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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.

turn the tables

CEFR B2

to reverse a situation so that the former weaker side gains the advantage

Neutral

twist the knife

CEFR B2

to deliberately make an already painful situation feel even worse

Neutral

under a cloud

CEFR B2

subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation

Neutral

under fire

CEFR B2

being strongly criticized or attacked

Neutral

unknown quantity

CEFR B2

a person or factor whose nature, ability, or effect cannot yet be predicted

Neutral

up against it

CEFR B2

Facing severe difficulties, pressure, or obstacles.

Neutral

up and running

CEFR B2

fully operating and ready for use

Neutral

up for grabs

CEFR B2

available for anyone to claim, take, or win

Informal

up in arms

CEFR B2

angry and protesting, ready to fight

Neutral

up to scratch

CEFR B2

good enough to satisfy the expected level of quality

Neutral

uphill battle

CEFR B2

a struggle that requires enormous effort against strong opposition

Neutral

vicious circle

CEFR B2

a loop of cause and effect in which each problem makes the next one worse

Neutral

wake up and smell the coffee

CEFR B2

recognize an unpleasant reality that you have been ignoring

Informal

walk all over

CEFR B2

to dominate or treat someone disrespectfully as though they have no power

Informal

walk of life

CEFR B2

a person's occupation, social position, or general way of living

Neutral

walk on eggshells

CEFR B2

to act very carefully to avoid upsetting someone

Informal

war chest

CEFR B2

money kept in reserve for a future fight, expansion, or acquisition

Neutral

war room

CEFR B2

a dedicated room, channel, or meeting where a team works intensively to solve a critical problem

Neutral

warts and all

CEFR B2

Shown or accepted honestly and completely, including every flaw and imperfection.

Neutral

watch this space

CEFR B2

used to say that more news or developments will come soon

Informal

water off a duck's back

CEFR B2

criticism that has no effect on someone

Informal

water under the bridge

CEFR B2

past events that no longer matter

Neutral

wear your heart on your sleeve

CEFR B2

To show your feelings openly rather than hiding them.

Neutral

weather the storm

CEFR B2

survive a difficult period without suffering lasting damage

Neutral

weird and wonderful

CEFR B2

strange and unusual but in an interesting or impressive way

Informal

whack-a-mole

CEFR B2

a repetitive, endless cycle in which fixing one problem immediately causes or reveals another

Informal

what's the damage

CEFR B2

used informally to ask how much something costs

Informal

whatever floats your boat

CEFR B2

whatever pleases you or suits your preferences

Informal

when all is said and done

CEFR B2

ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered

Neutral

when push comes to shove

CEFR B2

when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable

Neutral

when the chips are down

CEFR B2

at a moment of crisis when pressure forces an important choice

Neutral

whoop it up

CEFR B2

to enjoy oneself at a noisy, exuberant celebration

Informal

win hands down

CEFR B2

to win easily, without effort

Informal

win win

CEFR B2

a situation that is good or advantageous for everyone involved

Informal

wipe the slate clean

CEFR B2

to forgive or forget past problems so a fresh start is possible

Neutral

with a vengeance

CEFR B2

with unexpectedly great force, energy, or intensity

Neutral

with a view to

CEFR B2

with the intention of achieving a particular result

Formal

with bated breath

CEFR B2

while waiting with intense eagerness or anxiety for something to happen

Neutral

within living memory

CEFR B2

recent enough to be remembered personally by people who are still alive

Neutral

work wonders

CEFR B2

have an unusually strong and beneficial effect

Neutral

wrap your head around something

CEFR B2

To fully understand something complicated.

Informal

your guess is as good as mine

CEFR B2

I do not know the answer either

Informal

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