Idioms beginning with W

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waiting time

Meaning: a period of time from when action is requested to when it happens

Example: The waiting time for non-urgent surgery seems to be on the increase over the last five years. Read more ➺


weather the storm

Meaning: handle a difficult period of time successfully

Example: There haven't been any tourists this year, and the hotels, campsites, and restaurants are having to weather the storm until things pick up again. Read more ➺


white paper

Meaning: official report or guide

Example: The government will be issuing a white paper later this week. Read more ➺


white elephant

Meaning: an expensive item with no use or purpose

Example: Everyone thought the Olympic stadiums would be a white elephant after the closing ceremony. Read more ➺


worm in the apple

Meaning: the presence of something very bad in the best

Example: There's nothing worse than getting a worm in your apple! Read more ➺


without further ado

Meaning: no fuss or ceremony

Example: Steve is very organised and friendly. When we met him last week, he introduced us all to the team without further ado. Read more ➺


when life gives you lemons

Meaning: make the best out of a difficult situation

Example: She tried to live by the motto 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Read more ➺


way forward

Meaning: the only way to succeed

Example: I believe that digital learning is the way forward. Read more ➺


wild goose chase

Meaning: wasting resource working on something that does not exist

Example: They tampered with my research. Thank God I found it out. I'm sure they were hoping to send me on a wild goose chase as I continue my research. Read more ➺


white lie

Meaning: a harmless lie

Example: Telling your friend that you like their new haircut, when you really don't, is an example of a white lie. Read more ➺


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