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Esci
1-
behind one's back
2-
to hit it off
3-
on the same wavelength
4-
to keep track of somebody or something
5-
to friend
6-
to be in touch
7-
to run into
8-
to drop
9-
to bond
10-
acquainted
11-
to strike up
12-
inseparable
13-
to keep going
14-
to drift apart
15-
to fall out
16-
to wreck
17-
to spring-clean
18-
feeling
19-
to aggrieve
20-
baffled
21-
devastated
22-
ecstatic
23-
elated
24-
gobsmacked
25-
gutted
26-
honored
27-
impervious
28-
outraged
29-
perplexed
30-
perturbed
31-
privileged
32-
stunned
33-
troubled
34-
unconcerned
35-
relationship
36-
to go back a long way
37-
ups and downs
38-
to know somebody or something inside out
39-
like a house on fire
40-
to see eye to eye
41-
to stick together
42-
through thick and thin
43-
(as) different as chalk and cheese
44-
soft spot
45-
to sweep somebody off one's feet
46-
head over heels
47-
on the rocks
48-
to break one's heart
49-
to patch up
50-
to tie the knot
behind {one's} back
behind one's back
Frase
uk flag
/bɪhˌaɪnd wˈʌnz bˈæk/
Spelling
Chiudi
Accedi
senza sapere o approvare

senza sapere o approvare

Idiom
Informal

without one knowing or approving

example
Esempio
Click on words
She found out that her friends had been gossiping about her behind her back.
He was secretly applying for other jobs behind his boss's back because he was unhappy with his current position.
What is the origin of the idiom "behind one's back" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "behind one's back" is not attributed to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the metaphorical association of a person's back with their unawareness or lack of visibility. The phrase draws upon the idea that when someone's back is turned or facing away, they cannot see what is happening behind them. It is commonly used when discussing interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, or social interactions.

to hit it off
Frase
uk flag
/hˈɪt ɪt ˈɔf/
colpiscilo

colpiscilo

to quickly develop a positive connection with someone

on the same wavelength
Frase
uk flag
/ɑːnðə sˈeɪm wˈeɪvlɛŋθ/
sulla stessa lunghezza d'onda

sulla stessa lunghezza d'onda

Idiom
Informal

used to say that one person has the same ideas, opinions, or mentality as another person

What is the origin of the idiom "on the same wavelength" and when to use it?

The idiom "on the same wavelength" originated from radio communication technology. In radio, different stations transmit signals at specific frequencies or wavelengths. When two or more stations are tuned to the same frequency, they can receive and understand each other's signals clearly. This concept was metaphorically adapted to human communication and is now used to suggest a shared understanding or agreement between individuals.

to keep track of somebody or something
Frase
uk flag
/kˈiːp tɹˈæk ʌv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
avere informazioni su qualcosa o persona

avere informazioni su qualcosa o persona

Collocation

to ensure that one has the latest news concerning someone or something

lose track
to friend
Verbo
f
f
r
r
ie
ɛ
n
n
d
d
(accettare richiesta di amicizia su Internet con)

(accettare richiesta di amicizia su Internet con)

richiedere

to add someone to the list of contacts on social media

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Transitivo
to be in touch
Frase
uk flag
/biː ɔːɹ ɡɛt ɔːɹ stˈeɪ ɪn tˈʌtʃ/
mettersi in contatto

mettersi in contatto

to be in contact with someone, particularly by seeing or writing to them regularly

to run into
to run into
Verbo
uk flag
/ɹˈʌn ˌɪntʊ/
correre in

correre in

to meet someone by chance and unexpectedly

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Transitivo
Stato Frasale
inseparable
verbo della frase
run
particella della frase
into
to drop
Verbo
d
d
r
r
o
ɑ
p
p
(lasciare)

(lasciare)

interrompere

to end a connection or relationship with someone or something

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Transitivo
to bond
to bond
Verbo
b
b
o
ɑ
n
n
d
d
legare

legare

to develop a relationship with a person

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Intransitivo
acquainted
aggettivo
a
ə
c
k
q
u
w
ai
n
n
t
e
ɪ
d
d
conosciuto

conosciuto

having knowledge or familiarity with someone or something

to strike up
to strike up
Verbo
uk flag
/stɹˈaɪk ˈʌp/
(fare amicizia)

