Idioms Beginning With Y

Idioms Beginning With Y

The world of idioms is a treasure trove of colorful expressions that add flavor and depth to our language. But have you ever ventured into the strange and wonderful land of Y-starting idioms? Fear not, fellow language enthusiasts, for this blog is here to shed light on these often-overlooked gems!

List of Idioms Beginning With Y

Idioms Beginning With Y with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Idioms Beginning With Y” in English:

Yellow-bellied

• Meaning: Cowardly
• Example: Tom didn’t have the courage to stand up to the bully; he’s really yellow-bellied.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

• Meaning: You can’t enjoy two desirable but mutually exclusive alternatives
• Example: You want to eat all that candy and still lose weight? You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink

• Meaning: You can give someone an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it
• Example: I gave him all the study materials, but he still failed the exam. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

You can’t judge a book by its cover

• Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based on appearance alone
• Example: He seems unfriendly at first, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs

• Meaning: You can’t achieve something important without causing some problems
• Example: If we want to complete the project on time, some mistakes are inevitable. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

• Meaning: It’s hard to change someone’s established habits or ways
• Example: My grandfather refuses to learn how to use a smartphone. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Young at heart

• Meaning: Having a youthful spirit, regardless of age
• Example: My grandmother is 80, but she’s still young at heart.

Your guess is as good as mine

• Meaning: I don’t know either
• Example: Do you know when the meeting starts? Your guess is as good as mine.

You’re pulling my leg

• Meaning: You’re joking or kidding
• Example: You won the lottery? You’re pulling my leg!

You’re the apple of my eye

• Meaning: Someone who is cherished above all others
• Example: Ever since she was born, she’s been the apple of her father’s eye.

You bet your boots

• Meaning: Absolutely; you can be sure
• Example: Are you going to the party tonight? You bet your boots I am.

You bet your bottom dollar

• Meaning: You can be very sure
• Example: I bet my bottom dollar he’ll be late again.

You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

• Meaning: You can get what you want by being kind rather than being harsh
• Example: Try being more polite to get their cooperation. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

You can’t fight City Hall

• Meaning: You can’t change the established system or authority
• Example: They tried to contest the new law, but you can’t fight City Hall.

You can’t get blood from a stone

• Meaning: You can’t get something from someone who doesn’t have it
• Example: Asking him for money is pointless; you can’t get blood from a stone.

You can’t have it both ways

• Meaning: You must choose between two things that can’t coexist
• Example: You want a promotion but aren’t willing to work harder. You can’t have it both ways.

You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear

• Meaning: You can’t make something good out of something inherently bad
• Example: No matter how much we fix it up, this old house will never be luxurious. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

You can’t please everyone

• Meaning: It’s impossible to make everyone happy
• Example: No matter what decision you make, someone will be unhappy. You can’t please everyone.

You could hear a pin drop

• Meaning: It’s very quiet
• Example: After the shocking announcement, you could hear a pin drop in the room.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist

• Meaning: It’s not difficult to understand
• Example: You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that lying is wrong.

You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours

• Meaning: If you do me a favor, I’ll return the favor
• Example: Help me with this project, and I’ll help you with yours. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.

You’re in hot water

• Meaning: You’re in trouble
• Example: He was caught cheating on the test, and now he’s in hot water.

You’re in the doghouse

• Meaning: Someone is angry at you
• Example: Forgetting her birthday has put me in the doghouse.

You’re on thin ice

• Meaning: You’re in a risky or precarious situation
• Example: After his third warning, he’s really on thin ice at work.

You’re skating on thin ice

• Meaning: You’re taking a risk
• Example: If you keep coming to work late, you’re skating on thin ice.

Year In, Year Out

• Meaning: Continuously for many years
• Example: Year in, year out, she has been the top performer in her company.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water, but You Can’t Make It Drink

• Meaning: You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it
• Example: I can give you the best advice, but you need to act on it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

You Can Say That Again!

• Meaning: I completely agree with you
• Example: This weather is horrible. You can say that again!

You Can Take It to the Bank

• Meaning: You can be sure of it
• Example: He’s going to get the job. You can take it to the bank.

You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

• Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone
• Example: She may look shy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

You Can’t Make an Omelet (Omelette)

• Meaning: You can’t achieve something important without causing some problems
• Example: There’s been a lot of hard work, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

You Can’t Make Fish of One and Fowl of the Other

• Meaning: You can’t treat similar things differently
• Example: Both teams must follow the same rules. You can’t make fish of one and fowl of the other.

You Know the Drill

• Meaning: You know what to do
• Example: We have a meeting every Monday at 9 am. You know the drill.

You Snooze, You Lose

• Meaning: If you’re not alert, you may miss opportunities
• Example: The tickets sold out in minutes. You snooze, you lose.

Young at Heart

• Meaning: Having a youthful spirit, regardless of age
• Example: Even though he’s 70, he’s still young at heart and loves to play sports.

Your Guess Is as Good as Mine

• Meaning: I don’t know either
• Example: Do you know when the train will arrive? Your guess is as good as mine.

Your Mileage May Vary

• Meaning: Your experience may be different
• Example: I love this new diet, but your mileage may vary.

Your Number Is Up

• Meaning: Your time is up; you’re about to face trouble
• Example: He knew his number was up when the boss called him into the office.

You’re Driving Me Nuts

• Meaning: You’re annoying or frustrating me
• Example: Stop tapping your pen on the table. You’re driving me nuts!

Yours Truly

• Meaning: A phrase used at the end of a letter; used to refer to oneself humorously
• Example: I hope you find this information helpful. Yours truly, John.

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