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Easy English Proverbs to Learn

Twenty Proverbs for lower level English learners

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Learning proverbs — or sayings — are a great way to get insight and improve your English . Unfortunately, some proverbs are easy to understand and others more difficult. This article provides twenty easy proverbs that are right for your level. Each proverb has a definition for you to learn the proverb. Once you have learned these twenty proverbs, match the situations to the appropriate proverb at the end of the article. Teachers can use these activities with proverbs in the classroom to help your learners.

List of Proverbs

Accidents happen.

Mistakes and bad events naturally happen. It's not your fault.

• Better late than never.

It's good you came to something.

• The customer is always right.

People who pay money for something you sell deserve respect.

You only die once.

Nothing in life is so bad.

• Easy does it.

Be careful, don't go too fast.

• Every man has his price.

Every person will do anything for enough money.

• Fight fire with fire.

If someone is aggressive with you, be aggressive with that person.

• If you can't be good, be careful.

When you do something that mom and dad won't like, don't be too crazy.

• Home is where the heart is.

Your true place is with the people you love.

• The king can do no wrong.

People with a lot of power, the boss, etc. do wrong, but are not criticized by others.

• Knowledge is power.

Learning will help you succeed in life.

• Live and learn.

Living teaches you lessons, take advantage of the lessons.

• He lives long who lives well.

Living healthfully will lead to a long life.

• Money isn't everything.

Money is not the only important thing in life.

• Never say never.

Life will surprise you, don't say no to things.

• Never too old to learn.

No matter how old you are you should learn new things.

• No news is good news.

If you don't hear anything from someone, it means that everything is OK.

• Out of sight, out of mind.

If you don't see or hear about something, you won't worry about it.

• You get what you pay for.

Quality items are never cheap.

• Every picture tells a story.

Each situation tells you something about the people and places involved.

Matching Proverbs Test

Match the proverbs below with the appropriate situations for the proverb .

• You can only die once.
• Accidents will happen.
• Don't worry about what you did. Sometimes bad things happen.
• I'm glad you are here, even if the party started three hours ago.
• Even though that man makes you angry, he is spending money in our shop. Be nice.
• I know it was bad news, but there are worse things in life.
• Speak to Peter again. I'm sure you can convince him to join our company.
• If Mary is going to do that to you, you need to do something to Mary.
• When you go to college, you will probably do some things you shouldn't. Please don't be too crazy!
• I've moved all over the world with my wife. We're happy together no matter where we live.
• He's the director of the company, so he can do what he wants.
• This bad experience is only part of your life. Don't worry about it.
• You might not want to visit Los Angeles today, but maybe you will someday.
• I know it's hard to find a new job when you are 53, but you can do it!
• I haven't heard from my brother for more than three months.
• She's gone so her mother doesn't worry about her so much.
• I'm not surprised it already broke. You only paid $10 for that toy.
• Look at those two old people holding hands. I think they probably have a good marriage.
• Intermediate Level English Proverbs
• Slang, Jargon, Idiom, and Proverb Explained for English Learners
• Idioms and Expressions That Use Have
• 40 Common English Idioms
• How to Speak English
• Compliments in English
• Speaking Strategies for English Learners
• 6 Steps to Master Small Talk
• English Vocabulary and Examples for Talking About the Weather
• Activities With Proverbs
• How to Place 'Too' and 'Enough' in English Sentences
• How to Express Sadness in English
• Draw - Idioms and Expressions
• Building Character Vocabulary
• Comparing and Contrasting in English
• Discussion Questions to Use in English Conversation

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63 Proverbs in English with Meanings, Examples and Pronunciation

Have you ever had a day at work where people said the strangest things ?

“The cat’s out of the bag,” a co-worker says at a staff meeting. “But it’s no use crying over spilled milk. We can still make a lot of progress today.”

Cats? Milk? What’s going on here? The answer is that your co-worker is using proverbs.

Proverbs are the  traditional (historic) sayings of a country or group of people. They are short, clever sentences that usually offer life advice. Native English speakers often use them in conversation without even realizing it.

Proverbs can teach you more about English culture than any textbook. They show what’s important to the group of people, what is considered good behavior and what is bad behavior.

Below are 63 of the top English proverbs, clearly explained just for you!

1. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

2. don’t judge a book by its cover., 3. strike while the iron is hot., 4. too many cooks spoil the broth., 5. you can’t have your cake and eat it too., 6. many hands make light work., 7. when in rome, do as the romans do., 8. don’t cross the bridge until you come to it., 9. honesty is the best policy., 10. practice makes perfect., 11. where there’s a will, there’s a way., 12. look before you leap., 13. beggars can’t be choosers., 14. don’t make a mountain out of an anthill., 15. an apple a day keeps the doctor away., 16. the early bird catches the worm., 17. better late than never., 18. the cat is out of the bag., 19. two wrongs don’t make a right., 20. always put your best foot forward., 21. rome wasn’t built in a day., 22. it’s better to be safe than sorry., 23. don’t bite the hand that feeds you., 24. the squeaky wheel gets the grease., 25. don’t bite off more than you can chew., 26. you made your bed, now you have to lie in it., 27. actions speak louder than words., 28. it takes two to tango., 29. don’t count your chickens before they hatch., 30. it’s no use crying over spilled milk., 31. don’t put all your eggs in one basket., 32. people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones., 33. a rolling stone gathers no moss., 34. first things first., 35. still waters run deep., 36. if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it., 37. curiosity killed the cat., 38. learn to walk before you run., 39. money doesn’t grow on trees., 40. my hands are tied., 41. it’s the tip of the iceberg., 42. no news is good news., 43. out of sight, out of mind., 44. if you scratch my back, i’ll scratch yours., 45. ignorance is bliss., 46. easy come, easy go., 47. the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest., 48. every cloud has a silver lining., 49. you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs., 50. close, but no cigar., 51. there’s more than one way to skin a cat., 52. a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush., 53. never trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you., 54. paddle your own canoe., 55. bitter pills may have blessed effects., 56. it’s always darkest before the dawn., 57. people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones., 58. there are plenty more fish in the sea., 59. take it with a grain of salt., 60. from little acorns mighty oaks do grow., 61. you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink., 62. good things come to those who wait., 63. when life gives you lemons, make lemonade., and one more thing....

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“The grass is always greener” is a proverb that says it’s not good to be  jealous (to want what other people have). It may seem like everyone around you has “greener grass,” meaning nicer cars, better jobs, etc.

But your neighbor probably thinks you have greener grass, too. It means that your friends and other people might think you have better looks, a happier family, etc. So, instead of thinking about what everyone else has, this proverb wants you to be thankful for what you have.

Sarah always thinks other schools are better. The grass is always greener on the other side , though.

Things are not always what they seem. This proverb teaches you not to make judgments about other people because of how they look or dress.

A book with a boring or plain cover could be amazing. The same is true with people. A person might look like an athlete or fool, but there’s probably a lot more to them than their clothes suggest.

I thought the movie would be boring, but my friend said not to judge a book by its cover .

This old expression comes from the days of  blacksmiths (people who work with metal). To shape the metal, the blacksmith would have to beat it with a hammer. Iron is easier to work with when it’s hot.

This proverb means you should take advantage of the moment. If an opportunity presents itself to you, take it! Take action because the chance may not come again.

If you want a discount, you should buy the shirt now. Strike while the iron is hot.

The more common form of this expression is “Too many cooks in the kitchen.” A lot people trying to work in a kitchen around a small table or stovetop will likely make a mess and ruin the food.

This proverb talks about the trouble of too many people trying to do the same thing at once.

I think there should only be two or three people working on this project. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

If you eat your cake, you won’t have it anymore, will you? So you can’t do both. This proverb is about having two opposite desires, and how it’s impossible to get both.

Its meaning is the opposite of the expression, “to have the best of both worlds.”

No, I’m not going to give you money when you spent what you had on games. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

If a lot of people carry a heavy object, it doesn’t feel heavy. That is the general meaning of this proverb.

If everyone works together to complete something—like cleaning, painting or group projects—then each person has less to do. More importantly, the job will be completed much more quickly.

Please help us with this project. Many hands make light work.

Sometimes, this proverb is shortened to just “when in Rome…” When you are a visitor somewhere away from home, you should act like everyone else. It’s polite to do so, and could keep you from getting into trouble.

