Example
“The small theater welcomed the new director with open arms.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
open the floodgates
Neutral · CEFR B2
To remove a restraint and allow something to increase rapidly, often beyond control.
arms race
Neutral · CEFR C1
a competitive spiral in which rivals keep escalating their investment to stay ahead
live and let live
Neutral · CEFR B1
to accept other people's choices without trying to control them
give someone the eye
Informal · CEFR B2
to signal romantic or sexual attraction through deliberate glances
play the field
Informal · CEFR B2
to date several people without committing to one partner
save face
Neutral · CEFR B2
to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure
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.