Fixed expressions
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.
up for grabs
CEFR B2available for anyone to claim, take, or win
wake up and smell the coffee
CEFR B2recognize an unpleasant reality that you have been ignoring
walk all over
CEFR B2to dominate or treat someone disrespectfully as though they have no power
walk on eggshells
CEFR B2to act very carefully to avoid upsetting someone
watch this space
CEFR B2used to say that more news or developments will come soon
water off a duck's back
CEFR B2criticism that has no effect on someone
weird and wonderful
CEFR B2strange and unusual but in an interesting or impressive way
whack-a-mole
CEFR B2a repetitive, endless cycle in which fixing one problem immediately causes or reveals another
what's the damage
CEFR B2used informally to ask how much something costs
whatever floats your boat
CEFR B2whatever pleases you or suits your preferences
whoop it up
CEFR B2to enjoy oneself at a noisy, exuberant celebration
win hands down
CEFR B2to win easily, without effort
win win
CEFR B2a situation that is good or advantageous for everyone involved
wrap your head around something
CEFR B2To fully understand something complicated.
your guess is as good as mine
CEFR B2I do not know the answer either