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 out, including its inflections. Clear word filter
let the cat out of the bag
CEFR B1To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.
out and about
CEFR B1away from home and actively going to places or doing ordinary activities
put out fires
CEFR B1to deal with urgent problems instead of doing planned work
go in one ear and out the other
CEFR B2to be heard but immediately forgotten or ignored
out of line
CEFR B2behaving or speaking beyond acceptable limits
out of the blue
CEFR B2suddenly and unexpectedly
run out of steam
CEFR B2to lose the energy, enthusiasm, or momentum needed to continue
shape up or ship out
CEFR B2improve your behavior or performance or else leave
stick your neck out
CEFR B2To take a risk by saying or doing something that others might criticize.
beat/get the hell out of something
CEFR C1to leave a place very quickly (get); or to defeat or hit something severely (beat)
it will all come out in the wash
CEFR C1the problems or confusion will eventually be resolved
let it all hang out
CEFR C1behave freely without hiding your feelings or worrying about restraint
pull out all the stops
CEFR C1to make the maximum possible effort, holding nothing back