All phrases, A to Z

564 everyday English phrases and idioms. Sorted by their main word, so “a piece of cake” is under P.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W

A

an acquired tastesomething (or someone) people don't like immediately but may grow to appreciate
against all oddsdespite there being very little chance of success
agree to disagreeto accept that you won't reach the same opinion, and stop arguing
all hands on decka situation where everyone needs to help
all of a suddensuddenly, without warning
all's well that ends wellused to say a difficult situation is fine because it ended well
as far as I can tellbased on what I know, though I might be wrong
as far as I'm concernedused to give your personal opinion clearly
as it happensused to introduce a coincidence
as it turned outused to reveal how a situation actually developed, often unexpectedly
as luck would have itby chance, often in a fortunate way
as things standbased on the current situation, which might change
at a low ebbgoing through a difficult, low period, emotionally or otherwise
at breaking pointat the limit of what you can emotionally or physically cope with
at short noticewith very little warning beforehand
at the drop of a hatimmediately, without any hesitation or planning
at the end of the dayused to introduce the most important point, after considering everything
at the end of your tetherat the limit of your patience or emotional strength, unable to cope any longer
at the last minutevery close to a deadline or event, often causing rush
at your conveniencewhenever suits you, with no particular rush

B

back in the dayat some time in the past, often used casually
the back of beyonda place that is very remote or far from anywhere
back to square onestarting again from the very beginning
back to the drawing boardsaid when a plan has failed and you need to start again
a balanced dieta diet containing the right amounts of different kinds of food
to be fairused to make a fair or balanced comment, often before disagreeing slightly
beat around the bushto avoid saying something directly, usually because it's difficult
before I knew itvery quickly, almost without realizing
before longsoon; within a short time
before you know itvery soon; quicker than expected
beg to differto politely disagree with someone
believe it or notused to introduce something surprising but true
bite off more than you can chewto take on more than you're able to manage
bite the bulletto accept something difficult or unpleasant and just get on with it
a blessing in disguisesomething that seems bad at first, but turns out to be good
blow sth out of proportionto make something seem much more serious than it really is
blunt to the point of rudenessextremely direct, to the extent that it can seem impolite
board the planeto get onto the plane
born with a silver spoon in your mouthborn into wealth and privilege
bounce backto recover quickly after a setback, illness or disappointment
brace yourself for sthto prepare yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant
brainstorm ideasto think of many ideas quickly, often as a group
break a habitto stop doing something you usually do
break the bankto cost more money than you can really afford
break the iceto say/do sth to reduce tension when meeting
break the moldto do something differently from the usual or expected way
break the newsto tell someone important information, often bad news
brimming with energyfull of energy and enthusiasm
bring home the baconto earn the money that supports a family
broaden your horizonsto gain new experiences and perspectives
built-upcovered with buildings, not open or green
burn the candle at both endsto overwork and under-rest, risking burnout
burn your bridgesto damage a relationship or opportunity so badly it can't be repaired
bury the hatchetto end a disagreement and become friendly again
bustlingfull of busy activity and people
butter sb upto flatter someone, usually because you want something from them
by and largegenerally speaking, with a few exceptions
a bygone eraa period of time in the past, especially one that feels very different from now