(fare amicizia)

colpire

to begin something, particularly a conversation or relationship

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Transitivo
Stato Frasale
separable
verbo della frase
strike
particella della frase
up
inseparable
aggettivo
i
ɪ
n
n
s
s
e
ɛ
p
p
a
ɜ
r
r
a
ə
b
b
ə
l
l
e
inseparabile

inseparabile

not able to be separated or detached

to keep going
Verbo
uk flag
/kˈiːp ɡˈoʊɪŋ/
continuare

continuare

to continue moving forward or making progress without stopping

to drift apart
to drift apart
Verbo
uk flag
/dɹˈɪft ɐpˈɑːɹt/
allontanarsi

allontanarsi

to gradually become less close or connected, often due to a lack of shared interests or diverging paths

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Stato Frasale
inseparable
verbo della frase
drift
particella della frase
apart
to fall out
to fall out
Verbo
uk flag
/fˈɔːl ˈaʊt/
litigare

litigare

to no longer be friends with someone as a result of an argument

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Intransitivo
Stato Frasale
inseparable
verbo della frase
fall
particella della frase
out
to wreck
to wreck
Verbo
w
r
r
e
ɛ
ck
k
distruggere

distruggere

to damage or destroy something severely

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Transitivo
to spring-clean
Verbo
uk flag
/spɹˈɪŋklˈiːn/
pulizie di primavera

pulizie di primavera

to thoroughly clean and organize a space, typically done during the spring season

feeling
feeling
sostantivo
f
f
ee
i
l
l
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g
sentimento

sentimento

an emotional state or sensation that one experiences such as happiness, guilt, sadness, etc.

to aggrieve
Verbo
a
ə
gg
g
r
r
ie
i
v
v
e
addolorare

addolorare

to cause someone to feel distress or sorrow

baffled
baffled
aggettivo
b
b
a
æ
ff
f
ə
l
l
e
d
d
sconcertato

sconcertato

completely confused, often due to something that is difficult to explain or understand

devastated
devastated
aggettivo
d
d
e
e
v
v
a
ə
s
s
t
t
a
t
t
e
ɪ
d
d
devast

devast

experiencing great shock or sadness

ecstatic
ecstatic
aggettivo
e
ɛ
c
k
s
s
t
t
a
æ
t
t
i
ɪ
c
k
estatico

estatico

extremely excited and happy

elated
elated
aggettivo
e
ɪ
l
l
a
t
t
e
ə
d
d
euforico

euforico

excited and happy because something has happened or is going to happen

dejected
gobsmacked
gobsmacked
aggettivo
g
g
o
ɑ:
b
b
s
s
m
m
a
æ
ck
k
e
d
t
sbalordito

sbalordito

extremely shocked or surprised, to the point of becoming speechless

gutted
aggettivo
g
g
u
ə
tt
t
e
ɪ
d
d
coraggio

coraggio

experiencing great sadness, shock, or disappointment

honored
honored
aggettivo
h
o
ɑ
n
n
o
ɜ
r
r
e
d
d
onorato

onorato

highly regarded or respected for one's achievements, qualities, or contributions

impervious
aggettivo
i
ɪ
m
m
p
p
e
ɜ
r
r
v
v
iou
s
s
impermeabile

impermeabile

preventing a substance such as liquid from passing through

outraged
outraged
aggettivo
o
a
u
ʊ
t
t
r
r
a
g
ʤ
e
d
d
indignato

indignato

feeling very angry or deeply offended

perplexed
aggettivo
p
p
e
ɜ
r
r
p
p
l
l
e
ɛ
x
ks
e
d
t
perplesso

perplesso

confused or puzzled, often because of a complex or difficult situation or problem

unperplexed
perturbed
aggettivo
p
p
e
ɜ
r
r
t
t
u
ɜ
r
r
b
b
e
d
d
turbato

turbato

feeling anxious, unsettled, or disturbed by something

privileged
privileged
aggettivo
p
p
r
r
i
ɪ
v
v
i
ɪ
l
l
e
ə
g
ʤ
e
d
d
privilegiato

