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.
argue the toss
Continue arguing about a decision that has been made.
While taking part in a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the speaker highlighted “argue the toss”, which means “Continue arguing about a decision that has been made”.
run the gauntlet
Face a line of people who criticise or attack you.
In a discussion about criticism and disagreement, participants used “run the gauntlet” to communicate this idea: “Face a line of people who criticise or attack you”.
hold out an olive branch
Make a peaceful gesture to end conflict.
In a workplace disagreement, participants used “hold out an olive branch” to communicate this idea: “Make a peaceful gesture to end conflict”.
turn the other cheek
Do not retaliate when someone harms or insults you.
During a workplace disagreement, the trainer referred to “turn the other cheek”, a useful expression for the idea “Do not retaliate when someone harms or insults you”.
pick holes in [something]
Criticise by finding faults.
During a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the trainer referred to “pick holes in [something]”, a useful expression for the idea “Criticise by finding faults”.
the gloves are off
People are openly fighting or attacking each other.
In a difficult negotiation, participants used “the gloves are off” to communicate this idea: “People are openly fighting or attacking each other”.
save your own skin
Protect yourself from danger or blame.
During a difficult negotiation, the trainer referred to “save your own skin”, a useful expression for the idea “Protect yourself from danger or blame”.
put the cat amongst the pigeons
Cause trouble by saying or doing something controversial.
While taking part in a conflict-resolution workshop, the speaker highlighted “put the cat amongst the pigeons”, which means “Cause trouble by saying or doing something controversial”.
not pull any punches
Speak or act very directly without being tactful.
While taking part in a workplace disagreement, the speaker highlighted “not pull any punches”, which means “Speak or act very directly without being tactful”.
all's fair in love and war
Extreme situations may make any behaviour seem acceptable.
During a workplace disagreement, the facilitator introduced “all's fair in love and war”, an expression meaning “Extreme situations may make any behaviour seem acceptable”.
note of discord
A sign of disagreement.
In a conflict-resolution workshop, participants used “note of discord” to communicate this idea: “A sign of disagreement”.
[get/take] the flak
Receive strong criticism.
In a discussion about criticism and disagreement, “[get/take] the flak” was explained as an expression meaning “Receive strong criticism”.
do anything for a quiet life
Avoid conflict at almost any cost.
During a workplace disagreement, the trainer referred to “do anything for a quiet life”, a useful expression for the idea “Avoid conflict at almost any cost”.
fight like cat and dog
Argue violently and often.
During a conflict-resolution workshop, the facilitator introduced “fight like cat and dog”, an expression meaning “Argue violently and often”.
pour oil on troubled waters
Try to calm a disagreement.
During a difficult negotiation, the facilitator introduced “pour oil on troubled waters”, an expression meaning “Try to calm a disagreement”.
strike at the heart of
Attack the most important part of something.
While taking part in a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the speaker highlighted “strike at the heart of”, which means “Attack the most important part of something”.
shoot [someone] down in flames
Reject or criticise an idea immediately and strongly.
During a workplace disagreement, the facilitator introduced “shoot [someone] down in flames”, an expression meaning “Reject or criticise an idea immediately and strongly”.
put [someone] in their place
Humble someone who is acting arrogantly.
In a workplace disagreement, “put [someone] in their place” was explained as an expression meaning “Humble someone who is acting arrogantly”.
split hairs
Argue about small, unimportant differences.
In a conflict-resolution workshop, “split hairs” was explained as an expression meaning “Argue about small, unimportant differences”.
meet [someone] halfway
Compromise with someone.
During a discussion about criticism and disagreement, the facilitator introduced “meet [someone] halfway”, an expression meaning “Compromise with someone”.
give me a break
Stop criticising me or expressing disbelief.
While taking part in a difficult negotiation, the speaker highlighted “give me a break”, which means “Stop criticising me or expressing disbelief”.
armchair [critic/traveller/gardener]
Someone who talks or criticises without doing the activity.
In a difficult negotiation, participants used “armchair [critic/traveller/gardener]” to communicate this idea: “Someone who talks or criticises without doing the activity”.
let sleeping dogs lie
Do not restart an old conflict or problem.
During a conflict-resolution workshop, the trainer referred to “let sleeping dogs lie”, a useful expression for the idea “Do not restart an old conflict or problem”.
an armchair critic
Someone who criticises without practical experience.
In a conflict-resolution workshop, “an armchair critic” was explained as an expression meaning “Someone who criticises without practical experience”.
not give [someone] the time of day
Refuse to speak to or notice someone.
In a difficult negotiation, “not give [someone] the time of day” was explained as an expression meaning “Refuse to speak to or notice someone”.