Understand cause-and-effect and changes in situations by learning idioms about influence, reasons, and consequences.
12 topics189 words
Having an Effect24 words
to [leave] a (sour|bad) taste in {one's} [mouth]phraseto leave a lasting negative effect on someone
to [take] {sth} on the chinphraseto accept unpleasant or difficult things or situations, such as criticism or misfortune, without complaining
to [take] a toll on {sb/sth}phraseto have a severe negative effect on someone or something, in a way that lasts for a long time
to [do] goodphraseto perform actions or engage in behavior that is beneficial, helpful, or morally upright, often with the intention of making a positive impact on others or the world
to [turn] {one's} headphraseto have an influence on how someone behaves, particularly by making them seem too important or proud
to [have] a part (to play|) in {sth}phraseto be an important factor in something
to [cut] both waysphrase(of a process or action) to have two opposite effects, particularly a good and a bad one
(bad|rotten) applephrasea person who causes trouble for others in a group and has a bad influence on them
vicious (circle|cycle)nouna situation where one problem brings about another and that only worsens the original problem
to [have] a horse in (the|this|that) racephraseto not have any personal gains in a particular situation
to [course] through {one's} (veins|blood)phraseto feel or experience something intensely, particularly an emotion or sensation
to [leave] {one's} markphraseto have a powerful and lasting effect on someone or something
to [go|be] hand in handphrase(of two things) to be closely connected to one another, particularly in a way that one of them causes the occurrence of another
ripple effectnounan action or series of things that cause several other events to happen one after another
to [strike] a notephraseto behave in a way that expresses a particular attitude or feeling
to [make] inroads (into|on) {sth}phraseto have a significant impact or influence on something
to [cut] (no|little|much) ice with {sb}phraseto fail to have an influence or effect, particularly in changing someone's opinion about something opinion or decision
exception that proves the rulephraserare or unusual cases that confirm the validity or effectiveness of a commonly accepted general principle or practice
a stroke of {sth}phrasea brief or sudden instance or occurrence of something particular, whether positive or negative
to [do] a job on {sb/sth}phraseto harm or negatively affect someone or something
to [break] the spellphraseto end the influence or control that someone or something has over another person
to [make] historyphraseto do something important that will be remembered for a long time
take something on the chinphraseto experience a lot of problems, setbacks, damages, etc., as a result of something
cut both waysphrase(of a process or action) to have two opposite effects, particularly a good and a bad one
The Reason Why16 words
one thing [lead] to anothersentenceused when one wants to explain how a series of events made something happen without giving away many details
to [open] the floodgatesphraseto cause strong and overwhelming emotional reactions, often leading to a burst of tears, feelings, or memories
to [pave] the way (for|to) {sth}phraseto create a situation in which it is easier for one to do something or for something to happen
to [be] at the bottom of {sth}phraseto be the direct cause of something, particularly something unpleasant
to [be] down to {sb/sth}phraseto have a limited amount or number of something left
for the sake of itphrasewith no particular or apparent reason
to [put] {one's} finger on {sth}phraseto figure out why things are the way they are and be able to identify the reason
where the shoe [pinch]phraseused to refer to where the all the trouble comes from or where things get difficult
the finger of (suspesion|blame)phrasethe strong belief of someone being responsible for or guilty of something
a chicken and egg situationphrasea situation in which one finds it impossible to determine which one of two things is responsible for the occurrence of another or existed before the other one did
to [point] the finger at {sb}phraseto blame someone or hold them accountable for something bad that has happened
to [set] the stage for {sth}phraseto do something that makes it possible or easier for something else to occur
to [sow|plant] the seeds of {sth}phraseto cause the development of a particular idea or feeling
open the floodgatesphrase(of an action or decision) to allow for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable
be down to somebody or somethingphraseto be heavily dependent on someone or something
sow the seeds of somethingphraseto cause the development of a particular idea or feeling
Results & Consequences16 words
to [carry] the canphraseto be brave and responsible enough to accept all the consequences of one's or others' unpleasant deeds
to [pay] the piperphraseto face the consequences of one's behavior or actions
