B2 idiom

wrap your head around it

to understand or accept something

Meaning

to understand or accept something

Example

It's hard to wrap your head around it, but that's just how the system works.

phrasal-verb

work through challenges

Meaning

to deal with and overcome problems while continuing progress

Example

The creative team managed to **work through challenges** and meet the deadline.

phrasal-verb

work out to

Meaning

to calculate or come to a certain amount

Example

The total cost **works out to** about $200.

phrasal-verb

work along with

Meaning

to cooperate or coordinate efforts with others

Example

Researchers **work along with** NGOs to reduce ocean pollution.

idiom

wave off

Meaning

to dismiss or refuse something with a gesture or comment

Example

She **waved off** the compliments with a smile.

phrasal-verb

work from

Meaning

to base your creation on a source or reference

Example

She **worked from** a photograph to paint the portrait.

idiom

wise beyond his years

Meaning

showing maturity or wisdom greater than expected for one’s age

Example

Even as a child, he was **wise beyond his years**.

idiom

wave the white flag

Meaning

to surrender or give up

Example

After a long debate, he finally **waved the white flag**.

phrasal-verb

watch over

Meaning

to protect or guard someone carefully

Example

Grandparents lovingly **watch over** their grandchildren.

phrasal-verb

work toward mastery

Meaning

to practice and improve until becoming very skilled

Example

She is **working toward mastery** in public speaking.

phrasal-verb

watch out

Meaning

to be alert and careful about something dangerous

Example

**Watch out**! There’s a car coming!

idiom

work-life harmony

Meaning

a balanced and peaceful relationship between work and personal life

Example

She believes in maintaining **work-life harmony**.

idiom

wash your hands of something

Meaning

to stop being involved in or responsible for something

Example

After the scandal, the manager **washed his hands of** the project.

phrasal-verb

work out a plan

Meaning

to develop or create a strategy through discussion

Example

The managers **worked out a plan** to improve productivity.

phrasal-verb

work off

Meaning

to get rid of something by working or exercising

Example

He goes jogging every morning to **work off** stress.

phrasal-verb

waver between

Meaning

to go back and forth between two opinions or choices

Example

She **wavered between** hope and fear before making her decision.

phrasal-verb

warm up emotionally

Meaning

to start feeling comfortable enough to share your emotions

Example

It took a while for him to **warm up emotionally** after the breakup.

phrasal-verb

work toward excellence

Meaning

to make consistent efforts to achieve high standards

Example

Our teachers motivate us to **work toward excellence** in every subject.

idiom

well-oiled machine

Meaning

something that operates smoothly and efficiently

Example

Our engineering team runs like a **well-oiled machine**.

phrasal-verb

work alongside

Meaning

to cooperate or collaborate with someone on the same task or project

Example

We need to **work alongside** our colleagues to complete the project efficiently.

phrasal-verb

work out differences

Meaning

to find a solution or compromise to disagreements between parties

Example

The two nations tried to **work out differences** through dialogue.

idiom

wind up

Meaning

to end up in a particular situation

Example

If you ignore the warning signs, you could **wind up** in trouble.

idiom

win-win situation

Meaning

a situation where all parties benefit

Example

The new deal was a **win-win situation** for both companies.

phrasal-verb

write in

Meaning

to send a written complaint or opinion

Example

Many viewers **wrote in** to complain about the poor sound quality.

phrasal-verb

wander around

Meaning

to move about without a fixed purpose or direction

Example

We spent the afternoon **wandering around** the old town.

idiom

word of honor

Meaning

a promise made with sincerity and integrity

Example

I give you my **word of honor** that I’ll be there.

phrasal-verb

wait on

Meaning

to wait for something to happen before acting; to depend on

Example

We’re **waiting on** the results before making a decision.

phrasal-verb

work for

Meaning

to be employed by someone or an organization

Example

I **work for** a multinational company in Dhaka.

idiom

wallflower

Meaning

a shy person who avoids social activities

Example

She used to be a **wallflower**, but now she’s more confident.

idiom

when one door closes, another opens

Meaning

when one opportunity is lost, another appears

Example

Don’t be upset about the rejection—**when one door closes, another opens**.

