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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 to, including its inflections. Clear word filter

back to basics

CEFR B1

returning to the simple, fundamental principles of an activity

Neutral

come to mind

CEFR B1

to appear in one's thoughts or memory

Neutral

get up to speed

CEFR B1

to become informed or current on a topic, project, or situation

Neutral

see eye to eye

CEFR B1

To agree completely with someone.

Neutral

up to speed

CEFR B1

fully informed about a current situation or topic and ready to proceed

Neutral

add fuel to the fire

CEFR B2

To make a bad situation or an argument worse.

Neutral

add insult to injury

CEFR B2

make an already bad situation worse by adding humiliation or further harm

Neutral

armed to the teeth

CEFR B2

equipped with a very large number of weapons and ready for conflict

Neutral

back to square one

CEFR B2

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

Neutral

back to the drawing board

CEFR B2

to start planning or designing again after an idea or attempt has failed

Neutral

claim to fame

CEFR B2

the main achievement or feature for which a person, place, or thing is known

Neutral

come to a head

CEFR B2

to reach a critical point that demands action or resolution

Neutral

come to light

CEFR B2

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

Neutral

come to terms with

CEFR B2

to gradually accept and emotionally deal with a difficult reality

Neutral

come to think of it

CEFR B2

used when reconsideration brings a fresh realization or memory

Neutral

cross that bridge when you come to it

CEFR B2

To deal with a problem only when it actually arises, not before.

Neutral

dead to the world

CEFR B2

sleeping so deeply that you are completely unaware of your surroundings

Neutral

dear to one's heart

CEFR B2

very important to someone and loved deeply

Neutral

from pillar to post

CEFR B2

moved repeatedly between people or places without making useful progress

Neutral

from rags to riches

CEFR B2

from extreme poverty to great wealth

Neutral

get to grips with

CEFR B2

to begin to understand and deal with a difficult problem or task

Neutral

go from strength to strength

CEFR B2

to keep improving and becoming more successful over time

Neutral

go to seed

CEFR B2

to become neglected, untidy, or generally worse in condition

Neutral

go to the dogs

CEFR B2

to deteriorate severely from an earlier, better condition

Neutral

it takes two to tango

CEFR B2

both parties are responsible for a situation

Neutral

jump to conclusions

CEFR B2

to form an opinion too quickly, before considering enough evidence

Neutral

laugh all the way to the bank

CEFR B2

to enjoy a large, easy profit, especially from something others consider unfair or undeserving

Neutral

live paycheck to paycheck

CEFR B2

to spend all of each salary before the next one arrives, with no savings

Neutral

rise to the occasion

CEFR B2

to respond successfully when a difficult situation demands unusual effort or skill

Neutral

spring to mind

CEFR B2

to come into your thoughts suddenly and easily

Neutral

stand to reason

CEFR B2

to be logical or obvious

Neutral

step up to the plate

CEFR B2

accept responsibility and take action when needed

Neutral

throw caution to the wind

CEFR B2

to act boldly or recklessly without considering the possible consequences

Neutral

to say the least

CEFR B2

used to show that something is more extreme than your words suggest

Neutral

to the tune of

CEFR B2

amounting to a stated, usually substantial, quantity or sum

Neutral

true to form

CEFR B2

behaving exactly as one's character or previous conduct would lead others to expect

Neutral

up to scratch

CEFR B2

good enough to satisfy the expected level of quality

Neutral

when push comes to shove

CEFR B2

when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable

Neutral

a bitter pill to swallow

CEFR C1

an unpleasant fact or situation that must be accepted

Neutral

a tough nut to crack

CEFR C1

a hard problem to solve or a hard person to convince

Neutral

from the sublime to the ridiculous

CEFR C1

from something impressive or elevated to something absurd or trivial

Neutral

go to the wall

CEFR C1

collapse or fail completely, particularly as a business or financial venture

Neutral

not to mince one's words

CEFR C1

to speak directly and honestly, even if it is unpleasant

Neutral

put paid to

CEFR C1

to bring something, especially a plan or hope, to a definite end

Neutral

race to the bottom

CEFR C1

a competitive spiral that drives prices, quality, or standards lower and lower

Neutral

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