Idioms Translator
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Base language: EN
Letter: w
Total idioms: 9849 - currently selected: 421 (50 per page)Who'd have thunk it
Details:
who'd have thunk it
1. (rhetorical question, colloquial, sometimes sarcastic, used to express incredulity) Who would have thought that would happen?; Who would have guessed it?
Examples:
who'd have thunk it
1. (rhetorical question, colloquial, sometimes sarcastic, used to express incredulity) Who would have thought that would happen?; Who would have guessed it?
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Who's 'she', the cat's mother?
Details:
Who's 'she', the cat's mother?
1. (idiomatic, somewhat dated, UK) A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
? - Where is your mother?
? - She's making tea in the kitchen.
? - Who's 'she', the cat's mother?
? - Mot
Examples:
Who's 'she', the cat's mother?
1. (idiomatic, somewhat dated, UK) A rebuke especially directed towards children for having referred to their mother, or any other woman in the third person, instead of using a properly respectful title or their name when appropriate.
? - Where is your mother?
? - She's making tea in the kitchen.
? - Who's 'she', the cat's mother?
? - Mot
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Who's a pretty boy then
Details:
who's a pretty boy then?
1. A conventional phrase used when talking to parrots.
Examples:
who's a pretty boy then?
1. A conventional phrase used when talking to parrots.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Who's who
Details:
who's who (countable and uncountable, plural who's whos)
1. (uncountable, capitalized) A publication containing biographies of well-known or important people.
2. (uncountable) A list of notable, famous, or upper-class people.
3. (uncountable) Collectively, the elite class.
4. (countable) A person appearing in a Who's Who publication.
5. (count
Examples:
who's who (countable and uncountable, plural who's whos)
1. (uncountable, capitalized) A publication containing biographies of well-known or important people.
2. (uncountable) A list of notable, famous, or upper-class people.
3. (uncountable) Collectively, the elite class.
4. (countable) A person appearing in a Who's Who publication.
5. (count
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Who's your daddy
Details:
who's your daddy
1. (BDSM) An assertion that one is the master in a relationship.
2. (by extension) A humorous and/or sarcastic statement of superiority over someone else.
Examples:
who's your daddy
1. (BDSM) An assertion that one is the master in a relationship.
2. (by extension) A humorous and/or sarcastic statement of superiority over someone else.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whole ball of wax
Details:
whole ball of wax (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic, slang) The entire or overall plan, concept or action.
? The whole ball of wax will be viewed in 5 minutes.
? In my opinion the whole ball of wax depends on what she'll say.
2. (idiomatic, slang) Everything of a similar or related nature; everything necessary for a particular purpose.
? We've got pots, pans, the food
Examples:
whole ball of wax (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic, slang) The entire or overall plan, concept or action.
? The whole ball of wax will be viewed in 5 minutes.
? In my opinion the whole ball of wax depends on what she'll say.
2. (idiomatic, slang) Everything of a similar or related nature; everything necessary for a particular purpose.
? We've got pots, pans, the food
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whole cloth
Details:
whole cloth (uncountable)
1. A newly made textile which has not yet been cut.
2. (figuratively, used attributively or preceded by various prepositions) The fictitious material from which complete fabrications, lies with no basis in truth, are made.
? Mr. Doe's account of the accident was made from whole cloth.
3. Something made completely new, with no history, and not based
Examples:
whole cloth (uncountable)
1. A newly made textile which has not yet been cut.
2. (figuratively, used attributively or preceded by various prepositions) The fictitious material from which complete fabrications, lies with no basis in truth, are made.
? Mr. Doe's account of the accident was made from whole cloth.
3. Something made completely new, with no history, and not based
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whole new ball game
Details:
To refer to something as a whole new ball game means that it is a completely different situation due to a new set of circumstances.
Examples:
Email and text messaging have made communication a whole new ball game.
To refer to something as a whole new ball game means that it is a completely different situation due to a new set of circumstances.
Examples:
Email and text messaging have made communication a whole new ball game.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whole shebang
Details:
whole shebang (plural whole shebangs)
1. (idiomatic) Everything; the entire thing.
? The festival had balloons, flowers, fireworks, performers, and the whole shebang.
2. (idiomatic) A building or house and everything in it.
