C2 English idioms
All 25 C2 idioms in the catalogue, with meaning, translation and examples. Ordered by how often they're used, not alphabetically.
High register and written press. Less frequent in speech, but decisive for reading The Economist or arguing a position precisely.
- by the skin of your teethvery narrowly, barely
- play it by eardecide what to do as the situation develops
- the proof of the pudding is in the eatingthe real test is in practice, not theory
- leave no stone unturnedmake every possible effort
- the writing on the wallclear signs of impending failure or change
- throw caution to the windact recklessly, abandoning prudence
- wrap your head around (something)manage to understand something difficult
- pull the rug out (from under someone)suddenly remove support, undermining someone
- go against the graingo against conventional wisdom or one's instincts
- have your cake and eat itwant two incompatible things simultaneously
- burn (your) bridgesdestroy relationships or options in a way that can't be undone
- preaching to the choirarguing a point to people who already agree
- the best-laid plans of mice and meneven careful planning can fail
- in the thick of itin the busiest or most intense part of an activity
- have a finger in every piebe involved in many activities or projects
- above boardlegitimate and transparent; with no hidden dealings
- par for the courseexactly what one would expect; typical
- in the same veinin a similar manner or style; on the same theme
- few and far betweenrare; infrequent
- out of your comfort zonein a situation that challenges one's usual habits
- to each his owneveryone has different preferences; respect them
- set in stonepermanent; not subject to change
- by all accountsaccording to what everyone says
- have an axe to grindhave a personal grievance or hidden motive
- stand the test of timeremain valuable or valid over a long period