expand (one's) horizons
To have or seek out new experiences, especially if one's experiences have been relatively limited. I'm really nervous to live at school, but I know I need to expand my horizons and get some experience living without my family. I can't believe that Molly has never left the state before! She seriously needs to expand her horizons! In my 20s, I was excited to expand my horizons and move into the city. Now that I'm in my 30s, though, I'm ready to go back to the suburbs and settle down.
expand (something) into (something)
1. To become larger or more extensive. Don't pull the cord on that, or it will expand into a raft! What do I have to do to expand this inflatable Santa into his full height? A: "Wait, you can expand that mini set of cutlery into a full-size fork and knife?" B: "Yeah, each one has a hinge in the middle, so you can just unfold it."
2. To make something larger or more extensive. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "expand" and "into." Don't expand that into a raft just yet—wait till we get to the lake. The publisher wants me to expand my short story into a novella. You need to expand your answer into a more thorough explanation of your economic views.
expand (up)on (something)
To discuss a topic in more detail. This is such an important point that I'd like you to expand upon it when you revise your paper. If you expand on your answer, potential voters will get a more thorough understanding of your economic views. Yeah, you know, I'm not really sure what you mean by that. Care to expand upon it a bit?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
expand into something
to grow into something; to enlarge into something. The little problem expanded into a big one in no time at all. In no time at all, the vegetable garden had expanded into a small farm.
expand one's horizons
Fig. to experience and learn new things. Read more! Travel! Go out and expand your horizons!
expand something into something
to enlarge something into something; to make something grow into something. She expanded her business into a national company. I would like to build on an addition to expand this room into a more usable space.
expand (up)on something
and enlarge (up)on somethingFig. to add detail to a report about something; to say more about something. Would you please expand upon that last remark? Would you care to enlarge upon your remarks?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.