Idioms starting with W

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

21 idioms

When the cat's away, the mice will play
Work and Business
People behave more freely when the person in charge is absent.
Example: The office emptied at four while the manager was away — when the cat's away, the mice will play.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Success and Failure
Strong people work hardest when a situation becomes difficult.
Example: The team stayed all weekend — when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
When the tree is fallen, every man goes to it with his hatchet
People and Relationships
When the powerful fall, everyone turns on them.
Example: Once the minister lost his job, his old allies attacked him in the press; when the tree is fallen, every man goes to it with his hatchet.
Where there is a will, there is a way
Success and Failure
If you are determined enough, you will find a way to achieve your goal.
Example: She studied every night after work and passed the exam — where there is a will, there is a way.
Where there's smoke, there's fire
Communication and Mind
If there are signs of a problem, there is probably a real problem behind them.
Example: Three people have complained about the same manager, and where there's smoke, there's fire.
While there's life, there's hope
Time and Life
As long as a situation is not finished, there is reason to keep hoping.
Example: The appeal was still open, and while there's life, there's hope.
With age comes wisdom
Time and Life
People tend to understand more as they grow older.
Example: She handled the complaint calmly; with age comes wisdom.
Words must be weighed, not counted
Communication and Mind
What matters is the value of what you say, not how much of it there is.
Example: He spoke twice in the whole meeting and changed the decision — words must be weighed, not counted.
Worth its weight in gold
Money and Wealth
Extremely valuable or useful.
Example: A good dictionary is worth its weight in gold.