C

a calculated riska risk taken after carefully considering the potential downsides
call it a dayto stop doing something, usually for the day
calm downto become less angry or upset
can't complainfeeling okay (a common, casual answer to “how are you?”)
catch a flightto be in time for and board a flight
catch sb off guardto surprise someone when they aren't expecting it
catch the travel bugto develop a strong, lasting desire to travel
catch up with (sb)to meet or talk with sb after a while
a challengesomething difficult that tests your ability
a change of scenea new place or situation that refreshes you
a change of scenerya change to a different environment, often for a refreshing effect
change things upto do something differently for variety
change your mindto decide something different from what you thought before
check in (for a flight)to register for a flight, often online or at the airport, before departure
check in with sbto briefly contact someone to see how they are or how something's going
cheer sb upto help someone feel happier
a chip off the old blocksomeone who closely resembles a parent in character or behavior
choose your words carefullyto think deliberately about how to phrase something sensitive
circle backto return to a topic or person later, after other things are dealt with
a clean bill of healthofficial confirmation that someone is healthy
click with sb (instantly)to get on well with someone immediately and naturally
come across asto appear or seem (to other people)
come to an agreementto reach a decision that everyone accepts
come to terms with (sth)to gradually accept something difficult
come up for airto take a brief break during an intense period
come up withto think of an idea or solution
comfort foodfamiliar, simple food that makes you feel emotionally better
concede a pointto admit that part of someone else's argument is correct
correspond with sbto exchange letters or messages with someone regularly, often over a long period
cost a fortuneto be very expensive
cost an arm and a legto be very expensive
a couch potatoa lazy person who watches a lot of TV
count me inused to say you want to join a plan
a courtesy calla call made mainly out of politeness rather than necessity
crack itto finally find the solution to a difficult problem
creature comfortsphysical comforts that make life pleasant, like good food or a warm bed
a creature of habitsomeone who likes to do the same things in the same way
cross that bridge when you come to itto deal with a problem only when it actually happens
culture shockthe feeling of confusion or disorientation from being in an unfamiliar culture
to cut a long story shortused to summarize a story, skipping the details
cut back on (sth)to reduce how much you spend on or use of something
cut cornersto do something in the quickest or cheapest way, often lowering the quality
cut down on (sth)to eat or drink less of something
cut it fineto leave yourself very little extra time before a deadline
cut to the chaseto get to the point without wasting time on unnecessary details

D

dabble in (sth)to do an activity casually, not seriously
daylight robberya price that feels outrageously, almost dishonestly high
deal withto handle or take action about a problem
decompressto relax and let go of tension after a stressful period
a deep divea thorough, detailed examination of something
deliberate over sthto think carefully and seriously about a decision, usually for some time
a diamond in the roughsomeone with great potential or good qualities that aren't yet obvious or polished
dine outto eat at a restaurant rather than at home
a diplomatic answera careful, tactful response that avoids offense or commitment
a discerning palatea refined, sensitive sense of taste, able to notice subtle differences
down in the dumpsfeeling sad or low
down to earthpractical and sensible; not pretentious
drive the point hometo emphasize something strongly so it's clearly understood
drop a hintto suggest something indirectly rather than saying it outright
a drop in the oceana very small amount compared to what's needed
drop sb a lineto send someone a short, informal message

E

an early nightgoing to bed earlier than usual
an early risersomeone who usually wakes up early
easier said than doneused when something sounds simple but is actually difficult to achieve
easy-goingrelaxed and not easily worried
eat outto have a meal at a restaurant rather than at home
egg sb onto encourage someone to do something, often reckless
err on the side of cautionto choose the safer option when unsure
every cloud has a silver liningeven difficult situations have some positive side to them
every penny countssaid when even small amounts of money matter
exhaustedextremely tired, with no energy left

F

fall back into old waysto return to a previous, usually less desirable, pattern of behavior
fall into a routineto gradually start doing things in a regular, habitual pattern
a false economya saving that ends up costing more in the long run
fancy (doing sth)to want to do something
a far cry fromvery different from something, especially worse or better than expected
feel at hometo feel comfortable and relaxed somewhere
feel betterto feel less unwell or less upset
feel like a localto feel genuinely comfortable and familiar in a place, as if you belong
feel the pinchto notice the effects of financial hardship
feeling downfeeling a bit sad
figure outto understand or work out something, often after thinking
find your rhythmto settle into a natural, comfortable pace with something
a fish out of watersomeone who feels completely out of place in a situation
follow up on (sth)to check on progress or take further action after something
a follow-up emaila message sent after an earlier conversation or meeting, to confirm or continue it
food for the soulfood or an experience that nourishes you emotionally, not just physically
a foodiesomeone with a strong, enthusiastic interest in food and cooking
for what it's worthused to introduce an opinion humbly, suggesting it may not matter much
a force of habitsomething you do automatically, without really thinking about it
free / busyavailable, or not available
full of beansvery energetic and lively (informal)
be full of energyto have a lot of energy
funnily enoughused to introduce something slightly surprising or coincidental
further afieldfurther away, in more distant places

