Idioms starting with O

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

17 idioms

Off the top of my head
Communication and Mind
From memory, without checking.
Example: Off the top of my head, it was about forty thousand.
Old habits die hard
Time and Life
It is difficult to change a way of behaving you have had for a long time.
Example: He still writes everything on paper — old habits die hard.
On cloud nine
Emotions and Feelings
Extremely happy.
Example: She has been on cloud nine since the offer arrived.
On its last legs
Success and Failure
About to fail or stop working.
Example: That laptop is on its last legs.
On the same page
Communication and Mind
In agreement, sharing the same understanding.
Example: Before we start, let us make sure we are on the same page.
On the tip of my tongue
Communication and Mind
Almost remembered but not quite.
Example: Her name is on the tip of my tongue.
Once bitten, twice shy
Success and Failure
After a bad experience, you are far more cautious the next time.
Example: She reads every contract twice now — once bitten, twice shy.
Once in a blue moon
Time and Life
Very rarely; almost never.
Example: He visits his hometown once in a blue moon.
One bad apple spoils the barrel
People and Relationships
One bad person can have a bad influence on a whole group.
Example: One rude waiter can ruin a restaurant's reviews; one bad apple spoils the barrel.
One drop of poison infects the whole of wine
Success and Failure
One bad element can spoil something otherwise good.
Example: One unkind line undid the whole letter — one drop of poison infects the whole of wine.
One good turn deserves another
People and Relationships
A kindness should be repaid with a kindness.
Example: You covered my shift last week, so I will cover yours — one good turn deserves another.
One swallow does not make a summer
Success and Failure
A single good sign does not prove that a good period has begun.
Example: Sales were up one month, but one swallow does not make a summer.