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 be, including its inflections. Clear word filter
it's a small world
CEFR B1used to express surprise at an unexpected connection or meeting
that's another story
CEFR B1used to say a topic is separate and won't be discussed now
it's all Greek to me
CEFR B2I cannot understand it at all
it's early days
CEFR B2it is too soon to know how something will turn out
put your money where your mouth is
CEFR B2to back up your words with action, especially money
six of one and half a dozen of the other
CEFR B2two alternatives have no meaningful difference
Matching variant: It's six of one and half a dozen of the other
that's the way the cookie crumbles
CEFR B2used to accept an unfortunate result as something that happens in life
Bob's your uncle
CEFR C1used after simple instructions to signal that the task is finished or the result achieved
I'm all right, Jack
CEFR C1used to criticize a selfish attitude of being comfortable and ignoring other people's difficulties
it will be a cold day in hell before
CEFR C1used to say emphatically that a particular event will never happen
it's all over but the shouting
CEFR C1the result is effectively decided although the event has not formally ended
your name will be mud
CEFR C1people will strongly disapprove of you and your reputation will suffer