G

a game changersomething that changes a situation significantly, usually for the better
gentrified(of an area) changed by wealthier people moving in and renovating
get around (a city)to travel or move around within a place
get around to (sth)to finally do sth you've delayed
get away from it allto escape your usual routine or pressures
get back to sbto reply to someone, often after some time
get buy-in fromto gain someone's support or agreement for a plan
get down to businessto start dealing with the main topic or work, without wasting time
get enough restto sleep or rest as much as your body needs
get in touchto make contact with someone
get into (sth)to start to enjoy or become interested in sth
get into a routineto develop a regular pattern of doing things
get into the habit of (doing sth)to start doing sth regularly
get into the swing of thingsto become comfortable and productive in a new routine or activity
get nowhereto make no progress in a discussion or argument
get off on the wrong footto start a relationship badly
get on like a house on fireto get along extremely well, at once
get on with (sb)to have a good relationship with sb
get out of a rutto escape a boring, unproductive pattern of behavior
get some restto sleep or relax to recover energy
get sth off your chestto say something that's been worrying or bothering you, for relief
get stuck in trafficto be delayed because of heavy traffic
get the ball rollingto start something happening or moving forward
get the lay of the landto understand the basic layout or situation of a new place
get to grips with (sth)to begin to understand and deal with something difficult
get to the bottom of (sth)to find the real cause of a problem
get togetherto meet socially with other people
get used to (sth)to become familiar or comfortable with something over time
get your bearingsto become familiar with a new place or situation
get your point acrossto successfully make someone understand your opinion
give sb a callto phone someone
give sb a handto help someone
give sb the benefit of the doubtto trust someone's good intentions despite some doubt
give upto stop trying to do something
go off(of food) to become bad or spoiled
go out on a limbto take a risk by doing or saying something that isn't safe or supported
go the extra mileto make an extra effort beyond what's expected
go through the motionsto do something without real effort, interest or enthusiasm
go with the flowto relax and accept things as they happen, without too much planning
go with your gutto decide based on instinct rather than careful reasoning
a good laugha fun person to be with (informal)
a good night's sleepa full, restful night of sleep
the good old daysa period in the past remembered as better or simpler than the present, often with some exaggeration
grab a biteto eat something quickly, often on the way somewhere
a great deala bargain; very good value for money
the great outdoorsnature and open-air spaces
grow on sbto become more likeable to someone over time
guess whatused to introduce exciting or surprising news
a guilty pleasuresomething enjoyable that you feel slightly embarrassed about
a gut feelingan instinct about something, not based on clear reasoning

H

a happy endinga good, satisfying conclusion to a story
hard workrequiring a lot of effort
have a bone to pick (with sb)to want to talk to someone about something you're annoyed about
have a change of heartto change your mind or feelings about a decision
have a good sense of humorto be able to laugh and make others laugh
have a heart of goldto be very kind and generous
have a lot on your plateto have a lot of things to deal with at once
have a pointto say something reasonable or true
have a rapport with sbto have an easy, understanding relationship with someone
have a soft spot for sbto feel particular fondness or affection for someone
have a sweet toothto particularly enjoy sweet food
have a whale of a timeto enjoy yourself enormously
have an air of (sth)to have a noticeable quality or manner about you
have itchy feetto feel restless and want to travel or move on
have reservations aboutto have doubts or concerns about something, without fully rejecting it
have second thoughtsto begin to doubt a decision you've already made
have your cake and eat it (too)to want both of two things that can't really go together
have your head screwed onto be sensible, practical and level-headed
a heart-to-heartan honest, personal conversation, often about feelings
a hearty meala large, satisfying, substantial meal
hedge your betsto protect yourself against loss by not fully committing to one option
hit a brick wallto reach a point where you can't make any further progress
hit a snagto encounter a small, unexpected problem
hit a wallto reach a sudden point of exhaustion or inability to continue
hit it off (with sb)to start a friendly relationship quickly
hit the gymto go to the gym to exercise
hit the roadto start a journey
hit your strideto reach a comfortable, effective pace after a slow start
a home away from homea place where you feel as comfortable as in your own home
home comfortsthe familiar comforts of home, missed while traveling
home is where the heart isyour true home is wherever the people or things you love are
a home-cooked feasta large, generous homemade meal, usually made with care
homesickmissing your home and the people or life you left behind
house-proudtaking great care and pride in how your home looks
the hustle and bustlebusy, energetic activity, especially in a city

