Idioms Beginning with W
- wake up and smell the coffee
- To face reality; to stop deluding oneself; to become aware.
Wake up and smell the coffee! Unless you are extremely wealthy, the government doesn't care what you think.
- watch like a hawk
- To observe very closely.
When we were taking the test, the teacher watched us like a hawk to make sure that we weren't cheating.
- water down, to water (something) down
- To make weaker; to dilute.
The government has watered down the reports on global warming to make the problem seem less severe.
- wet behind the ears
- Inexperienced.
I don't think I want that young doctor performing heart surgery on me. He seems a little wet behind the ears.
- when all is said and done
- In the end; ultimately.
When all is said and done, we may not have made a lot of money, but we had a lot of fun.
- whole shebang
- The entire thing; everything.
In the divorce, Max lost his kids, dog, house, car, timeshare property, the whole shebang.
- with flying colors
- Exceptionally well.
Mary passed the board exam with flying colors.
- wolf in sheep's clothing
- A person who appears innocent but really isn't.
Jane seems sweet, but watch out. She's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- work one's butt off
- To work very hard.
I've been working my butt off for years, but I have nothing to show for it.
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