Examples:
whole shebang (plural whole shebangs)
1. (idiomatic) Everything; the entire thing.
? The festival had balloons, flowers, fireworks, performers, and the whole shebang.
2. (idiomatic) A building or house and everything in it.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whomp on
Details:
womp up
1. (idiomatic) Alternative form of whomp up.
? The Jayhawks completely womped on the hapless Nimrods in today's opening-round game.
Examples:
womp up
1. (idiomatic) Alternative form of whomp up.
? The Jayhawks completely womped on the hapless Nimrods in today's opening-round game.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whomp up
Details:
1. (idiomatic) To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
Why don't I just whomp up some scrambled eggs while you're waiting?
2. To incite or generate.
? The artist's latest stunt was obviously an attempt to whomp up some cheap publicity.
Examples:
1. (idiomatic) To produce quickly, particularly a meal.
Why don't I just whomp up some scrambled eggs while you're waiting?
2. To incite or generate.
? The artist's latest stunt was obviously an attempt to whomp up some cheap publicity.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whoop it up
Details:
whoop it up
1. (idiomatic) To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
? They all went out to whoop it up on his 21st birthday.
Examples:
whoop it up
1. (idiomatic) To have a great time; to party or revel excessively or noisily.
? They all went out to whoop it up on his 21st birthday.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whoop-ass
Details:
whoop ass
1. (idiomatic, slang, US) To beat or strike.
2. (idiomatic, slang, US) To defeat in a fight.
3. (idiomatic, slang, US) To defeat or excel against (someone) in a competitive event.
whoop-ass
1. (figuratively, slang, US) An act of beating.
2. (idiomatic, slang, US) A fight.
3.
Examples:
whoop ass
1. (idiomatic, slang, US) To beat or strike.
2. (idiomatic, slang, US) To defeat in a fight.
3. (idiomatic, slang, US) To defeat or excel against (someone) in a competitive event.
whoop-ass
1. (figuratively, slang, US) An act of beating.
2. (idiomatic, slang, US) A fight.
3.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?
Details:
This refers to not paying for something that you can obtain for free. (Sometimes refers to a decision not to marry when you can have the benefits of marriage without any commitment.)
Examples:
Rent is high so Bobby is still living with his parents. He says : why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?
This refers to not paying for something that you can obtain for free. (Sometimes refers to a decision not to marry when you can have the benefits of marriage without any commitment.)
Examples:
Rent is high so Bobby is still living with his parents. He says : why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?
Detalii:
Exemple:
Why in god's name
Details:
why in God's name?
1. (idiomatic) used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning question.
? Why in God's name have you got my pizza?
Examples:
why in God's name?
1. (idiomatic) used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning question.
? Why in God's name have you got my pizza?
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
Details:
This expression means that if someone or something can do a task for you, there's no reason to do it yourself.
Examples:
My grandmother has an electric mixer but she continues to make her cakes by hand. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
This expression means that if someone or something can do a task for you, there's no reason to do it yourself.
Examples:
My grandmother has an electric mixer but she continues to make her cakes by hand. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
Detalii:
Exemple:
Why not
Details:
why not (not comparable)
1. Why is that not true?
? I don't want to go out today. — Why not?
2. Used to state that one has no objection to and approves of a proposal.
? Let's have pizza for lunch. — Yes, why not?
3. Used to introduce a proposal.
? Why not try turning the handle in the other direction to see if that opens the window?
Examples:
why not (not comparable)
1. Why is that not true?
? I don't want to go out today. — Why not?
2. Used to state that one has no objection to and approves of a proposal.
? Let's have pizza for lunch. — Yes, why not?
3. Used to introduce a proposal.
? Why not try turning the handle in the other direction to see if that opens the window?
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Why on earth
Details:
why on Earth?
1. (idiomatic) used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
? Why on Earth are you trying to accomplish anything here?
Examples:
why on Earth?
1. (idiomatic) used to add emphasis to "why" when beginning a question.
? Why on Earth are you trying to accomplish anything here?
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Whys and wherefores
Details:
whys and wherefores (plural only)
1. (idiomatic) The reasons or motivations for a fact, action, or decision, especially the complete set of such reasons or motivations.
