WORDROW Korean Idioms

Shared illustrations

298 idiom groups

These idioms share illustrations because one scene can help explain their meanings. Sharing an illustration does not mean the idioms have the same meaning. Compare their definitions and examples.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Use one's damned head (대가리를 굴리다) A vulgar expression for using one's mind to devise a solution. Use one’s brains (머리를 굴리다) Use one’s mind to devise a solution

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Suffer from the heat (더위가 들다) Develop abnormal physical symptoms from summer heat Suffer from the heat (더위를 먹다) Develop abnormal bodily symptoms from summer heat.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Hold the real authority (도낏자루를 쥐다) Have actual authority over an undertaking Hold the power (칼자루를 잡다) Have actual authority over an undertaking

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Stamp a seal (도장을 누르다) Impress a seal. Affix a seal (인을 치다) Stamp with a seal

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Blame others for one's own fault (되잡아 흥) Of someone deserving reprimand, reprimand others instead. Turn the blame back on others (되짚어 흥) For someone who deserves reproach to reproach others instead

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

run into a very difficult situation (된서방에 걸리다) To encounter a very difficult and demanding situation. Face a very trying situation (된서방을 맞다) Encounter something extremely difficult and troublesome.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Maintain ties with both sides (두 다리를 걸치다) Keep connections with both sides to benefit from each. Keep a foot in both camps (양다리를 걸치다) Maintain ties with both sides to benefit from each.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

If you say another word (두말 다시 했다간) If one says even the slightest thing to the contrary If you say another word (두말만 하면) If one says anything even slightly different.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

build a nest (둥지를 치다) To make a dwelling or nest. Make a nest or den (보금자리를 치다) Build a nest

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

have something to hide (뒤가 구리다) To have a hidden weakness or wrongdoing. Have something to hide (밑이 구리다) Have a hidden weakness or wrongdoing

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Retire (뒤로 물러나다) Retire from one’s duties or social activities Retire from activity (뒤로 빠지다) Retire from one's duties or social activity.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

be stabbed in the back (뒤통수를 맞다) To be betrayed or double-crossed. be betrayed (발등을 찍히다) To be betrayed by another person.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Decisively (딱 부러지게) Very firmly. flatly (딱 잘라) Very decisively.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

In desperate haste (똥줄이 나게) Extremely hurriedly, in fright or distress in a frantic hurry or with great effort (똥줄이 빠지게) In extreme haste after a fright or reprimand.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Suffer an unforeseen disaster (마른벼락을 맞다) Suddenly suffer an unexpected calamity Suffer a sudden disaster (마른벼락이 떨어지다) Suffer an unexpected disaster suddenly.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Bring to an end (마침표를 찍다) For an affair to end or be brought to an end Bring to an end (종지부를 찍다) For an affair to end or be brought to an end

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Pick at someone's wording (말꼬리를 잡다) Seize on weaknesses in a poorly phrased part of another person's words. Seize on a verbal slip (말끝을 잡다) Seize on a weakness in an incorrectly expressed part of someone’s remarks

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Cut someone off (말머리를 자르다) Stop another person speaking in the middle of their remarks Cut someone off mid-sentence (말허리를 자르다) Stop another person while they are speaking.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Begin speaking (말문을 열다) Open one's mouth and begin talking. Begin speaking (말부리를 헐다) Open one’s mouth and start speaking

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

be able to speak (말문이 떨어지다) For words to come out of one’s mouth. Words come out (입이 떨어지다) For words to emerge from one’s mouth

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Step forward eagerly (맨발을 벗고 나서다) Step forward actively. Step forward eagerly (발 벗고 나서다) Step forward actively.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Bow in submission (머리를 굽히다) Submit or display a deferential stance. Bow in submission or respect (머리를 숙이다) Submit or show a humble attitude

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

Emerge from suppression (머리를 들다) For suppressed or hidden thoughts, forces, or the like to emerge outwardly rear its head (머리를 쳐들다) For suppressed or concealed thoughts, forces, or the like to appear openly.

Illustration shared by 2 Korean idioms

2 idioms share this illustration

arrange hair up or enter married life (머리를 얹다) To braid a woman’s long hair in two sections, cross them behind both ears, and coil them together above the forehead. Put up one's hair; become a full gisaeng; marry (머리를 올리다) Braid a woman's long hair in two, cross the braids behind the ears, and coil them together above the forehead.