{
  "name": "German C1 Idioms & Collocations",
  "front_language": "German",
  "back_language": "English",
  "cards": [
    {"front": "die Katze im Sack kaufen", "back": "to buy a pig in a poke (lit. \"to buy the cat in the sack\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Ohne Probefahrt kaufst du die Katze im Sack.", "example_back": "Without a test drive, you're buying a pig in a poke."},
    {"front": "jemandem einen Bären aufbinden", "back": "to pull someone's leg / deceive someone (lit. \"to tie a bear onto someone\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er wollte mir einen Bären aufbinden, aber ich habe es gemerkt.", "example_back": "He tried to pull my leg, but I noticed."},
    {"front": "ins Gras beißen", "back": "to bite the dust / die (lit. \"to bite into the grass\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "In dem alten Western beißen fast alle Bösewichte ins Gras.", "example_back": "In the old western, almost all the villains bite the dust."},
    {"front": "die Kirche im Dorf lassen", "back": "to not overreact / keep things in proportion (lit. \"to leave the church in the village\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Lass uns die Kirche im Dorf lassen, das Problem ist nicht so groß.", "example_back": "Let's keep things in proportion, the problem isn't that big."},
    {"front": "auf dem Holzweg sein", "back": "to be on the wrong track (lit. \"to be on the wood path\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Wenn du glaubst, das war meine Idee, bist du auf dem Holzweg.", "example_back": "If you think that was my idea, you're on the wrong track."},
    {"front": "Hand und Fuß haben", "back": "to be well thought out / sound (lit. \"to have hand and foot\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Sein Plan hat wirklich Hand und Fuß.", "example_back": "His plan is really well thought out."},
    {"front": "jemandem ein Dorn im Auge sein", "back": "to be a thorn in someone's side", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Seine ständige Kritik ist dem Chef ein Dorn im Auge.", "example_back": "His constant criticism is a thorn in the boss's side."},
    {"front": "unter die Haut gehen", "back": "to get under one's skin / deeply move someone", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Film ist wirklich unter die Haut gegangen.", "example_back": "The film really got under my skin."},
    {"front": "auf Sand gebaut sein", "back": "to be built on sand / have shaky foundations", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Seine ganze Karriere war auf Sand gebaut.", "example_back": "His entire career was built on sand."},
    {"front": "einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen", "back": "to foil someone's plans (lit. \"to draw a line through the bill\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Der Regen hat uns einen Strich durch die Rechnung gemacht.", "example_back": "The rain foiled our plans."},
    {"front": "die Weichen stellen", "back": "to set the course (lit. \"to set the [railway] points\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Mit dieser Entscheidung wurden die Weichen für die Zukunft gestellt.", "example_back": "This decision set the course for the future."},
    {"front": "auf des Messers Schneide stehen", "back": "to hang in the balance (lit. \"to stand on the knife's edge\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Das Ergebnis der Wahl stand auf des Messers Schneide.", "example_back": "The election result hung in the balance."},
    {"front": "Schritt halten", "back": "to keep pace / keep up", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Ausbildung muss mit dem technischen Wandel Schritt halten.", "example_back": "Training has to keep pace with technological change."},
    {"front": "jemandem reinen Wein einschenken", "back": "to give it to someone straight (lit. \"to pour someone pure wine\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Es wird Zeit, ihm reinen Wein einzuschenken.", "example_back": "It's time to give it to him straight."},
    {"front": "Anklang finden", "back": "to be well received / meet with approval", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Vorschlag fand bei den Kollegen großen Anklang.", "example_back": "The proposal was very well received by colleagues."},
    {"front": "sich in Schweigen hüllen", "back": "to remain tight-lipped (lit. \"to wrap oneself in silence\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Der Minister hüllte sich zu den Vorwürfen in Schweigen.", "example_back": "The minister remained tight-lipped about the allegations."},
    {"front": "ins selbe Horn stoßen", "back": "to be of the same opinion / echo someone (lit. \"to blow into the same horn\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die Kritiker stoßen alle ins selbe Horn.", "example_back": "The critics all echo the same opinion."},
    {"front": "eine Rolle spielen", "back": "to play a role / matter", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Das Wetter spielte bei der Entscheidung keine Rolle.", "example_back": "The weather played no role in the decision."},
    {"front": "sich etwas hinter die Ohren schreiben", "back": "to make a mental note / remember something well (often as a warning)", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Das solltest du dir hinter die Ohren schreiben.", "example_back": "You should make a mental note of that."},
    {"front": "Maßnahmen ergreifen", "back": "to take measures", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Regierung musste dringend Maßnahmen ergreifen.", "example_back": "The government urgently had to take measures."},
