This lesson trains 25 C2 idioms on Conflict, Criticism & Disagreement. 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.
stand your ground
Refuse to change your position.
During a difficult negotiation, the facilitator introduced “stand your ground”, an expression meaning “Refuse to change your position”.
bloody confrontations
Violent conflicts.
During a difficult negotiation, the trainer referred to “bloody confrontations”, a useful expression for the idea “Violent conflicts”.
come out fighting
Start resisting or defending yourself strongly.
While taking part in a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the speaker highlighted “come out fighting”, which means “Start resisting or defending yourself strongly”.
point the finger at
Accuse someone of being responsible.
During a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the facilitator introduced “point the finger at”, an expression meaning “Accuse someone of being responsible”.
shoot sky-high
Rise very rapidly and to a high level.
In a conflict-resolution workshop, participants used “shoot sky-high” to communicate this idea: “Rise very rapidly and to a high level”.
take the flak
Receive strong criticism.
In a workplace disagreement, “take the flak” was explained as an expression meaning “Receive strong criticism”.
bone of contention
A subject that causes argument.
During a workplace disagreement, the facilitator introduced “bone of contention”, an expression meaning “A subject that causes argument”.
uneasy peace
A peace that is unstable or tense.
In a discussion about criticism and disagreement, participants used “uneasy peace” to communicate this idea: “A peace that is unstable or tense”.
pick holes in
Criticise by finding faults.
During a conflict-resolution workshop, the trainer referred to “pick holes in”, a useful expression for the idea “Criticise by finding faults”.
sit on the fence
Delay choosing between two sides.
During a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the trainer referred to “sit on the fence”, a useful expression for the idea “Delay choosing between two sides”.
battle of wills
A conflict between two strong opposing desires or intentions.
During a difficult negotiation, the facilitator introduced “battle of wills”, an expression meaning “A conflict between two strong opposing desires or intentions”.
get your own back
Revenge yourself.
During a conflict-resolution workshop, the facilitator introduced “get your own back”, an expression meaning “Revenge yourself”.
fall on your sword
Accept blame and resign.
In a difficult negotiation, participants used “fall on your sword” to communicate this idea: “Accept blame and resign”.
be at odds with
Be in disagreement or conflict with.
In a workplace disagreement, “be at odds with” was explained as an expression meaning “Be in disagreement or conflict with”.
be on a collision course
Be heading towards serious conflict.
While taking part in a conflict-resolution workshop, the speaker highlighted “be on a collision course”, which means “Be heading towards serious conflict”.
bury the hatchet
End a disagreement and become friendly again.
In a conflict-resolution workshop, “bury the hatchet” was explained as an expression meaning “End a disagreement and become friendly again”.
hammer out an agreement
Reach an agreement after much discussion.
In a discussion about criticism and disagreement, “hammer out an agreement” was explained as an expression meaning “Reach an agreement after much discussion”.
teething troubles
Early problems when starting something new.
While taking part in a conflict-resolution workshop, the speaker highlighted “teething troubles”, which means “Early problems when starting something new”.
not take no for an answer
Refuse to accept refusal.
In a workplace disagreement, participants used “not take no for an answer” to communicate this idea: “Refuse to accept refusal”.
war-torn country
A country badly affected by war.
During a difficult negotiation, the trainer referred to “war-torn country”, a useful expression for the idea “A country badly affected by war”.
fight for your life
Struggle very hard to survive or succeed.
During a workplace disagreement, the trainer referred to “fight for your life”, a useful expression for the idea “Struggle very hard to survive or succeed”.
no ifs and buts
No excuses or arguments.
While taking part in a difficult negotiation, the speaker highlighted “no ifs and buts”, which means “No excuses or arguments”.
settle a score
Take revenge for a past wrong.
While taking part in a workplace disagreement, the speaker highlighted “settle a score”, which means “Take revenge for a past wrong”.
pull rank
Use your position to make someone obey.
In a difficult negotiation, “pull rank” was explained as an expression meaning “Use your position to make someone obey”.
be on the warpath
Be very angry and ready to take action.
In a discussion about criticism and disagreement, participants used “be on the warpath” to communicate this idea: “Be very angry and ready to take action”.