Examples:
whys and wherefores (plural only)
1. (idiomatic) The reasons or motivations for a fact, action, or decision, especially the complete set of such reasons or motivations.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wide awake
Details:
wide awake
1. (idiomatic) awake and very alert
Examples:
wide awake
1. (idiomatic) awake and very alert
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wide berth
Details:
wide berth (plural wide berths)
1. (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
? Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
2. (idiomatic, by extension) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
? Our cat always gives the vac
Examples:
wide berth (plural wide berths)
1. (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
? Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
2. (idiomatic, by extension) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
? Our cat always gives the vac
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wide of the mark
Details:
If something is (or falls) wide off the mark, it is incorrect or inadequate, or it is not what was expected.
wide of the mark
1. (of a projectile) Missing the target
2. (idiomatic) inaccurate
? Well, I suppose you could say the weatherman was wide of the mark again then!
Examples:
The price offered was wide off the mark; it was sold for ten times more!
If something is (or falls) wide off the mark, it is incorrect or inadequate, or it is not what was expected.
wide of the mark
1. (of a projectile) Missing the target
2. (idiomatic) inaccurate
? Well, I suppose you could say the weatherman was wide of the mark again then!
Examples:
The price offered was wide off the mark; it was sold for ten times more!
Detalii:
Exemple:
Widow-maker
Details:
widow-maker (plural widow-makers)
1. (idiomatic) Something which or someone who takes the lives of men; a hazard that affects mostly men or is specific for some trade, occupied mostly by men.
Examples:
widow-maker (plural widow-makers)
1. (idiomatic) Something which or someone who takes the lives of men; a hazard that affects mostly men or is specific for some trade, occupied mostly by men.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wiggle room
Details:
wiggle room (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) The opportunity to make alternative decisions or to pursue other courses of action, especially any involving only minor changes to one's present situation or course.
Examples:
wiggle room (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) The opportunity to make alternative decisions or to pursue other courses of action, especially any involving only minor changes to one's present situation or course.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wild goose chase
Details:
If someone is sent on a wild goose chase, they waste their time looking for something that there is little chance of finding.
Examples:
They tried to find out who sent the anonymous complaint, but it turned out to be a wild goose chase.
If someone is sent on a wild goose chase, they waste their time looking for something that there is little chance of finding.
Examples:
They tried to find out who sent the anonymous complaint, but it turned out to be a wild goose chase.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wild horses
Details:
wild horses
1. plural form of wild horse
2. (idiomatic) A force not subject to human control and normally stronger than a man.
? Wild horses wouldn't have kept me from going to the party.
Examples:
wild horses
1. plural form of wild horse
2. (idiomatic) A force not subject to human control and normally stronger than a man.
? Wild horses wouldn't have kept me from going to the party.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wild turkey
Details:
wild turkey (plural wild turkeys)
1. Used other than as an idiom: see wild, turkey.
2. A large gamebird, Meleagris gallopavo, native to North America.
Examples:
wild turkey (plural wild turkeys)
1. Used other than as an idiom: see wild, turkey.
2. A large gamebird, Meleagris gallopavo, native to North America.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wild-goose chase
Details:
wild-goose chase (plural wild-goose chases) (idiomatic)
1. (figuratively) A futile search, a fruitless errand; a useless and often lengthy pursuit.
? I went on a wild-goose chase all over the town looking for that adapter until I discovered they no longer make them.
2. A task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.
? Diagn
Examples:
wild-goose chase (plural wild-goose chases) (idiomatic)
1. (figuratively) A futile search, a fruitless errand; a useless and often lengthy pursuit.
? I went on a wild-goose chase all over the town looking for that adapter until I discovered they no longer make them.
2. A task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.
? Diagn
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Will do
Details:
will do
1. Used other than as an idiom: see will, do.
2. Affirmative yes in response to an especially personal or direct request for the performance of some action.
? Could you wake me when you get up? — No problem, will do.
? Make sure you understand this before the next class. — Will do, for sure.
? One of us needs to verify the source. — Will do, but
Examples:
will do
1. Used other than as an idiom: see will, do.
2. Affirmative yes in response to an especially personal or direct request for the performance of some action.
? Could you wake me when you get up? — No problem, will do.
? Make sure you understand this before the next class. — Will do, for sure.