privilegiato

having special advantages that are not available to everyone

underprivileged
stunned
stunned
aggettivo
s
s
t
t
u
ə
nn
n
e
d
d
stordire

stordire

feeling so shocked or surprised that one is incapable of acting in a normal way

troubled
troubled
aggettivo
t
t
r
r
ou
ə
b
b
ə
l
l
e
d
d
preoccupato

preoccupato

(of a person) feeling anxious or worried

untroubled
unconcerned
aggettivo
u
ə
n
n
c
k
o
ə
n
n
c
s
e
ɜ
r
r
n
n
e
d
d
indifferente

indifferente

not worried or interested in something

concerned
relationship
relationship
sostantivo
r
r
e
i
l
l
a
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n
sh
ʃ
i
ɪ
p
p
rapporto

rapporto

the connection among two or more things or people or the way in which they are connected

to [go] back a long way
to go back a long way
Frase
uk flag
/ɡˌoʊ bˈæk ɐ lˈɑːŋ wˈeɪ/
conoscere qualcuno molto tempo fa

conoscere qualcuno molto tempo fa

Idiom

to have a long history or past relationship with someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "go back a long way" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "go back a long way" is rooted in the literal sense of physical distance and time. The idea of going back in time or retracing one's steps has long been associated with the concept of history and personal relationships. The phrase can also be used to emphasize the historical context of a particular event, institution, or tradition

ups and downs
Frase
uk flag
/ˌʌps ænd dˈaʊnz/
alti e bassi

alti e bassi

Idiom
Informal

a combination of both good things and bad things that can happen to one

What is the origin of the idiom "ups and downs" and when to use it?

The idiom "ups and downs" draws its origin from the imagery of a graph or chart, where the "ups" represent high points or positive moments, and the "downs" correspond to low points or challenges. This expression has been in use for centuries, reflecting the cyclical and fluctuating nature of life, It is mostly used to emphasize the need to navigate and adapt to various circumstances.

to know somebody or something inside out
Frase
uk flag
/nˈoʊ ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɪnsˈaɪd ˈaʊt/
conoscere

conoscere

Idiom
Informal

to have very good knowledge or understanding about someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "know someone or something inside out" and when to use it?

The idiom "know someone or something inside out" suggests an in-depth understanding or familiarity with a person, object, or subject. It implies knowing every detail, characteristic, or aspect thoroughly, as if one has explored its inner workings. This expression is used to emphasize a high level of knowledge, expertise, or familiarity with someone or something. It signifies that the individual has a comprehensive understanding, leaving no hidden aspects or mysteries.

like a house on fire
Frase
uk flag
/lˈaɪk ɐ hˈaʊs ˌɑːn fˈaɪɚ/
come una casa in fiamme

come una casa in fiamme

Idiom
Informal

used to describe a situation or activity that is developing with great intensity, speed, and success

What is the origin of the idiom "like a house on fire" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "like a house on fire" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States, possibly in the early 20th century. The phrase is mainly used to describe a relationship, interaction, or activity that is happening quickly, enthusiastically, or with great intensity. In other words, it suggests a sense of rapid and positive progress, often used to emphasize the speed and enthusiasm with which something is happening or developing.

to see eye to eye
Frase
uk flag
/sˈiː ˈaɪ tʊ ˈaɪ/
vediamo le cose allo stesso modo

vediamo le cose allo stesso modo

to completely agree with someone and understand their point of view

What is the origin of the idiom "see eye to eye" and when to use it?

The idiom "see eye to eye" originated from the visual metaphor of two people looking directly into each other's eyes, suggesting a shared perspective or agreement. This idiomatic expression is used to emphasize finding common ground or having a mutual understanding with someone.

to stick together
to stick together
Verbo
uk flag
/stˈɪk təɡˈɛðɚ/
essere attaccati

essere attaccati

to remain united or connected as a group, especially in difficult situations

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Intransitivo
Stato Frasale
inseparable
verbo della frase
stick
particella della frase
together
through thick and thin
through thick and thin
Frase
uk flag
/θɹuː θˈɪk ænd θˈɪn/
nel bene e nel male]

nel bene e nel male]

Idiom

regardless of the difficulty or circumstances

What is the origin of the idiom "through thick and thin" and when to use it?

The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 14th century in England, where "thick" referred to dense woods or forests and "thin" referred to open or sparse land. In this context, traveling "through thick and thin" meant to navigate through the densely wooded areas as well as the more open terrain. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to the ups and downs of life and the loyalty required to support each other through all circumstances. It has become a common expression used to describe the unwavering support and commitment in relationships, friendships, and other important connections.

