Idioms starting with A

Each card gives the idiom's meaning and one example of it in use. Open one for the Vietnamese expression that comes closest.

41 idioms

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Success and Failure
Something you already have is worth more than something better you might not get.
Example: He took the offer rather than wait — a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A black hen lays a white egg
Wisdom and Folklore
Something good can come from a plain or unpromising source.
Example: The scruffy little café serves the best soup in town — a black hen lays a white egg.
A blessing in disguise
Time and Life
Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise — she started her own company a month later.
A change is as good as a rest
Time and Life
Doing something different can refresh you as much as stopping.
Example: She moved to a different team and felt new — a change is as good as a rest.
A clean fast is better than a dirty breakfast
Morality and Karma
It is better to go without than to gain by dishonest means.
Example: He turned down the bribe even though the rent was due; a clean fast is better than a dirty breakfast.
A clean hand needs no washing
Communication and Mind
Someone who has done nothing wrong has nothing to explain.
Example: He let the audit run its course — a clean hand needs no washing.
A dime a dozen
Money and Wealth
So common as to be worth very little.
Example: Cafes like that are a dime a dozen in this district.
A dog's life
Time and Life
A miserable, hard existence.
Example: Working three jobs, he called it a dog's life.
A drop in the ocean
Money and Wealth
An amount so small it makes almost no difference.
Example: The donation was generous but still a drop in the ocean.
A fish out of water
Emotions and Feelings
Someone who feels uncomfortable because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
Example: At his first company dinner he felt like a fish out of water.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
People and Relationships
A true friend is the one who helps you when you are in trouble.
Example: She sat with him all night at the hospital — a friend in need is a friend indeed.
A good beginning makes a good ending
Success and Failure
Starting something well makes finishing it well much more likely.
Example: They spent a week on the plan, and a good beginning makes a good ending.