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Results tagged with idiom-requests
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user 13804
This tag is for questions seeking an idiom that fits a certain meaning. If you are asking more generally about a suitable phrase to use in a particular context, see the "phrase-request" tag. If you are seeking only a single word, see the "single-word-requests" tag.
0
votes
If there is honey, the bees will come from nine mountains away
Those who wish to take advantage of a situation smell blood in the water.
This idiom refers to the idea that if another ocean animal is wounded and bleeding, then sharks will be able to smell the blo …
- 13k
0
votes
A phrase for "to get heavily involved in something"
I have used the word flow, in the psychology sense, to describe this sensation. It describes not just the immersion in the task, but the emotional connection to it at deep level that the outside worl …
- 13k
0
votes
Looking for an idiom that expresses something that looks bad at the outset but turns out okay
I like this one:
Its bark was worse than its bite.
Here's a link.
- 13k
9
votes
Is there any equivalent for this Persian proverb "A lopsided load won't reach the destination"?
It isn't a proverb so much as an idiom, but I will offer cheaters never prosper or sometimes just cheats never prosper.
If you cheat people, they will not continue to do business with you, and s …
- 13k
10
votes
Is there any equivalent for this Persian expression "____ is like an unopened watermelon"?
Your situation is like Schrödinger's Cat, you don't know whether it is alive or dead until you open the box. Marriage and Brexit are both good examples of the Cat, we won't know for sure until more o …
- 13k
6
votes
Accepted
What is the idiom/proverb for "the more you pressure someone they will run away from committ...
In addition to the other answers, I want to add the Streisand Effect, even though it is not a complete answer to your question.
The concept is named for an attempt by singer and actress Barbara Strei …
- 13k
3
votes
Is there any phrase, proverb or idiom that convey "the turtle quarreled with the lake"?
There is one that is similar, even if not quite identical, and that is "bite the hand that feeds you." The Free Dictionary describes it as: to severely criticize the person or organization that helps …
- 13k
1
vote
Word for a proposal or action that is unintentionally self-defeating
Consider the expression Pyrrhic Victory, named for an ancient King whose army defeated Rome, at the loss of almost the entire army. This is sometimes stated as "winning the battle but losing the war." …
- 13k
3
votes
Synonymous idiom for "more x than you can shake a stick at"
Among the other great suggestions, I'll add:
We have a cornucopia full of X.
From the second definition at Merriam-Webster: a great amount or source of something.
- 13k
-1
votes
Is there an English equivalent for this Tamil proverb - "A painting of a bottle gourd is wor...
I normally try to cite good sources here, but for this one the best I can do is... As seen on a poster:
A picture is worth a thousand words, but memories are priceless.
Less directly related is …
- 13k
0
votes
What's an expression for "it doesn't matter where you start so long as you end up in the sam...
There is a technical term consequentialism, known better by the idiom the ends justify the means.
The concept holds that an action should be judged not by the inherent rightness or wrongness of the a …
- 13k
29
votes
What is the expression to describe that you are surrounded and have few ways to act?
You are caught between a rock and a hard place. Meaning, you are facing a decision, and feel that all of your choices will lead to difficulties.
Note that the same link offers similar expressions "b …
- 13k
12
votes
What is the equivalent of Persian idiom "When the reed blooms"?
English has separate idioms for never versus rare/ long time.
For never, you could use the construct "Cartman will pay back Kyle right after << insert impossible event here >>" where the event can b …
- 13k
2
votes
Idiom/word/saying request: Accepting a situation out of desperation
Here are a few suggestions:
Acquiescence - accept, agree, or allow something to happen by staying silent or by not arguing
Resignation - the feeling that something unpleasant is going to happen and …
- 13k
9
votes
Is there any equivalent to this Persian proverb? "A bad or faulty item should inevitably be ...
I don't think there is an equivalent for that exact saying, but the the object itself might be called a white elephant: something that requires a lot of care and money and that gives little profit or …
- 13k