This proverb refers to the ancient days of the Roman Empire when the capital city had visitors from all over the world. Cultures were very different between cities in those times. But while in Rome, people needed to behave like a Roman, no matter where they came from.

In Japan, bowing is polite, so when in Rome, do as the Romans do .

This proverb tells you not to worry so much! Problems will certainly come in the future. But what can be done about that now?

It’s better to think about what you’re doing right now—without worrying about the unknown—and take care of issues when they actually happen.

Don’t worry about the test next month when you still have to pass an exam tomorrow. You shouldn’t cross the bridge until you come to it .

Lying a lot can be difficult, because you might forget your lies. Soon enough, someone will find out that you’re lying. Then, you’re in trouble. And even if no one ever finds out, you’ll feel guilty for not telling the truth.

But if you’re honest and tell the truth, people will believe you and respect you. You’ll earn their trust and sleep well at night.

Even if you make a mistake, honesty is the best policy . Tell the truth.

It would be amazing if you picked up a guitar for the first time and could play it like a rock star. Or if the first time you got in a car, you could drive like a professional. Or if you could speak English perfectly after one lesson.

Everything is difficult when you’re a beginner. But if you stick with it and keep practicing, you can master anything.

You can get better at soccer by doing drills every day. Practice makes perfect.

This proverb is said to encourage people who want to give up. Sometimes, we face problems that seem impossible. But if you want it bad enough, nothing can stand in your way.

That is what this proverb means—if you have the will to meet the problems that are in front of you, there’s a way to overcome them.

Maria saved up half her earnings to go to college. She is proof that where there’s a will, there’s a way .

Don’t rush into things! Make sure you know what’s going to happen next. You wouldn’t jump off a cliff without first checking how far the ground is below or what there is to land on.

You should wait a few moments and make sure it’s a good idea to jump from that cliff. So, when making a big “jump” in life, make sure you’ve looked at the situation and really understood it before you take a big action.

When making important decisions, always look before you leap .

If someone gives you free things or offers to help you do something when you really need it, you can’t ask for a different color or choose the perfect time in your schedule.

When you receive help or goods and you don’t really have many other options, you should accept what you’re offered. You can’t be picky (a “chooser”) because you’re not paying!

It’s hard to book a good hotel during peak seasons. Beggars can’t be choosers.

People sometimes get very upset over small problems. This proverb reminds you to take a moment and see how important (or not important) the issue is.

Messing up your laundry or being late for work isn’t very important when you consider your entire life. So, it’s important to stay calm and not get angry about tiny problems.

Another version of this saying is the classic American proverb, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill .”

It’s just a small scratch, Dave. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.

An apple is full of Vitamin C, which keeps you healthy. However, the “apple” in this proverb means eating healthy in general.

If you eat well and your diet includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, there will be no need to visit the doctor.

My grandma believes that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . That’s why she always has a fresh batch of apples in the fridge.

This proverb is a lot like the phrase “First come, first served.” It simply means that it’s usually best to be early.

If you arrive earlier—whether it’s to a clothing store, restaurant, conference, etc.—you’ll have the best options to choose from. If you come later, though, the best clothes could’ve sold out, the restaurant could be full and have a long waiting time, etc.

Wake up early if you want to finish your homework. The early bird catches the worm , after all.

While being the early bird is the best, even latecomers may get something for coming. It would be a lot worse if they never came at all.

This proverb is often said about ending fights with people. It’s better to apologize and make up years later than to never resolve your fight at all.

You can still join the party, Kyle. You know what they say: Better late than never !

This proverb means that a secret has been told. It comes from the Middle Ages and was common advice given in the market.

You may have thought you purchased a tasty pig, but the seller put a simple cat in the bag instead. “To let the cat out of the bag” was to reveal the seller’s trick.

We were planning a surprise, but now the cat is out of the bag .

If somebody insults you or harms you (“a wrong”), doing the same to them (“two wrongs”) will not make everything okay.

It will most likely cause a back-and-forth fight without end. If somebody is mean to you, don’t be mean to them in return because it’s not right to be so.

He hit you, but hitting back won’t help. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

When you’re starting on a project or a journey, it’s best to start with a good attitude and a lot of energy.  First impressions (what people think about you when they meet you for the first time) can last for a long time.

That’s why this proverb is also used when meeting new people or for job interviews. Having a positive attitude—your “best foot”—is the best way to make a good impression.

In the job interview, remember to smile, be confident and always put your best foot forward .

Rome is a great city. However, it took many years to be completed. The builders didn’t rush to complete their work and neither should you.

If you wish to create something wonderful and long-lasting, you’ll have to spend more than a day working on it. You’ll probably have to spend several days, weeks or even months to do a good job. Take your time and do it right!

It’s okay that you don’t draw like an expert in the beginning. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Do everything possible to keep bad things from happening to you. It only takes a second to put on a seatbelt or to check that you locked the door.

But if you’re not safe, the bad results can last a lifetime. So, it’s better for you to be careful. Otherwise, you’ll be sorry.

Wear your helmet when biking. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This proverb warns against acting mean to those who provide for you or do nice things for you.

If you were to bite the hand that gave you food, that hand probably won’t come back to feed you again. Then what would you eat? So, you should be kind and thankful to those who care for you.

Even if you’re upset, be nice to your boss. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

If you have a problem but never talk about it, no one will help you. How could they? But if you tell someone, things will get better.

This proverb is about someone who complains a lot (the “squeaky wheel”) because they get more attention (“the grease”). For example, a child who cries a lot will get more attention from his mother than his silent brothers and sisters.

If you need help, speak up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

If you take a bite of food that’s too big, you won’t be able to chew! Plus, you could choke on all of that extra food.

It’s the same if you take on more work or responsibility than you can handle—you’ll have a difficult time. So, it’s best not to get involved in too many projects, because you won’t be able to focus and get them all done well.

Did you really just decide to write two papers in one night? I don’t think you should bite off more than you can chew .

No one likes sleeping in a poorly made bed. If you make your bed with the sheets all tangled and blankets facing the wrong way, you can’t switch with someone else. You have to sleep in that bed.

This proverb uses bed-making to describe any bad situation in which you may find yourself. You can’t trade places with anyone else. You must live with the results of your actions, so make good choices.

You didn’t study for the test, and will probably fail because of it. You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.

The Greek philosopher Plato once said that action is character. People aren’t defined by what they say because a lot of talk doesn’t mean anything. People are judged by the things they do. Your actions are more important than what you say.

Instead of promising to help, just help. Actions speak louder than words.

This proverb is often said during a fight in which one person is putting all of the blame on the other person, when both people were actually responsible.

Just as one person can’t  tango (a Spanish dance with two people) alone, two people are responsible for some situations, so you can’t just blame one person.

In a relationship, it takes two to tango .

This proverb warns against being too eager. Just because you have five eggs doesn’t mean you will have five chickens. It’s not a good idea to make plans based on  expectations (what you think will happen). Things may not happen like you thought they would and that could get you in trouble.

I know you’re excited about the job interview, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch .

Milk is easy to get. You may get in trouble for spilling the milk, but you shouldn’t cry because it isn’t a big deal. Also, crying won’t solve anything.

This proverb advises you to stay calm during such small problems. Don’t waste time worrying about little things that cannot be changed. Clean up the mess and go buy some more milk.

I accidentally broke my favorite mug, but it’s no use crying over spilled milk . I’ll just buy a new one.

Be careful! If you put all your goods in one bag or all your money in one stock, you’re taking a big risk. It’s smarter to spread your wealth around. That way, if one basket should break, you’re not left with nothing.

When it comes to investing in stocks, don’t put all your eggs in one basket .

“People in glass houses” means anyone who is sensitive about their failures. People like this shouldn’t insult others (shouldn’t “throw stones”), because the other person will likely turn around and insult you back.

And like glass, which is easy to break, your  self-esteem (what you think of yourself) will easily break into pieces.

You shouldn’t criticize others for their mistakes when you have your own flaws. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones .

Only a stone that’s in the same place for a long time will have moss growing on it. On the other hand, a stone on the move will remain bare.

The same is true with people. If you remain in one place for a long time, the signs of life—friends, family, objects and your local  reputation (what people think of you)—will grow on you. But if you always move from place to place, the opposite will happen.

Sarah loves to travel and try new things, because she believes that a rolling stone gathers no moss .

