Skip to main content

We're in Beta! Found a bug? Let us know using the feedback button at the bottom right.

↑↓ navigate ↵ open esc close

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 B1

to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument

Neutral

make ends meet

CEFR B1

To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.

Neutral

make someone's day

CEFR B1

to make someone very happy

Neutral

make up one's mind

CEFR B1

to reach a decision, especially for oneself rather than following others

Neutral

make a go of

CEFR B2

to turn an undertaking into a lasting success

Neutral

make a killing

CEFR B2

to earn a very large amount of money quickly

Informal

make a meal of

CEFR B2

to devote far too much effort to a task and make it seem needlessly complicated

Neutral

make a splash

CEFR B2

to attract considerable public attention by doing something impressive or notable

Neutral

make history

CEFR B2

to do something important or unprecedented that will be remembered

Neutral

make light of

CEFR B2

to treat a serious matter as unimportant, often by joking about it

Neutral

make light work of

CEFR B2

to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly

Neutral

make or break

CEFR B2

to be the single decisive factor between success and failure

Neutral

make short work of

CEFR B2

to finish a task or overcome an opponent with surprising speed and ease

Neutral

make the grade

CEFR B2

to reach the standard required for success or acceptance

Informal

make waves

CEFR B2

to cause disruption or draw attention by challenging established expectations

Neutral

pull a face

CEFR B2

to make an unusual facial expression that shows dislike, surprise, or amusement

Informal

Matching variant: make a face

Send feedback

What is this about?

Choose the closest match.

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.