Idioms beginning with W

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wild card

Meaning: an opportunity to participate in a sporting event without having to compete in qualifying matches or be ranked at a certain level.

Example: Nobody can guess what Mark is going to do next. He's always been a bit of a wild card. Read more ➺


wide berth

Meaning: avoid (a person, place, or circumstance)

Example: When walking through the yard, make sure you leave a wide berth for the dog, or he may bite you. Read more ➺


wet blanket

Meaning: A person who spoils others' fun by being negative or dull.

Example: Mark was such a wet blanket at the barbecue that everyone stopped joking around. Read more ➺


word of mouth

Meaning: oral communication

Example: To truly create the right buzz about this movie, we need to get the required word of mouth going in this city. Read more ➺


wane

Meaning: a period of decline or reduction

Example: With his health on the wane, the coal worker had to take better care of himself. Read more ➺


where the rubber meets the road

Meaning: when you have to face your challenges

Example: John had an excellent idea for a project, but his colleagues weren't sure what would happen where the rubber meets the road. Read more ➺


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 ➺


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