Example
“Once the lawsuit began, both sides fought with no holds barred and used every available tactic.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
up to no good
Informal · CEFR B1
engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
fair game
Neutral · CEFR B2
a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
hold the line
Neutral · CEFR B2
to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
beyond the pale
Formal · CEFR C1
Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
fall foul of
Formal · CEFR C1
to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
not cricket
Informal · CEFR C1
unfair, dishonorable, or contrary to accepted standards of behavior
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.