decisions

Idioms (58)

• (take) a step back/further Neutral · CEFR B2
  to pause and reconsider a situation (step back), or develop an idea or action beyond its current point (step further)
• on the spot Informal · CEFR B1
  immediately and at the place where something happens
• beg the question Neutral · CEFR C1
  to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued
• go down that route Neutral · CEFR B2
  to choose a particular method or course of action
• pros and cons Neutral · CEFR B1
  the advantages and disadvantages of something
• pick and choose Informal · CEFR B1
  to select only the things you most want, being very selective
• make up one's mind Neutral · CEFR B1
  to reach a decision, especially for oneself rather than following others
• moot point Neutral · CEFR C1
  a question that is debatable or no longer relevant because it has been settled or made irrelevant
• go down the road of Neutral · CEFR B2
  to start following a particular course of action
• the ball is in your court Neutral · CEFR B2
  It is now your responsibility to make the next decision or move.
• bite the bullet Neutral · CEFR B2
  To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.
• get cold feet Informal · CEFR B2
  To suddenly become too nervous to do something you had planned.
• burn bridges Neutral · CEFR B2
  To destroy a relationship in a way that makes future cooperation impossible.
• jump the gun Informal · CEFR B2
  To do something too soon, before the right time.
• slippery slope Neutral · CEFR B1
  a course of action that seems small or harmless but leads, step by step, to a serious or disastrous result
• between a rock and a hard place Informal · CEFR B2
  facing two equally bad options, neither of which can be avoided
• pull the plug Informal · CEFR B1
  to stop funding or supporting something, ending it abruptly
• make or break Neutral · CEFR B2
  to be the single decisive factor between success and failure
• on the fence Neutral · CEFR B1
  to be undecided or avoid choosing between two options or sides
• call it quits Informal · CEFR B2
  to stop doing something, especially after deciding it is not working
• put your foot down Informal · CEFR B2
  to assert your authority firmly
• sleep on it Neutral · CEFR B1
  to delay a decision until the next day
• follow suit Neutral · CEFR B2
  to do the same thing that another person or group has just done
• out of the question Neutral · CEFR B1
  completely impossible or not permitted
• once and for all Neutral · CEFR B2
  finally and permanently, so the matter will not need to be handled again
• think twice Neutral · CEFR B1
  to reconsider an action carefully before doing it
• take the plunge Informal · CEFR B2
  to make a bold commitment after a period of hesitation
• in the final analysis Formal · CEFR C1
  after weighing all the relevant facts; ultimately
• take the liberty Neutral · CEFR B2
  to do something without first asking permission, often as a helpful or polite initiative
• free rein Neutral · CEFR B2
  complete freedom to make choices or act without interference
• err on the side of Formal · CEFR C1
  choose the safer course when uncertainty makes either option imperfect
• mean business Neutral · CEFR B2
  to show serious determination to accomplish a goal
• break ranks Neutral · CEFR B2
  to openly depart from the shared position of one's own group
• give something a miss Informal · CEFR B2
  to choose not to do, attend, or take part in something
• at a pinch Neutral · CEFR C1
  if it becomes absolutely necessary, though the option is barely adequate
• for the hell of it Informal · CEFR B2
  for amusement or impulse rather than for any serious purpose
• take it or leave it Neutral · CEFR B1
  accept an offer exactly as presented or reject it entirely
• cut and dried Neutral · CEFR C1
  fully settled and clear, with little room for debate or alteration
• at the drop of a hat Neutral · CEFR B2
  immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears
• play for time Neutral · CEFR B2
  to delay deliberately in order to prepare or avoid an immediate outcome
• rule the roost Neutral · CEFR B2
  To hold the most power in a household, organization, or other group and make the main decisions.
• take a dim view of Neutral · CEFR B2
  To judge something negatively or regard it with doubt or disapproval.
• force someone's hand Neutral · CEFR B2
  To pressure someone into acting, often sooner than they had planned.
• go the whole hog Neutral · CEFR C1
  To commit fully to doing something, without holding anything back.
• now or never Neutral · CEFR B1
  A moment when immediate action is necessary because the opportunity will not return.
• when the chips are down Neutral · CEFR B2
  at a moment of crisis when pressure forces an important choice
• carrot and stick Neutral · CEFR B2
  a strategy that uses both incentives and penalties to steer behavior
• get the nod Neutral · CEFR B2
  to receive a favorable selection or approval decision
• sign on the dotted line Neutral · CEFR B1
  to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement
• pay the piper Neutral · CEFR C1
  to deal with the price or consequences created by your earlier choices
• the die is cast Formal · CEFR C1
  an irreversible decision has fixed the course of what happens next
• no two ways about it Neutral · CEFR B2
  the situation is certain, with no reasonable alternative or different interpretation
• when all is said and done Neutral · CEFR B2
  ultimately, after everything has been discussed and considered
• throw caution to the wind Neutral · CEFR B2
  to act boldly or recklessly without considering the possible consequences
• not on your life Informal · CEFR B1
  used to refuse a suggestion in the strongest possible terms
• hold the purse strings Neutral · CEFR B2
  to control a budget and decide how money may be spent
• siren song Neutral · CEFR C1
  a seductive attraction that draws someone toward danger or an unwise action
• when push comes to shove Neutral · CEFR B2
  when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable