Explore 20 Movie Expressions in English

These expressions are inspired by the fascinating world of cinema and help us relate everyday life to the magical realm of movies.

Movie Expressions

  1. Break a leg
    Meaning: Wish someone good luck.
    Example: Break a leg at your audition!
  2. In the limelight
    Meaning: Attract public attention or fame.
    Example: The singer is constantly in the limelight.
  3. Show must go on
    Meaning: Keep going despite difficulties.
    Example: Despite the rain, the show must go on.
  4. Star-studded
    Meaning: Filled with famous people.
    Example: The premiere was a star-studded event.
  5. Steal the show
    Meaning: Be the main attraction.
    Example: Her performance stole the show.
  6. Make a scene
    Meaning: Cause a public disturbance.
    Example: Please don’t make a scene here.
  7. Be in the picture
    Meaning: Be involved in a situation.
    Example: I wasn’t in the picture then.
  8. Scene-stealer
    Meaning: An actor or character who stands out.
    Example: The villain was a scene-stealer.
  9. In character
    Meaning: Behave like a specific role.
    Example: He stayed in character throughout the film.
  10. Cut to the chase
    Meaning: Get to the point quickly.
    Example: Let’s cut to the chase in this meeting.
  11. Pull the strings
    Meaning: Control from behind the scenes.
    Example: He pulls the strings in the company.
  12. Box office hit
    Meaning: A very successful film financially.
    Example: The latest superhero movie is a box office hit.
  13. Cue the music
    Meaning: Start playing music.
    Example: Cue the music for the opening scene.
  14. Double feature
    Meaning: Two films shown consecutively.
    Example: Let’s catch the double feature tonight.
  15. Scripted
    Meaning: Pre-planned or rehearsed.
    Example: Their conversation seemed scripted.
  16. Behind the scenes
    Meaning: Away from public view.
    Example: The crew works hard behind the scenes.
  17. Cast the first stone
    Meaning: Be the first to criticize.
    Example: Don’t cast the first stone unless you’re perfect.
  18. Play a role
    Meaning: Contribute to a situation.
    Example: Education plays a role in development.
  19. Have a starring role
    Meaning: Have a major impact or contribution.
    Example: He had a starring role in the project.
  20. Director’s cut
    Meaning: A version preferred by the director.
    Example: The director’s cut adds deleted scenes.

movie expressions