Idioms starting with S

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

29 idioms

Slow and steady wins the race
Success and Failure
Consistent, careful effort succeeds more often than rushing.
Example: He revises one chapter a night — slow and steady wins the race.
Smell a rat
People and Relationships
To suspect that something dishonest is going on.
Example: When the invoice arrived twice I smelled a rat.
So far, so good
Success and Failure
Nothing has gone wrong up to this point.
Example: Two hours into the drive and so far, so good.
So many men, so many minds
Communication and Mind
Different people hold different opinions.
Example: The committee could not agree on a colour — so many men, so many minds.
Something is better than nothing
Time and Life
Having a little of something is better than having none at all.
Example: The pay rise was small, but something is better than nothing.
Spare the rod and spoil the child
People and Relationships
If you never punish a child, the child will grow up badly behaved.
Example: Grandpa still says spare the rod and spoil the child, but no one in the family agrees with him.
Speak of the devil
Communication and Mind
Said when the person you were just talking about appears.
Example: Speak of the devil — here comes Minh now.
Speak your mind
Communication and Mind
To say openly what you really think.
Example: Speak your mind, but pick your moment.
Spill the beans
Communication and Mind
To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
Example: Don't spill the beans about the surprise party.
Spread yourself too thin
Work and Business
To take on so much that nothing is done well.
Example: With four projects you spread yourself too thin.
Stab in the back
People and Relationships
A betrayal by someone trusted.
Example: Reporting her anonymously was a stab in the back.
Stand your ground
Communication and Mind
To refuse to give in under pressure.
Example: Stand your ground and the price will hold.