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.
Idioms containing the, including its inflections. Clear word filter
in (the) light of
CEFR B2considering or because of (new information or circumstances)
beyond the pale
CEFR C1Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
by the same token
CEFR C1for the same or a closely related reason
come in from the cold
CEFR C1to regain safety or acceptance after living in secrecy, isolation, or exclusion
economical with the truth
CEFR C1deliberately omitting important facts in order to give a misleading impression
err on the side of
CEFR C1choose the safer course when uncertainty makes either option imperfect
fly in the face of
CEFR C1to oppose or be the opposite of what is expected, accepted, or sensible
in the final analysis
CEFR C1after weighing all the relevant facts; ultimately
the die is cast
CEFR C1an irreversible decision has fixed the course of what happens next
throw down the gauntlet
CEFR C1to challenge an opponent openly and defiantly
time is of the essence
CEFR C1acting quickly is essential to the success of the matter