Example
“The small theater welcomed the new director with open arms.”
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
open the floodgates
CEFR B2To remove a restraint and allow something to increase rapidly, often beyond control.
arms race
CEFR C1a competitive spiral in which rivals keep escalating their investment to stay ahead
live and let live
CEFR B1to accept other people's choices without trying to control them
give someone the eye
CEFR B2to signal romantic or sexual attraction through deliberate glances
play the field
CEFR B2to date several people without committing to one partner
save face
CEFR B2to 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.