Idioms starting with T

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

51 idioms

The devil is in the detail
Work and Business
Small overlooked details cause the real problems.
Example: The plan looks simple, but the devil is in the detail.
The devil is not so black as he is painted
People and Relationships
Someone or something is not as bad as people say.
Example: Everyone warned me about the new manager, but the devil is not so black as he is painted.
The die is cast
Time and Life
A decision has been made and cannot now be changed.
Example: She posted the letter, and the die was cast.
The early bird catches the worm
Success and Failure
The person who acts first has the best chance of success.
Example: Tickets sold out by noon — the early bird catches the worm.
The end justifies the means
Morality and Karma
A good result excuses any wrong or unpleasant way of achieving it.
Example: He lied to investors to save the company, insisting that the end justifies the means.
The first step is always the hardest
Success and Failure
Starting something new is the most difficult part.
Example: Writing the first page of the thesis took a week, but the first step is always the hardest.
The grass is always greener on the other side
Emotions and Feelings
Other people's situations always look better than your own.
Example: He envies my job, I envy his — the grass is always greener on the other side.
The last laugh
Success and Failure
Final victory after appearing to lose.
Example: Everyone doubted the shop; she had the last laugh.
The last straw
Success and Failure
The final small problem that makes a situation unbearable.
Example: The missed deadline was the last straw and she resigned.
The more the merrier
People and Relationships
The more people who take part, the more enjoyable it will be.
Example: Of course your cousins can come to the picnic — the more the merrier.
The pen is mightier than the sword
Communication and Mind
Words and ideas have more power than force.
Example: One article changed the policy — the pen is mightier than the sword.
The tip of the iceberg
Success and Failure
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem.
Example: Those two complaints are just the tip of the iceberg.