when action or a decision becomes necessary
When push comes to shove, the team works together.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
the most important fact or final financial result
The bottom line is that the project must pay for itself.
Register: business. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
decline now but accept later
I’ll take a rain check on dinner.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
take responsibility or accept a challenge
She stepped up to the plate when the manager left.
Register: neutral. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
leave or begin a journey
We should hit the road before traffic builds.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
make an additional effort
The support team went the extra mile to solve the issue.
Register: neutral. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
in a few words
In a nutshell, the plan saves time and money.
Register: neutral. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
an obvious or very easy decision
At that price, renewing was a no-brainer.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
unexpected or surprising
That question came out of left field.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.
decide as events develop
We have no fixed schedule; we’ll play it by ear.
Register: informal. Idioms can vary by age, region and situation. Learners should understand the expression before using it and avoid assuming that every speaker uses it.