This proverb advises you to do things in the right order. Don’t skip over the more difficult or less enjoyable tasks to get to the easier, more fun ones.

For example, if you have an exam to study for the same night your friend is having a party, study for the exam first. The party would be more fun, but the exam is more important, so it should be done first.

First things first : Finish your chores before you start your homework.

“Still waters run deep” describes people who are quiet and calm. These people often have “deep,” interesting personalities. So even if someone doesn’t talk a lot, they could still be very thoughtful.

The proverb uses water to describe people. When the surface of a body of water is rough and fast, it usually means that it’s  shallow (not deep) and has rocks close to the surface, like in a river or stream. But water that is calm and still is often very deep, like in a lake.

John may seem quiet, but still waters run deep .

This phrase is used when someone is trying to change or “improve” a way of doing something that works perfectly well. Why change something that works? You could ruin everything! This proverb goes nicely with the expression “leave well enough alone.”

*Note: “Ain’t” is not correct English. It’s an informal way of saying “isn’t” or “is not.” This style of speaking is popular in the Southern states of the United States and in farming regions.

Our company has a general policy along the lines of “ if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “

This proverb is often used to stop someone from asking too many questions.

Curiosity (when you’re excited and eager to know something) can lead you into dangerous situations. Cats, who are naturally curious, often end up in trouble. They can get stuck up in trees or between walls.

My little sister opened the mysterious box even though she was told not to. Well, curiosity killed the cat .

Do things in the right order—from the simplest to the most complicated.

For example, don’t try to read a difficult English novel when you’re just starting to learn English . If you try to jump ahead, you’ll most likely fail—just like a child who tries to run before learning to walk will fall.

All things will come in time, but you must be patient and go through the proper process.

Before you study calculus, you’ll want to master algebra first. Learn to walk before you run .

This proverb is often said to people who waste their money on silly purchases.

Things that grow on trees, such as fruit or leaves, are considered  plentiful (enough, plenty) because they’ll grow back. If you eat an apple from a tree, more apples will continue to grow.

But money must be earned through hard work, and doesn’t “grow back” after you spend it. Once you spend money, it’s gone.

We can’t buy everything we want. Money doesn’t grow on trees , you know.

This phrase shouldn’t be taken literally. You say this proverb when you can’t do what you would like to do, especially when someone asks you to do something.

For example, let’s say you are in charge of an office and everyone (including you) wants to celebrate someone’s birthday. But your boss tells you it’s against the rules. You could tell your coworkers, “Sorry, my hands are tied.” You would like to have a birthday celebration with them, but you can’t.

I would love to help, but my hands are tied . I have too many assignments to complete.

Only a small amount of an iceberg can be seen above the surface of the water. Most of it lies below.

This proverb uses the iceberg to describe a situation where you are only beginning to understand the problem. The little signs that you can see are in fact part of a much larger problem.

The argument was just the tip of the iceberg . There are deeper issues that need to be addressed.

No information about a situation suggests that nothing bad has happened. This phrase is said by families waiting nervously for news of a father or son who has gone to war.

To receive news would mean hearing that your loved one has been killed, captured or hurt. Even though it’s difficult to know nothing about what’s happening, it’s still better than hearing bad news.

I haven’t heard from the job interview yet, but no news is good news , right?

If you can see something every day, your mind will think about it. This proverb is about the habit of forgetting things that are not nearby.

For example, if you want to stop eating chips and junk food, you could move them from the countertop and hide them in a cupboard. If you don’t see them, you won’t think to eat them. Out of sight, out of mind.

Since I moved to a new city, my old friends are out of sight, out of mind .

This proverb simply means that if you help me, I’ll help you, too. Usually, when you do a favor for someone, they do something for you in return. This can be  beneficial (helpful) to both people.

If you help me with my project, I’ll help you with yours. It’s a “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” situation.

Ignorance is when you don’t know or are unaware of something.  Bliss is pure joy and happiness. So, sometimes it feels better and you’re more comfortable when you don’t know about certain things—for example, events on the news.

Sometimes, not knowing the harsh reality can be better—as they say, ignorance is bliss .

Money, fame, love or anything that happens easily can be lost just as quickly. If you get a lot of money or suddenly become famous, you could lose that money or fame very quickly—since you didn’t work hard to earn it.

I found 20 dollars on the street, but I lost it later in the day. Well, easy come, easy go .

Forbidden  means it’s not allowed, so this phrase means that if something isn’t allowed, you often want it the most (it will “taste” the sweetest).

For example, let’s say you’re a kid whose parents don’t let you drink soda. You go to a friend’s house, and her parents ask if you want a soda. You say yes and really enjoy that soda because you never get to drink it at home.

Even though she was told not to eat the cookies, the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest , and she couldn’t resist.

People say this when things are going badly or when someone is sad. Clouds stand for bad situations. Every bad situation has some good parts to it—you just have to look for them.

This proverb is meant to help people feel better and keep going. It’s also where the name of the movie “Silver Linings Playbook” came from.

Even though I lost my job, I found a new opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining .

Speaking of movies, you can watch more of these proverbs in action through the language learning platform FluentU .

An omelet is a tasty dish and worth the effort to make. However, you must break some eggs to make it.

Sometimes, to get things done, you have to be pushy or break a few rules. You may even have to insult some people. So if you want to get a worthwhile project done or make changes, you can’t please everyone. Someone might be offended or hurt, so you have to decide if the price is worth it.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

In the old days, fairgrounds would give cigars as prizes for games. The phrase “close, but no cigar” means that you were close to succeeding in the game, but you didn’t win the cigar.

As a proverb, it means that even though you did your best or almost had it right, you weren’t able to meet your goal.

I was close to winning the race, but I came in second place. Close, but no cigar .

This proverb is saying that there’s more than one way to do or accomplish something.

For example, during your English learning journey, you’ve probably been told “this is the best way” or “this is the best resource,” but “the best” is really whatever personally works for you. You have to figure out the best way to skin the cat—figuratively, of course!

If your initial plan doesn’t work out, don’t worry. There’s more than one way to skin a cat .

Sometimes, we take for granted what we have, and also don’t realize what we have until it’s gone. This proverb claims that the most valuable thing you have is what you already have!

For example, let’s say you have $100. You could just put this $100 into your savings account, or you could take it to Las Vegas to try to turn it into $1000. But it’s likely that you’ll lose it. So, stick with the bird (that $100) in your hand.

I was considering a job offer from another city, but my current job is stable. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

This is saying that you don’t go looking for problems and making things more difficult for yourself.

You’ve probably noticed that the word “trouble” is repeated four times in this proverb—twice as verbs and twice as nouns.

In English, many words can be used as different parts of speech .

Don’t worry about things you can’t control. Never trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you.

This verb is saying that you should be independent and not rely on others so much. It’s possible to have more than one person paddle a canoe, but if you want to succeed in life, you need to learn to do it on your own.

Take charge of your own life and decisions; in other words, paddle your own canoe .

This proverb says that the  remedy or solution to a problem might not be pleasant, but the end result can be wonderful.

For example, exercise may not be fun while you’re doing it, but if you stick with it, you’ll be healthier.

The criticism was tough to hear, but it made me improve. Bitter pills may have blessed effects .

This proverb is a good reminder that darkness is always followed by light.

At some point during your English learning journey, you’ll likely encounter a phase (hopefully, a very short one) where you feel like you’ve hit a wall, you’re frustrated, you don’t feel like you’re progressing or you feel like you just want to give up.

This is the darkest moment!

But if you stick with it and keep practicing and putting in the effort, the dawn (i.e., you being fluent in English) will eventually come!

I know you feel terrible right now, but it’s always darkest before the dawn .

This proverb advises against being a hypocrite (someone whose words don’t match what they do, or vice versa).

For example, this proverb would apply to a classmate who’s being mean to someone because they didn’t know what a certain word meant in English, even though this classmate often makes a lot of mistakes in English.

Jenny criticized her friend’s cooking, but she forgot she burned dinner last week. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

This proverb is mainly used to offer  condolences (sympathy) to someone who has just broken up with their significant other. This proverb suggests that the heartbroken person shouldn’t worry too much because there are plenty of other potential partners out there.

This proverb might be incorporated into a conversation like this:

Your friend: Shelly just broke up with me. I’m going to be alone forever!

