Idioms

English fixed expressions — phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Each entry shows the meaning, an example sentence, and its register.

Idioms Informal Neutral Formal
310 idioms

Tier 0 · most common (11)

bad news Informal
an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble
hang on a minute Informal
used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection
keep an eye on Informal
to watch or look after something or someone carefully
so far so good Informal
used to say that things have gone well up to now
a piece of cake Informal
Something that is very easy to do.
keep an eye on something Neutral
To watch something carefully or look after it.
keep an eye on someone Neutral
To watch someone or something carefully to make sure nothing goes wrong.
have a sweet tooth Informal
To have a strong liking for sugary food.
keep your fingers crossed Informal
To hope strongly that something good will happen.
break someone's heart Neutral
To make someone feel deep emotional pain, often by ending a relationship.
better late than never Neutral
Doing something after a delay is better than not doing it at all.

Tier 1 · common (79)

on the other hand Neutral
used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative
bear in mind Neutral
to remember and consider something when making a decision
on the one hand Neutral
used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument
at the end of the day Informal
ultimately; when everything is considered
in the hands of Neutral
under the control or responsibility of someone
in the long run Neutral
over a long period of time; eventually
trial and error Neutral
trying different methods until you find one that works
what on earth Informal
an emphatic way of asking 'what', expressing surprise or confusion
on the spot Informal
immediately and at the place where something happens
in the early days Neutral
during the beginning stages of something
from scratch Informal
from the very beginning, without using anything prepared earlier
in the short run Neutral
over a short period of time; in the near future
good old days Informal
a time in the past remembered as happier or better
ring a bell Informal
to sound familiar or remind you of something
how on earth Informal
an emphatic way of asking 'how', expressing surprise or disbelief
that's another story Informal
used to say a topic is separate and won't be discussed now
do the job Informal
to be good enough to achieve the desired result
the whole story Neutral
all the facts about a situation, including ones not yet known
the high point Neutral
the best or most enjoyable part of an event or period
get the picture Informal
to understand a situation, especially after an explanation
on the right track Informal
thinking or acting in a way that is likely to lead to success
in the same boat Informal
in the same difficult situation as other people
make up one's own mind Neutral
to decide something for yourself, independently of others
on one hand Neutral
used to introduce the first of two contrasting points
overall picture Neutral
the complete view of a situation, including all the main parts
golden rule Neutral
the most important rule or principle to follow
the good life Neutral
a comfortable, enjoyable way of living, often with few worries
pros and cons Neutral
the advantages and disadvantages of something
end of story Informal
used to say that there is nothing more to add or discuss
pick and choose Informal
to select only the things you most want, being very selective
a fair share Neutral
a reasonable or fairly large amount of something
make up one's mind Neutral
to reach a decision about something
stretch one's legs Informal
to go for a short walk after sitting for a long time
brain power Informal
intelligence or mental ability used to think and solve problems
happily ever after Informal
living a happy life forever, especially as the end of a story
get a move on Informal
to hurry up
pat on the back Informal
praise or recognition for something done well
have a go Informal
to make an attempt at doing something
break the ice Neutral
To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.
hit the nail on the head Neutral
To describe or identify something exactly right.
under the weather Informal
Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
spill the beans Informal
To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
cost an arm and a leg Informal
To be extremely expensive.
once in a blue moon Neutral
Very rarely, almost never.
let the cat out of the bag Informal
To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.
a blessing in disguise Neutral
Something that seems bad at first but turns out to have a good outcome.
on cloud nine Informal
Extremely happy and delighted.
kill two birds with one stone Neutral
To accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action.
the best of both worlds Neutral
A situation in which you enjoy the advantages of two different things at the same time.
when pigs fly Informal
Used to say that something will never happen.
pull someone's leg Informal
To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.
see eye to eye Neutral
To agree completely with someone.
miss the boat Informal
To lose a chance to do something by being too slow or late.
call it a day Informal
To decide to stop working on something for now.
get out of hand Neutral
To become impossible to control.
hit the sack Informal
To go to bed.
in hot water Informal
In trouble or facing difficulty.
go the extra mile Neutral
To make more effort than is expected or required.
break a leg Informal
A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.
easier said than done Neutral
Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.
on the same page Neutral
In agreement or sharing the same understanding.
the early bird catches the worm Neutral
Those who act promptly have the best chance of success.
actions speak louder than words Neutral
What you do matters more than what you say.
the icing on the cake Neutral
An extra good thing that makes a good situation even better.
get something off your chest Informal
To finally say something that has been worrying you, so you feel relieved.
keep your chin up Informal
To stay cheerful and brave during a difficult time.
have your hands full Neutral
To be very busy or fully occupied with responsibilities.
have a soft spot for someone Informal
To feel particular fondness or affection for a person or thing.
hit it off Informal
To like each other and get along well immediately on first meeting.
a fish out of water Neutral
Someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
hold your horses Informal
Used to tell someone to wait or slow down before acting.
ants in your pants Informal
To be unable to keep still because you are restless or excited.
tighten your belt Neutral
To spend less money because you have less than before.
make ends meet Neutral
To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.
a rip-off Informal
Something that is far too expensive for what it is.
money doesn't grow on trees Informal
Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.
learn the ropes Neutral
To learn how to do a job or task properly.
get the ball rolling Informal
To start an activity or process.
every cloud has a silver lining Neutral
Every difficult situation has some hopeful or positive aspect.

