English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

Vale of tears

This vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.

Velvet glove

This idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath. ('Iron fist in a velvet glove' is the full form.)

Vent your spleen

If someone vents their spleen, they release all their anger about something.

Vicar of Bray

(UK) A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray

Vicious circle

A vicious circle is a sequence of events that make each other worse- someone drinks because they are unhappy at work, then loses their job... 'Vicious cycle' is also used.

Vinegar tits

A mean spirited women lacking in love or compassion.

Virgin territory

If something is virgin territory, it hasn't been explored before.

Voice in the wilderness

Someone who expresses an opinion that no one believes or listens to is a voice in the wilderness, especially if proved right later.

Volte-face

If you do a volte-face on something, you make a sudden and complete change in your stance or position over an issue.

Vultures are circling

If the vultures are circling, then something is in danger and its enemies are getting ready for the kill.

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