Idioms starting with D

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

14 idioms

Death pays all debts
Time and Life
When a person dies, their debts and quarrels die with them.
Example: The brothers had not spoken for years, but at the funeral they agreed that death pays all debts.
Diamond cut diamond
Success and Failure
Used when two equally sharp or determined people are matched against each other.
Example: The two negotiators were a match for each other: diamond cut diamond.
Diligence is the mother of good luck
Success and Failure
Steady hard work brings the success that other people put down to luck.
Example: People call her lucky, but she practised every day for ten years; diligence is the mother of good luck.
Discretion is the better part of valour
Wisdom and Folklore
It is often wiser to avoid a fight or a risk than to show how brave you are.
Example: When the argument turned nasty, he left the room; discretion is the better part of valour.
Don't bite the hand that feeds you
People and Relationships
Do not harm someone who helps or supports you.
Example: Don't bite the hand that feeds you — that client pays your salary.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Success and Failure
Do not rely on something good happening before it actually happens.
Example: He booked a holiday before the offer arrived — don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Don't cry over spilled milk
Emotions and Feelings
Do not waste time regretting something that cannot be undone.
Example: The deadline passed; don't cry over spilled milk, just start again.
Don't judge a book by its cover
People and Relationships
Do not form an opinion about someone or something based only on appearance.
Example: The small shop serves the best food in town — don't judge a book by its cover.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Success and Failure
Do not risk everything on a single plan or opportunity.
Example: Apply to several programmes — don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Don't rock the boat
Work and Business
Do not disturb a situation that is working well.
Example: The deal is nearly signed, so don't rock the boat.
Don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear
Success and Failure
Do not spend the gains from something before you have them.
Example: He was already planning how to spend the bonus, but I told him don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear.
Don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you
Time and Life
Do not go looking for problems before they actually arrive.
Example: He wanted to raise it at the meeting, but she said don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.