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
break someone's heart
CEFR A2To make someone feel deep emotional pain, often by ending a relationship.
keep an eye on
CEFR A2to watch or look after someone or something carefully, often to make sure nothing goes wrong
Matching variant: keep an eye on someone
catch someone's eye
CEFR B1to draw someone's notice or interest
drop someone a line
CEFR B1to get in touch by sending a short note, message, or email
get on someone's nerves
CEFR B1to repeatedly irritate or annoy someone
give someone a run for their money
CEFR B1to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory
keep someone posted
CEFR B1to keep someone informed of the latest developments
make someone's day
CEFR B1to make someone very happy
pick someone's brain
CEFR B1to seek ideas or guidance from someone with useful expertise
take someone's word for it
CEFR B1to believe what someone says without asking for evidence
blow someone's cover
CEFR B2to expose what someone has kept secret, such as their identity or scheme
breathe down someone's neck
CEFR B2to monitor someone so closely that they feel pressured or uncomfortable
catch someone red-handed
CEFR B2to catch someone in the very act of doing something wrong
fill someone's shoes
CEFR B2to replace someone in a role and meet the demands they handled
follow in someone's footsteps
CEFR B2to copy another person's actions or pursue a similar path, especially in work or achievement
force someone's hand
CEFR B2To pressure someone into acting, often sooner than they had planned.
give someone the creeps
CEFR B2To make someone feel distinctly uneasy, frightened, or repelled.
give someone the slip
CEFR B2to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you
leave someone in the lurch
CEFR B2to withdraw support when another person is stranded in serious difficulty
meet someone halfway
CEFR B2to compromise with someone
put words in someone's mouth
CEFR B2to claim falsely that someone expressed an opinion or made a statement
rub someone the wrong way
CEFR B2to irritate or offend a person, often without intending to
send someone packing
CEFR B2to dismiss someone or force them to leave quickly and decisively
serve someone right
CEFR B2used to say that someone deserves the unpleasant result they received
show someone the door
CEFR B2to dismiss someone or make it clear that they must leave
stab someone in the back
CEFR B2to betray someone secretly
take a leaf out of someone's book
CEFR B2to follow someone's good example by copying what they do
take the wind out of someone's sails
CEFR B2to suddenly weaken a person's confidence, excitement, or determination
the apple of one's eye
CEFR B2a person or thing that someone loves and treasures above all others
Matching variant: the apple of someone's eye
the ball is in your court
CEFR B2It is now your responsibility to make the next decision or move.
Matching variant: the ball is in someone's court
call someone's bluff
CEFR C1to challenge someone to prove that their threat or claim is real
steal someone's thunder
CEFR C1to take attention away from someone's achievement by doing or announcing the same thing first