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 B2to reverse a situation so that the former weaker side gains the advantage
twist the knife
CEFR B2to deliberately make an already painful situation feel even worse
under a cloud
CEFR B2subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation
under fire
CEFR B2being strongly criticized or attacked
unknown quantity
CEFR B2a person or factor whose nature, ability, or effect cannot yet be predicted
up against it
CEFR B2Facing severe difficulties, pressure, or obstacles.
up and running
CEFR B2fully operating and ready for use
up for grabs
CEFR B2available for anyone to claim, take, or win
up in arms
CEFR B2angry and protesting, ready to fight
up to scratch
CEFR B2good enough to satisfy the expected level of quality
uphill battle
CEFR B2a struggle that requires enormous effort against strong opposition
vicious circle
CEFR B2a loop of cause and effect in which each problem makes the next one worse
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 of life
CEFR B2a person's occupation, social position, or general way of living
walk on eggshells
CEFR B2to act very carefully to avoid upsetting someone
war chest
CEFR B2money kept in reserve for a future fight, expansion, or acquisition
war room
CEFR B2a dedicated room, channel, or meeting where a team works intensively to solve a critical problem
warts and all
CEFR B2Shown or accepted honestly and completely, including every flaw and imperfection.
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
water under the bridge
CEFR B2past events that no longer matter
wear your heart on your sleeve
CEFR B2To show your feelings openly rather than hiding them.
weather the storm
CEFR B2survive a difficult period without suffering lasting damage
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
when all is said and done
CEFR B2ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered
when push comes to shove
CEFR B2when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable
when the chips are down
CEFR B2at a moment of crisis when pressure forces an important choice
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
wipe the slate clean
CEFR B2to forgive or forget past problems so a fresh start is possible
with a vengeance
CEFR B2with unexpectedly great force, energy, or intensity
with a view to
CEFR B2with the intention of achieving a particular result
with bated breath
CEFR B2while waiting with intense eagerness or anxiety for something to happen
within living memory
CEFR B2recent enough to be remembered personally by people who are still alive
work wonders
CEFR B2have an unusually strong and beneficial effect
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