This list of V idioms have a main word that begins with the letter "V." Don't worry, I've also covered the other letters of the alphabet: click here to go to the main idioms page.
Did you remember that an idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the individual words if you looked them up separately in the dictionary? Good! Let's look at the most popular V idioms.
VACUUM
in a vacuum: not connected to other people or events. Example: If you write this report in a vacuum you’re going to have a very limited view of the situation... read more
VAIN
in vain: without success. Example: I rushed to the airport to catch my flight but arrived in vain as the flight was canceled... read more
VANISH
vanish into thin air: to completely disappear. Example: I turned my back for one moment at the park and in that time my dog had vanished into thin air... read more
VENGEANCE
with a vengeance: with a lot of energy or force. Example: After my wife found out someone stole money from her wallet, she came out of the kitchen with a vengeance to ask who took the money... read more
VERGE
on the verge: close to doing or experiencing something. Example: I was on the verge of accusing my roommate of stealing my money from the jar in the kitchen when I remembered I’d used it to pay the pizza delivery man... read more
VERY
very last: the final part of something. Example: We arrived late but were able to see the very last set of the tennis match... read more
very thing: the exact thing needed. Example: I was skeptical, but the vitamins the nutritionist recommended were the very thing I needed to get well... read more
VICINITY
in the vicinity: an approximate amount, nearly. Example: To purchase the home, you’ll need in the vicinity of $50,000 cash as a down payment... read more
VICIOUS
vicious circle: a set of repeating events and factors that negatively affect the next event. Example: Extreme dieting always causes a vicious circle where the dieter initially loses a lot of weight but then gains back more weight than when they first started the diet... read more
VIEW
in view of something: in consideration of something; related to something. Example: In view of my fluency in three languages, I think your offer should be increased to $65,000... read more
on view: on display where everyone can see something. Example: Did you see the art exhibit? There are many famous impressionist paintings on view... read more
bird’s-eye view: as seen from above; a broad view of a situation. Example: I recommend that you go up to the top floor so you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city... read more
take a dim view: to not approve of something; to see something negatively. Example: College admission officers normally take a dim view of students who don’t list many extra-curricular activities on their applications... read more
VIRTUE
by virtue of something: because of something. Example: She got promoted by virtue of her experience, not because of her great looks... read more
VISIT
pay a visit to someone / something (pay someone / something a visit): to go see someone or something. Example: I haven’t heard from my mother in two weeks so I’m going to pay her a visit and make sure she’s okay... read more
VOICE
a lone voice in the wilderness: someone who says something that’s not popular; expressing an unpopular opinion. Example: At the management meeting, my suggestion to give everyone a small bonus was a lone voice in the wilderness... read more
VOID
fill a (the) void: to provide or replace something that’s needed. Example: She’s been drinking to try to fill the void after her husband left her with two young kids... read more
VOLUMES
speaks volumes: to express something clearly, to be a clear example of something. Example: The dirty looks and silence between them speaks volumes about their relationship... read more
VOUCH
vouch for something: to support the truth of something. Example: Even though you didn’t see her at her desk, I can vouch that she arrived on time yesterday and went straight to the manager's meeting... read more
VOTE
vote something down (vote down something): to reject something or defeat a vote for something. Example: I suggested we hire a new receptionist instead of having an answering service, but management voted the idea down... read more
Have you signed-up for my free newsletter? I include an audio magazine article every month that's choc full of new vocabulary and idioms.
You can also find many idiom definitions using an online learner's dictionary.
I actually recommend that my beginner and intermediate students focus on understanding, rather than using, idioms at the beginning. It's really easy to make mistakes with idioms because many are a bit tricky.
Nonetheless, practicing by trying to write your own sentences is going to help you remember them better and this is a safe environment in which to practice.
So try to use an idiom from the list above in your own sentence.
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