I

I'd argue thata fairly confident way to introduce your opinion
I'd venture to saya polite, slightly formal way to state an opinion you're fairly confident about
I'm inclined to thinka fairly formal way of saying you tend to believe something
I'm not so sure about (sth)used to express doubt, politely
the icing on the cakean extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better
if anythingused to suggest something is true, perhaps more than expected
if you ask meused to introduce a personal, sometimes strong opinion
in a bad moodfeeling irritable or unhappy
in a good moodfeeling happy and positive
in a nutshellin a few words; to summarize briefly
in advancebefore something happens, with planning
be in dire need of (sth)to urgently and obviously need something
in good spiritsfeeling happy, positive and optimistic
in hindsightlooking back at a past event with the knowledge you have now
in low spiritsfeeling sad or low
in no uncertain termsvery clearly and directly, leaving no room for doubt
in peak conditionin the best possible physical or mental state
in the blackto have a positive balance; financially solvent
in the endused to describe the final result of a situation
in the heart of (somewhere)right in the middle or center of a place
in the middle of nowherein a very remote place, far from towns or cities
in the near futurefairly soon
in the nick of timeat the very last possible moment
in the old daysin the past, especially long ago
in the pipelinebeing planned or developed, but not yet finished or announced
be in the redto owe money; to have spent more than you have
in transitin the process of traveling between two places
indulge a passion (for sth)to spend time doing something you love, without holding back
an ingrained habita habit so deeply established that it's hard to notice or change
iron outto solve small remaining problems in something
iron out the detailsto resolve the small remaining problems in a plan
it dependsused to say your answer isn't fixed; it changes according to the situation
it turned outused to reveal how something eventually happened
it's not like it used to besaid when something has changed, usually for the worse
it's only a matter of timeused to say something is certain to happen eventually, even if you don't know exactly when

J

jet lagthe tiredness and disorientation caused by crossing several time zones
jet-settingtraveling frequently, often glamorously, to different places
jump the gunto act too soon, before the right moment
jump to conclusionsto decide something is true without enough information

K

keep in touch (with sb)to continue to communicate with someone regularly
keep it togetherto stay calm and in control, especially during a difficult moment
keep sb in the darkto deliberately not tell someone information
keep sb in the loopto keep someone informed about what's happening
keep sb postedto keep someone regularly informed about developments
keep the lines of communication opento make sure people can still talk honestly, especially after disagreement
keep track of your spendingto monitor and record how much money you're spending
keep your chin upused to encourage someone to stay positive during a difficult time
keep your head above waterto just about manage financially, without going under
keep your options opento avoid committing to one choice, so you can decide later
keep yourself to yourselfto stay private and not very social
kick a habitto successfully stop a habit, especially a bad one
kill timeto pass time doing sth unimportant while waiting
know when to call it quits (for the day)to recognize the right moment to stop working

L

a labor of lovesomething you do for pleasure, even though it takes real effort
larger than lifehaving an exuberant, memorable, almost theatrical personality
the last strawthe final problem in a series that makes someone lose patience
a last-minute dasha rushed effort to do or get something right before a deadline
a last-minute thingsomething arranged or decided very close to when it happens
laugh it offto treat something as unimportant by laughing about it
leap before you lookto act quickly without thinking about the consequences
a leap into the unknowna decision or action whose outcome you can't predict, often risky
a leap of faitha decision to try something without certainty it will work
leave the door opento keep a possibility available for later, rather than closing it off
the lesser of two evilsthe less unpleasant of two bad options
let off steamto release stress, often through activity
let sb knowto tell someone some information
let your hair downto relax and enjoy yourself fully
level-headedcalm and sensible in difficult situations
the life and soul of the partythe most fun, lively person at an event
little did I knowused to say you didn't realize something important at the time
live and learnused to accept a mistake and the lesson learned from it
live beyond your meansto regularly spend more money than you earn
live from pay check to pay checkto spend almost everything you earn each month, with no savings
live like a localto experience a place the way residents do, not as a tourist
live out of a suitcaseto travel so often that you don't properly unpack or settle
live to tell the taleto survive a difficult or dangerous experience, often said humorously
live to work rather than work to liveto prioritize your job over the rest of your life
live within your meansto not spend more money than you earn
a long-haul flighta flight covering a long distance, usually many hours
look back fondly onto remember something from the past with warmth and affection
look back on (sth)to think about something from the past
look into (sth)to investigate or examine something
loop sb into include someone by informing them
lose touch with (sb)to gradually stop being in contact with someone
lose yourself in (sth)to become completely absorbed in an activity
a lot has changed since thensaid to describe how much has changed over time
low-hanging fruitthe easiest tasks or wins to tackle first

