what goes up must come down
Everything that rises will eventually fall or decline
English · UK & Ireland 745
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
what happens twice happens thrice
If something happens twice, it will likely happen again.
what in tarnation
Used to express surprise or confusion
what in time
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
what is learnt in the cradle lasts to the tombs
Habits formed early in life are lasting
what is more
a phrase used to ask for something additional
what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander
What is good or suitable for one person is also good for another
what is the worst that can happen?
Consider the potential negative consequences before acting
what it takes
The necessary qualities or efforts to achieve something
what not
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
what of it
Used to express indifference or dismissal
what price
What cost or sacrifice must be made
what someone said
A phrase used to quote or report someone's words
what the Devil
used to express surprise or annoyance
what the doctor ordered
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
what the eye does not see (the heart does not grieve over)
Ignorance of a problem can prevent emotional distress
what was someone smoking
something is absurd or unbelievable
what was someone thinking
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
what with
Considering everything
what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts
Gains and losses balance each other out
what you see is what you get
Something is presented honestly and without hidden features
what's cooking
What is happening or being planned
what's eating
something is bothering or troubling someone
what's eating you
something is annoying or troubling you
what's going on
Asking about current events or situations
what's in it for me
A benefit or advantage that someone can gain from a situation
what's it to you
None of your business
what's new
A greeting asking about recent events or news
what's the beef
A complaint or problem
what's the difference
Used to ask someone to explain the distinction between two things
what's the good of
what is the benefit or use of something
what's the matter
Used to ask someone what is wrong or troubling them
what's the story
What's happening or what's going on?
what's up
a casual greeting asking about someone's well-being
what's what
The basic facts or situation
what's your poison
What drink do you want?
what, me worry
a phrase used to express mock innocence or denial of responsibility
whatcha know good
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
whatever butters your biscuit
whatever makes you happy
whatever butters your bread
whatever makes you happy or benefits you
whatever butters your muffin
whatever makes you happy
whatever butters your toast
whatever makes you happy
whatever creams your twinkie
whatever makes you happy
whatever floats your boat
Do what makes you happy
whatever helps you sleep at night
a phrase used to express skepticism or dismissal
whatever humps your camel
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
whatever it takes
to do anything necessary to achieve something
whatever melts your butter
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
whatever sizzles your bacon
whatever makes you happy
whatever tickles your pickle
whatever makes you happy
whatever winds your clock
whatever makes someone happy or satisfied
what’s wrong with this picture?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
wheat bread
a basic or ordinary thing
wheel away
to take something away on a wheeled vehicle
wheel out
To introduce or repeat something old or familiar
wheel within a wheel
A complex system with many interacting parts
wheeling and dealing
Engaging in clever or dishonest business negotiations
wheels are turning
Someone is thinking or planning something
when all is said and done
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when Hell freezes over
when something is extremely unlikely to happen