swim upstream
to go against the majority or a strong opposition
English · UK & Ireland 17968
All languages English Tiếng Việt
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.
swim with sharks
To engage in a risky or competitive situation
swing back
to respond or react to something
swing both ways
To be attracted to or have relationships with both men and women.
swing by
to visit someone or someplace briefly while on the way to another destination
swing for the fences
To try extremely hard or take a big risk to achieve something
swing of things
to become accustomed to a situation or activity
swing round the circle
to return to the original point or situation
swing through
to visit or pass through a place briefly
swings and roundabouts
Gains and losses balance each other out
switch off
to stop something from operating
switch on
to start something working or operating
sword and sandal
a genre of fantasy films
sword and sorcery
a fantasy genre with magical and violent elements
table scrap
Something of little value or leftover
table talk
casual conversation, especially at mealtimes
tables and chairs
Basic or essential items
tag along
To accompany someone, often without being invited
tail wagging the dog
A smaller part controlling the whole
take a bath
to bathe or wash one's body
take a bead on
To take careful aim at something or someone
take a bite
To accept a challenge or risk
take a bow
Receive credit or applause for something
take a breath
Pause to relax or calm down
take a breather
To take a short break or rest
take a bullet
To accept blame or criticism for someone else's mistake
take a chance
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a cotton to
to take a strong liking to someone or something
take a crack at
To attempt or try something
take a deep breath
Calm oneself before a challenging situation
take a dim view of
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a dive
To fall or drop down, often intentionally or deceptively
take a dookie
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a fancy to
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a flyer
to take a risk or chance
take a gamble
To take a risk in the hope of achieving something
take a gander
To take a look or glance at something
take a hike
go away and leave me alone
take a hit
suffer a loss or setback
take a joke
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a leaf out of someone's book
To imitate or learn from someone's behavior or approach
take a licking and keep on ticking
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a liking to
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a load off
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a long walk on a short pier
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a look
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a nap
sleep for a short period of time
take a pew
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a picture
Capture a moment with a camera
take a piss
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a powder
to leave quickly or depart without notice
take a ride to Tyburn
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a risk
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a run at
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a shine to
To develop a strong liking or attraction to someone or something
take a shit
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a shot in the dark
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a stab at
Attempt something without being sure of success
take a stand
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
take a tumble
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
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