when

Examples

• All

• What to do when things start going wrong?

• I got to know him much better after 1980, when my first novel was published.

  Academic text (2011)

• I was so nervous when I got on stage.

• Can you maybe share with us when you first met me?

  ZOE

• But my question is, when does that movie say stop?

  The Rich Dad Channel

• And well, when is this thing going to move?

• But we're all happy when we're all OK.

• I get really nervous when I get up on stage.

  Back to Black (2024)

• We have to go now, but we'll continue this conversation when we get back.

  #No_Filter (2022)

• Lisa got a lot of attention when the tragedy happened.

  Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

Idioms

W

when it comes to

680 3.1

A phrase you use to talk about a topic and show how someone or something is treated

W

when the time comes

83 2.9

At the right moment to do something

W

way back when

• Informal

22 7.3

A long time ago

W

when in doubt

• Informal

5 4.5

If you are not sure, follow safe advice or ask someone

W

when the chips are down

• Informal

3 7.4

When things become very difficult and you must act

K

to kick someone when they are down

• Informal

1 6.9

To treat someone badly when they already have problems

N

never knows when to quit

• Informal

1 7.8

Keeps trying and does not stop even when it would be wiser to give up

C

to cross that bridge when it comes

• Informal

5.8

To deal with a problem only when it happens, not before

L

look at the mantelpiece when poking the fire

9.9

To pay attention to something unimportant instead of the main task

H

to hit him when he's down

• Informal

8.2

Say mean things to someone when they are already in trouble

S

to strike someone when they are down

• Informal

8.4

To criticize or take advantage of someone when they are weak

W

when they go low, we go high

• Informal

9.3

Act with dignity and good behavior when others act mean or unfair

W

when in Rome

• Informal

6.8

Act like local people when you visit a place

W

when in Rome, do as the Romans do

• Informal

7.6

Follow how people behave where you are

W

when nature calls

• Informal

8.2

To need to go to the toilet

W

when silence falls

7.5

At the time a place becomes quiet, often in the evening

Z

to zig when he should zag

• Informal

9.9

To make the wrong choice when a different action is needed

Z

to zig when someone should zag

• Informal

9.9

To do the wrong thing when a different action is needed

Surface Forms

Etymology