Example
“We're in keep-the-lights-on mode while we look for a buyer.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
keep a straight face
CEFR B2To remain serious and avoid smiling or laughing in an amusing or awkward moment.
keep the wolf from the door
CEFR B2to earn or manage just enough to avoid poverty, hunger, or serious hardship
keep up appearances
CEFR B2To preserve an outward impression that everything is normal or successful despite underlying trouble.
back against the wall
CEFR B1in a desperate situation with few options left
do the job
CEFR B1to be good enough to achieve the desired result
dry run
CEFR B1a full practice session of a process, done for real except in name
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.