Idioms

Something that seems bad at first but turns out to have a good outcome.

a reasonable portion or a substantial amount of something, especially work or difficulties

Someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.

usually or in most situations

suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly

to get in touch by sending a short note, message, or email

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

to avoid notice or publicity by behaving discreetly

everything has a cost; you cannot get something for nothing

Matching variant: there's no such thing as a free lunch

someone or something that looks upsetting, embarrassing, or unpleasant

Very rarely, almost never.

occasionally, but not often

to put money aside for future emergencies

to pause and reconsider a situation (step back), or develop an idea or action beyond its current point (step further)

unfavorable reporting or reputation in the media or among people

a subject that causes disagreement or argument between people

A clumsy person who causes damage or upset in a delicate situation.

an extremely serious or urgent matter

a guess or attempt with very little chance of success

a task treated as routine because it belongs to someone's normal duties

unable to express yourself because an emotional or confusing moment leaves you speechless

immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears

an important person in a small or limited environment

to pioneer an approach that opens the way for later people

to reach a critical point that demands action or resolution

to be unable to recall or produce the needed answer or information

to remain so precarious that collapse or failure could happen at any moment

To keep information secret and prevent it from spreading.

To remain serious and avoid smiling or laughing in an amusing or awkward moment.

to make even the smallest effort to help, most often used in a negative statement

to hide your true identity, beliefs, or feelings by living dishonestly

to turn an undertaking into a lasting success

to devote far too much effort to a task and make it seem needlessly complicated

to attract considerable public attention by doing something impressive or notable

With very little money or an extremely limited budget.

in a vulnerable position after taking an unusual or unsupported risk

to make an event or mood less enjoyable and exciting

to retaliate for an old grievance or perceived wrong

to tell an entertaining story that may be lengthy, imaginative, or exaggerated

to cause a strong feeling of recognition or emotional connection

to accept a less active or less important role and let others lead

To judge something negatively or regard it with doubt or disapproval.

to follow someone's good example by copying what they do

To treat something as not fully reliable or true.

to provoke a strong reaction by raising a sensitive or painful subject

To deliberately ignore something you know is wrong.

to start behaving better or differently

subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation

with unexpectedly great force, energy, or intensity

an unpleasant fact or situation that must be accepted

A person who surprises everyone by showing unexpected talent or success.

A great deal of fuss made about a trivial matter.

a hard problem to solve or a hard person to convince

A dangerous person who pretends to be harmless or friendly.

if it becomes absolutely necessary, though the option is barely adequate

born into a wealthy family

a no-win situation in which every possible solution is blocked by the very rules of the problem

Matching variant: a catch-22 situation

to attract admiring attention with a stylish appearance or confident manner

keep your abilities or achievements from being noticed

remain outwardly brave and composed during difficulty

someone previously submissive has begun resisting their mistreatment

Matching variant: Tread on a worm and it will turn