpose of advertising or publicity
Examples
The government has launched a media blitz to allay fears.
After the first presidential debate, they launched a second media blitz to ramp up votes.
March off a cliff; run off a cliff; go over a cliff
To enter into a catastrophic decline from which someone or something will be unable to recover
Examples
At a certain point you grit your teeth, close your eyes and pray that the vehicle doesn’t run off a cliff.
They are relying on the low-information single issue voter. These people have no idea they are being marched off a cliff.
A tit-for-tat move or action
A tit-for-tat action is one where someone takes revenge on another person for what they have done by doing something similar to them.
Example
The two countries had expelled each other’s diplomats in tit-for-tat moves in an escalating row over espionage accusations.
Place or put someone on administrative leave
When you place employees on administrative leave, you’re typically relieving them from their job duties for a certain time period for either disciplinary or voluntary reasons.
Example
A diversity, equity and inclusion expert had her former boss placed on administrative leave for reportedly prioritizing merit over personal identity when hiring new employees, according to a report.
Make a dig at /toward; have a dig at /toward; take a dig at/ toward
To make a mocking, sarcastic, or insulting remark, gibe, or criticism at someone’s or something’s expense
Examples
I’m really not trying to take a dig at you. I’m just trying to give you some constructive feedback.
He made numerous digs toward his opponent and vowed to never allow the military to become woke.
Go to Specsavers
The colloquial British- and Irish-English phrase to go to Specsavers is used of someone who makes a mistake because of poor eyesight.
Example
I think I need to go to Specsavers as all I can hear is blah blah blah…
Smarmy
Extremely polite or helpful or showing a lot of respect in a way that is annoying or does not seem sincere
Examples
She was trying to be friendly, but she just seemed smarmy and insincere.
He is a smarmy and sarcastic host.
Waffle about
To continue speaking wordily in a vague, aimless, or evasive manner.
Example
She waffles and pretends she knows what she is waffling about. It’s all about ‘me’.
High-five; high five
to greet or congratulate ( a person) in this way
Examples
He had just high fived their competitor.
Friends hugged and high-fived.
Navel gaze
Spend too much time considering or contemplating one’s own thoughts, feelings, problems, etc.
Example
They were painting themselves into a corner where they would soon be out of business and then they could navel gaze to their hearts’ content.
English Journalistic Gems 