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 make, including its inflections. Clear word filter
kiss and make up
CEFR B1to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument
make ends meet
CEFR B1To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.
make someone's day
CEFR B1to make someone very happy
make up one's mind
CEFR B1to reach a decision, especially for oneself rather than following others
make a go of
CEFR B2to turn an undertaking into a lasting success
make a killing
CEFR B2to earn a very large amount of money quickly
make a meal of
CEFR B2to devote far too much effort to a task and make it seem needlessly complicated
make a splash
CEFR B2to attract considerable public attention by doing something impressive or notable
make history
CEFR B2to do something important or unprecedented that will be remembered
make light of
CEFR B2to treat a serious matter as unimportant, often by joking about it
make light work of
CEFR B2to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly
make or break
CEFR B2to be the single decisive factor between success and failure
make short work of
CEFR B2to finish a task or overcome an opponent with surprising speed and ease
make the grade
CEFR B2to reach the standard required for success or acceptance
make waves
CEFR B2to cause disruption or draw attention by challenging established expectations
pull a face
CEFR B2to make an unusual facial expression that shows dislike, surprise, or amusement
Matching variant: make a face