This lesson trains 50 C2 idioms on Conflict. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Point the finger at
To accuse or blame someone.
The report clearly identified who was responsible for the error.
Between a rock and a hard place
Faced with two equally unpleasant or difficult choices.
She had to choose between accepting a pay cut or losing her job.
An own goal
A mistake that harms the person or team who makes it.
The minister's careless comment damaged his own party's campaign.
Below the belt
Unfair or unkind, especially in an argument or competition.
Bringing up his personal family problems during the debate was completely unfair.
Bare-faced lies
Shameless and obvious lies told without any attempt to hide them.
The politician denied the evidence even though everyone had seen the documents.
Battle of wills
A situation where two determined people or groups refuse to compromise.
The union and management were locked in a long dispute over working conditions.
Bloody confrontations
Violent or aggressive conflicts.
The protest turned into violent clashes between demonstrators and police.
Run the gauntlet
To be criticized or attacked by many people.
The politician had to face hostile questions from the entire press conference.
An albatross around your neck
A heavy burden or problem that one cannot escape.
The failed investment continued to drain resources and damage his reputation for years.
Upset the apple cart
To spoil or ruin carefully made plans.
The sudden resignation of the key team member disrupted the entire product launch schedule.
All's fair in love and war.
In certain intense situations, normal rules of behavior do not apply.
He used every possible tactic, including misleading information, to win the contract.
Do a hatchet job on
To criticize someone or something very severely and unfairly.
The newspaper article attacked the politician's character without providing evidence.
Baptism of fire
A difficult first experience that tests someone severely.
The new manager faced three major crises in her first week on the job.
Note of discord
A sign of disagreement or tension.
The meeting had gone smoothly until one person raised an objection.
Play dirty
To behave in a dishonest or unfair way to gain an advantage.
The competitor spread false rumors to damage the company's reputation.
Behind sb's back
Secretly and without someone's knowledge, usually in a negative way.
The colleagues were discussing the manager's performance while he was out of the office.
Fall into the wrong hands
To be taken or used by someone who should not have it.
The confidential documents were accidentally sent to the wrong department.
Be dealt a lousy hand
To be given an unfair or difficult situation in life.
He had faced many challenges from an early age.
The kiss of death
An action that seems helpful but actually causes failure.
The well-meaning advice actually ruined the delicate negotiations.
Get the flak
To receive strong criticism.
The manager was blamed for the project's failure even though the problems were not his fault.
Leave sb high and dry
To abandon someone in a difficult situation.
The tour company cancelled the trip at the last minute and left the tourists stranded.
Fall into the trap of
To be caught by a trick or mistake that was planned.
Many investors were deceived by the false promises of high returns.
Get your own back
To get revenge for something done to you.
After being unfairly criticized, she waited for the right moment to respond.
Beat a retreat
To withdraw or leave quickly, especially when in difficulty.
When the investors started asking difficult questions, the presenter ended the meeting abruptly.
Dog in the manger
A person who prevents others from using or enjoying something that he himself cannot use.
He did not want the old equipment but refused to let anyone else have it.
The dice are loaded against sb
The situation is unfairly biased against someone.
Despite his qualifications, the selection process seemed designed to favor internal candidates.
I beg to differ.
A polite way of saying that you disagree with someone.
The expert disagreed with the proposed solution but wanted to remain courteous.
Fight like cat and dog
To argue or fight constantly.
The two siblings disagreed about everything and were always arguing.
Play sb at their own game
To use the same methods or tactics as an opponent in order to defeat them.
The small company used the same aggressive marketing techniques as the large rival.
Make sb's life a misery
To cause someone a lot of unhappiness or problems.
The constant complaints from the neighbor made life difficult for the family.
Be on a collision course
To be heading toward a serious conflict or disaster.
The two departments had completely opposing views on the budget and refused to compromise.
Split hairs
To argue about very small and unimportant details.
The lawyer kept focusing on tiny wording differences instead of the main issue.
Lay a hand on
To touch or harm someone.
The security guard warned the intruder not to come closer.
Have blood on your hands
To be responsible for someone's death or serious harm.
The corrupt official's decisions had led directly to the deaths of innocent people.
A loose cannon
A person whose unpredictable behavior may cause trouble.
The new team member often made impulsive decisions that created problems.
Fall foul of
To get into trouble with someone or something.
The driver broke several traffic rules and was stopped by the police.
A recipe for disaster
A combination of actions that is certain to cause serious problems.
Ignoring safety regulations while rushing the construction schedule was extremely dangerous.
Be a chapter of accidents
A situation or period filled with a series of unfortunate events or mistakes.
The product launch had gone wrong from the start with technical failures and poor attendance.
A death blow
An event that destroys something completely.
The final budget cut eliminated the entire research department.
Move the goalposts
To change the rules or requirements in the middle of a process.
The client kept changing the specifications after the project had started.
Be on thin ice
To be in a risky or dangerous situation.
The controversial decision could cause major problems if it went wrong.
Pull the wool over sb's eyes
To deceive someone.
The salesman tried to trick the customer with false claims about the product.
Bring sb down a peg or two
To make someone less arrogant or proud.
The arrogant manager was finally shown that he was not indispensable.
Drop the ball
To make a mistake or fail to do something that was expected.
The marketing department forgot to send the press release before the product launch.
Two can play at that game
If someone behaves badly, you can behave in the same way.
When the competitor started spreading rumors, the company responded with its own advertising campaign.
Put two fingers up at sth
To show defiance or contempt.
The rebellious teenager ignored all the rules and openly challenged authority.
Cut and run
To leave a difficult situation quickly instead of dealing with it.
When the project started facing serious problems, some investors withdrew immediately.
In a tight corner
In a difficult situation with few options.
With the deadline approaching and the team understaffed, they were in a difficult position.
The dice are loaded against
The situation is unfairly biased against someone.
Despite his qualifications, the selection process seemed designed to favor internal candidates.
Come out fighting
To respond to criticism or a difficult situation with energy and determination.
When the newspaper published negative articles, the company responded immediately with strong statements.