    {"front": "jemandem etwas durch die Blume sagen", "back": "to say something diplomatically / beat around the bush politely (lit. \"through the flower\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Sie sagte ihm durch die Blume, dass er zu spät kam.", "example_back": "She told him diplomatically that he was late."},
    {"front": "Stellung beziehen", "back": "to take a stance", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Politiker weigerte sich, klar Stellung zu beziehen.", "example_back": "The politician refused to take a clear stance."},
    {"front": "jemandem ein X für ein U vormachen", "back": "to pull the wool over someone's eyes (lit. \"to show someone an X for a U\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er versuchte, uns ein X für ein U vorzumachen.", "example_back": "He tried to pull the wool over our eyes."},
    {"front": "auf taube Ohren stoßen", "back": "to fall on deaf ears", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Seine Warnungen stießen lange auf taube Ohren.", "example_back": "His warnings fell on deaf ears for a long time."},
    {"front": "Bedenken äußern", "back": "to voice concerns", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Mehrere Experten äußerten Bedenken zu dem Projekt.", "example_back": "Several experts voiced concerns about the project."},
    {"front": "die Nase voll haben", "back": "to be fed up (lit. \"to have the nose full\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Ich habe die Nase voll von diesen leeren Versprechen.", "example_back": "I'm fed up with these empty promises."},
    {"front": "einen Wendepunkt markieren", "back": "to mark a turning point", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Diese Rede markierte einen Wendepunkt in der Debatte.", "example_back": "This speech marked a turning point in the debate."},
    {"front": "wie aus dem Ei gepellt", "back": "dressed to the nines / immaculately dressed (lit. \"as if peeled from the egg\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er kam wie aus dem Ei gepellt zum Vorstellungsgespräch.", "example_back": "He showed up dressed to the nines for the interview."},
    {"front": "zu Buche schlagen", "back": "to add up / have an impact (financially) (lit. \"to strike into the ledger\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die zusätzlichen Kosten schlagen deutlich zu Buche.", "example_back": "The additional costs really add up."},
    {"front": "Bilanz ziehen", "back": "to take stock / draw conclusions", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Am Ende des Jahres zog die Firma eine positive Bilanz.", "example_back": "At year's end, the company took stock and drew positive conclusions."},
    {"front": "auf keinen grünen Zweig kommen", "back": "to get nowhere / not make progress (lit. \"to not reach a green branch\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Mit dieser Strategie kommen wir auf keinen grünen Zweig.", "example_back": "We're getting nowhere with this strategy."},
    {"front": "im Trüben fischen", "back": "to fish in troubled waters", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Manche Politiker fischen bewusst im Trüben.", "example_back": "Some politicians deliberately fish in troubled waters."},
    {"front": "eine Kehrtwende vollziehen", "back": "to do a U-turn / reverse course", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Partei vollzog überraschend eine Kehrtwende in der Klimapolitik.", "example_back": "The party surprisingly reversed course on climate policy."},
    {"front": "auf großen Fuß leben", "back": "to live beyond one's means / live large (lit. \"to live on a big foot\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er lebt seit Jahren auf großem Fuß.", "example_back": "He's been living beyond his means for years."},
    {"front": "eine Sache auf die lange Bank schieben", "back": "to put something off / kick the can down the road (lit. \"to push onto the long bench\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die Reform wurde jahrelang auf die lange Bank geschoben.", "example_back": "The reform was put off for years."},
    {"front": "einen Beitrag leisten", "back": "to make a contribution", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Jeder Einzelne kann einen Beitrag zum Klimaschutz leisten.", "example_back": "Every individual can make a contribution to climate protection."},
    {"front": "das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten", "back": "to throw the baby out with the bathwater", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Bei der Reform sollte man nicht das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten.", "example_back": "The reform shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater."},
    {"front": "Kritik üben", "back": "to voice / exercise criticism", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Verband übte scharfe Kritik an dem neuen Gesetz.", "example_back": "The association voiced sharp criticism of the new law."},
    {"front": "in den sauren Apfel beißen", "back": "to bite the bullet (lit. \"to bite the sour apple\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Wir müssen wohl in den sauren Apfel beißen und die Preise erhöhen.", "example_back": "We'll probably have to bite the bullet and raise prices."},
    {"front": "Anlass geben", "back": "to give rise to / cause", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Vorfall gab Anlass zu ernster Besorgnis.", "example_back": "The incident gave rise to serious concern."},
