Idioms beginning with W
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Meaning: A group, system, or organization that runs smoothly and efficiently.
Example: The new customer service department works like a well-oiled machine; handling calls quickly and efficiently. Read more ➺
when the cat’s away, the mice will play
Meaning: People misbehave or break rules when a supervising authority is absent.
Example: As soon as the teacher left the room, the students started shouting — when the cat's away, the mice will play. Read more ➺
Meaning: Reason or purpose behind something.
Example: She demanded to know the why and wherefore of his sudden resignation. Read more ➺
Meaning: Take control or be the dominant partner in a relationship, especially within a household.
Example: She clearly wears the trousers in their marriage and handles all the finances. Read more ➺
Meaning: Dominate: To have control or authority in a relationship or situation.
Example: In their marriage, she wears the pants, making most financial decisions. Read more ➺
Meaning: Prosperity and adversity – the state of experiencing both good fortune and hardship.
Example: She promised to stand by him through weal and woe. Read more ➺
Meaning: Defeat someone completely in a contest, game, or fight.
Example: She wiped the floor with someone in the final tennis match. Read more ➺
Meaning: Be aware that someone might be secretly listening to a private conversation.
Example: We should talk about the plan later—walls have ears in this building. Read more ➺
Meaning: Have a very beneficial or transformative effect on someone or something.
Example: A short walk in the fresh air works wonders for clearing the mind. Read more ➺
Meaning: An event or situation that alerts people to a problem or danger, prompting them to take action.
Example: The sudden drop in sales was a wake-up call for the company to revamp its marketing strategy. Read more ➺
