Dictionary
Published entries you can read and add to your review box.
- ace up your sleeve C1 An ace up your sleeve is a secret advantage or hidden plan you can use when you need it.
- back burner B2 A lower priority than more urgent or important matters.
- ballpark figure B2 A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- beat a dead horse B2 To keep arguing or working on something that has already been decided or can’t be changed.
- bet your bottom dollar C1 Used to say you are completely certain that something will happen or be true.
- big fish in a small pond B2 A “big fish in a small pond” is someone who is important or successful in a small group or place, but not necessarily b…
- bite the bullet B2 To bite the bullet means to force yourself to do something difficult or unpleasant because you cannot avoid it.
- blow off steam B2 To do something active or enjoyable to release stress or strong feelings.
- break the bank B2 To cost too much or use up more money than you can afford.
- break the ice B2 To break the ice means to do or say something that helps people feel more relaxed and start talking in an awkward or ne…
- burn bridges B2 To burn bridges means to ruin a relationship or remove the possibility of going back to a previous situation.
- by the book B2 If you do something by the book, you follow the official rules exactly.
- call it quits B2 To stop doing something or end an effort because continuing is no longer worthwhile.
- catch red-handed B2 To catch red-handed means to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
- change of heart B2 A change of heart is a shift in someone’s feelings or attitude that leads them to decide differently.
- close but no cigar C1 Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- cold shoulder B2 If you give someone the cold shoulder, you deliberately ignore them or treat them in an unfriendly way.
- come hell or high water C1 Used to emphasize that you will do something no matter what difficulties happen.
- cost an arm and a leg B2 To cost an arm and a leg means to be extremely expensive.
- cut to the chase B2 To stop giving extra details and talk about the most important point immediately.