Tier 2 · intermediate (178)

the balance of power Neutral
the way power or influence is distributed between competing groups or countries
the bottom line Neutral
the most important fact or the final result of something
take on board Neutral
to accept and consider an idea, suggestion, or piece of information
by and large Neutral
generally; on the whole
a step further/back Neutral
to take an idea or action to a more advanced point (further) or to reconsider it (back)
take for granted Neutral
to fail to appreciate something or assume it will always be there
along the lines of Neutral
similar to; roughly in the style or manner of
balance of power Neutral
the way power or influence is shared between competing groups or nations
sit on the fence Informal
to avoid choosing between two sides of an argument or decision
at the back of one's mind Neutral
a thought or worry that you are vaguely aware of but not focusing on
across the board Neutral
affecting everyone or everything equally
in its own right Neutral
by its own qualities, independently of anything else
driving force Neutral
the person or thing that makes something happen or develop
on the face of it Neutral
judging only by appearances, without deeper examination
in (the) light of Formal
considering or because of (new information or circumstances)
come into play Neutral
to start to have an effect or become relevant
gold standard Neutral
the best or most reliable example of its kind
go without saying Neutral
to be so obvious that it does not need to be stated
(take) a step back/further Neutral
to pause and reconsider (back), or to develop something more (further)
down the line Informal
at a later point in time; in the future
over the top Informal
excessive or exaggerated
state of the art Neutral
using the most advanced and modern techniques or technology
the man/woman in the street Neutral
an ordinary, average person
stepping stone Neutral
something that helps you make progress toward a goal
go through the roof Informal
to rise very quickly to a very high level; or to become extremely angry
get to grips with Neutral
to begin to understand and deal with a difficult problem or task
go hand in hand with Neutral
to be closely connected or to happen together
get one's head (a)round Informal
to manage to understand something difficult or surprising
the big picture Neutral
the most important facts about a situation and its overall effect, rather than the details
bridge the gap Neutral
to reduce or remove the difference between two things or groups
golden age Neutral
a period when something was at its most successful or admired
out of the blue Informal
suddenly and unexpectedly
grey area Neutral
a situation that is unclear or not covered by clear rules
the other side of the coin Neutral
a different or opposite aspect of a situation
last resort Neutral
the final option, used only when all others have failed
cast one's mind back Neutral
to think about something that happened in the past
full circle Neutral
back to the original position or state after a series of changes
play ball Informal
to cooperate or agree to do what someone wants
get something straight Informal
to make sure something is clearly understood or correct
out of one's hands Neutral
no longer one's responsibility or under one's control
on the back burner Informal
given low priority and left for later
in the pipeline Neutral
being planned or developed and expected to happen soon
behind the scenes Neutral
happening privately or secretly, not in public view
move the goalposts Informal
to unfairly change the rules or aims after something has started
it's early days Informal
it is too soon to know how something will turn out
have a stab at Informal
to make an attempt at doing something, often something you're unsure about
spring to mind Neutral
to come into your thoughts suddenly and easily
take home message Neutral
the main point or lesson you should remember from something
kicking and screaming Informal
strongly unwilling and protesting while being forced to do something
hot spots Informal
places of intense activity, danger, or popularity
ring true Neutral
to seem true or believable
put your finger on Informal
to identify exactly what is wrong or what something is
get a handle on Informal
to gain understanding or control of a situation
shut up shop Informal
to stop working for the day or to close a business permanently
set something in stone Neutral
to make something fixed and impossible to change
go in one ear and out the other Informal
to be heard but immediately forgotten or ignored
in store Neutral
about to happen or waiting to be experienced in the future
boil down to Informal
to be summarized as or reduced to the most essential point
have up one's sleeve Informal
to have a secret plan or advantage kept ready for later use
go down that route Neutral
to choose a particular method or course of action
get one's act together Informal
to become organized and start performing effectively
have a life of its own Informal
to develop or grow in a way that is no longer controlled by anyone
turn something on its head Neutral
to completely change something or make it the opposite of what it was
fall into place Informal
to become clear or to work out well after a period of confusion
on one's hands Neutral
as one's responsibility or problem to deal with
track record Neutral
a person's or organization's past performance and achievements
come to light Neutral
to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden
one's fair share Neutral
a reasonable or quite large amount of something, especially difficulties
win win Informal
a situation that is good or advantageous for everyone involved
the big(ger) picture Neutral
the wider, more important situation rather than the small details
rule of thumb Neutral
a rough, practical guideline based on experience rather than exact measurement
in a rut Informal
stuck in a boring, unchanging routine
off the top of one's head Informal
from memory, without checking or thinking carefully
dear to one's heart Neutral
very important to someone and loved deeply
go back to square one Informal
to return to the very beginning after a failed attempt
in the driving seat Informal
in control of a situation
drag one's feet Informal
to do something slowly or delay because you don't want to do it
to say the least Neutral
used to show that something is more extreme than your words suggest
quote somebody on something Informal
to repeat what someone said, attributing the words to them
hand on heart Informal
used to stress that you are being completely honest
in a nutshell Informal
expressed in a very brief and simple way
set the scene Neutral
to describe the background so that something can be understood, or to create the conditions for it
have the upper hand Neutral
to have an advantage or more control than someone else
on the side Informal
in addition to one's main job or activity, often secretly
get carried away Informal
to become so excited or involved that you lose control
jump up and down Informal
to react with strong excitement or anger about something
on that note Neutral
used to move on or end after what was just said
get someone on board Informal
to persuade someone to join or support a plan or project
dig one's heels in Informal
to refuse stubbornly to change your mind or do what others want
tick the boxes Informal
to meet all the required conditions or do things just to satisfy rules
get one's thoughts together Informal
to calm down and organize your thinking before acting or speaking
weird and wonderful Informal
strange and unusual but in an interesting or impressive way
cover one's bases Informal
to prepare for all the possible problems or outcomes
throw somebody in at the deep end Informal
to make someone start a difficult task with little preparation or help
in one's sights Neutral
chosen as a target or goal that you intend to achieve or pursue
shift gears Informal
to change your approach, activity, or pace
set foot in Neutral
to enter or visit a place, often used in negatives
a bad press Neutral
unfavorable reporting or reputation in the media or among people
deliver the goods Informal
to do what is expected or promised; to produce good results
get one's message across Neutral
to make people understand what you mean or want to say
stand to reason Neutral
to be logical or obvious
someone's bread and butter Informal
the main source of someone's income or basic work
give the game away Informal
to accidentally reveal a secret or plan
have a crack at Informal
to make an attempt at doing something
give someone a shout Informal
to contact or tell someone, especially when you need them
get cracking Informal
to start doing something quickly and energetically
this that and the other Informal
various unspecified things
go down the road of Neutral
to start following a particular course of action
watch this space Informal
used to say that more news or developments will come soon
throw up one's hands Neutral
to show that you give up or feel helpless about something
sit on one's hands Informal
to do nothing when action is needed
in the same ballpark Informal
roughly similar in amount, size, or quality
cast an eye over Neutral
to look at or examine something quickly
the ball is in your court Neutral
It is now your responsibility to make the next decision or move.
bite the bullet Neutral
To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.
barking up the wrong tree Informal
To pursue a mistaken or misguided line of thought or action.
burn the midnight oil Neutral
To stay up very late working or studying.
cut corners Neutral
To do something cheaply or quickly by skipping important steps, often lowering quality.
speak of the devil Informal
Said when a person you were just talking about suddenly appears.
the last straw Neutral
The final small problem that makes a situation no longer tolerable.
the tip of the iceberg Neutral
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem.