    {"front": "jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen", "back": "to take the wind out of someone's sails", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Mit diesem Argument nahm sie ihm den Wind aus den Segeln.", "example_back": "With that argument, she took the wind out of his sails."},
    {"front": "auf Hochtouren laufen", "back": "to be in full swing / running at full speed (lit. \"to run at high revs\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die Vorbereitungen laufen bereits auf Hochtouren.", "example_back": "Preparations are already in full swing."},
    {"front": "eine Frage aufwerfen", "back": "to raise a question", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Bericht wirft mehrere ungeklärte Fragen auf.", "example_back": "The report raises several unresolved questions."},
    {"front": "sich mit fremden Federn schmücken", "back": "to take credit for someone else's work (lit. \"to adorn oneself with foreign feathers\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er schmückt sich gern mit fremden Federn.", "example_back": "He likes to take credit for other people's work."},
    {"front": "Rechenschaft ablegen", "back": "to be accountable / render an account", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Regierung muss dem Parlament Rechenschaft ablegen.", "example_back": "The government must be accountable to parliament."},
    {"front": "wie ein rotes Tuch wirken", "back": "to be like a red rag to a bull (lit. \"to act like a red cloth\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Das Thema Steuererhöhung wirkt auf ihn wie ein rotes Tuch.", "example_back": "The topic of tax increases is like a red rag to a bull for him."},
    {"front": "einen Kompromiss eingehen", "back": "to reach / enter into a compromise", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Beide Seiten mussten einen Kompromiss eingehen.", "example_back": "Both sides had to reach a compromise."},
    {"front": "aus allen Wolken fallen", "back": "to be utterly astonished (lit. \"to fall out of all the clouds\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Als sie die Nachricht hörte, fiel sie aus allen Wolken.", "example_back": "When she heard the news, she was utterly astonished."},
    {"front": "Zweifel hegen", "back": "to harbor doubts", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Viele Wissenschaftler hegen Zweifel an der Methode.", "example_back": "Many scientists harbor doubts about the method."},
    {"front": "auf verlorenem Posten stehen", "back": "to fight a losing battle (lit. \"to stand on a lost post\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Mit diesem Argument stand er auf verlorenem Posten.", "example_back": "With that argument, he was fighting a losing battle."},
    {"front": "eine Entwicklung vorantreiben", "back": "to drive forward a development", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Das Unternehmen treibt die Digitalisierung entschlossen voran.", "example_back": "The company is resolutely driving forward digitalization."},
    {"front": "den Löffel abgeben", "back": "to kick the bucket / die (colloquial, lit. \"to hand over the spoon\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Im Film gibt der Bösewicht am Ende den Löffel ab.", "example_back": "In the film, the villain kicks the bucket in the end."},
    {"front": "eine Grenze überschreiten", "back": "to cross a line / boundary", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Mit diesem Kommentar hat er eine Grenze überschritten.", "example_back": "With that comment, he crossed a line."},
    {"front": "Öl ins Feuer gießen", "back": "to add fuel to the fire (lit. \"to pour oil onto the fire\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Seine Bemerkung goss nur Öl ins Feuer.", "example_back": "His remark just added fuel to the fire."},
    {"front": "Konsequenzen ziehen", "back": "to draw consequences / take action as a result", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Nach dem Skandal musste die Firma Konsequenzen ziehen.", "example_back": "After the scandal, the company had to draw consequences."},
    {"front": "auf dem Prüfstand stehen", "back": "to be under scrutiny (lit. \"to stand on the test bench\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die gesamte Strategie steht derzeit auf dem Prüfstand.", "example_back": "The entire strategy is currently under scrutiny."},
    {"front": "einen Nerv treffen", "back": "to strike a nerve / touch a sensitive point", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Kommentar hat offenbar einen Nerv getroffen.", "example_back": "The comment apparently struck a nerve."},
    {"front": "sich ins Fäustchen lachen", "back": "to laugh up one's sleeve (lit. \"to laugh into one's little fist\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Insgeheim lachte er sich ins Fäustchen.", "example_back": "Secretly, he was laughing up his sleeve."},
    {"front": "einen Vorbehalt äußern", "back": "to voice a reservation", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Anwalt äußerte einen rechtlichen Vorbehalt.", "example_back": "The lawyer voiced a legal reservation."},
    {"front": "sich etwas zu Herzen nehmen", "back": "to take something to heart", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er hat sich die Kritik sehr zu Herzen genommen.", "example_back": "He took the criticism very much to heart."},
    {"front": "eine Wende einleiten", "back": "to initiate a turnaround / shift", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die neue Führung will eine Wende im Unternehmen einleiten.", "example_back": "The new leadership wants to initiate a turnaround in the company."},
