Idioms starting with B

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

27 idioms

Bite off more than you can chew
Work and Business
To take on more work or responsibility than you can handle.
Example: Taking three courses while working full time was biting off more than he could chew.
Bite off the hand
People and Relationships
To snap angrily at someone who did not deserve it.
Example: I only asked the time and he bit off the hand.
Bite the bullet
Success and Failure
To accept something difficult or unpleasant because there is no way to avoid it.
Example: She bit the bullet and told her boss the project would be late.
Bite your tongue
Communication and Mind
To stop yourself from saying something you would regret.
Example: You will have to bite your tongue when he takes credit for your work.
Bitter pills may have blessed effects
Time and Life
Something unpleasant can turn out to do a great deal of good.
Example: The review was harsh and made the work far better — bitter pills may have blessed effects.
Blood is thicker than water
People and Relationships
Family relationships are stronger than other bonds.
Example: They argue often, but they always help each other — blood is thicker than water.
Blow off steam
Emotions and Feelings
To release anger or stress in a harmless way.
Example: He runs in the evening to blow off steam.
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Money and Wealth
Born into a wealthy family.
Example: It is easy to be generous when you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth.
Break a leg
Success and Failure
Good luck — said to someone about to perform.
Example: Break a leg out there tonight!
Break the ice
Communication and Mind
To say or do something that makes people feel more relaxed at the start of a social situation.
Example: John told a joke to break the ice.
Burn the midnight oil
Work and Business
To work or study late into the night.
Example: She burned the midnight oil to finish the proposal.
Burn your bridges
People and Relationships
To destroy a relationship or option you may later need.
Example: You burn your bridges when you insult the whole department on the way out.