a hot potato Informal
A controversial or awkward issue that no one wants to deal with.
back to the drawing board Neutral
To start again from the beginning after a plan has failed.
add fuel to the fire Neutral
To make a bad situation or an argument worse.
beat around the bush Informal
To avoid talking about the main point directly.
a dime a dozen Informal
So common as to be of little value.
give someone a piece of your mind Informal
To tell someone angrily what you really think of them.
face the music Neutral
To accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
give someone the cold shoulder Informal
To deliberately ignore or be unfriendly toward someone.
jump on the bandwagon Neutral
To join a popular trend or activity because many others are doing it.
throw in the towel Informal
To give up or admit defeat.
the elephant in the room Neutral
An obvious problem that everyone notices but avoids discussing.
cry over spilled milk Informal
To waste time being upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
bend over backwards Informal
To try extremely hard to help or please someone.
cut to the chase Informal
To get to the important point without wasting time.
the cream of the crop Neutral
The very best people or things in a group.
get cold feet Informal
To suddenly become too nervous to do something you had planned.
let sleeping dogs lie Neutral
To avoid raising an old issue that could cause trouble.
pull yourself together Informal
To regain control of your emotions and calm down.
rain on someone's parade Informal
To spoil someone's plans or happiness.
take it with a grain of salt Neutral
To treat something as not fully reliable or true.
a taste of your own medicine Informal
The same unpleasant treatment that you have given to others.
the grass is always greener on the other side Neutral
Other people's situations always seem better than your own.
wrap your head around something Informal
To fully understand something complicated.
play it by ear Informal
To deal with a situation as it develops rather than following a fixed plan.
burn bridges Neutral
To destroy a relationship in a way that makes future cooperation impossible.
cross that bridge when you come to it Neutral
To deal with a problem only when it actually arises, not before.
the apple of someone's eye Neutral
A person who is cherished above all others.
the calm before the storm Neutral
A quiet, peaceful period right before a time of trouble or intense activity.
jump the gun Informal
To do something too soon, before the right time.
a whole new ball game Informal
A completely different situation from before.
read between the lines Neutral
To understand a hidden or implied meaning that is not stated directly.
pay through the nose Informal
To pay a far higher price for something than it is really worth.
keep something at arm's length Neutral
To avoid becoming too close or too involved with someone or something.
get under someone's skin Informal
To irritate or annoy someone deeply.
turn a blind eye Neutral
To deliberately ignore something you know is wrong.
by the skin of your teeth Informal
By the narrowest possible margin; only just barely.
rack your brains Informal
To think very hard in an effort to remember or solve something.
stick your neck out Informal
To take a risk by saying or doing something that others might criticize.
wear your heart on your sleeve Neutral
To show your feelings openly rather than hiding them.
get on like a house on fire Informal
To get along extremely well and quickly become close.
let your hair down Informal
To relax completely and enjoy yourself without worrying about behaving formally.
have bigger fish to fry Informal
To have more important matters to deal with.
take the bull by the horns Neutral
To deal with a difficult situation directly and bravely.
let the dust settle Neutral
To wait until a confusing or troubled situation becomes calm before acting.
the lion's share Neutral
The largest part of something that is divided.
a bull in a china shop Neutral
A clumsy person who causes damage or upset in a delicate situation.
smell a rat Informal
To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.
in the red Neutral
Owing money or operating at a financial loss.
bring home the bacon Informal
To earn the money that supports a household.
break the bank Informal
To cost so much that it uses up all your money.
foot the bill Neutral
To pay for something, especially something expensive.
pull your weight Neutral
To do your fair share of the work in a group.
think outside the box Neutral
To approach a problem in a fresh, creative, unconventional way.
raise the bar Neutral
To set a higher standard of quality or achievement.
don't count your chickens before they hatch Neutral
Don't assume success until it has actually happened.
don't put all your eggs in one basket Neutral
Don't risk everything on a single plan or possibility.
when in rome, do as the romans do Neutral
Follow the local customs when you are in an unfamiliar place.

