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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 someone, including its inflections. Clear word filter

drive someone up the wall

CEFR B1

to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated

Informal

have a soft spot for someone

CEFR B1

To feel particular fondness or affection for a person or thing.

Informal

pull someone's leg

CEFR B1

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

Informal

bite someone's head off

CEFR B2

to answer someone with sudden and often unjustified anger

Informal

blow someone's mind

CEFR B2

to astonish someone with something highly surprising or impressive

Informal

butter someone up

CEFR B2

to flatter someone in order to gain a favour

Informal

cramp someone's style

CEFR B2

to limit someone's freedom to behave or express themselves in their usual way

Informal

get someone on board

CEFR B2

to persuade someone to join or support a plan or project

Informal

get under someone's skin

CEFR B2

To irritate or annoy someone deeply.

Informal

give someone a piece of your mind

CEFR B2

To tell someone angrily what you really think of them.

Informal

give someone a shout

CEFR B2

to contact or tell someone, especially when you need them

Informal

give someone the cold shoulder

CEFR B2

To deliberately ignore or be unfriendly toward someone.

Informal

give someone the eye

CEFR B2

to signal romantic or sexual attraction through deliberate glances

Informal

hate someone's guts

CEFR B2

to feel an extremely strong hatred for someone

Informal

pull the wool over someone's eyes

CEFR B2

to deceive someone

Informal

rain on someone's parade

CEFR B2

To spoil someone's plans or happiness.

Informal

someone's bread and butter

CEFR B2

the main source of someone's income or basic work

Informal

do someone's head in

CEFR C1

to cause intense mental strain, frustration, or irritation

Informal

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