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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 all, including its inflections. Clear word filter

all hell broke loose

CEFR B2

a situation suddenly became extremely noisy, chaotic, or violent

Informal

all in a day's work

CEFR B2

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

Neutral

all or nothing

CEFR B2

requiring complete success or acceptance, with no partial alternative

Neutral

all systems go

CEFR B2

everything is ready for an activity to begin

Neutral

all talk and no action

CEFR B2

full of promises or discussion without doing the things promised

Informal

all the rage

CEFR B2

extremely fashionable or popular at a particular time

Informal

cover all bases

CEFR B2

to consider and prepare for every important part, possibility, or problem so nothing is missed

Neutral

don't put all your eggs in one basket

CEFR B2

Don't risk everything on a single plan or possibility.

Neutral

go all in

CEFR B2

to commit fully to something, risking everything you have

Informal

it's all Greek to me

CEFR B2

I cannot understand it at all

Informal

jack of all trades

CEFR B2

a versatile person with many useful skills but no necessary specialization

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

once and for all

CEFR B2

finally and permanently, so the matter will not need to be handled again

Neutral

pull an all-nighter

CEFR B2

to stay up and work through the entire night

Informal

walk all over

CEFR B2

to dominate or treat someone disrespectfully as though they have no power

Informal

warts and all

CEFR B2

Shown or accepted honestly and completely, including every flaw and imperfection.

Neutral

when all is said and done

CEFR B2

ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered

Neutral

I'm all right, Jack

CEFR C1

used to criticize a selfish attitude of being comfortable and ignoring other people's difficulties

Informal

hold all the cards

CEFR C1

to be in a position of complete control in a negotiation

Neutral

it will all come out in the wash

CEFR C1

the problems or confusion will eventually be resolved

Informal

it's all over but the shouting

CEFR C1

the result is effectively decided although the event has not formally ended

Informal

let it all hang out

CEFR C1

behave freely without hiding your feelings or worrying about restraint

Informal

pull out all the stops

CEFR C1

to make the maximum possible effort, holding nothing back

Informal

to all intents and purposes

CEFR C1

in every way that matters in practice; effectively

Formal

winner takes all

CEFR C1

a market dynamic in which the leading competitor captures nearly all the value

Neutral

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