C222 words · Proficient

Expressions & Sayings vocabulary — C2

Fixed expressions and sayings that structure an argument, with phrases like a foregone conclusion, a Pyrrhic victory and a zero-sum game.

22 questions

Words in this set

a foregone conclusion
A result that is obvious and certain even before it actually happens.
Example: With such a strong lead, victory seemed a foregone conclusion.
the crux of the matter
The most important and central point of an issue, at the heart of the whole discussion.
Example: Let's stop discussing the details and get to the crux of the matter.
a fait accompli
Something already done and decided that is too late for anyone else to change.
Example: By the time the board heard about the merger, it was already a fait accompli.
a Pyrrhic victory
A success that costs so much that it is almost as bad as a defeat.
Example: Winning the lawsuit but losing the company was a Pyrrhic victory.
a zero-sum game
A situation where one person's gain always equals another person's loss.
Example: Negotiations felt like a zero-sum game — every gain for them was a loss for us.
a self-fulfilling prophecy
A prediction that comes true mainly because people believed it and acted accordingly.
Example: His fear of failing became a self-fulfilling prophecy.
a double standard
A rule or expectation that is applied unfairly, allowing more freedom to one person or group than another.
Example: Punishing her but not him was a double standard.
an exercise in futility
An attempt that has no real chance of success, so it is a waste of time and effort.
Example: Arguing with him is an exercise in futility.
the path of least resistance
The easiest course of action, chosen to avoid effort, difficulty or conflict.
Example: He always takes the path of least resistance in an argument.
a fine line
A very small, easily crossed difference between two things, especially between something acceptable and something not.
Example: There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
by and large
Generally speaking, when everything is considered.
Example: By and large the changes have worked, whatever the letters say.
all things considered
Taking every relevant fact into account.
Example: All things considered, the week went better than expected.
make hay while the sun shines
A common saying meaning that you should take advantage of a good opportunity before it disappears, since conditions can change.
Example: Bookings were high all summer, so the hotel made sure to make hay while the sun shines.
a stitch in time saves nine
A common saying meaning that fixing a small problem early prevents it from becoming a much bigger one later.
Example: He patched the small leak immediately — a stitch in time saves nine.
birds of a feather flock together
A common saying meaning that people with similar interests or characters tend to end up in each other's company.
Example: All four of them love hiking and cooking — birds of a feather flock together.
a rolling stone gathers no moss
A person who keeps moving or changing does not build up responsibilities, possessions or roots.
Example: She's changed careers five times — a rolling stone gathers no moss.
there's more than one way to skin a cat
There are several different methods available to achieve the same goal.
Example: If this plan fails, remember — there's more than one way to skin a cat.
cast the first stone
To be the one who criticizes or blames someone else initially, especially when you are not without faults yourself.
Example: Nobody in that room was innocent enough to cast the first stone.
necessity is the mother of invention
Difficult situations often force people to find clever, creative solutions.
Example: With no tools available, they improvised — necessity is the mother of invention.
still waters run deep
A quiet person may have a complex, interesting or intense character that is not obvious at first.
Example: He barely speaks, but still waters run deep — he's incredibly talented.
you reap what you sow
The results you get later in life depend on the actions you take now, whether good or bad.
Example: He worked hard for years, and now he reaps what he sows.
there's no such thing as a free lunch
Nothing ever comes at no cost — there is always a hidden price to pay somewhere.
Example: That deal seems too generous — remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch.