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C1 — Advanced

Expressions for advanced English learners

daily-life C1

skating on thin ice

Master the C1 English idiom 'skating on thin ice' and learn how to use it to describe highly risky situations, warnings, or precarious behavior in daily conversations.
entertainment C1

sophomore slump

Understand the meaning of 'sophomore slump' in music, sports, and television, with natural examples and common learner mistakes.
business C1

spearhead a project

Learn how to use 'spearhead a project' in business English to describe leading, initiating, or driving a major corporate campaign, task, or team effort.
business C1

stem from

Learn how to use the formal business phrasal verb "stem from" to describe the origin or cause of a problem, issue, or situation in professional English.
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daily-life C1

storm in a teacup

Learn the British idiom 'storm in a teacup' to describe a lot of unnecessary anger or worry about something trivial. See natural daily-life examples.
business C1

strike a balance

Learn how to use the business English idiom 'strike a balance' to describe finding a compromise or middle ground between two conflicting options or priorities.
daily-life C1

stumbling block

Learn how to use the idiom 'stumbling block' to describe obstacles or difficulties that temporarily prevent progress in daily life and work.
daily-life C1

take a toll on

Learn how to use the English idiom 'take a toll on' to describe the gradual, damaging effects of stress, hard work, or difficult situations in daily life.
daily-life C1

take the bull by the horns

Learn how to use the C1 idiom 'take the bull by the horns' to confidently describe facing difficult, unpleasant, or challenging situations directly and without delay.
daily-life C1

tempest in a teapot

Learn the American English idiom 'tempest in a teapot' to describe unnecessary fuss over a minor issue. Compare it with its British equivalent today.
daily-life C1

thin end of the wedge

Master the C1 idiom 'thin end of the wedge' to describe small actions that could lead to major, unwanted changes.
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daily-life C1

throw caution to the wind

Discover how to use the C1 English idiom 'throw caution to the wind' to describe making bold, risk-free, or excitingly reckless decisions in your daily life.
daily-life C1

tighten your belt

Discover what the English idiom 'tighten your belt' means and how to use it when talking about saving money, cutting down on expenses, and budgeting.
daily-life C1

tip of the iceberg

Discover how to use the common C1 idiom 'tip of the iceberg' to describe problems that are much larger than they appear.
daily-life C1

virtuous circle

Learn the meaning of 'virtuous circle' and how to use this C1 English expression to describe positive feedback loops in daily life.
daily-life C1

weigh up the pros and cons

Learn how to use the common English idiom "weigh up the pros and cons" to describe the process of making careful, balanced, and smart decisions in your daily life.
daily-life C1

weighty matter

Learn how to use the formal collocation 'weighty matter' to refer to highly serious, important, or grave issues.
travel C1

whirlwind tour

Learn the meaning of 'whirlwind tour' in English. Discover how to describe fast-paced, busy trips and itineraries.
daily-life C1

work to rule

Learn 'work to rule,' a formal term for a form of industrial action where employees do only their strict contractual duties. Explore C1 examples and usage tips.
academic C1

academic integrity

Learn the absolute meaning of academic integrity, why it matters in universities, and how to use it correctly in academic writing and formal discussions.