English expression
At odds
Meaning
In disagreement with someone, or in conflict with something.
In a sentence
The team is at odds over how to spend the remaining budget.
THE IDIOM COLLECTION
Say more with an idiom.
Go beyond the literal words. Learn what everyday expressions mean—and how to use them.
THE EXPRESSION COLLECTION
Explore the idiom collection.
English expression
At the eleventh hour
Meaning
At the last possible moment, when it is almost too late.
In a sentence
The missing document arrived at the eleventh hour.
English expression
An uphill battle
Meaning
A difficult effort to achieve something despite strong obstacles.
In a sentence
Winning back customers after the long closure will be an uphill battle.
English expression
All talk and no action
Meaning
Making promises or discussing plans without actually doing anything about them.
In a sentence
He says he will repair the gate, but so far he is all talk and no action.
English expression
All hands on deck
Meaning
Everyone needs to help because there is a lot of work to do.
In a sentence
With two hours left before opening, it was all hands on deck.
English expression
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning
What people do shows their intentions more clearly than what they say.
In a sentence
If you want to support the project, volunteer for a task; actions speak louder than words.
English expression
A walk in the park
Meaning
Something that is very easy to do.
In a sentence
After the practice sessions, the basic test was a walk in the park.
English expression
A tough act to follow
Meaning
Someone or something so good that the next person or thing may struggle to match it.
In a sentence
Our previous team leader will be a tough act to follow.
English expression
A stone’s throw
Meaning
A very short distance from a place or person.
In a sentence
The library is a stone’s throw from my flat.
English expression
A slap on the wrist
Meaning
A mild warning or punishment, often lighter than someone thinks is deserved.
In a sentence
For repeatedly ignoring the booking rules, he received only a slap on the wrist.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
One small step, every day.
Use what you have learned in a short daily activity or a language game.