to [pay] the (price|penalty)phraseto have no option but to suffer or deal with the unfavorable effects of something, particularly one's deeds
the brunt of {sth}phrasethe main and worst set of problems that are caused by someone or something
to [burn] {one's} fingersphraseto suffer the consequences of a business deal or a relationship gone wrong
to [pay] the fiddlerphraseto accept the consequences of the things one has done
perfect stormnouna very bad situation that is a result of the simultaneous occurrence of a series of unpleasant things
snowball effectnouna situation where something increases or gives rise to other things
to [have] {sb/sth} to thank for {sth}phraseto assume someone responsible for something good that happened to one and be grateful to them
day of reckoningphrasethe time when one faces the consequences of one's past deeds or mistakes
to [see] the light (of day|)phraseto become existent or be born
to [pay] dearlyphraseto experience significant and often negative results or expenses because of one's choices or actions
to [stew] in {one's} own [juice]phraseto suffer the unpleasant consequences of one's own deeds
to [sow|plant] the seeds of {sth}phraseto cause the development of a particular idea or feeling
see the light (of day)phraseto become existent or be born
sow the seeds of somethingphraseto do something that leads to the occurrence of something in the future, particularly something unpleasant
Persuasion7 words
carrot and stickphrasea type of system that rewards individuals for some of their actions and punishes or threatens them for some of their other actions
to [offer] {sb} a carrotphraseto make effort to convince an individual to do something for one by offering a reward for their action
to [dangle] a carrot in front of {sb}phraseto make someone excited about doing something by promising them a reward
to [talk|knock] (some|) sense into {sb}phraseto make someone start thinking sensibly by the means of help or persuasion
fast talkernouna person who is good at using words to convince or trick others into doing what they want
to [twist] {one's} armphraseto force or persuade someone to do something they are unwilling to do
to [shove|force|ram] {sth} [down] {one's} [throat]phraseto compel someone to accept one’s ideas and beliefs, especially in an annoying way
Reversal of a Situation7 words
to [turn] the tablesphraseto quickly turn a disadvantageous circumstance into a beneficial one
to [turn] the tidephraseto change an unfavorable situation so that it works to one's advantage
to [laugh] on the other side of {one's} [face]phraseto say that someone's happiness or success will not last long as the situation is about to change
the shoe is on the other footsentenceused to refer to a situation that has completely changed in one's favor
the worm [turn]sentenceused to refer to a sudden change in a situation where one or a group of people who were weak, unsuccessful, oppressed, etc. become strong, successful, liberated, etc.
weal and woephrasethe contrasting experiences of both prosperity and adversity that individuals may encounter in life
the tide [turn]sentenceused to say that a person's opinion or a situation has changed
Change23 words
in stonephrasein a way that is not possible to be changed
in a rutphrasein the same situation for such a long time that it is no longer appealing
to [come] of agephraseto reach a significant stage in development and become accepted by the majority of people
sea changenouna complete or notable change compared to what the situation originally was
ups and downsphrasea combination of both good things and bad things that can happen to one
to [change] handsphraseto be passed to another owner
to [pass] (on|) the (torch|baton)phraseto allow another person to continue one's work or to take care of one's responsibilities
second naturenounsomething that becomes so familiar to someone that it can be done without thinking
to [turn] over a new leafphraseto make changes to one's behavior or mindset in order to become a better and more responsible person
to [break|kick] the habitphraseto put a stop to one's habit, particularly one that is harmful or dangerous
roller coasternouna situation or experience that involves significant ups and downs, sudden changes, or intense shifts in emotions, circumstances, or events
to [change] the face of {sth}phraseto fundamentally transform something, often with far-reaching consequence
ebb and flowphrasea regular or repeated change
to [be] (stuck|caught|locked) in a time warpphraseto stay the same despite time and progress in society, technology, or culture
to [ring] out the old (year|)phraseto celebrate the end of the year and prepare for a new year
shifting sandsnounsomething that is changing all the time and cannot be easily predicted
to [go] through the roofphraseto become extremely angry, agitated, or upset
to [go] through the floorphraseto experience a sudden and significant decline in one's emotional state, confidence, financial situation, etc.
