Idioms starting with F
Each card gives the idiom's meaning and one example of it in use. Open one for the Vietnamese expression that comes closest.
11 idioms
Face the music
Success and FailureTo accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
Example: He missed the deadline and had to face the music.
Failure is the mother of success
Success and FailureWhat you learn from failing is what makes success possible.
Example: The first two attempts taught them everything — failure is the mother of success.
Fair and square
Success and FailureHonestly and according to the rules.
Example: They won the contract fair and square.
Fall on deaf ears
Communication and MindTo be ignored completely.
Example: Their warnings about the roof fell on deaf ears.
Familiarity breeds contempt
People and RelationshipsKnowing someone or something too well can make you value it less.
Example: After ten years in the role he had stopped listening — familiarity breeds contempt.
Fight fire with fire
People and RelationshipsTo respond to an attack using the same methods.
Example: They undercut our price, so we had to fight fire with fire.
Fine words butter no parsnips
Communication and MindPleasant talk achieves nothing on its own.
Example: They promised to look into it again — fine words butter no parsnips.
First come, first served
Work and BusinessPeople are dealt with in the order they arrive.
Example: There are no reservations — it is first come, first served.
For mad words, deaf ears
Communication and MindThe best answer to foolish or angry words is to ignore them.
Example: When the customer started shouting insults, the manager stayed calm — for mad words, deaf ears.
Fortune favours fools
Time and LifeFoolish or simple people often have surprisingly good luck.
Example: He bought the lottery ticket by mistake and won — fortune favours fools.
Fortune favours the bold
Success and FailurePeople who take risks are more likely to succeed.
Example: She quit and started the company anyway — fortune favours the bold.