You: I’m so sorry she broke up with you. But you shouldn’t worry too much. There are plenty more fish in the sea .

Meaning: Don’t take something someone says or does too seriously.

This proverb can be used when someone is telling you something that probably isn’t entirely true. In this case, you’d take what they say with a grain of salt.

We all know someone who always exaggerates or doesn’t tell the entire truth. These are the types of people whose words should be taken with a grain of salt.

When listening to gossip, it’s wise to take it with a grain of salt . Not everything may be true.

This American proverb reminds us that great people and accomplishments often come from  modest (simple) beginnings. This proverb can certainly be applied to your English language learning journey!

You might have started with little to no understanding of the English language. But from these humble beginnings, you can grow into a strong English speaker!

The fact that his multimillion dollar corporation started as a tiny store is proof that from little acorns mighty oaks do grow .

This strange proverb actually has nothing to do with horses.

It means that you can give someone something that they need (like water in this case), but there’s no way you can force them to use that something (or drink the water) until they’re ready to do it.

In other words, you can’t force someone to do something, even if it’s good for them.

For example, your parents can give you money to attend university, but they can’t make you actually go to class. That decision is totally up to you.

Don’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink .

Patience is valued in American culture, so this proverb tells you that waiting—although boring—can lead to great outcomes.

For example, let’s say you want to buy a new car. Well, it may take a while because you have to work and save your money. But after a year, you finally have the money and the model you wanted to buy is way better than last year’s model. So, the wait was worth it!

If you’re working hard and not seeing results right now, know that good things come to those who wait .

In American culture, “lemons” are often bad things. They’re sour and pretty much useless on their own. You’d much rather have a fresh strawberry or an orange.

So, when life gives you lemons (hardship), just squeeze those lemons into a glass, add a little sugar or water and have a delicious and refreshing drink. You’ve turned something bad into something great!

When life gives Kate lemons, she makes lemonade . For example, after losing her job, she decided to start her own business that’s now earning a lot of money.

English has many proverbs, and these are just the tip of the iceberg.

But you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Start with these useful English proverbs and sayings, and you’ll be using them yourself in no time!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

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100+ Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples

• Updated on  
• Mar 12, 2024

Common Proverbs: Who hasn’t used proverbs in their speech at some point in time? We all have! Proverbs are an integral part of our daily communication. Having a strong knowledge of proverbs will not only help you increase your communication skills but will also help you do well in various competitive exams like TOEFL , IELTS , SSC-CGL etc. This blog will help you get an idea of some common English proverbs useful in everyday life.

This Blog Includes:

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A proverb is a folk piece of advice expressed through short, brief sentences. Most proverbs are related to local, beliefs, and traditions of a particular place. Proverbs can be figurative or literal.

Proverbs are short, well-known expressions that offer wisdom or advice. They can be particularly helpful for students as they often encapsulate important life lessons and values. Here are some common proverbs that are relevant for students:

• “ Knowledge is power .”
• “Practice makes perfect.”
• “A stitch in time saves nine.”
• “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
• “The early bird catches the worm.”
• “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
• “ Actions speak louder than words .”
• “You reap what you sow.”
• “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
• “Honesty is the best policy.”
• “Never judge a book by its cover.”
• “Two heads are better than one.”
• “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
• “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
• “All that glitters is not gold.”
• “Hard work pays off.”
• “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
• “The more, the merrier.”
• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
• “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.”

Lesser Known English Proverbs

While the proverbs I mentioned in my previous response are fairly common, many lesser-known proverbs also offer valuable insights. Here are some lesser-known proverbs that you might find interesting:

“ A closed mouth catches no flies .” Meaning : Sometimes it’s better to keep quiet.

“ The darkest hour has only sixty minutes .” Meaning : Even in difficult times, there’s hope and a limited duration of darkness.

“ A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor .” Meaning : Challenges and hardships are opportunities for personal growth.

“ You can’t unscramble eggs .” Meaning : Once something is done, it’s irreversible.

“ A fool and his money are soon parted. ” Meaning : People who are not careful with their finances will quickly lose their wealth.

“ Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it .” Meaning : Don’t worry about problems before they actually occur.)

“ A watched pot never boils .” Meaning : Time seems to pass more slowly when you’re eagerly waiting for something.

“ Penny wise, pound foolish .” Meaning : Being overly frugal with small expenses can lead to greater, more costly problems.

“ The early worm gets eaten .” Meaning: A twist on the early bird proverb, emphasizing the risks of being too hasty.)

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil”

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” 

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart”

“ Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense”

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and one who saves life”

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act”

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”

“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy”

“Love those who love me, and those who seek me find me”

“ Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs”

“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” 

“For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” 

“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her”

“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”

“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of them” 

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind of words cheers it up”

“Good Judgement wins favour, but the way of unfaithful leads to their destruction” 

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” 

Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Don’t cast pearls before swine.

What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.

No man is an island.

Politics makes strange bedfellows.

Cross the stream where it is the swallowest.

After the feast comes to the reckoning.

A leopard can not change his spots. Meaning: You cannot change your true nature

You reap what you sow.

• Adversity and loss make a man wise. Meaning: Tough times can make a wise person out of anyone.

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Proverbs are pieces of brief and popular sayings, generally in the form of a phrase. They are commonly used to illustrate a specific point. Knowledge about proverbs is important since it increases your vocabulary and enhances social skills. Proverbs often appear in questions for various competitive exams, and thus getting familiar with different proverbs and their meanings should be an essential part of your preparation.

Below we have created a list of 80 common English proverbs used extensively in daily conversations. We have also added their meanings and some examples of proverbs:

1.     All that glitters is not gold Meaning: Something might not be as valuable as it seems to be Example: Radhika bought an attractive bracelet recently, but it broke in less than a week. All that glitters is not gold.

2.     A picture is worth a thousand words Meaning: Explaining something is easier through a picture than by words Example: It’s easier to learn from pictures than only text, since a picture is worth a thousand words.

3.     All good things come to an end Meaning: Nothing great lasts forever Example: It was a fantastic vacation, but all good things come to an end.

4.     Beggars can’t be choosers Meaning: People dependent on others must be content with what is offered to them Example: People who depend on the generosity of others can’t pick & choose things as per their liking. They’ve to accept what is given to them.

5.     A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step Meaning: It is necessary to take the first step to reach your goal Example: I feel overwhelmed with all the tasks I have to finish, but I have to start with something since a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

6. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush Meaning: What you have is better than what you might get Example: I think I’ll sell my car at the offered price instead of waiting for something higher. After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

7.     Actions speak louder than words Meaning: What someone does means more than what they say they will do Example: She never bragged about her grades but secured the second position in the board exams. Truly, actions speak louder than words.

8.     An apple a day keeps the doctor away Meaning: Eating an apple daily keeps you healthy Example: You won’t fall ill if you eat the fruits, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

9.     An idle brain is the devil’s workshop Meaning: Evil thoughts come to us easily when we are idle Example: You should give your daughter something to do in the afternoon, after all an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.

10.   Better safe than sorry Meaning: It is better to take precautions than to regret later Example: Don’t ride your bike without wearing a helmet. It is better to be safe than sorry.

11.  Appearances can be deceptive Meaning: Something might be different from how they appear outwardly Example: Don’t trust people you are not familiar with; appearances can be deceptive.

12.   A stitch in time saves nine Meaning: It is better to deal with problems immediately than letting them become bigger Example: Don’t ignore the sudden malfunctioning of your car, just go to the garage. A stitch in time saves nine.

13.   As you sow, so you shall reap Meaning: Your actions determine your results Example: If you don’t go to sleep early, you will wake up late. As you sow, so shall you reap.

14.   The grass is always greener on the other side Meaning: Other people always seem to be in a better situation, although it might not be true Example: Sometimes I feel I should have gone for my master’s degree like you instead of this job. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side.

15.   Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Meaning: The perception of beauty varies from person to person Example: I don’t really like the colour of your car, but then, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

16.   Better late than never Meaning: Getting something late is better than never getting it Example: we have been waiting for you for 3 hours, but okay, it’s better late than never.

17.   Blood is thicker than water Meaning: Family relationships are always stronger than other relationships Example: I had a party to attend but I still chose to stay home because my grandmother was sick. As they say, blood is thicker than water.