to [leave|let] well (enough|) alonephraseto not interfere with or try to improve something that is already satisfactory or functioning well
to [get] with the programphraseto follow the current plans, expectations, or rules, often indicating a need to adjust, cooperate, or keep up to date with others or the existing situation
bird of passagephrasesomeone who only tends to stay at a place, particularly a house, for a relatively short period of time before moving on to another
ring out the old (year)phraseto let go of outdated practices or beliefs and embrace changes
go through the roofphrase(especially of prices) to increase suddenly and dramatically
Involvement19 words
to [get|be] caught up in {sth}phraseto involuntarily become deeply involved or invested in something
in on the ground floorphraseused to say that someone has been involved in something from its early stages
to [be|get] caught in the crossfirephraseto unintentionally become a part of an argument other people are having
in bed with {sb/sth}phrasebeing involved with other people, groups, organizations, etc.
to [be] up to {one's} (ears|eyes|neck) in {sth}phraseto be involved with something that is too challenging or demanding for one to handle
a (piece|slice) of the actionphrasetendency to take part in an activity started by someone else to receive a share of its profits
to [be] in forphraseto be in risk of receiving punishment or getting into trouble
to [put|stick|get] {one's} [oar] inphraseto offer one's unwanted opinion or advice
to [poke|stick] {one's} nose (into|in) {sth}phraseto become involved in a situation that in no way concerns one
the ball [is] in {one's} courtsentenceused to tell someone that it depends on them to make a certain decision or to take a specified action
to [have] a finger in the piephraseto be involved or have influence in a particular matter or situation
to [have] a finger in every piephraseto have a tendency to share or become involved in everything
to [get] {one's} hands dirtyphraseto engage in manual work, particularly one that is exhausting or of high difficulty
the meat in the sandwichphrasesomeone who is caught between two individuals or groups who are having a fight or argument
to [play] gooseberryphraseto be in the company of two people who prefer to be alone, particularly a romantic couple
on the casephraseused when a specific task or a particular situation is being dealt with
be in forphraseto be prepared or anticipating a specific event, situation, or consequence, whether positive or negative.
on handphraseused to say that something must be addressed and handled
get one's hands dirtyphraseto become involved in an activity or event that is unpleasant or morally questionable, often requiring one to engage in dishonest or unethical behavior
Uninvolvement16 words
to [keep] {one's} [head] downphraseto prevent trouble by trying not to become involved in something or draw attention to oneself
to [keep] {one's} nose cleanphraseto try to stay away from trouble
to [wash] {one's} hands of {sth}phraseto decide to be no longer involved with something in any way
to [have|hold|want] (no|little) truck with {sb/sth}phraseto refuse to get involved with someone or something in any way
to [mind] {one's} own businessphraseto only concern oneself with one's own private matters and not to interfere in those of others
to [mind] {one's} own beeswaxphraseto refrain from interfering in someone else's private affairs
none of {one's} businessphraseused to tell someone that it is not necessary for them to know about something and that they should stop questioning about it
to {not} [touch] {sb/sth} with a ten-foot polephraseto have nothing to do with someone or something
(on|from) the sidelinesphrasein a state where one notices something but refuses to get oneself involved in it
to [worm|weasel] {one's} way out of {sth}phraseto avoid doing something by making excuses or being dishonest
to [give] {sb/sth} a wide berthphraseto not become involved with or go near someone or something
to [avoid|evade] {sb/sth} like the plaguephraseto do one's best to avoid someone or something completely
to [see] the (back|last) of {sb/sth}phraseto finally manage to get rid of someone or something
to [have] no businessphraseto have no right to be in a certain place or do a certain thing
to [fight] shy of {sth}phraseto have no desire to get involved in something
out of the picturephrase(of a person or thing) no longer involved or present in a situation or activity
Ending20 words
swan songnounthe last important thing that a person does before their retirement or death
to [be] all upphrase(of any finite resource) to be completely or nearly finished
to [bring] {sth} to naughtphraseto cause something to fail in achieving any success or fulfilling any expectation
to [come] to naughtphraseto completely fail to achieve any success or fulfill one's expectation
to [call] it a dayphraseto stop working or participating in an activity, usually at the end of the day or when one feels that they have done enough
to [draw] a line under {sth}phraseto decide to put an end to something by dealing with it
{sb} has left the buildingsentenceused to say that a person has definitely left an activity or place and will not change their mind about it
to [lay|put] {sth} to restphraseto prove to someone that what they believe in or think about is not true
to [pull] the plugphraseto prevent the occurrence or continuation of an activity
to [put] paid to {sth}phraseto make something end, particularly by ruining what was planned
to [put] the brakes onphraseto prevent something from happening or making more progress
to [give] {sth} a restphraseto put a sudden stop to something one was doing for some time
to [kiss] {sth} goodbyephraseto accept the fact that one has lost something and might never be able to get it back
to [give] up {sth} as a bad jobphraseto decide that it is impossible to help something succeed because there seems to be no hope
to [kiss] {one's} [ass] goodbyephraseto prepare oneself for death, dismissal, etc.