? One of us needs to verify the source. — Will do, but
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Will never fly
Details:
To say that something will never fly means that it will not be successful.
Examples:
He's got incredible ideas, but none that will ever fly!
To say that something will never fly means that it will not be successful.
Examples:
He's got incredible ideas, but none that will ever fly!
Detalii:
Exemple:
Will o' the wisp
Details:
will o' the wisp (plural will o' the wisps)
1. (idiomatic, British folklore) A strange light that attracts travellers from pathways into dangerous marshes or graveyards.
2. (idiomatic) A delusional or otherwise unobtainable goal that one feels compelled to pursue.
Examples:
will o' the wisp (plural will o' the wisps)
1. (idiomatic, British folklore) A strange light that attracts travellers from pathways into dangerous marshes or graveyards.
2. (idiomatic) A delusional or otherwise unobtainable goal that one feels compelled to pursue.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Willful ignorance
Details:
willful ignorance (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic, law) A decision in bad faith to avoid becoming informed about something so as to avoid having to make undesirable decisions that such information might prompt.
Examples:
willful ignorance (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic, law) A decision in bad faith to avoid becoming informed about something so as to avoid having to make undesirable decisions that such information might prompt.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Willow in the wind
Details:
willow in the wind (plural willows in the wind)
1. (idiomatic) One whose views are easily and regularly changed by the persuasion or influence of others.
Examples:
willow in the wind (plural willows in the wind)
1. (idiomatic) One whose views are easily and regularly changed by the persuasion or influence of others.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Win back
Details:
win back
1. (transitive, idiomatic) to win money that has been lost.
? He lost $1000 in one hand, and spent most of the night trying to win it back.
2. (transitive, idiomatic) To regain favour (with)
3. (transitive, idiomatic) To get (someone) to be one's partner, after having been apart.
? John, my ex-boyfriend, said he wanted to see me again, so I told him how much I wante
Examples:
win back
1. (transitive, idiomatic) to win money that has been lost.
? He lost $1000 in one hand, and spent most of the night trying to win it back.
2. (transitive, idiomatic) To regain favour (with)
3. (transitive, idiomatic) To get (someone) to be one's partner, after having been apart.
? John, my ex-boyfriend, said he wanted to see me again, so I told him how much I wante
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Win by a nose
Details:
When there is a very slight difference between the winner and the other competitors, victory is won by a nose.
To win narrowly; to have a narrow victory.
Examples:
One second ahead of the others, he won by a nose.
When there is a very slight difference between the winner and the other competitors, victory is won by a nose.
To win narrowly; to have a narrow victory.
Examples:
One second ahead of the others, he won by a nose.
A castiga la mustata
Detalii:
Cand este o diferenta foarte mica intre invingator si alti competitori, victoria este castigata la mustata.
A invinge apropiat, a avea a victorie stransa.
Exemple:
A castigat la mustata, cu o secunda inaintea celorlalti.
Win over
Details:
win over (third-person singular simple present wins over, present participle winning over, simple past and past participle won over)
1. (transitive, idiomatic) To persuade someone, gain someone's support, or make someone understand the truth or validity of something.
? If the truth doesn't win him over, perhaps charm will.
Examples:
win over (third-person singular simple present wins over, present participle winning over, simple past and past participle won over)
1. (transitive, idiomatic) To persuade someone, gain someone's support, or make someone understand the truth or validity of something.
? If the truth doesn't win him over, perhaps charm will.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Win the day
Details:
win the day (third-person singular simple present wins the day, present participle winning the day, simple past and past participle won the day)
1. (idiomatic) to gain complete victory or success over something or someone
2. (idiomatic) to be totally accepted by other people (such as an idea or a proposal)
Examples:
win the day (third-person singular simple present wins the day, present participle winning the day, simple past and past participle won the day)
1. (idiomatic) to gain complete victory or success over something or someone
2. (idiomatic) to be totally accepted by other people (such as an idea or a proposal)
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Win-win
Details:
The term win-win refers to a situation or proposition where both or all parties benefit from the outcome.
Examples:
There were smiles all round when the contract was signed - it was a win-win situation.
The term win-win refers to a situation or proposition where both or all parties benefit from the outcome.
