Idiomatic collocation

A slippery slope

A path that leads to problems

A sore point

A subject that makes you feel angry or upset when it is mentioned. Example: it's a sore point with Sue's parents that the children have not been baptized yet

Grey area

An area of a subject or situation that is not clear or does not fit into a particular group and is therefore difficult to define or deal with Example: exactly what can be called an offensive weapon is still a grey area

A long shot

An attempt to a guess that is not likely to be successful but is worth trying

Fine line

Difficult to see or describe Example: There is a fine line between love and hate

Mixed blessing

Something that has advantages and disadvantages

wishful thinking

The belief that something that you want to happen is happening or will happen, although that is actually not true Example: I've got a feeling that Alex likes me, but that might just be wishful thinking

A raw deal

The fact of somebody being treated unfairly Example: older workers often get a raw deal

Saving grace

The one good quality that a person or thing has that prevents them or it from being completely bad

a last resort

The person or thing you rely on when everything else has failed Example: I've tried everyone else and now you're my last resort

a foregone conclusion

a result that is certain to happen

a level playingfield

a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities

wake-up call

something that makes someone aware it is time to do something Example: these riots should be a wake-up call for the government

on second thoughts

used when you want to change a decision you have made Example: I'll wait here. No, in second thoughts, I'll come with you

have itchy feet

want to travel or move on