trust, but verify
Be cautious and confirm information, even if you trust the source
English · UK & Ireland 1611
All languages English Tiếng Việt
Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
truth be told
To admit something honestly
Truth is more valuable if it takes you a few years to find it – often attributed to French author Jules Renard (1864–1910)
Patience and time can lead to greater understanding and insight.
truth is stranger than fiction
Real events can be more surprising than made-up stories
try on for size
To test or consider something to see if it fits or is suitable
try one's hand
To attempt something new to gain experience or test ability
tube steak
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
tuck and roll
to roll with a fall to reduce injury
tug of war
A struggle for control or power between two opposing sides
tug one's forelock
Show respect or deference to someone, often in a humiliating way
tulip mania
a period of irrational speculation and inflated prices
tumble on
to discover or find something by chance
tune in
To watch or listen to a broadcast
tune out
To stop paying attention or listening
tune up
to prepare or improve something
tuned in
paying attention to something
tuppence worth
one's opinion or contribution
turd in the punchbowl
Something or someone that spoils an otherwise enjoyable situation
turf war
A fierce competition or struggle for control or territory
turkey shoot
A situation that is very easy to succeed or win in
turn a corner
Start to recover or improve after a difficult period
turn a deaf ear
To intentionally ignore or refuse to listen to something
turn a hair
To be completely unmoved or unaffected by something
turn a number of shades of red
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
turn a phrase
To express something in a clever or skillful way
turn a profit
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
turn a setback into a comeback
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
turn a trick
To accomplish something cleverly or skillfully
turn against
To oppose or become hostile to someone or something previously supported
turn around
Change direction or situation completely
turn back
To change direction or return to a previous place
turn down
Refuse an offer or invitation
turn in
to submit or hand in something
turn in one's grave
To be deeply disturbed or offended, as if one were alive and reacting to a situation
turn into a pumpkin
To suddenly change into something unwanted or unpleasant
turn loose
To release or set someone or something free
turn of events
An unexpected series of events or change in circumstances
turn of the screw
A sudden or intense increase in pressure or tension
turn off
to stop something from operating
turn on
To activate or start something
turn on its head
Completely reverse or change something
turn on one's heel
to suddenly stop or change direction
turn one's coat
To change one's allegiance or opinion for personal gain
turn one's color
To blush or change facial color due to emotion
turn one's nose up
To show disdain or disgust at something
turn out
happen or end in a certain way
turn over
To give or transfer something to someone
turn someone's head
To greatly attract or impress someone
turn tail
to run away quickly, often due to fear
turn the air blue
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
turn the boat
to change direction or approach
turn the corner
Start to recover or improve after a difficult period
turn the other cheek
To respond to aggression or insult non-violently and peacefully
turn the page
Move on from a difficult experience
turn the scale
To tip the balance in favor of something
turn the screw
to increase pressure or tension on someone
turn the tables
To reverse a situation, gaining the upper hand
turn the tide
To change the course of a situation to one's favor
turn to dust
To decay or disintegrate completely
turn to good account
Use something to one's advantage
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