M

make a mountain out of a molehillto treat a small problem as if it were much bigger than it really is
make an informed decisionto decide based on good information and research
make it (to sth)to be able to attend or arrive at something
make it in timeto arrive before a deadline or departure
make it up as you go alongto invent a plan or approach while you're already doing something
make the most of (sth)to get the greatest benefit from sth
make time for (sth/sb)to deliberately find time for sth/sb
make up your mindto finally decide something
make yourself at homesaid to invite a guest to relax and feel comfortable
meet halfwayto compromise, with each side giving up something
a melting pota place where many different cultures mix together
miss a connectionto fail to catch a connecting flight or train
mixed feelingshaving both positive and negative feelings about something
money doesn't grow on treessaid to remind someone that money is limited and shouldn't be wasted
money is no objectused to say cost doesn't matter in a decision
money talkshaving money gives you power or influence
money to burnso much spare money that you can spend freely
move into start living in a new home
move the needleto make a noticeable, meaningful difference
much to my surpriseused to say something surprised you, often pleasantly
muddle throughto manage to complete something despite a lack of skill, information or organization
mull sth overto think about something slowly and carefully over time

N

narrow it downto reduce a large number of choices to a smaller number
a nest egga sum of money saved for the future
next thing I knewused to describe something sudden happening in a story
nip sth in the budto stop a problem early, before it has a chance to grow
no big dealnot something important or serious
nondescriptnot interesting or memorable in any way
nostalgic forfeeling a sentimental longing for something from the past
not be sb's cup of teato not be something someone particularly likes or enjoys
not sb's cup of teanot something a person particularly likes or enjoys
not see eye to eye (on sth)to disagree, often persistently, about something

O

off the beaten trackin a place that isn't well known or often visited
off the tourist trailin a place not usually visited by tourists
off the well-trodden pathsomewhere not commonly visited by tourists
old habits die hardsaid when someone finds it very difficult to change a long-standing habit
an old head on young shouldersunusually wise or mature for one's age
be on a tight budgetto have limited money available to spend
on autopilotdoing something automatically, without paying full attention
on balanceconsidering everything, when you weigh the good and bad
on cloud nineextremely happy, elated
on edgenervous, anxious or irritable
on the cardslikely to happen; being considered as a possibility
be on the fenceto be undecided about something
on the same pagehaving the same understanding or opinion as someone else
be on the same pageto have the same understanding or agreement about something
be on the same wavelengthto think in a similar way and understand each other easily
on the spur of the momentsuddenly, without any planning in advance
on the wholeconsidering everything in general
on timeat the correct, planned time; not late
on top of the worldfeeling extremely happy
once in a blue moonvery rarely
out in the sticksin a place far from a city, fairly remote
out of habitbecause it's a habit, not because you've thought about it
out of sortsnot feeling quite right, either physically or emotionally
out of the bluesuddenly and unexpectedly
out of the frying pan into the fireto go from a bad situation into an even worse one
outgoingfriendly and sociable
over the moonextremely happy about something
overindulgeto eat or drink more than is sensible, usually on a particular occasion

P

a packed itinerarya schedule with very little free time between activities
pay through the nose for (sth)to pay much more for something than it's really worth
pencil sth into provisionally schedule something, that might change
penny-pinchingbeing extremely careful, sometimes excessively so, with money
a people personsomeone who enjoys and is good with people
pick at your foodto eat only small amounts of food, without much interest
pick up the phoneto make the effort to call someone
picturesquevery attractive, like a picture
a piece of cakesomething very easy to do
plain sailinga situation that goes smoothly, without any problems
play devil's advocateto argue the opposite side, often just to test an idea
play it by earto decide what to do as things happen, without a fixed plan
play it safeto choose the safest, least risky option
the plot thickensused to say a situation is becoming more complicated or mysterious
postcard-perfectextremely attractive, like something in a photograph
the proof is in the puddingthe real value of something can only be judged by trying it
pull no punchesto speak very directly and honestly, even if it's uncomfortable
put all your eggs in one basketto risk everything on a single plan or option
put down rootsto settle somewhere and start to feel it's your permanent home
put it bluntlyto say something in a very direct, sometimes blunt, way
put out firesto deal with urgent problems one after another, usually reactively
put sth on holdto postpone or pause something
put your feet upto relax, especially by sitting or lying down
put your foot downto firmly refuse or insist on something