    {"front": "wie Kraut und Rüben", "back": "in a total mess / chaos (lit. \"like herbs and turnips [all mixed]\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Nach dem Umzug lag alles wie Kraut und Rüben durcheinander.", "example_back": "After the move, everything was in a total mess."},
    {"front": "einen Standpunkt vertreten", "back": "to hold / represent a position", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Sie vertrat konsequent denselben Standpunkt.", "example_back": "She consistently held the same position."},
    {"front": "mit allen Wassern gewaschen sein", "back": "to be cunning / streetwise (lit. \"to be washed with all waters\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Der alte Anwalt war mit allen Wassern gewaschen.", "example_back": "The old lawyer was thoroughly cunning."},
    {"front": "eine Chance wahrnehmen", "back": "to seize / take an opportunity", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Sie nahm die Chance sofort wahr.", "example_back": "She seized the opportunity immediately."},
    {"front": "auf tönernen Füßen stehen", "back": "to be on shaky ground (lit. \"to stand on feet of clay\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die gesamte Argumentation steht auf tönernen Füßen.", "example_back": "The entire argument is on shaky ground."},
    {"front": "einen Anspruch erheben", "back": "to lay claim to / assert a claim", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Beide Länder erheben Anspruch auf das Gebiet.", "example_back": "Both countries lay claim to the territory."},
    {"front": "wie ein Elefant im Porzellanladen", "back": "like a bull in a china shop", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Er benahm sich bei den Verhandlungen wie ein Elefant im Porzellanladen.", "example_back": "He behaved like a bull in a china shop during the negotiations."},
    {"front": "eine Rolle einnehmen", "back": "to take on / assume a role", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Deutschland nimmt in der EU eine zentrale Rolle ein.", "example_back": "Germany takes on a central role in the EU."},
    {"front": "jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen", "back": "to grill someone / probe someone for information (lit. \"to feel someone's tooth\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die Journalistin wollte dem Politiker auf den Zahn fühlen.", "example_back": "The journalist wanted to grill the politician."},
    {"front": "eine Entscheidung treffen", "back": "to make a decision", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Der Vorstand muss noch diese Woche eine Entscheidung treffen.", "example_back": "The board still has to make a decision this week."},
    {"front": "das A und O sein", "back": "to be the be-all and end-all / the most important thing", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Kommunikation ist das A und O jeder Beziehung.", "example_back": "Communication is the be-all and end-all of any relationship."},
    {"front": "eine Ausnahme darstellen", "back": "to constitute / represent an exception", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Dieser Fall stellt eine seltene Ausnahme dar.", "example_back": "This case represents a rare exception."},
    {"front": "sich in Luft auflösen", "back": "to vanish into thin air", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Seine Ersparnisse haben sich in Luft aufgelöst.", "example_back": "His savings vanished into thin air."},
    {"front": "eine Gefahr bergen", "back": "to harbor / pose a danger", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die neue Technologie birgt auch Gefahren.", "example_back": "The new technology also poses dangers."},
    {"front": "jemanden auf dem falschen Fuß erwischen", "back": "to catch someone off guard", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Die Frage erwischte ihn auf dem falschen Fuß.", "example_back": "The question caught him off guard."},
    {"front": "eine Tendenz aufweisen", "back": "to show / exhibit a trend", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Zahlen weisen eine klare Tendenz nach oben auf.", "example_back": "The figures show a clear upward trend."},
    {"front": "sich die Haare raufen", "back": "to tear one's hair out", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Bei diesem Chaos könnte man sich die Haare raufen.", "example_back": "You could tear your hair out at this chaos."},
    {"front": "einen Nutzen ziehen", "back": "to derive / draw a benefit", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Beide Seiten zogen einen Nutzen aus dem Abkommen.", "example_back": "Both sides derived a benefit from the agreement."},
    {"front": "Schlange stehen", "back": "to stand in line / queue up (lit. \"to stand snake\")", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Vor dem Museum standen die Besucher Schlange.", "example_back": "Visitors were standing in line in front of the museum."},
    {"front": "eine Lücke schließen", "back": "to close / fill a gap", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Das neue Gesetz soll eine rechtliche Lücke schließen.", "example_back": "The new law is meant to close a legal gap."},
    {"front": "auf den Punkt bringen", "back": "to hit the nail on the head / sum up precisely", "level": "C1", "tags": ["idioms"], "example_front": "Ihre Analyse hat das Problem genau auf den Punkt gebracht.", "example_back": "Her analysis hit the nail on the head exactly."},
    {"front": "einen Schwerpunkt setzen", "back": "to place emphasis / set a priority", "level": "C1", "tags": ["collocations"], "example_front": "Die Studie setzt einen Schwerpunkt auf soziale Faktoren.", "example_back": "The study places emphasis on social factors."}
  ]
}