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 is, including its inflections. Clear word filter
enough is enough
CEFR B1used to say that something unwelcome must stop because you will tolerate no more
it's a small world
CEFR B1used to express surprise at an unexpected connection or meeting
Matching variant: It is a small world
no free lunch
CEFR B1everything has a cost; you cannot get something for nothing
Matching variant: there's no such thing as a free lunch
tell it like it is
CEFR B1to describe a situation frankly, without softening or hiding the truth
that's another story
CEFR B1used to say a topic is separate and won't be discussed now
the rest is history
CEFR B1later events are already familiar or easily assumed, so they need no further telling
it's all Greek to me
CEFR B2I cannot understand it at all
Matching variant: It is Greek to me
it's early days
CEFR B2it is too soon to know how something will turn out
money is no object
CEFR B2cost does not limit what someone is willing or able to buy
mum's the word
CEFR B2used to request or promise that something will remain secret
Matching variant: Mum is the word
no smoke without fire
CEFR B2rumors or accusations usually contain at least some truth
Matching variant: there is no smoke without fire
put your money where your mouth is
CEFR B2to back up your words with action, especially money
six of one and half a dozen of the other
CEFR B2two alternatives have no meaningful difference
Matching variant: It is six of one and half a dozen of the other
strike while the iron is hot
CEFR B2to act quickly while the opportunity exists
that's the way the cookie crumbles
CEFR B2used to accept an unfortunate result as something that happens in life
Matching variant: That is the way the cookie crumbles
the ball is in your court
CEFR B2It is now your responsibility to make the next decision or move.
the coast is clear
CEFR B2it is safe to proceed without being seen or stopped
the devil is in the details
CEFR B2the hidden difficulties of a plan are in its small details
the grass is always greener on the other side
CEFR B2Other people's situations always seem better than your own.
when all is said and done
CEFR B2ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered
your guess is as good as mine
CEFR B2I do not know the answer either
Bob's your uncle
CEFR C1used after simple instructions to signal that the task is finished or the result achieved
the boot is on the other foot
CEFR C1the roles or positions in a situation have been reversed
the die is cast
CEFR C1an irreversible decision has fixed the course of what happens next
the fat is in the fire
CEFR C1something has happened that is likely to cause trouble
the jig is up
CEFR C1a deception or secret scheme has been discovered and cannot continue
the world is your oyster
CEFR C1You are free to enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer.
there's the rub
CEFR C1that is the particular difficulty or obstacle
Matching variant: There is the rub
time is of the essence
CEFR C1acting quickly is essential to the success of the matter