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 one, including its inflections. Clear word filter
a fair share
CEFR B1a reasonable portion or a substantial amount of something, especially work or difficulties
Matching variant: one's fair share
bury one's head in the sand
CEFR B1to ignore an unpleasant reality hoping it will go away
kill two birds with one stone
CEFR B1To accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action.
make up one's mind
CEFR B1to reach a decision, especially for oneself rather than following others
on the one hand
CEFR B1used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument
one and the same
CEFR B1exactly the same person or thing, despite appearing to have two identities
stretch one's legs
CEFR B1to go for a short walk after sitting for a long time
at the back of one's mind
CEFR B2a thought or worry that you are vaguely aware of but not focusing on
back to square one
CEFR B2to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed
cast one's mind back
CEFR B2to think about something that happened in the past
cover all bases
CEFR B2to consider and prepare for every important part, possibility, or problem so nothing is missed
Matching variant: cover one's bases
dear to one's heart
CEFR B2very important to someone and loved deeply
dig one's heels in
CEFR B2to refuse stubbornly to change your mind or do what others want
don't put all your eggs in one basket
CEFR B2Don't risk everything on a single plan or possibility.
drag one's feet
CEFR B2to do something slowly or delay because you don't want to do it
get one's act together
CEFR B2to become organized and start performing effectively
get one's head (a)round
CEFR B2to manage to understand something difficult or surprising
get one's message across
CEFR B2to make people understand what you mean or want to say
get one's thoughts together
CEFR B2to calm down and organize your thinking before acting or speaking
go in one ear and out the other
CEFR B2to be heard but immediately forgotten or ignored
have up one's sleeve
CEFR B2to have a secret plan or advantage kept ready for later use
in one's sights
CEFR B2chosen as a target or goal that you intend to achieve or pursue
money burns a hole in your pocket
CEFR B2you feel an urge to spend money soon after receiving it
Matching variant: Money burns a hole in one's pocket
off the top of one's head
CEFR B2from memory, without checking or thinking carefully
on one's hands
CEFR B2as one's responsibility or problem to deal with
one of those things
CEFR B2an odd or unfortunate situation accepted as unavoidable and not worth further explanation
out of one's hands
CEFR B2no longer one's responsibility or under one's control
pull a fast one
CEFR B2to deceive someone with a quick, sneaky, or unexpected trick
sit on one's hands
CEFR B2to do nothing when action is needed
six of one and half a dozen of the other
CEFR B2two alternatives have no meaningful difference
the apple of one's eye
CEFR B2a person or thing that someone loves and treasures above all others
throw up one's hands
CEFR B2to show that you give up or feel helpless about something
above one's station
CEFR C1behaving as if you belong to a higher social class or rank than you do
not to mince one's words
CEFR C1to speak directly and honestly, even if it is unpleasant
put one's head above the parapet
CEFR C1to risk criticism by stating an opinion publicly