18.   When in Rome, do as the Romans do Meaning: Follow the local customs when you visit a foreign place Example: You cannot be picky about food in this foreign country, you have to make do with the local food. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

19.   Don’t count your chickens before they hatch Meaning: Don’t make plans based on events that have not yet happened Example: Wait for the offer letter before celebrating about getting a job. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

20.   Don’t judge a book by its cover Meaning: Don’t form an opinion about someone by their appearance Example: She may look innocent, but don’t judge a book by its cover – she is the greatest troublemaker I have ever seen.

21.   Don’t put all your eggs in one basket Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture Example: Don’t invest all the money in the stock market, you should never put all your eggs in one basket.

22.   Early bird catches the worm Meaning: One who arrives first gets the best chance at success Example: We should go early to the boutique on the day of their sale to get the best stuff. The early bird catches the worm!

23.   Every cloud has a silver lining Meaning: There is always a positive side to any difficult situation Example: I got a much better job after losing my last one. Every cloud does have a silver lining.

24.   Enjoy it while it lasts Meaning: Make the best of a moment since it won’t last forever Example: College life is the best time of your life, enjoy it while it lasts.

25.   Honesty is the best policy Meaning: Being honest is the best characteristic Example: Don’t lie to land a job, remember that honesty is the best policy.

26.   Haste makes waste |Meaning: Doing something too quickly results in mistakes Example: Don’t rush through your assignment, remember haste makes waste.

27.   It’s no use crying over spilt milk Meaning: You shouldn’t be upset over something that has already happened Example: The trip was a disaster, but it’s no use crying over spilt milk.

28.   Strike while the iron is hot Meaning: Grab an opportunity at the most favourable time Example: To overtake your competitor, you should strike while the iron is hot.

29.   Laughter is the best medicine Meaning: Trying to be happy is the best cure Example: Being in good company can lift your spirits, after all, laughter is the best medicine.

30.   Every dog has its day Meaning: everyone attains success at some point in their lives Example: don’t give up just because you were rejected twice, remember every dog has its day.

31.   The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree Meaning: A child has similar characteristics to their parents Example: Renu sings so well, just like her mother. Indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

32.   Necessity is the mother of invention Meaning: When you really need something, you find a way to meet the need Example: When the strap of my sandals came off while I was in the office, I stapled it back. Necessity is the mother of invention, you know!

33.   Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today Meaning: Do not delay a task if you can do it immediately Example: Don’t leave the drawing incomplete, you should never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

34.   Practice makes perfect Meaning: You become better at a skill by practising it Example: Don’t give up if you can’t do it right the first time, remember practice makes perfect.

35.   A friend in need is a friend indeed Meaning: A true friend is one who helps you when you need it Example: He helped me with the notes while I was sick, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

36.   Mind your own business Meaning: To not interfere in someone else’s matter Example: Will you please mind your own business and stop telling me what to do?

37.   Practice what you preach Meaning: Follow what you want others to follow Example: You always tell us to reach early and yourself come late. You should practice what you preach.

38.   Rome wasn’t built in a day Meaning: Good work takes time Example: It took him ten years to get to this position. Rome was not built in a day.

39.   Forgive and forget Meaning: Pardon and hold no resentment regarding a certain event Example: What was done cannot be changed, so let’s just forgive and forget.

40.   Two wrongs don’t make a right Meaning: Someone’s wrongful conduct is not a justification for acting in the same way Example: You shouldn’t hit her because she hit you, two wrongs don’t make a right.

You’re doing great. Here’s your next set of common proverbs to learn!

41.   Look before you leap Meaning: Act after considering the possible consequences Example: It is always better to look before you leap.

42.   Fortune favours the bold Meaning: Courageous actions are often rewarded Example: Although fortune favours the bold, you should also calculate the risks involved in this venture.

43.   Out of sight, out of mind Meaning: People or things that are no longer present are easily forgotten Example: The employees relaxed as soon as the boss left. Out of sight, out of mind.

44.   To kill two birds with one stone Meaning: Achieving two goals at once Example: Using a cycle for exercise and transport is like killing two birds with one stone.

45.   Good things come to those who wait Meaning: Patience is rewarded Example: Don’t be hasty with your decisions, good things come to those who wait

46.   Great minds think alike Meaning: Intelligent people have similar ideas Example: both of us suggested similar solutions for this problem, indeed, great minds think alike.

47.   Once bitten, twice shy Meaning: One unpleasant experience leads to caution Example: After his road accident, he became very cautious during crossing roads. Once bitten, twice shy.

48.   Money doesn’t grow on trees Meaning: It requires effort to earn money Example: Don’t keep buying unnecessary things, money doesn’t grow on trees.

49.   The pen is mightier than the sword Meaning: Written words are more effective than brute force Example: The journalists proved to the world that ultimately the pen is mightier than the sword.

50.   Birds of a feather flock together Meaning: One tends to stick together with similar-minded people Example: Both of them are computer geeks, no wonder they are best friends. As they say, birds of a feather flock together.

51. Absence makes the heart grow fonder Meaning: We love the people who are not with us more in their absence Example: We never understood each other’s worth when we were together. Now we miss each other all the time. I think absence makes the heart grow fonder.

52. A cat has nine lives Meaning: Cats can survive the most fatal of accidents Example: We haven’t been able to meet for months now. But I am not worried, I know a cat has nine lives.

53. A drowning man will clutch at a straw Meaning: If someone is in a difficult or tough situation, he/ she will grasp on any available opportunity to improve it Example: Since the allopathic medicines have not been able to help him, he is now trying homoeopathic for a cure. A drowning man will clutch at a straw. 

54. A leopard doesn’t change its spots Meaning: A person cannot change his/her innate character, especially the bad aspects Example: I don’t think he will change his habits if he gets caught? A leopard can’t change its spots. 

55. Alls well that ends well Meaning: It doesn’t matter how many problems in the world as long as the result is good Example: I am glad you didn’t get hurt in the accident, even if the car got smashed. Alls well that ends well.

56. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king Meaning: Even an incapable person can come to a powerful position if others in the fray are even more incapable Example: He has become the head of the department in his office despite his lack of skills and exposure. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king. 

57. An empty vessel makes much noise  Meaning: People who are stupid or foolish are the most talkative Example: Rather than help the siblings resolve the fight, he kept interfering and inciting them. An empty vessel makes much noise.

58. A rolling stone gathers no moss Meaning: A person who keeps changing his/her jobs always has the advantage of fewer responsibilities and also the disadvantage of no particular place to live Example: Can’t believe he is married and well settled now. He was a bit of a rolling stone a few years back.

59. Cleanliness is next to Godliness Meaning: Cleanliness is a good virtue. It is next to Godliness.  Example: You must keep yourself and your room clean. You must remember that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

60. Curiosity killed the cat Meaning: You should never poke your nose in the business of others. It can be dangerous Example: I am aware that curiosity killed the cat, but I still want to find out if he hit her. It is not right. 

Must Read: Common Phrases with Meanings

61. Practice what you preach Meaning: Behave the way you encourage other people to behave Example: You keep telling us to go for a jog in the morning, but I wish you would practice what you preach.

62. Rome wasn’t built in a day Meaning: Important work takes time to complete Example: You can’t expect her to finish such a complex project in a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

 63. Ignorance is bliss Meaning: If you don’t know about something, you don’t need to bother about it. In other words, if you’re unaware of something, it won’t cause you stress. Example: I didn’t know that the neighbour next door was involved in criminal activities. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

64. It’s better to be safe than sorry Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than regret later Example: One shouldn’t complain about the inconvenience of security check each time you enter the building. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

64. It’s easy to be wise after the event Meaning: It is easy to understand what you could have done to prevent something bad from happening after it has happened. Example: I would have never bought an apartment if I had known that the land on which it has been built is disputed. Well, it’s easy to be wise after the event.

65. It’s never too late to mend Meaning: It’s never too late to change your wrong ways or habits Example: X: I still miss my best friend, but it’s been a year since our fight and we haven’t spoken to each other since. Y: Well, it’s never too late to mend; why don’t you call him up and apologize?

66. It’s not over till it’s over Meaning: Till the event has completely played, you’re still in with a chance to succeed Example: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga came back from two sets down at Wimbledon to pull off a miraculous win. That’s why they say it’s not over till it’s over.

67. It’s no use crying over spilled milk Meaning: There is no point in being sad over things that have already happened Example: There is no point in staying upset over a mistake because you can’t undo what has happened.

