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 one, including its inflections. Clear word filter
stretch one's legs
CEFR B1to go for a short walk after sitting for a long time
dig one's heels in
CEFR B2to refuse stubbornly to change your mind or do what others want
drag one's feet
CEFR B2to do something slowly or delay because you don't want to do it
get one's act together
CEFR B2to become organized and start performing effectively
get one's head (a)round
CEFR B2to manage to understand something difficult or surprising
get one's thoughts together
CEFR B2to calm down and organize your thinking before acting or speaking
go in one ear and out the other
CEFR B2to be heard but immediately forgotten or ignored
have up one's sleeve
CEFR B2to have a secret plan or advantage kept ready for later use
money burns a hole in your pocket
CEFR B2you feel an urge to spend money soon after receiving it
Matching variant: Money burns a hole in one's pocket
off the top of one's head
CEFR B2from memory, without checking or thinking carefully
pull a fast one
CEFR B2to deceive someone with a quick, sneaky, or unexpected trick
sit on one's hands
CEFR B2to do nothing when action is needed
six of one and half a dozen of the other
CEFR B2two alternatives have no meaningful difference