Tier 3 · advanced (42)

touchy-feely Informal
showing emotions or physical affection openly, sometimes in a way that seems excessive
beg the question Neutral
to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued
call the cavalry Informal
to ask for extra help or reinforcements in a difficult situation
bog standard Informal
completely ordinary, with no special features (British, informal)
joe public Informal
the ordinary, average member of the public
swings and roundabouts Informal
a situation where advantages and disadvantages balance out (British)
raison d'être Formal
the most important reason for something or someone's existence
set in tablets of stone Neutral
fixed permanently and impossible to change
at loggerheads Neutral
in strong disagreement or conflict with someone
sow seeds of thought Neutral
to introduce ideas that may grow and develop in people's minds later
grass roots movement Neutral
a movement started and driven by ordinary people rather than leaders or organizations
put one's head above the parapet Neutral
to risk criticism by stating an opinion publicly
fall foul of Formal
to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
fly in the face of Formal
to oppose or be the opposite of what is expected, accepted, or sensible
moot point Neutral
a question that is debatable or no longer relevant because it has been settled or made irrelevant
tail end Charlie Informal
the last person or thing in a group or sequence (British, informal)
round robin Neutral
an arrangement in which everyone takes a turn or competes against everyone else; or a letter sent to many people
not to mince one's words Neutral
to speak directly and honestly, even if it is unpleasant
get down to the nitty gritty Informal
to deal with the most important or practical details of something
the powers that be Neutral
the people who hold authority and make important decisions
devil's advocate Neutral
someone who argues against an idea just to test it or explore other views
beat/get the hell out of something Informal
to leave a place very quickly (get); or to defeat or hit something severely (beat)
not to put too fine a point on it Formal
used before saying something directly and bluntly
above one's station Formal
behaving as if you belong to a higher social class or rank than you do
the whole nine yards Informal
Everything possible; the full extent.
a storm in a teacup Neutral
A great deal of fuss made about a trivial matter.
a leopard can't change its spots Neutral
A person's basic character cannot fundamentally change.
go down in flames Informal
To fail suddenly and completely.
a wolf in sheep's clothing Neutral
A dangerous person who pretends to be harmless or friendly.
go against the grain Neutral
To do something that conflicts with what is usual or with your nature.
a chip on your shoulder Informal
A persistent feeling of resentment or grievance, often about being treated unfairly.
the world is your oyster Neutral
You are free to enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer.
a penny for your thoughts Informal
A friendly way of asking what someone is quietly thinking about.
have a chip on your shoulder Informal
To be resentful or touchy because you feel you have been treated unfairly.
a dark horse Neutral
A person who surprises everyone by showing unexpected talent or success.
let the cat among the pigeons Informal
To say or do something that causes sudden trouble or excitement.
tighten the purse strings Neutral
To become more careful and strict about spending money.
have too many irons in the fire Neutral
To be involved in too many activities at once.
the proof of the pudding is in the eating Formal
You can only judge something's value by trying or experiencing it.
out of the frying pan into the fire Neutral
To escape one bad situation only to land in a worse one.
a stitch in time saves nine Neutral
Fixing a small problem early prevents a much bigger one later.
let bygones be bygones Neutral
To forgive and forget past disagreements.

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