Example
“When all is said and done, the safest route is still the best choice.”
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
Component words
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
so far so good
CEFR A2used to say that things have gone well up to now
not on your life
CEFR B1used to refuse a suggestion in the strongest possible terms
now or never
CEFR B1A moment when immediate action is necessary because the opportunity will not return.
take it or leave it
CEFR B1accept an offer exactly as presented or reject it entirely
the rest is history
CEFR B1later events are already familiar or easily assumed, so they need no further telling
at the drop of a hat
CEFR B2immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears
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.