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Tiếng Việt

Idioms starting with Y

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

10 idioms

  • You can't have it both ways

    Communication and Mind

    You must choose one of two things, not enjoy the benefits of both.

    Example: You want the quiet street and the short commute — you can't have it both ways.

  • You can't have your cake and eat it too

    Communication and Mind

    You cannot enjoy two good things when having one means giving up the other.

    Example: You want a manager's salary and an intern's hours — you can't have your cake and eat it too.

  • You can't please everyone

    People and Relationships

    It is impossible to make every person happy with what you do.

    Example: Some users hate the new layout, but you can't please everyone.

  • You get what you pay for

    Money and Wealth

    Cheap things are usually poor, and quality has to be paid for.

    Example: The budget headphones lasted a month — you get what you pay for.

  • You reap what you sow

    Time and Life

    You receive the consequences of your own actions.

    Example: He cheated his partners and lost everything — you reap what you sow.

  • You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

    People and Relationships

    If you help me, I will help you in return.

    Example: He covered her shift and she covered his — you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

  • You're only young once

    Time and Life

    Said to encourage someone to enjoy their youth while it lasts.

    Example: Take the trip — you're only young once.

  • You've made your bed and you must lie in it

    Morality and Karma

    You have to accept the unpleasant results of what you chose to do.

    Example: You quit without another job lined up — you've made your bed and you must lie in it.

  • Your eyes are bigger than your belly

    Health and Body Parts

    To take more food than you can actually eat.

    Example: He filled the plate twice and finished neither — his eyes were bigger than his belly.

  • Your guess is as good as mine

    Communication and Mind

    I do not know any more about it than you do.

    Example: When will the servers be back? Your guess is as good as mine.