conflict

Idioms (71)

• on the one hand Neutral · CEFR B1
  used to introduce the first of two contrasting points or sides of an argument
• beg the question Neutral · CEFR C1
  to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued
• at loggerheads Neutral · CEFR C1
  in strong disagreement or conflict with someone
• fall foul of Formal · CEFR C1
  to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law
• fly in the face of Formal · CEFR C1
  to oppose or be the opposite of what is expected, accepted, or sensible
• add fuel to the fire Neutral · CEFR B2
  To make a bad situation or an argument worse.
• give someone a piece of your mind Informal · CEFR B2
  To tell someone angrily what you really think of them.
• on the fence Neutral · CEFR B1
  to be undecided or avoid choosing between two options or sides
• a bone of contention Neutral · CEFR B2
  a subject that causes disagreement or argument between people
• fight fire with fire Neutral · CEFR B2
  to counter an opponent using the same methods they use
• it takes two to tango Neutral · CEFR B2
  both parties are responsible for a situation
• tit for tat Informal · CEFR B2
  an equivalent retaliation, an eye for an eye
• up in arms Neutral · CEFR B2
  angry and protesting, ready to fight
• under fire Neutral · CEFR B2
  being strongly criticized or attacked
• come to a head Neutral · CEFR B2
  to reach a critical point that demands action or resolution
• keep the peace Neutral · CEFR B2
  to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups
• rock the boat Informal · CEFR B2
  to disturb a stable situation by causing trouble or challenging accepted arrangements
• pissed off Informal · CEFR B2
  very angry or irritated about something
• take the piss Informal · CEFR B2
  to mock someone, often through teasing or sarcasm
• no man's land Neutral · CEFR B2
  an uncontrolled, disputed, or undefined area where occupying or intervening is unwise
• run riot Neutral · CEFR B2
  to behave in a wild, uncontrolled way that creates disorder
• sick and tired Neutral · CEFR B1
  extremely annoyed with someone or something and unwilling to tolerate it any longer
• add insult to injury Neutral · CEFR B2
  make an already bad situation worse by adding humiliation or further harm
• fair game Neutral · CEFR B2
  a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism
• make waves Neutral · CEFR B2
  to cause disruption or draw attention by challenging established expectations
• save face Neutral · CEFR B2
  to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure
• break ranks Neutral · CEFR B2
  to openly depart from the shared position of one's own group
• cut and thrust Neutral · CEFR C1
  the vigorous back-and-forth of intense argument or competition
• hold the line Neutral · CEFR B2
  to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
• run the gauntlet Neutral · CEFR C1
  to endure a succession of ordeals, attacks, or severe criticism
• in cold blood Neutral · CEFR C1
  deliberately and without compassion, especially when committing violence or cruelty
• sleight of hand Neutral · CEFR C1
  clever and subtle trickery used to mislead people
• give someone the slip Neutral · CEFR B2
  to escape or evade someone who is following or pursuing you
• run amok Neutral · CEFR C1
  to behave wildly and without restraint, causing disorder or damage
• fight tooth and nail Neutral · CEFR B2
  To struggle with fierce determination, using every available effort to succeed.
• go with the flow Neutral · CEFR B1
  To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.
• no holds barred Neutral · CEFR B2
  With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.
• have the last laugh Neutral · CEFR B2
  To succeed in the end after others have mocked, doubted, or opposed you.
• beyond the pale Formal · CEFR C1
  Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.
• stand up and be counted Neutral · CEFR B2
  to declare one's position publicly when doing so calls for courage or principle
• turn tail Neutral · CEFR B2
  to retreat or run away suddenly because of fear
• lay a finger on Informal · CEFR B2
  to touch or interfere with a person, usually in a warning against causing harm
• up to no good Informal · CEFR B1
  engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong
• under a cloud Neutral · CEFR B2
  subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation
• send someone packing Neutral · CEFR B2
  to dismiss someone or force them to leave quickly and decisively
• throw down the gauntlet Formal · CEFR C1
  to challenge an opponent openly and defiantly
• walk all over Informal · CEFR B2
  to dominate or treat someone disrespectfully as though they have no power
• over my dead body Informal · CEFR B2
  a forceful refusal meaning that something will never be allowed
• ride roughshod over Formal · CEFR C1
  to impose your will harshly while ignoring other people's rights or feelings
• settle a score Neutral · CEFR B2
  to retaliate for an old grievance or perceived wrong
• blood and guts Informal · CEFR B2
  graphic violence and gore shown in a film, book, or similar work
• show someone the door Neutral · CEFR B2
  to dismiss someone or make it clear that they must leave
• every man for himself Neutral · CEFR B2
  a chaotic or uncooperative situation in which each person acts purely for personal benefit
• hot under the collar Neutral · CEFR B2
  noticeably irritated or angry
• put the boot in Informal · CEFR C1
  to attack harshly, especially when the target is already vulnerable or beaten
• raise hell Informal · CEFR B2
  to create a loud disturbance or behave in a wildly disruptive way
• kiss and make up Neutral · CEFR B1
  to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument
• hate someone's guts Informal · CEFR B2
  to feel an extremely strong hatred for someone
• pull a fast one Informal · CEFR B2
  to deceive someone with a quick, sneaky, or unexpected trick
• mend fences Neutral · CEFR B1
  to rebuild friendly relations after a dispute
• kick up a fuss Informal · CEFR B2
  to react with a noisy, angry complaint, often over a minor issue
• drive someone up the wall Informal · CEFR B1
  to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated
• cock a snook Informal · CEFR C1
  to make a mocking gesture that expresses disrespect or defiance
• bite someone's head off Informal · CEFR B2
  to answer someone with sudden and often unjustified anger
• twist the knife Neutral · CEFR B2
  to deliberately make an already painful situation feel even worse
• turn the other cheek Neutral · CEFR C1
  to respond to harm without retaliation, showing restraint or forgiveness
• bury the hatchet Neutral · CEFR B1
  to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end
• eternal triangle Neutral · CEFR C1
  a persistent love rivalry among three people whose attachments conflict
• not cricket Informal · CEFR C1
  unfair, dishonorable, or contrary to accepted standards of behavior
• throw a wobbly Informal · CEFR C1
  to have a sudden angry or distressed outburst and lose self-control
• put words in someone's mouth Neutral · CEFR B2
  to claim falsely that someone expressed an opinion or made a statement