conflict
Idioms (71)
-
on the one hand
CEFR B1used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument
Neutral -
beg the question
CEFR C1to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued
Neutral -
at loggerheads
CEFR C1in strong disagreement or conflict with someone
Neutral -
fall foul of
CEFR C1to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
Formal -
fly in the face of
CEFR C1to oppose or be the opposite of what is expected, accepted, or sensible
Formal -
add fuel to the fire
CEFR B2To make a bad situation or an argument worse.
Neutral -
give someone a piece of your mind
CEFR B2To tell someone angrily what you really think of them.
Informal -
on the fence
CEFR B1to be undecided or avoid choosing between two options or sides
Neutral -
a bone of contention
CEFR B2a subject that causes disagreement or argument between people
Neutral -
fight fire with fire
CEFR B2to counter an opponent using the same methods they use
Neutral -
it takes two to tango
CEFR B2both parties are responsible for a situation
Neutral -
tit for tat
CEFR B2an equivalent retaliation, an eye for an eye
Informal -
up in arms
CEFR B2angry and protesting, ready to fight
Neutral -
under fire
CEFR B2being strongly criticized or attacked
Neutral -
come to a head
CEFR B2to reach a critical point that demands action or resolution
Neutral -
keep the peace
CEFR B2to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups
Neutral -
rock the boat
CEFR B2to disturb a stable situation by causing trouble or challenging accepted arrangements
Informal -
pissed off
CEFR B2very angry or irritated about something
Informal -
take the piss
CEFR B2to mock someone, often through teasing or sarcasm
Informal -
no man's land
CEFR B2an uncontrolled, disputed, or undefined area where occupying or intervening is unwise
Neutral -
run riot
CEFR B2to behave in a wild, uncontrolled way that creates disorder
Neutral -
sick and tired
CEFR B1extremely annoyed with someone or something and unwilling to tolerate it any longer
Neutral -
add insult to injury
CEFR B2make an already bad situation worse by adding humiliation or further harm
Neutral -
fair game
CEFR B2a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
Neutral -
make waves
CEFR B2to cause disruption or draw attention by challenging established expectations
Neutral -
save face
CEFR B2to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure
Neutral -
break ranks
CEFR B2to openly depart from the shared position of one's own group
Neutral -
cut and thrust
CEFR C1the vigorous back-and-forth of intense argument or competition
Neutral -
hold the line
CEFR B2to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
Neutral -
run the gauntlet
CEFR C1to endure a succession of ordeals, attacks, or severe criticism
Neutral -
in cold blood
CEFR C1deliberately and without compassion, especially when committing violence or cruelty
Neutral -
sleight of hand
CEFR C1clever and subtle trickery used to mislead people
Neutral -
give someone the slip
CEFR B2to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you
Neutral -
run amok
CEFR C1to behave wildly and without restraint, causing disorder or damage
Neutral -
fight tooth and nail
CEFR B2To struggle with fierce determination, using every available effort to succeed.
Neutral -
go with the flow
CEFR B1To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.
Neutral -
no holds barred
CEFR B2With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.
Neutral -
have the last laugh
CEFR B2To succeed in the end after others have mocked, doubted, or opposed you.
Neutral -
beyond the pale
CEFR C1Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
Formal -
stand up and be counted
CEFR B2to declare one's position publicly when doing so calls for courage or principle
Neutral -
turn tail
CEFR B2to retreat or run away suddenly because of fear
Neutral -
lay a finger on
CEFR B2to touch or interfere with a person, usually in a warning against causing harm
Informal -
up to no good
CEFR B1engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
Informal -
under a cloud
CEFR B2subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation
Neutral -
send someone packing
CEFR B2to dismiss someone or force them to leave quickly and decisively
Neutral -
throw down the gauntlet
CEFR C1to challenge an opponent openly and defiantly
Formal -
walk all over
CEFR B2to dominate or treat someone disrespectfully as though they have no power
Informal -
over my dead body
CEFR B2a forceful refusal meaning that something will never be allowed
Informal -
ride roughshod over
CEFR C1to impose your will harshly while ignoring other people's rights or feelings
Formal -
settle a score
CEFR B2to retaliate for an old grievance or perceived wrong
Neutral -
blood and guts
CEFR B2graphic violence and gore shown in a film, book, or similar work
Informal -
show someone the door
CEFR B2to dismiss someone or make it clear that they must leave
Neutral -
every man for himself
CEFR B2a chaotic or uncooperative situation in which each person acts purely for personal benefit
Neutral -
hot under the collar
CEFR B2noticeably irritated or angry
Neutral -
put the boot in
CEFR C1to attack harshly, especially when the target is already vulnerable or beaten
Informal -
raise hell
CEFR B2to create a loud disturbance or behave in a wildly disruptive way
Informal -
kiss and make up
CEFR B1to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument
Neutral -
hate someone's guts
CEFR B2to feel an extremely strong hatred for someone
Informal -
pull a fast one
CEFR B2to deceive someone with a quick, sneaky, or unexpected trick
Informal -
mend fences
CEFR B1to rebuild friendly relations after a dispute
Neutral -
kick up a fuss
CEFR B2to react with a noisy, angry complaint, often over a minor issue
Informal -
drive someone up the wall
CEFR B1to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated
Informal -
cock a snook
CEFR C1to make a mocking gesture that expresses disrespect or defiance
Informal -
bite someone's head off
CEFR B2to answer someone with sudden and often unjustified anger
Informal -
twist the knife
CEFR B2to deliberately make an already painful situation feel even worse
Neutral -
turn the other cheek
CEFR C1to respond to harm without retaliation, showing restraint or forgiveness
Neutral -
bury the hatchet
CEFR B1to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end
Neutral -
eternal triangle
CEFR C1a persistent love rivalry among three people whose attachments conflict
Neutral -
not cricket
CEFR C1unfair, dishonorable, or contrary to accepted standards of behavior
Informal -
throw a wobbly
CEFR C1to have a sudden angry or distressed outburst and lose self-control
Informal -
put words in someone's mouth
CEFR B2to claim falsely that someone expressed an opinion or made a statement
Neutral