68. Necessity is the mother of invention Meaning: A need or problem forces people to come up with innovative solutions Example: In some parts of the world, farmers use washing machines to clean potatoes in large volumes. Necessity, after all, is the mother of invention.

69. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today Meaning: Don’t delay doing something if you can do it immediately Example: X: I’m done with most of my assignment, but I’ll pick the remaining part on Monday. Y: Why don’t you complete it now? You’ll be more relieved and in a better state of mind. You shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

70. Never test the depth of the water with both feet Meaning: If you’re in the water with both feet down, you risk being swept away by the currents. The message is: don’t put all your eggs in the same basket. Think twice before placing all your bets and investments on one thing. Example: While applying to colleges, don’t limit yourself only to those with high cutoff marks. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

71. No gain without pain Meaning: It is necessary to suffer or work hard in order to succeed or make progress. Example: You’ve to drastically reduce the time you spend on video games and TV if you want to get admission to a good college. No gain without pain.

72. No news is good news Meaning: If you don’t receive any news about someone or something, it means that everything is fine and going normally. Example: My daughter has been working in Australia for nearly five years now. At first, I used to get worried when I didn’t hear from her, but now I know that no news is good news.

73. Once bitten twice shy Meaning: You say this proverb when someone won’t do something a second time because they had a bad experience the first time. Example: I won’t try this drink, because last time I had a burning sensation in my throat. Once bitten twice shy, I guess.

74. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure Meaning: What may seem to be junk to one person may be valuable to another Example: I sold my 6-year-old laptop for a little amount, but I’m sure the buyer will make a hefty profit on it by refurbishing and selling it to someone else. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, after all.

75. One shouldn’t miss the forest for the trees Meaning: Sometimes you get so focused on small details that you may miss the larger context. Example: The marketers got so bogged down on creating the perfect ad campaign that they didn’t realize that the medium – Facebook – they wanted to use was no longer a viable option because of its recent algorithm updates.

76. The show must go on Meaning: A performance, event, etc., must continue even though there are problems Example: The chairman died yesterday but the show must go on.

77. The squeaky wheel gets the grease Meaning: People who complain the most are the ones who get attention or what they want. Example: If you’re not satisfied with the service at the hotel, then you should call up the manager there. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.

78. Time and tide wait for no man Meaning: You’ve no control over the passage of time; it’ll keep slipping. So don’t procrastinate, don’t delay things. Example: We need to hurry up or else we’ll miss the flight. Time and tide wait for no man.

79. Too many cooks spoil the broth Meaning: When too many people work together on a project, the result is inferior Example : This proposal has received feedback from too many parliamentary committees, and that’s probably the reason why it lacks clear actionable. I’ve no doubt that too many cooks spoil the broth.

80. Two heads are better than one Meaning: Two persons have a better chance to solve a problem than one. Example: More startups have two cofounders than one. That’s because they very well understand that two heads are better than one.

Apart from the above listed most common English proverbs, here we have got some more popular proverbs for you to learn. Check them out:

• Two wrongs don’t make a right Meaning : You shouldn’t harm a person who has harmed you, even if you think that person deserves it. Example : Just because he insulted you doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to start a rumour about him – two wrongs don’t make a right.
• Watch the doughnut and not the hole Meaning: Focus on what you have and not on what you don’t. Example : X: I’ve to submit the assignment next Monday, but I don’t have a clue on the topic. Y: Consult your friends. Consult books. Understand the topic. Watch the doughnut and not the hole.
• What goes around comes around Meaning: If someone treats other people badly, he or she will eventually be treated badly by someone else. Example : He tormented me back in high school, and now he has his own bully. What goes around comes around.
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do Meaning: When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of local people. Example : I don’t love cotton candy, but we are at a carnival. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Meaning: When conditions become difficult, strong people take action. Example: I know you’re not used to climbing at such heights, but come on when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
• Where there’s a will, there’s a way Meaning: If you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want, even if it is difficult. Example: He had few resources to start his business, but he eventually did through a small opening – blog. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
• Where there’s smoke there’s fire Meaning: If there are rumours or signs that something is true so it must be at least partly true Example : X: Do you believe those rumours about the mayor? Y: Well, you know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
• Where one door shuts, another opens Meaning: When you lose an opportunity to do one thing, an opportunity to do something else appears. Example : X: I failed to get into my dream college. Y: Don’t worry, this has happened with many. I’m sure something better is waiting for you. Where one door shuts, another opens.
• While the cat’s away, the mice will play Meaning: Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules. Example : As soon as their parents left, the children invited all their friends over – when the cat’s away, you know.
• You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar Meaning: It’s easier to win people to your side by persuasion and politeness than by confrontation and threats. Example : X: The courier service has taken more time to deliver than they had promised. I want to take the issue up with them and get a refund. Y: I would suggest you deal with them politely. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
• You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink Meaning: You can show people the way to do things, but you can’t force them to act Example : X: He has received all the resources one needs to start a business, but even after six months I don’t see anything happening. Y: Well, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
• You can’t always get what you want Meaning: Sometimes you may face disappointments in your pursuits or your wishes may not be fulfilled. Example : X: I want a bike on my birthday. Y: Sorry, you can’t always get what you want.
• Out of sight, out of mind Meaning: If someone or something is not seen for a long time, it’ll be forgotten. Example : Many celebrities find a way to appear in the media because they know that out of sight is out of mind.
• Pen is mightier than the sword Meaning : Thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than the use of force. Example : After the mass killings at the newspaper office, there is a protest happening in the city declaring support for the paper and proving that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Here is a list of some common English proverbs that you can easily use in your day-to-day lives:

• An Apple a day keeps the doctor away  Meaning : If you eat healthily, you will be healthy!
• Its better to be safe than sorry Meaning: You should always take any necessary precautions. 
• Better late than never  Meaning: You are never too old to do something you want to do. 
• Actions speak louder than words Meaning: What you do shows how you actually feel more than what you say.
• You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar Meaning: If you have a sweet disposition you will get more from people than if you are rude to them. 
• Don’t judge a book by its cover Meaning: Don’t judge people solely on their appearance.

Woahh! You just completed a list of the 100 most common proverbs in English! Let’s celebrate your century!

• Cleanliness is next to godliness Meaning: It’s very important to be clean.
• The early bird catches the worm Meaning: People who act promptly will have more opportunities available to them, and will ultimately be more successful.
• Where there’s a will, there’s a way Meaning: If you are determined, you will find a way to achieve what you want. 
• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it Meaning: If something works well, there’s no point trying to change it. 
• Make the best of a bad bargain.  Meaning: to deal with and create the best possible outcome of a bad situation.
• Desperate times call for desperate measures.  Meaning : actions that might seem extreme under normal circumstances are appropriate during adversity.
• The calm (comes) before the storm. Meaning: turbulent times wait just around the corner when it is calm.
• A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Meaning : you don’t lose anything by enlightening others.
• Bitter pills may have blessed effects. Meaning : the remedy might be bitter, but the cure might be wonderful. 
• Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas. Meaning : you will become like your company. 
• The longest mile is the last mile home. Meaning : It is always the end of something that feels the most difficult. 
• Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Meaning : don’t worry about the future, focus on today’s worries. 
• Familiarity breeds contempt. Meaning : having extensive knowledge about someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it. 
• Hindsight is better than foresight. Meaning : it is always easier for us to evaluate the past choices than the choices we have to make in the present. 
• If you can’t beat them, join them. Meaning : if someone is too strong for you to defeat, it is better to be on the same side as them. 
• Forewarned is forearmed. Meaning : if you know about a problem in advance, then you will be able to deal with it when you need to. 
• Variety is the spice of life. Meaning : new and exciting experiences make life more interesting. 
• The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Meaning: plans must be put into action otherwise they are useless.
• Too many chiefs, not enough Indians. Meaning: Too many people giving orders, not enough to carry them out. 
• A workman always blames his tools. Meaning: When someone blames their equipment rather than their performance.

