Example
“Changing the rules after everyone has paid is simply not cricket.”
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.
- “is not cricket” — 2 recorded occurrences
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.
up to no good
CEFR B1engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
fair game
CEFR B2a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
hold the line
CEFR B2to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
no holds barred
CEFR B2With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.
beyond the pale
CEFR C1Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
fall foul of
CEFR C1to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
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.