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.
589 idioms
when push comes to shove
Neutral · CEFR B2
when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable
when the chips are down
Neutral · CEFR B2
at a moment of crisis when pressure forces an important choice
whoop it up
Informal · CEFR B2
to enjoy oneself at a noisy, exuberant celebration
win hands down
Informal · CEFR B2
to win easily, without effort
win win
Informal · CEFR B2
a situation that is good or advantageous for everyone involved
wipe the slate clean
Neutral · CEFR B2
to forgive or forget past problems so a fresh start is possible
with a vengeance
Neutral · CEFR B2
with unexpectedly great force, energy, or intensity
with a view to
Formal · CEFR B2
with the intention of achieving a particular result
with bated breath
Neutral · CEFR B2
while waiting with intense eagerness or anxiety for something to happen
within living memory
Neutral · CEFR B2
recent enough to be remembered personally by people who are still alive
work wonders
Neutral · CEFR B2
have an unusually strong and beneficial effect
wrap your head around something
Informal · CEFR B2
To fully understand something complicated.
you reap what you sow
Neutral · CEFR B2
your actions determine your results