to [close] the [book] on {sth}phraseto put an end to something, particularly something bad, that has been going on for some time
a thing of the pastphrasesomething that does not exist or happen anymore due to being replaced by something more modern or desirable
to [wipe] {sb/sth} off the (map|face of the earth)phraseto remove or destroy someone or something completely
to [go] out the (of|) windowphrase(of a quality, idea, or principle) to not longer exist or be forgotten
to [wither] on the vinephrase(of a plan or course of action) to fail to succeed or produce the expected results
Importance & Unimportance18 words
a matter of life and deathphrasea situation that is not to be ignored or understimated
crying neednounan urgent need or desire that one feels for something
to [loom] largephrase***if something unpleasant or difficult looms large, it seems certain to happen
to [make] the world go aroundphraseto play a crucial role in causing other things in life to work the way they are supposed to
meat on the bonephraseextra details that are added to a plan, idea, etc. that make it more complete or much better
larger than lifephrase(of a person) behaving in a manner that is very exciting and attracts others' attention
a dime a dozenphrasesomething that is very common and therefore, not very high on price and value
for the birdsphraseused to refer to something that does not deserve one's attention due to not being important or interesting enough
hill of beansphrasesomething that is completely worthless in terms of importance, value, or use
little frog in a big pondphrasea person who is less qualified or important when compared to others in a company or organization
odds and endsphrasevarious small things that have no importance or value
third wheelnounsomeone who is considered as an extra or unwanted person in a situation, especially in presence of a couple
no laughing matterphrasesomething very important and serious that cannot be joked about or underestimated
red herringnounanything that is intended to take people's focus away from what is important
to small potatoesphrasea person or thing of small importance
chopped livernouna very insignificant individual or thing
big dealnounsomething of high priority or special importance
loom largephraseto be of significant influence or importance and often a cause of worry
Priority15 words
back burnernouna state of low priority where something is set aside to be dealt with later
to [have] (bigger|better|other) fish to (fry|catch)phraseto have more interesting or important matters to deal with
to [get] down to brass tacksphraseto begin talking about basic or important facts of a situation
back to (the|) basicsphraseused when one has to focus on the simplest and most important facts of a situation, particularly those that one was ignoring, in order to get the intended result
second banananounan individual who is not as important or influential as someone else in an organization
second fiddlenouna person who does not receive as much attention or is not as influential as someone else in a group or organization
to [take] a back seatphraseto accept a less important, less visible, or secondary role compared to someone else
first things firstphraseused to state that there are more important things that one must do or consider before trying to deal with other things
(at the|) top of the (agenda|list)phrasein the position of utmost importance or high priority
the last thing on {one's} mindphrasesomething that is not being thought about or considered, often due to more pressing or immediate concerns
second bestnounan alternative that is not as fulfilling or desirable as other options that one has
to [fall|drop] by the waysidephraseto fail to keep on doing something
to [set] great store by {sth}phraseto see something as extremely necessary or important
front burnernouna state of high priority where something is dealt with immediately or given the most attention
fall by the waysidephraseto not have the same importance or urgency as something else
Main Elements8 words
alpha and omegaphrasethe most important parts or features of something
bare bonesnounthe most important or basic facts about something
bare essentialsnounthings that are considered the most basic or necessary
building blocksnounsmall parts that once joined can make a whole
the nitty-grittyphrasethe most important aspects or principles of something such as an experience or idea
part and parcelphrasea part of something that is considered its most integral or essential component
nuts and boltsphrasethe most basic or essential aspects of something
grass rootsnouna movement that originates from ordinary people or the general public, rather than from the leaders or officials of an organization or political party
Learn all 189 words in this list with spaced repetition