# Expressions & Sayings Advanced

https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/idioms-expressions-c1-fixed-expressions-and-collocations-vocab

- CEFR: C1 (Advanced)
- Theme: Idioms & Expressions
- Words: 20
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Fixed expressions and sayings used in formal speech and writing, with phrases like a double-edged sword, a catch-22 and a slippery slope.

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## Word list

* **a double-edged sword**: Something that has both clear advantages and serious disadvantages at the same time. — “Social media fame can be **a double-edged sword**.”
* **a catch-22**: A frustrating situation where solving one problem is impossible without first solving another one that depends on it. — “You need experience to get the job, but you need the job to get experience — it's **a Catch-22**.”
* **par excellence**: Being the best or most typical example of its kind. — “He is a diplomat **par excellence**, admired across the region.”
* **in no uncertain terms**: Very clearly and directly, with absolutely no room for doubt. — “She told him, **in no uncertain terms**, that the plan was cancelled.”
* **a blessing in disguise**: Something that seems unfortunate at first but turns out to bring an unexpected benefit. — “Losing that job turned out to be **a blessing in disguise**.”
* **a means to an end**: Something done not for its own value but simply to achieve a further goal. — “For her, the boring internship was just **a means to an end**.”
* **the lesser of two evils**: The less harmful choice between two bad options. — “Neither candidate was great, but he seemed **the lesser of two evils**.”
* **a slippery slope**: A course of action likely to lead step by step to something worse. — “Allowing one exception could be **a slippery slope**.”
* **a vicious circle**: A situation in which one problem causes another problem, which then makes the first one worse. — “Debt and stress became **a vicious circle** for the family.”
* **in the same vein**: Following the same style, idea or manner as something already mentioned. — “The next chapter continues **in the same vein** as the first.”
* **the pen is mightier than the sword**: A traditional saying meaning that ideas and words can bring about more lasting change than violence or force. — “The journalist's article achieved more than any protest — **the pen is mightier than the sword**.”
* **if it ain't broke, don't fix it**: A saying advising against changing something that is already working perfectly well. — “The old system still works fine — **if it ain't broke, don't fix it**.”
* **a watched pot never boils**: A well-known saying meaning that time seems to pass more slowly when you are anxiously waiting for something. — “Stop checking your phone every minute — **a watched pot never boils**.”
* **beggars can't be choosers**: An old saying meaning that people who depend on others' generosity should accept what they are given without complaint. — “The shelter only had one spare bed, but **beggars can't be choosers**.”
* **the squeaky wheel gets the grease**: A common saying meaning that the person who complains most noticeably is the one who receives attention or help first. — “After weeks of emails, his request was finally handled — **the squeaky wheel gets the grease**.”
* **when the going gets tough, the tough get going**: An old saying meaning that strong, determined people work hardest exactly when a situation becomes difficult. — “The team trained even harder after the injury — **when the going gets tough, the tough get going**.”
* **a leopard can't change its spots**: A common saying meaning that a person's basic character does not really shift, however much they claim otherwise. — “He promised to be more careful with money, but **a leopard can't change its spots**.”
* **a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush**: It's better to keep something you already have than risk it for something better that is uncertain. — “I'll take the guaranteed offer — **a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush**.”
* **the road to hell is paved with good intentions**: Well-meaning plans alone often fail to lead to good results, and can even cause harm. — “He meant to help, but **the road to hell is paved with good intentions**.”
* **you can't teach an old dog new tricks**: It's difficult to make someone change their long-established habits or ways, especially as they get older. — “Grandpa still refuses to use a smartphone — **you can't teach an old dog new tricks**.”

## Related

- Vocabulary library: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary
- Section guide: https://hienglishquiz.com/vocabulary/llms.txt