Idioms
English fixed expressions — phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Each entry shows the meaning, an example sentence, and its register.
128 idioms
rough and ready
Neutral · CEFR C1
basic and unpolished but practical enough to do the job
round robin
Neutral · CEFR C1
an arrangement in which everyone takes a turn or competes against everyone else; or a letter sent to many people
run amok
Neutral · CEFR C1
to behave wildly and without restraint, causing disorder or damage
run the gamut
Neutral · CEFR C1
to cover the entire range of possible types, reactions, or conditions
run the gauntlet
Neutral · CEFR C1
to endure a succession of ordeals, attacks, or severe criticism
run-of-the-mill
Neutral · CEFR C1
ordinary, average, unremarkable
sacred cow
Neutral · CEFR C1
something protected from criticism or change, often irrationally
siren song
Neutral · CEFR C1
a seductive attraction that draws someone toward danger or an unwise action
skin in the game
Neutral · CEFR C1
personal risk or investment in a venture, aligning your interests with its outcome
sleeping giant
Neutral · CEFR C1
a large, powerful player that has not yet fully engaged in a market
sleight of hand
Neutral · CEFR C1
clever and subtle trickery used to mislead people
sour grapes
Neutral · CEFR C1
disparaging something desirable after failing to obtain it
sow seeds of thought
Neutral · CEFR C1
to introduce ideas that may grow and develop in people's minds later
spread yourself too thin
Neutral · CEFR C1
to try to do so many things that you do none of them well
square the circle
Neutral · CEFR C1
to try to resolve a problem widely regarded as extremely difficult or impossible
steal someone's thunder
Neutral · CEFR C1
to take attention away from someone's achievement by doing or announcing the same thing first
straw man
Neutral · CEFR C1
a weak, exaggerated version of an opponent's argument set up to be easily knocked down
technical debt
Neutral · CEFR C1
the long-term cost of choosing quick, messy solutions over careful ones
teething troubles
Neutral · CEFR C1
small, temporary problems that arise while a new system or activity is getting started
term sheet
Neutral · CEFR C1
a non-binding summary of the key terms of a proposed investment
the powers that be
Neutral · CEFR C1
the people who hold authority and make important decisions
the world is your oyster
Neutral · CEFR C1
You are free to enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer.
tighten the purse strings
Neutral · CEFR C1
To become more careful and strict about spending money.
tread the boards
Neutral · CEFR C1
to pursue a career performing on the theater stage
trial balloon
Neutral · CEFR C1
a tentative announcement or test designed to gauge reaction before committing to a decision
turn the other cheek
Neutral · CEFR C1
to respond to harm without retaliation, showing restraint or forgiveness
unicorn
Neutral · CEFR C1
a privately held startup valued at over one billion dollars
valuation gap
Neutral · CEFR C1
the difference between the price a seller believes something is worth and what a buyer will pay
virtuous circle
Neutral · CEFR C1
a beneficial loop in which each success makes the next success more likely
white elephant
Neutral · CEFR C1
an expensive, burdensome asset that is hard to maintain and brings no benefit
white knight
Neutral · CEFR C1
a friendly company or investor that rescues a target from a hostile takeover
winner takes all
Neutral · CEFR C1
a market dynamic in which the leading competitor captures nearly all the value