Examples:
There were smiles all round when the contract was signed - it was a win-win situation.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wind back the clock
Details:
to wind back the clock
1. (idiomatic) Figuratively to return in time to an earlier period of history.
Examples:
to wind back the clock
1. (idiomatic) Figuratively to return in time to an earlier period of history.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wind down
Details:
to wind down
1. (transitive) To lower by winding something.
? Wind down the car window if you want to talk to me.
2. (intransitive) To slow; to become calmer or less busy.
? The festival seems to be winding down now.
3. (intransitive, idiomatic) To relax; to get rid of stress.
? After a long day at work, she winds down by kickboxing.
Examples:
to wind down
1. (transitive) To lower by winding something.
? Wind down the car window if you want to talk to me.
2. (intransitive) To slow; to become calmer or less busy.
? The festival seems to be winding down now.
3. (intransitive, idiomatic) To relax; to get rid of stress.
? After a long day at work, she winds down by kickboxing.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wind up one's bottoms
Details:
to wind up one's bottoms
1. (idiomatic, obsolete) To finish a job.
Examples:
to wind up one's bottoms
1. (idiomatic, obsolete) To finish a job.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Window dressing
Details:
window dressing (usually uncountable, plural window dressings)
1. The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows
2. The goods and trimmings used in such display
3. (idiomatic, uncountable) A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
? These latest modifications are mere wi
Examples:
window dressing (usually uncountable, plural window dressings)
1. The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows
2. The goods and trimmings used in such display
3. (idiomatic, uncountable) A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
? These latest modifications are mere wi
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Window on the world
Details:
When something provides an opportunity to observe and learn about people and life in other countries, it is called a window on the world.
Examples:
The internet has become a window on the world.
When something provides an opportunity to observe and learn about people and life in other countries, it is called a window on the world.
Examples:
The internet has become a window on the world.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Window shopping
Details:
When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.
Examples:
I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.
When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.
Examples:
I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Window shopping
Details:
When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.
Examples:
I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.
When people go window shopping, they look at things in shop windows, without actually purchasing anything.
Examples:
I haven't been paid yet, so I can only go window shopping.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Window-shopping
Details:
window-shopping (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) The browsing of shop windows without any intention of buying.
Examples:
window-shopping (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) The browsing of shop windows without any intention of buying.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wine tosser
Details:
wine tosser (plural wine tossers)
1. (slang, idiomatic) A person who talks a great deal about wine but actually knows very little.
2. (slang, idiomatic) A person who buys wine, but does not drink it.
Examples:
wine tosser (plural wine tossers)
1. (slang, idiomatic) A person who talks a great deal about wine but actually knows very little.
2. (slang, idiomatic) A person who buys wine, but does not drink it.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Wing it
Details:
wing it
1. (idiomatic) To improvise; to make things up or figure things out as one goes; to perform with little or no preparation.
? I don't know their system, but I think I can wing it.
? I didn't study for today's test, so I'll have to wing it.
Examples:
wing it
1. (idiomatic) To improvise; to make things up or figure things out as one goes; to perform with little or no preparation.
? I don't know their system, but I think I can wing it.
? I didn't study for today's test, so I'll have to wing it.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
Winning ways
Details:
A person who has winning ways has a charming or persuasive manner of gaining the affection of others or obtaining what they want.
winning ways (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) a winning streak; a sequence of winning games.
Examples:
My grandson is hard to resist - he's got such winning ways.
A person who has winning ways has a charming or persuasive manner of gaining the affection of others or obtaining what they want.
winning ways (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) a winning streak; a sequence of winning games.
Examples:
My grandson is hard to resist - he's got such winning ways.
Detalii:
Exemple:
Winter rat
Details:
winter rat (plural winter rats)
1. (idiomatic, colloquial, US) An old, unattractive automobile, purchased for little money, to be driven during brutal Great Lakes winters while the owner's "good" car remains garaged and protected from corrosive road salt for the season.
Examples:
winter rat (plural winter rats)
1. (idiomatic, colloquial, US) An old, unattractive automobile, purchased for little money, to be driven during brutal Great Lakes winters while the owner's "good" car remains garaged and protected from corrosive road salt for the season.
Examples:
Detalii:
Exemple:
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