List of V idioms:
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.
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.
VAIN
in vain: without success.
Example: I rushed to the airport to catch my flight but arrived in vain as the flight was canceled.
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.
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.
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.
VERY
the very last: the final part of something.
Example: We arrived late but were able to see the very last set of the tennis match.
the 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.
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.
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.
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.
on view: on display where everyone can see something.
Example: Did you see the art exhibit? There are many famous impressionist paintings on view.
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.
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.
VIRTUE
by virtue of something: because of something.
Example: She got promoted by virtue of her experience, not because of her great looks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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