phrasal-verb

win over voters

Meaning

to persuade people to support you or your ideas

Example

The candidate tried to **win over voters** with promises of reform.

idiom

wander off

Meaning

to walk away without purpose or direction

Example

The child **wandered off** while we were shopping.

idiom

wise up

Meaning

to become aware or informed about something

Example

It’s time to **wise up** and start saving money.

phrasal-verb

work through feelings

Meaning

to process emotions patiently so you understand them

Example

Therapists help clients **work through feelings** after setbacks.

phrasal-verb

wait your turn

Meaning

to be patient and not interrupt others

Example

Children should learn to **wait their turn** while playing.

idiom

weigh in

Meaning

to give an opinion in a discussion

Example

Experts will **weigh in** on the proposal tomorrow.

idiom

we'll cross that bridge when we come to it

Meaning

we will not worry about a possible future problem but will deal with it if it happens

Example

I don't know how we'll pay for the repairs, but **we'll cross that bridge when we come to it**.

phrasal-verb

write up

Meaning

to prepare a detailed written report

Example

Please **write up** the feedback summary for the manager.

phrasal-verb

wind yourself up

Meaning

to make yourself nervous or upset; to become tense or worried

Example

Try not to **wind yourself up** before the meeting; everything will be fine.

idiom

win the peace

Meaning

to succeed in maintaining peace after a conflict

Example

The treaty was a success, but they still had to **win the peace**.

phrasal-verb

wind down from

Meaning

to relax after finishing something intense

Example

We **wind down from** deadlines with a quick walk outside.

phrasal-verb

wonder about

Meaning

to be curious or question something

Example

I often **wonder about** what life will be like in ten years.

phrasal-verb

work out tariffs with

Meaning

to negotiate and agree on trade tariffs with another party

Example

The two nations are trying to **work out tariffs with** each other.

idiom

white as snow

Meaning

Pure and innocent.

Example

Her intentions were **white as snow**.

idiom

work toward

Meaning

to make progress in order to achieve something

Example

We’re **working toward** a more flexible schedule for everyone.

phrasal-verb

warm to someone

Meaning

to begin to like someone or feel friendly towards them

Example

She didn’t like him at first but slowly **warmed to him**.

phrasal-verb

work up to

Meaning

to gradually prepare for something difficult

Example

She’s **working up to** asking for a promotion.

phrasal-verb

work jointly with

Meaning

to perform a task together with another party

Example

Our firm will **work jointly with** the local government on the development plan.

idiom

words can’t express

Meaning

used to show that you are very thankful beyond words

Example

**Words can’t express** how thankful I am for your support.

idiom

where there’s a will, there’s a way

Meaning

if you are determined, you can find a solution

Example

**Where there’s a will, there’s a way**—you can do it!

phrasal-verb

work out at

Meaning

to exercise at a gym or place regularly

Example

I **work out at** the gym every morning before work.

idiom

Wisdom comes with age

Meaning

The older you get, the wiser you become, due to experience.

Example

You should listen to him; after all, **wisdom comes with age**.

idiom

work one’s fingers to the bone

Meaning

to work extremely hard

Example

He **worked his fingers to the bone** to build his business.

phrasal-verb

warm to

Meaning

to start feeling affection or liking toward someone

Example

She slowly **warmed to** the idea of sharing her story publicly.

phrasal-verb

wait for

Meaning

to expect or anticipate the delivery of an order

Example

I can’t **wait for** my new shoes to arrive.

idiom

walk with confidence

Meaning

to move or act in a way that shows belief in one's abilities

Example

He always **walks with confidence** during his presentations.

idiom

Word on the street

Meaning

Common rumor or gossip

Example

The **word on the street** is that the CEO might resign soon.

phrasal-verb

walk along

Meaning

to move on foot beside something for some distance

Example

**Walk along** the river until you reach the bridge.

idiom

When there’s life, there’s hope

Meaning

As long as you are alive, there is a chance for improvement.