Q

a quick chata short, informal conversation
a quick recapa short summary of what's already been discussed or covered

R

a rainy day fundmoney saved for emergencies or unexpected expenses
raise the barto set a higher standard than before
reach a consensusto arrive at a decision everyone can accept
reach a decisionto finally decide something, often after discussion
reach out to sbto make an effort to contact someone, often to offer help or reconnect
read between the linesto understand a meaning that isn't stated directly
read sb like a bookto understand someone's thoughts or feelings very easily
read the roomto correctly sense the mood or reaction of a group before acting
read the writing on the wallto notice clear signs that something is about to happen
recharge your batteriesto rest and get your energy back
rein in your spendingto deliberately start spending less
remember when…used to introduce a shared memory
reminisce aboutto talk or think about happy memories from the past
the rest is historyused to say what happened after a certain point is already well known
rise and shinesaid cheerfully to wake someone up; time to get up
rock the boatto disturb a stable situation, often by disagreeing
rub sb the wrong wayto annoy or irritate sb
run a meetingto be in charge of organizing and leading a meeting
run into (sth)to experience a problem unexpectedly
run lateto be behind schedule
run low on energyto have very little energy left
run out of moneyto have no money left
run yourself into the groundto exhaust yourself completely through overwork
run-downin poor condition, needing repair
running on emptyextremely tired, with no energy left to give

S

save up for (sth)to save money over time in order to buy something
a scenic routea route chosen for its attractive views rather than speed
second naturesomething you can do automatically, without thinking, because you've done it so often
second-guess yourselfto doubt a decision you've already made
see eye to eye (with sb)to agree completely with sb
see how things goto wait and observe before making a firm decision
see where sb is coming fromto understand the reasons behind someone's opinion, even if you disagree
see your pointto understand why someone thinks the way they do, even if you disagree
sell like hot cakesto sell very quickly, because it's very popular
send sb a messageto communicate with someone by text or message
set in your wayshaving fixed habits; resistant to change
settle downto start living a calm, stable life, often in one place
a sign of things to comean early indication of what will happen later
sink or swimto succeed or fail entirely through your own efforts, without help
sit on the fenceto avoid choosing a side or making a decision
skip a mealto deliberately not eat a meal
sleep on itto wait until the next day before making a decision
a sleepy little towna small, quiet town where not much happens
be snowed under (with sth)to have far too much to do
sooner or latereventually, at some point
sooner rather than latervery soon, without unnecessary delay
sort itself out(of a problem) to resolve without anyone needing to take direct action
sort outto organize or solve something
sort something outto arrange or organize something
sound good (to sb)used to say a plan or idea seems fine
speak your mindto say openly and honestly what you really think
spill the beansto reveal a secret, often accidentally
splash out on (sth)to spend a lot of money on something as a treat
split the differenceto compromise, often meeting exactly halfway
be spoiled for choiceto have so many options it's hard to choose
stand your groundto refuse to change your opinion or position, despite pressure
a standing invitationan invitation that's always open, and doesn't need to be renewed
be starvingto be extremely hungry
stay in contactto continue being in touch with someone
stay in the loopto remain informed about what's happening
steeped in historydeeply associated with a long, rich history
stick to the agendato follow the planned list of topics without going off track
stick to your gunsto refuse to change your opinion, despite pressure
a sticking pointan issue that keeps blocking agreement or progress
a stickler for routinesomeone who insists on doing things the same way every time
a stone's throw fromvery close to
a stopovera short stay somewhere between two other flights or destinations
a storm in a teacupa situation that's made to seem far more serious or dramatic than it actually is
straight to the pointdirect, without unnecessary details
be strapped for cashto have very little money available
streamline a processto make a process simpler and more efficient
stressed outfeeling a lot of stress or pressure
strike a balance (between)to give the right attention to two things
be stuck in a rutto be in a boring, repetitive pattern you feel unable to change
a stumbling blockan obstacle that prevents progress on something
sugar-coat sthto make bad news sound better or gentler than it is
switch offto stop thinking about work or problems; to relax

