Idioms starting with I

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

16 idioms

If you can't beat them, join them
Success and Failure
If you cannot defeat an opponent, side with them instead.
Example: Everyone was using the new tool, so if you can't beat them, join them.
If you can't bite, never show your teeth
Communication and Mind
Do not make threats you cannot carry out.
Example: He backed down the moment he was challenged — if you can't bite, never show your teeth.
If you run after two hares, you'll catch none
Success and Failure
Chasing two aims at once means failing at both.
Example: He applied for both roles and lost both — if you run after two hares, you'll catch none.
Ignorance is bliss
Communication and Mind
Not knowing about something unpleasant can be more comfortable than knowing.
Example: He never asked what the repair cost — ignorance is bliss.
Ill-gotten, ill-spent
Morality and Karma
Money gained dishonestly is usually lost or wasted just as badly.
Example: He won a fortune by cheating at cards and lost it all within a year — ill-gotten, ill-spent.
In black and white
Communication and Mind
Written down clearly and officially.
Example: Get it in black and white before you start work.
In fair weather prepare for foul
Wisdom and Folklore
While times are good, get ready for the bad times that may follow.
Example: Business is good now, but in fair weather prepare for foul: keep some savings in reserve.
In for a penny, in for a pound
Success and Failure
Once you have started something, you should see it through, whatever it costs.
Example: We had already paid for the flights, so we booked the expensive hotel too — in for a penny, in for a pound.
In hot water
Success and Failure
In serious trouble.
Example: He is in hot water for missing the deadline twice.
In the nick of time
Time and Life
At the last possible moment.
Example: The parts arrived in the nick of time.
In the same boat
People and Relationships
In the same difficult situation as someone else.
Example: Don't worry, we're all in the same boat this quarter.
It never rains but it pours
Success and Failure
When something goes wrong, several other things tend to go wrong at the same time.
Example: The car broke down, then the boiler failed — it never rains but it pours.