(as) different as chalk and cheese
Frase
uk flag
/æz dˈɪfɹənt æz tʃˈɔːk ænd tʃˈiːz/
diversi come il gesso e il formaggio

diversi come il gesso e il formaggio

Idiom
Informal

not in any way alike in character or quality

What is the origin of the idiom "different as chalk and cheese" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "different as chalk and cheese" dates back to the notable contrast between two distinct substances: chalk and cheese. Chalk is a soft, white, powdery substance, while cheese is a solid, often yellow or orange, food product. The phrase is used figuratively to expresses a difference or dissimilarity between two things, emphasizing their contrasting nature.

soft spot
sostantivo
uk flag
/sˈɔft spˈɑːt/
punto morbido

punto morbido

a feeling of affection or vulnerability towards someone or something

good part

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Nome Composto
to [sweep] {sb} off {one's} feet
to sweep somebody off one's feet
Frase
uk flag
/swˈiːp ˌɛsbˈiː ˈɔf wˈʌnz fˈiːt/
spazzare via

spazzare via

Idiom
Informal

to make someone have intense romantic feelings for one

What is the origin of the idiom "sweep someone off one's feet" and when to use it?

Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. Some suggest that it may have come from the world of dance, where a partner may "sweep someone off their feet" during a particularly graceful and impressive dance move. Others suggest that it may be related to the traditional practice of carrying a bride over the threshold of a new home, which could also be seen as "sweeping her off her feet". Regardless of its origins, the phrase remains popular in modern usage and continues to be used to describe moments of intense attraction or admiration.

head over heels
Frase
uk flag
/hˈɛd ˌoʊvɚ hˈiːlz/
a capofitto

a capofitto

Idiom
Informal

in a state of extreme excitement or confusion

What is the origin of the idiom "head over heels" and when to use it?

The idiom "head over heels" originated in the late 18th century and has its roots in the earlier phrase "heels over head." The idiom means to be in a state of extreme excitement, confusion, or intense emotion. It is now used figuratively to describe a person experiencing a complete overturning or turning upside down, as if their head is positioned below their heels. Over time, the phrase shifted to "head over heels" to convey a sense of being completely absorbed or immersed in a particular state or situation.

on the rocks
on the rocks
Frase
uk flag
/ɑːnðə ɹˈɑːks/
sulle rocce

sulle rocce

Idiom
Informal

(in reference to a business or relationship) in a difficult or troubled state, and may be at risk of falling apart

What is the origin of the idiom "on the rocks" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on the rocks" is uncertain, but it may have originated from the idea of a ship running aground on rocks, which can cause significant damage and lead to the sinking of the vessel. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where something is in trouble or facing difficulties, whether it be a personal relationship, a business venture, or any other situation where stability or success is threatened.

to [break] {one's} heart
to break one's heart
Frase
uk flag
/bɹˈeɪk wˈʌnz hˈɑːɹt/
spezzarsi il cuore

spezzarsi il cuore

Idiom
Informal

to make someone who loves one go through deep emotional pain and sorrow

What is the origin of the idiom "break one's heart" and when to use it?

The phrase "break one's heart" originated in Old English and Middle English literature, gaining popularity during the Renaissance era. It is commonly employed when discussing the end of a romantic relationship, such as a devastating breakup or divorce, where one's heart is metaphorically shattered by the loss of love and companionship. The phrase is also used to depict the anguish and sorrow experienced after the loss of a loved one, evoking the deep emotional impact and grief.

to patch up
Verbo
uk flag
/pˈætʃ ˈʌp/
rattoppa

rattoppa

to put an end to an argument with someone in order to make peace with them

Informazioni Grammaticali:

Stato Frasale
separable
verbo della frase
patch
particella della frase
up
to [tie] the knot
to tie the knot
Frase
uk flag
/tˈaɪ ðə nˈɑːt/
(fare il nodo)

(fare il nodo)

sposarsi

Idiom
Informal

to become someone's husband or wife in marriage

What is the origin of the idiom "tie the knot" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the phrase "tie the knot" is uncertain but it is believed to have originated from the imagery of tying a knot to represent the joining together of two individuals in marriage. Metaphorically, the act of tying a knot is often associated with making a secure and unbreakable bond or commitment. This notion is applied to the context of marriage, symbolizing the union and lifelong commitment between two people. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of marriage.

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