T

table an ideato formally put forward an idea for discussion (British usage; in American English, 'table' can mean the opposite: to postpone)
take after (sb)to resemble a parent/relative in looks or character
take it easyto relax and avoid overexerting yourself
take it out on (sb)to treat someone badly because you're upset, even if it's not their fault
take sb up on (sth)to accept an offer or invitation that someone has made
take something with a pinch of saltto not fully believe something; to stay a little skeptical
take stockto pause and honestly assess your situation
take the floorto begin speaking at a meeting or event
take the plungeto finally decide to do something, especially something risky or big
take the road less traveledto choose an unconventional path rather than the usual one
take your mind off (sth)to stop yourself thinking about sth worrying
a tall ordera difficult or demanding request or task
teeming with lifefull of activity or people
tentative plansplans that aren't fixed yet, and may change
be that as it mayused to acknowledge a point before disagreeing or continuing
there's something to be said for (sth)used to admit that an option has a genuine advantage
things aren't what they used to besaid when something has declined or changed for the worse
things have changedsaid when a situation is different from how it used to be
think it overto consider something carefully before deciding
think outside the boxto think creatively, in a different or unusual way
think twice about sthto reconsider something carefully before doing it
those were the dayssaid about a period in the past remembered fondly
thrash sth outto discuss something thoroughly until a solution or agreement is reached
throw money at a problemto try to solve a problem by spending rather than real effort
throw sb under the busto blame or betray someone, often to protect yourself
tick sth off your bucket listto finally do something you've long wanted to do
tighten the purse stringsto start spending more cautiously
tighten your beltto spend less money than before, usually because you have to
time will tellthe truth or result will only become clear in the future
times have moved onsaid when the world has changed since a particular time
too many cooks spoil the brothsaid when too many people trying to manage the same task causes problems
be torn between (two things)to find it very difficult to choose between two things
touch baseto make brief contact with someone to give or get an update
touch base with (sb)to make brief contact with someone, often to check on progress
a tough calla difficult decision to make
travel lightto travel with as little luggage as possible
travel-wornvisibly tired from a long journey or a lot of travel
treat yourself to (sth)to buy or do something enjoyable for yourself
a trip down memory lanean experience of remembering happy things from the past
turn over a new leafto start behaving in a better or different way
a turning pointa moment when something important changes

U

unassumingmodest and not seeking attention, despite ability or achievement
under the weatherfeeling slightly unwell
unplugto stop engaging with work, screens or responsibilities, even briefly
unwindto relax after a period of stress
up and comingbecoming popular or fashionable
be up for (sth)to be interested in doing something
up in the airnot yet decided; uncertain
up to a pointtrue or acceptable, but with limits
an uphill battlea difficult struggle that requires a lot of effort

W

a walk down memory lanean experience of looking at or remembering things from your past
wanderlusta strong desire to travel and explore
water under the bridgea past problem or disagreement now considered finished and not worth worrying about
wear your heart on your sleeveto show your feelings openly, without hiding them
weigh the pros and consto consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
weigh up the optionsto think carefully about the different choices before deciding
a weight off your shouldersa strong sense of relief after removing a worry or burden
what does the future holdwhat will happen in the future (uncertain)
what the future holdswhat will happen in the future, often used when this is uncertain
when it comes to (sth)used to introduce a specific topic you're about to comment on
whet your appetiteto make you more eager for something, often before the main event
while away the hours (doing sth)to pass time in a relaxed, unhurried way
a whistle-stop toura very fast trip that covers many places in a short time
wind downto relax before going to sleep
wine and dine sbto entertain someone generously, usually to impress them
wing itto do something without preparation, improvising as you go
within a stone's throw (of)very close to
within walking distanceclose enough to walk to easily
without any warningsuddenly, with no notice beforehand
wolf sth downto eat something very quickly, often greedily
work sth outto find a solution to a problem, often by calculation or thought
a workarounda way of dealing with a problem without solving the underlying cause
worn outextremely tired
worth itvaluable enough to justify the effort or cost
be worth the moneyto be good value for the price you pay
the writing is on the wallthere are clear signs that something, usually bad, is going to happen