Example

Don’t give up—**when there’s life, there’s hope**.

idiom

walk tall

Meaning

to behave confidently and proudly

Example

You have every reason to **walk tall** after your success.

idiom

warm up to

Meaning

to gradually become more comfortable with someone or something

Example

She slowly **warmed up to** the new routine.

idiom

weather the storm

Meaning

to survive a difficult situation

Example

Our company managed to **weather the storm** during the crisis.

idiom

Wishful thinking

Meaning

Believing something because you want it to be true, not because it is realistic.

Example

Believing you'll win the lottery is just **wishful thinking**.

phrasal-verb

wind down spending

Meaning

to gradually reduce or stop expenditure

Example

The finance department aims to **wind down spending** as the fiscal year ends.

phrasal-verb

wish for

Meaning

to hope or desire for something to happen

Example

I always **wish for** peace and happiness in my life.

idiom

Wait for the dust to settle

Meaning

Wait until a situation becomes clear or calm.

Example

Let’s **wait for the dust to settle** before making a decision.

phrasal-verb

work around challenges

Meaning

to find a way to deal with or bypass difficulties during change

Example

We had to **work around challenges** to complete the migration.

idiom

win the battle but lose the war

Meaning

to achieve a small success but fail in the larger goal

Example

By focusing on minor issues, they **won the battle but lost the war**.

idiom

wear one's heart on one's sleeve

Meaning

to openly show emotions or feelings

Example

He tends to **wear his heart on his sleeve** when it comes to helping others.

phrasal-verb

warm up for

Meaning

to prepare your body or mind before an activity

Example

Players **warm up for** ten minutes before drills.

phrasal-verb

walk away from

Meaning

to leave a relationship or situation instead of confronting it

Example

Sometimes it’s better to **walk away from** toxic friendships.

idiom

window of opportunity

Meaning

a short period when a chance is available

Example

We have a small **window of opportunity** to launch this product.

idiom

worth one's salt

Meaning

to be competent or deserving respect in one’s field

Example

Any engineer **worth his salt** can solve this problem.

idiom

work around

Meaning

to find a practical solution that avoids a problem

Example

We can **work around** the delay by using a backup supplier.

idiom

write down

Meaning

to record information on paper

Example

Please **write down** the maintenance request number.

phrasal-verb

work toward goals

Meaning

to make efforts to achieve objectives

Example

Everyone in the company is working toward the same vision.

idiom

walk on eggshells

Meaning

to be very careful about what you say or do to avoid upsetting someone

Example

Ever since the argument, I've been **walking on eggshells** around him.

idiom

wear out

Meaning

to use something until it becomes unusable

Example

You’ll **wear out** those shoes if you hike every weekend.

idiom

word of mouth

Meaning

information spread by people talking to each other

Example

The news spread quickly by **word of mouth**.

idiom

When there’s a will, there’s a way

Meaning

If you are determined, you can find a way to achieve your goal.

Example

**When there’s a will, there’s a way**, and he proved it by finishing the race.

phrasal-verb

work out regularly

Meaning

to exercise frequently to stay fit and healthy

Example

She **works out regularly** to keep her body strong and mind fresh.

phrasal-verb

work out of

Meaning

to be based or operate from a specific place

Example

He **works out of** our Singapore office.

phrasal-verb

warm up to gratitude

Meaning

to gradually become more appreciative or thankful

Example

He **warmed up to gratitude** after realizing how much support he had.

phrasal-verb

work across

Meaning

to collaborate or operate jointly across multiple regions or teams

Example

The NGO **works across** 20 countries to promote global education.

idiom

weigh your options

Meaning

to consider different possibilities before deciding

Example

You should **weigh your options** before buying the car.

phrasal-verb

wind up about

Meaning

to become agitated or upset because of something

Example

Try not to **wind up about** the traffic; we'll still make it on time.

phrasal-verb

weigh in with

Meaning

to contribute an opinion or advice

Example

Directors **weigh in with** fresh perspectives near the end of the meeting.

phrasal-verb

work toward understanding

Meaning

to make an effort to empathize and see another person’s perspective

Example

Both sides should **work toward understanding** rather than arguing.

phrasal-verb

wish away

Meaning

to hope something unpleasant would disappear or never happen

Example

You can't just **wish away** your mistakes.

phrasal-verb

wipe off

Meaning

to remove something from a surface by rubbing

Example

Please **wipe off** the dust from the table.

