Example
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
beat around the bush
CEFR B2To avoid talking about the main point directly.
cut to the chase
CEFR B2To get to the important point without wasting time.
bad news
CEFR A2an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble
so far so good
CEFR A2used to say that things have gone well up to now
break the ice
CEFR B1To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.
circle back
CEFR B1to return to a topic or person later, after other things have happened
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.