Słownik idiomów

Lista angielskich idiomów zaczynających się na literę 'W'

Way (21)

Get/have one`s own way

- get what one wants in spite of opposition from others.

He says she`s strict with his children, but they always seem to get their own way.

Go one`s own way

- act independently, even if it is against the advice of others

It`s a waste of time giving Peter advice. He'll always go his own way in the end.

Go out of own`s way to do something

- do everything possible to help, even if it is inconvenient

Our neighbours went out of their way to help us when we moved into the new house.

Have a way with someone/something

- have a talent for/skill in dealing with someone/something

Betty has a way with children. They love her.

In the way

- causing an obstruction

I can`t pull out of the drive. There`s a big truck in the way.

Get out of one`s/the way

- to (cause to) move aside so as to make room for someone or something

Can`t you get your car out of the way! Can`t you see I can`t get past?

Have it both ways

- have advantages from two opposing things at the same

Vicky wants to have a child and carry on working as a journalist at the same time. She just can`t have it both ways.

Mend one`s ways

- improve one`s attitudes, habits, behaviour etc

Chris will have to mend his ways if he wants to run a successful business. He`s too slapdash and irresponsible.

In a big way

- on a large scale

They have invited over a hundred guests to their party. They always do things in a big way.

Have come a long way

- have matured in one`s views and outlook, have learnt a lot about life, gained in personal or professional experience etc

Michael has come a long way since her divorce. She used to be very timid and reserved, but now she`s confident and resolute.

Go a long way

- be successful, make a career for oneself

The new assistant manager seems to be a very bright young man. He should go a long way.

Go a long way towards (doing) sth.

- be a great help

The money we won will go a long way towards paying for the new car.

Be / get something under way

- be/get something working/going; make progress with something

If there's going to be a June election, we'll have to get the election campaign under way by early May.

By the way

- used to indroduce an extra comment or question that is not necessarily related to the topic discussed

By the way, the CEO wants you to give him the report by the end of this week.

By way of someting

- through; via a certian route
- as a kind of; for

The drugs are being smuggled by way of Heathrow airport.
What shall we do by way of a surprise for his birthday?

Give way

- break, fall down/in etc.
- yield to someone's wishes, demands etc.

The bridge doesn't look safe. If you walk on it it will give way.
You should give way to all the child's demands.

In a way / in some ways

- in a sense, to a certain extent

I know it was her own fault, but I feel sorry for her in a way.

In any way

- at all, in any respect

Can I help you in any way?

No way!

- (exlamation) under no circumstances, certainly not

'Can I borrow your car over the weekend?' 'No way!'

On the way out

- going out of fashion, not in demand any more

Mini skirts are on the way out. Hardly anyone wears them today.

Way ahead / behind / above / below etc.

- far ahead etc.

Temperatures are way above average for the time of the year.

Word (17)

By word of mouth

- in a spoken, not written, form

Most old legends were handed down by word of mouth. .

From the word go

- from the beginning

They both joined the company in 1989 and were rivals for a directorship from the word go. .

Give someone one`s word

- make a promise to someone

I give you my word. I won`t tell anyone. .

Go back on one`s word

- break a promise

Chris said he would lend me the money, but he went back on his word. .

Have the last word

- make the last statement in an argument etc. to which no one can make a reply or objection

Father always likes to have the last word in any discussion. .

Have a word with someone

- speak or discuss privately with someone

I`ll have a word with my wife, and I`ll tell you our decision tomorrow. .

In a word

- briefly

'What did she say? Will she ever forgive me?' 'Well, in a word, no.' .

Keep one`s word

- do what one has promised

Michael said he would try to get me a job with the agency. I hope he keeps his word. .

Mum`s the word!

- don`t tell anyone, it`s a secret!

Now remember, mum's the word, or it won`t be a surprise! .

Take someone`s word for it

- believe someone when there is no proof that what he says is true

Wicky says she`s already paid me back. I can`t remember whether she did or not, so I`ll have to take her word for it .

That`s not the word for it!

- an exclamation that something is understated

'It`s cold in here.' 'Cold! That's not the word for it! It`s freezing!' .

Word for word

- exactly, literally, using all the words

You can`t translate word for word. It won`t make sense. / He copied my essay word for word. .

Word perfect

- knowing perfectly a text one has learnt, eg. a poem, a part in a play

The children have worked flat out to learn their parts in the play. Most of them are already word perfect. .

Have words (with someone)

- have a quarrel or disagreement

Betty`s hot under the collar. She had words with her boyfriend again. They fell out over the wedding. .

Mark my words!

- listen to me! note what I say! (used as a worning)

The man has neither drive not ambition. If you employ him as a sales representative, you`ll regret it. Mark my words! .

Mince (one`s) words

- not speak freely and directly

Stop mincing your words and just speak your mind and tell me what you think of my idea. .

Words fail me!

- an expression of shock, surprise, anger

Words fail me! I wasn`t expecting such a wonderful birthday surprise! .