phrasal-verb

work toward equality

Meaning

to make efforts to achieve fairness and equal opportunities

Example

International organizations continue to **work toward equality** for all genders.

idiom

warm up

Meaning

to prepare the body or mind for activity

Example

Let’s **warm up** before we dive into the rehearsal.

idiom

wrap someone around your finger

Meaning

to have complete control or influence over someone

Example

She has her boss **wrapped around her finger**.

phrasal-verb

wrap the day up

Meaning

to finish tasks and close out the workday

Example

I **wrap the day up** by reviewing tomorrow's top three priorities.

phrasal-verb

wake up politically

Meaning

to become aware of political issues and start caring about them

Example

Many young people are beginning to **wake up politically**.

phrasal-verb

work toward harmony

Meaning

to make efforts to maintain peace and understanding among nations

Example

The regional alliance continues to **work toward harmony** in the area.

idiom

What’s done is done

Meaning

There is no point in worrying about past mistakes.

Example

We can’t change the past, so **what’s done is done**.

idiom

wanderlust

Meaning

a strong desire to travel and explore the world

Example

His **wanderlust** took him to every continent on Earth.

phrasal-verb

wear off

Meaning

to gradually disappear or lose effect

Example

The excitement of the trip soon **wore off** after returning home.

phrasal-verb

wind off from

Meaning

to relax or detach yourself from stress; to calm down after work or tension

Example

After a long day, I like to **wind off from** all the pressure by listening to soft music.

phrasal-verb

whip up

Meaning

to quickly prepare a meal

Example

She can **whip up** a healthy salad in minutes.

phrasal-verb

wind up with

Meaning

to end up in a particular situation or condition; to result in

Example

If you keep skipping breaks, you might **wind up with** burnout.

phrasal-verb

wipe down

Meaning

to clean a surface by rubbing it with a cloth

Example

Don’t forget to **wipe down** the kitchen counter after cooking.

idiom

write one’s own story

Meaning

to shape one’s own destiny or path in life

Example

She chose to **write her own story** instead of following tradition.

idiom

wear down

Meaning

to gradually weaken someone or something

Example

Constant delays can **wear down** even the calmest client.

idiom

write off

Meaning

to dismiss something as unimportant or not worth considering

Example

Don’t **write off** his idea; it might actually work.

idiom

wired for success

Meaning

naturally inclined or designed to succeed

Example

The new AI model seems **wired for success** in every test.

phrasal-verb

work through hardship

Meaning

to continue working even during difficult times

Example

She managed to **work through hardship** without losing hope.

phrasal-verb

work over

Meaning

to review or revise something carefully

Example

We need to **work over** the report before submission.

idiom

work of art

Meaning

something very beautiful or skillfully made

Example

Her handmade dress is truly a **work of art**.

phrasal-verb

wrap up the project

Meaning

to finish or complete something

Example

We need to **wrap up the project** by the end of this week.

idiom

war of words

Meaning

an argument or verbal conflict

Example

The two politicians engaged in a **war of words** on TV.

phrasal-verb

wake up

Meaning

to stop sleeping and become awake

Example

I usually **wake up** at 6 a.m. to start my day.

phrasal-verb

work on yourself

Meaning

to make conscious efforts to improve your personality, habits, or mindset

Example

He spent years trying to **work on himself** after his breakup.

idiom

written in the stars

Meaning

destined to happen; fated

Example

They believe their meeting was **written in the stars**.

idiom

walk on air

Meaning

to feel very happy

Example

She was **walking on air** after hearing his message.

idiom

walking on air

Meaning

to feel very happy and excited

Example

After winning the match, he was **walking on air**.

phrasal-verb

work through emotions

Meaning

to process and deal with emotions over time

Example

It took her months to **work through** her grief.

idiom

wise beyond one's years

Meaning

showing wisdom or maturity greater than expected for one's age

Example

Her advice is always thoughtful—she’s **wise beyond her years**.

idiom

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Meaning

Strong people keep working hard even in difficulties.

Example

**When the going gets tough, the tough get going** — never lose hope.

idiom

wired differently

Meaning

to think or behave in a unique or unconventional way

Example

Great innovators are often **wired differently**.