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 good face is a letter of recommendation
People and Relationships
A pleasant, honest face makes people trust you at once.
Example: She got the job before she had said very much; a good face is a letter of recommendation.
A good name is better than riches
Money and Wealth
A good reputation is worth more than money.
Example: He turned down the deal to keep his reputation — a good name is better than riches.
A good name is sooner lost than won
Work and Business
A good reputation takes a long time to build and a moment to lose.
Example: One rude reply online undid years of loyal service; a good name is sooner lost than won.
A good wife makes a good husband
People and Relationships
In a marriage, a good partner brings out the best in the other.
Example: He used to be careless with money until he married; a good wife makes a good husband.
A leopard can't change its spots
People and Relationships
People cannot change their basic nature.
Example: He promised to be on time, but a leopard can't change its spots.
A man is known by the company he keeps
People and Relationships
People judge you by the friends you choose.
Example: His new circle worried her — a man is known by the company he keeps.
A method in the madness
Communication and Mind
There is a sensible reason behind behaviour that looks strange.
Example: His filing system looks chaotic, but there is a method in the madness.
A miss is as good as a mile
Success and Failure
Failing by a small margin is still failing, just as much as failing by a large one.
Example: She missed the train by ten seconds, but a miss is as good as a mile.
A penny saved is a penny earned
Money and Wealth
Money you avoid spending is as valuable as money you make.
Example: She repaired it herself — a penny saved is a penny earned.
A piece of cake
Work and Business
Something that is very easy to do.
Example: For a trained driver, parking here is a piece of cake.
A slap on the wrist
Success and Failure
A punishment far milder than deserved.
Example: He lost millions and got a slap on the wrist.
A stitch in time saves nine
Work and Business
Fixing a small problem early prevents a much bigger one later.
Example: He repaired the leak the day he noticed it — a stitch in time saves nine.