Let’s take a quick break! Read Synonyms List: 50 Difficult Words with Meanings

• Absence makes the heart fonder. Meaning: When someone we love is far away, we tend to love them more.
• A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Meaning: If one person fails, the whole group fails
• There is more than one way to skin a cat. Meaning: There are many ways to do what you want.
• You reap what you sow. Meaning: You get what you deserve
• A fool and his money are soon parted. Meaning: Foolish people often lose their money.
• One good turn deserves another. Meaning: If someone does you a favour, you should always repay it.
• Possession is nine-tenths of the law. Meaning: Ownership is easy to maintain if one has possession of something.
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for. Meaning: You never grow if you don’t leave your comfort zone.
• Barking dogs, seldom bite. Meaning: People look threatening are often harmless.
• Beauty is only skin-deep. Meaning: Personality and character matter more than physical beauty.
• Best things in life are free. Meaning: Things that matter the most are truly free.
• Better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick. Meaning: Good health is the most important thing.
• Better to wear out rather rust out. Meaning: Its better to stay active than idle.
• The first step is always the hardest. Meaning: Stepping out of our comfort zone is the hardest step.
• Cowards die many times before their deaths. Meaning: People who do not challenge themselves die many times 
• After the feast comes the reckoning. Meaning: People tend to pay for their pleasures and indulgences 
• Cross the stream where it is the swallowest. Meaning: To do things in the easiest way
• Hard words break no bones. Meaning: It is often good to tell the harsh truth
• Half truth is whole lie. Meaning: Hiding the truth is the same as lying.
• Head and feet keep warm the rest will take no harm. Meaning: If you take care of important things, other stuff will follow.
• He who hesitates is lost. Meaning: Wait too long and you might lose the opportunity 
• Curses like chicken, come home to roost. Meaning: Wrong doings tend to catch up with us.
• Out of the frying pan into the fire. Meaning: Moving from a difficult position to a worse one.
• One should fight fire with fire. Meaning: Use the same methods to defeat them.
• Use it or lose it. Meaning: Not using a skill might lead you into losing it.
• Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Meaning: Don’t be mean to people who help you.
• You cant have an omelete unless you break the egg. Meaning: You must sacrifice something to create something bigger
• Walk the walk, talk the talk. Meaning: First show worth then do flaunt it.
• A watched pot never boils. Meaning: While waiting for something to happen, time feels slower.
• What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander. Meaning: what is good for men is good for women.
• Willful waste makes woeful want. Meaning: If you waste something you will regret it in future.
• Dont cast pearls before swine. Meaning: Dont offer something valuable to someone who doesnt value it.
• Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. Meaning: Be prepared in life.
• No man is an island. Meaning: We are social beings and dependent on each other.
• Politics makes strange bed fellows. Meaning: Politics creates unholy alliances.

You can now call yourself a proverb EXPERT!

Now that you are familiar with the meanings and ways to use these proverbs, you have a better chance at competitive exams. Remembering proverbs can be difficult since there are so many of them. To help you in this task here are a few tips which you can follow for memorizing proverbs:

• Start incorporating these proverbs in your daily speech
• Make a few drawings or posters of motivational proverbs to hang around your room
• Practice including proverbs in sentences while writing
• Play quizzes with your friends on proverbs and their meanings

Ans. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence is one of the most popular proverbs.

Ans. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” is one of the most famous proverbs in the world

Ans. A proverb (derived from the Latin word proverbial) is a simple and perceptive traditional saying that reflects a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are frequently figurative and employ formulaic language.

We hope this blog has provided you with all the necessary information on common proverbs. To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu .

Ankita Mishra

A writer with more than 10 years of experience, including 5 years in a newsroom, Ankita takes great pleasure in helping students via study abroad news updates about universities and visa policies. When not busy working you can find her creating memes and discussing social issues with her colleagues.

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Thank u sir

Thanks for reading! You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples Examples of Simile Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction

Thanks for reading! You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples Examples of Simile Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction Give us a call at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!

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200+ Common Proverbs in English [with Meaning and Example]

• Figurative Language
• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

•   shares

Proverbs and sayings are popular nuggets of wisdom, often in circulation for centuries and even millenniums. This post covers more than 200 common proverbs, each of which is followed by meaning and use in an example sentence.

If you’re looking for more proverbs and sayings, you can find plenty of them in the resource below. It contains proverbs on topics such as life, family, friends, love, health, happiness, money, hard work, time, time management, teamwork, leadership, business, education & learning, and more.

1. A bad workman always blames his tools.

This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly.

Example : X: The food isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

2. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Certainty of having something in hand is better than mere probability of having even more things.

Example : X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

3. Absence makes heart grow fonder.

When we’re away from loved ones, we long for their company more than in normal times.

Example : When I was with him, he always fought with me, but now he cries for me on phone. I think distance made his heart grow fonder.

4. A cat has nine lives.

Cat can survive seemingly fatal events.

Example : I haven’t seen him in months, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.

5. Action speaks louder than words.

Action is a better reflection of one’s character than words because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.

Example : The interviewee had an impressive resume, but he struggled to perform the task given during the interview. Actions speak louder than words, don’t they?

6. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.

A rare, precious opportunity that comes with some problems is better than a regular opportunity that seems to be perfect.

Example : I would advise you to work in a market that is growing fast than in a mature market. The former has its own problems, but that’s where you grow fast in your career. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.

7. A drowning man will clutch a straw.

When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to come out of it.

Example : After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his baldness. A drowning man will clutch a straw.

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8. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Fools lose money because of their foolish conduct.

Example : He shared his credit card details on a phishing call and lost more than $10,000. A fool and his money are indeed parted sooner or later.

9. After victory, tighten your helmet chord.

There is no room for complacency. Get down to work after a victory. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, calls it Day 0 mentality.

Example : Our Company has won a major deal worth $600 M, but we can’t relax as many more deals are up for grabs, with the competition gnawing at our heels. After the victory, it’s time to tighten our helmet chord.

10. A good listener is a silent flatterer.

Human beings have an innate desire to be listened, but only few are good listeners. So, if you listen to someone attentively, you’ll flatter them.

Example : One of the reasons I could build such a network of friends is my ability to listen (more than speak) to people. A good listener is a silent flatterer, after all.

11. A goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

Foul, inconsiderate words can cause more pain than a physical attack.

Example : Even when you’re angry, convey your point politely because a goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

12. A happy heart is better than a full purse.

What’s the use of money if you’re unhappy despite loads of it? Happiness is better than plenty. A 2010 study at Princeton University points that happiness increases with money but only till basic needs are met. After that, money matters much less.

Example : My cousin is a multi-millionaire, but he is super-busy and stressed, with little time to spend time with his family. I guess a happy heart is better than a full purse.

13. A jack of all trades is master of none.

A person with some knowledge of several fields (jack of all trades) can’t be a master in any of them.

Example : You’ve hopped from marketing to sales to business development in your organization. That’s too many. A Jack of all trades is master of none.

14. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.

Example : I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

15. A lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit.

In disputes, it’s better to compromise and get only part of the potential outcome than to contest an expensive lawsuit for years, with no guarantee on the outcome.

Example : We often see two parties, especially companies, arrive at a compromise than contest the case in courts. They clearly understand that a lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit.

16. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.

People can’t change their innate character, especially bad.

Example : X: Do you think he’ll stop copying after being caught and penalized? Y: I don’t think so. A leopard can’t change its spots.

17. All is fair in love and war.

One can break the rules of fair play under extenuating circumstances.

Example : In the face of cutthroat competition, some companies adopt unfair practices. To them, it seems all is fair in love and war.

18. All is well that ends well.

As long as the outcome is good, problems on the way don’t matter.

Example : I’m glad you finally got here, even though your car had a flat tire on the way. All’s well that ends well.

19. All lay loads on a willing horse.

A person who says ‘yes’, even if hesitatingly, to any work given to him will soon find himself overloaded with work.

Example : When I joined the company two years back, I was too polite to say ‘no’ to work people asked me to do, and soon I was buried under work. All lay loads on a willing horse.

20. All that glitters is not gold.

Things that look good outwardly may not be as valuable or good.

Example : X: I want to be a movie star when I grow up. Y: Film industry looks good from outside, but it has its own problems. Remember, all that glitters is not gold.

21. Among the blind, one-eyed man is king.

An incapable person can gain powerful position if others in the fray are even more incapable.

Example : Despite his obvious lack of exposure and skills, he became head of the department because he is one-eyed among the blind.

22. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Eating an apple a day will keep you healthy.

Example : Switch from chips to apples for your snack because an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

23. An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.

This proverb exemplifies importance of leadership. A strong army (lions) led by a weak leader (sheep) can lose to a weak army (sheep) led by a strong leader (lion).

