Idioms: advice and perspective

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten familiar sayings to give advice, evaluate choices, and explain consequences.

1. Actions speak louder than words

   Expression

   What you do is more important than what you say.

   Instead of promising, show me; actions speak louder than words.

2. Don't count your chickens before they hatch

   Expression

   Don't rely on something good happening until it actually occurs.

   I know you're excited about the job interview, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

3. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

   Expression

   It's better to have something certain than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.

   I'm not quitting my job for a potential offer; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

4. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

   Expression

   Do not rely on a single thing or plan; diversify.

   Invest wisely and don't put all your eggs in one basket to minimize risk.

5. You can't judge a book by its cover

   Expression

   You can't judge someone or something based solely on appearance.

   He may seem unfriendly, but you can't judge a book by its cover; he's actually very kind.

6. Keep your eyes on the prize

   Expression

   To stay focused on achieving a goal; to remain determined.

   Even when faced with challenges, always keep your eyes on the prize and don't lose sight of your objectives.

7. Out of the frying pan and into the fire

   Expression

   Moving from a bad or difficult situation to an even worse one.

   Leaving my stressful job only to end up in an even more demanding one feels like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

8. The early bird catches the worm

   Expression

   Those who act early or arrive first have the best chance for success.

   I always start my work early because, as they say, the early bird catches the worm.

9. You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs

   Expression

   You cannot achieve something without sacrificing or facing difficulties.

   Starting a new business is challenging, but you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

10. A picture is worth a thousand words

    Expression

    An image can convey a complex idea more effectively than words.

    Rather than describing the scene, he showed a photo, proving that a picture is worth a thousand words.