Example : The next CEO hasn’t held any leadership position in a large organization. I hope the board doesn’t regret its decision because an army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.

24. An empty vessel makes much noise.

Fools and persons with shallow knowledge often talk a lot.

Example : He has only superficial understanding of the subject but talked the most in the meeting, without adding any value. Empty vessel makes much noise.

25. An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening.

People are generally more productive in the morning: first, they’re fresh after night’s sleep; second, there are fewer distractions in the morning.

Example : I get up at 6:00 AM and get so much work done by the time I leave for office. I’m a living example of the dictum that an hour in the morning is worth two in the evening.

26. An idle brain is devil’s workshop.

If you’ve nothing to do, you’ll likely think of mischief.

Example : The kids should be kept busy during the summer break. Otherwise, you know an idle brain is devil’s workshop.

27. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

A little precaution before a crisis is better than lot of firefighting afterwards.

Example : Get the vaccination on priority. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

28. A picture is worth a thousand words.

It is easier to explain something through a picture than through words.

Example : It is easier to learn biology through pictures than through reams of text. A picture is worth a thousand words.

29. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

A person who is constantly changing his job and relationships won’t have depth in any of them and would be unfulfilled.

Example : You’re now in your third industry in the last eight years, which doesn’t make you an expert in any of them. Remember, a rolling stone gathers no moss.

30. A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is for.

Get out of your comfort zone to grow and fulfill your potential.

Example : I think your fears are unfounded. You should travel to Italy for the Model UN. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Remember, a ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

31. Ask no questions and hear no lies.

Don’t ask questions which people can’t or don’t want to answer. If you ask such questions, you’ll hear only lies.

Example : When I asked my neighbour why he comes early from office on some days, he, in a wishy-washy tone, said that on such occasions he finishes his work early. Before asking this question, I should have remembered: Ask no questions and hear no lies.

32. A stitch in time saves nine.

It’s better to deal with problems immediately than wait, by when they worsen and become much bigger.

Example : Because we anticipated and responded to the possible change in Facebook algorithm, the referral traffic to our website dropped much less than what happened to some of our competitors. A stitch in time saves nine.

33. As you sow, so you shall reap.

Your actions – good or bad – determine what you get.

Example : You’re entangled in few cases of fraud because of your illegal get-rich-quick methods. You should have known as you sow, so you shall reap.

34. A thing begun is half done.

A good beginning makes it easier to accomplish rest of the project.

Example : He has already taken the first set in the match, and he should win the match from here. Well begun is half done, after all.

35. A tree is known by its fruit.

Like a tree is known by the fruit it bears, people are known by their character and actions (and not by their appearance).

Example : I see that you avoid him just because he isn’t good looking. Remember, a tree is known by its fruit.

36. Barking dogs seldom bite.

People who appear threatening rarely do harm.

Example : X: I’m really scared to report delay in the project to my temperamental boss. Y: I don’t think you should worry too much about it. Barking dogs seldom bite.

37. Beauty is in the eye of beholder.

What may seem beautiful to one person may not seem to another.

Example : You may not like the curves of my new car, but then beauty is in the eye of beholder.

38. Beauty is only skin deep.

A person’s character, intellect, and other inner qualities are more important than his/her physical appearance.

Example : The actress behaved so rudely with the driver – beauty is skin deep, after all.

39. Beggars can’t be choosers.

People who depend on the generosity of others can’t pick & choose things as per their liking. They’ve to accept what is given to them.

Example : X: I borrowed this jacket from my friend, but it’s not one of his nice ones. Y: Well, beggars can’t be choosers.

40. Begin to weave and God will give the thread.

When taking up a task that has no playbook to follow, we plan a lot and think a lot but don’t act. In such pursuits, you can’t foresee everything in advance and lot of assumptions will come to naught. What’s required is action. Plan, but act. Often, new paths open as you move forward.

Example : The path to develop human colony on Mars is challenging, but people have already started work on it. Hopefully, things will move forward. If you begin to weave, God will give the thread.

41. Be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

Choose things or people after diligence, but once you choose, stick for long.

Example : Don’t be hasty in picking friends, but once you make friends with someone, don’t change him/her fast. You should be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

42. Best things in life are free.

Most valuable things are often free.

Example : I feel so rejuvenated in clean air, sparkling water, and beautiful nature of the mountains. Often times, best things in life are free.

43. Better late than never.

It is better to get something (you desire) late than get it never.

Example : I’m attending graduate school at 35, but I guess it’s better late than never.

44. Better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.

Health is more important than money.

Example : The pharma tycoon has been in and out of hospital for the past two months because of kidney ailment. It’s better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.

45. Birds of a feather flock together.

People with similar nature seek out each other’s company.

Example : You usually hang out with people with background similar to yours. Birds of a feather flock together, after all.

46. Blood is thicker than water.

Relationships with family is stronger than other relationships.

Example : My friends invited me for the picnic on Sunday, but I have to go to my cousin’s birthday instead. Blood is thicker than water, isn’t it?

47. Clothes do not make a man.

A person’s character can’t be judged by his/her clothing and outward appearance.

Example : X: I can’t believe he has been charged for insider trading. He always seemed so professional and impeccable. Y: Well, clothes don’t make a man.

48. Cowards die many times before their death.

Cowards suffer the feared effects of death many times in their lives.

Example : X: He is constantly worried about losing his job, and I don’t think he’ll pursue his true interests. Y: He exemplifies the saying ‘cowards die many times before their deaths’.

49. Cross the stream where it is shallowest.

Do things in the easiest possible way.

Example : Let’s cross the stream at its shallowest and start promoting our product on YouTube, where we already have some following.

50. Curiosity killed the cat.

Enquiring into others’ work can be dangerous. One should mind own business.

Example : I know curiosity killed the cat, but I can’t stop investigating until I know where the donations are actually going.

51. Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.

The consequence of wrongdoings always catches up with the wrongdoer.

Example : Politicians can fool some people some of the time, but in the end, chickens come home to roost when votes are counted.

52. Different strokes for different folks.

Different people have different needs and wants, and we should be respectful to them.

Example : Because people differ in their tastes and habits, I try to provide different strokes for different folks when I invite my friends to my place.

53. Discretion is the better part of valor.

It is wise to be careful and not show unnecessary bravery.

Example : Son: Can I go for this mountaineering expedition? Father: No. Son: But my friends will say I’m a chicken if I don’t go! Father: Discretion is the better part of valor, and I’d rather have them call you chicken than risk your life.

54. Do as you would be done by.

Treat others like the way you would like to be treated. Some people, for example, ingratiate themselves with the powerful but treat less powerful with contempt. Don’t be like them.

Example : You shouldn’t have been rude to him. How would you feel if someone behaves the same way to you? You should do as you would be done by.

55. Doctors make the worst patients.

It’s difficult to advice a person on a matter in which he is an expert. This is because he thinks that he already knows the best about what to do.

Example : When I tried to advice my friend on how to increase revenue from his gas station, he argued why my suggestions wouldn’t work. He was clearly jumping the gun and not open to ideas. Doctors make the worst patients.

56. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Don’t act badly toward the person who has helped you or from whom you derive some benefits, for you may lose those benefits in future.

Example : Don’t bite the hand that feeds you by talking ill of your mentor for such a small thing. If he distances from you or talk bad about you, it can hurt you bad.

57. Don’t carry coals to Newcastle.

In the past, Newcastle was known for its coal mines. Coal was mined here and taken to other parts of England. So, if you carry coal to Newcastle, you’re doing unnecessary work.

Example : When asked in the interview how you can make difference in your role, stay clear of the topic of SEO. They’re already industry leader in it, and you shouldn’t carry coals to Newcastle.

58. Don’t cast pearls before swine.

Don’t offer something valuable to someone who doesn’t value it.

Example : To serve them French cuisine is like casting pearls before swine.

59. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Don’t make plans based on future events that may not happen.

Example : You’re preparing for election campaign when you have not yet been nominated. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

60. Don’t cross the bridge till you come to it.

Deal with a situation when it happens and not unnecessarily worry about it in advance.

Example : I know you’re worried about the mortgage payment due in January, but don’t cross the bridge till you come to it.

61. Don’t empty the water jar until the rain falls.

Don’t quit something, say a job, before securing its replacement.

Example : After getting an average review in his annual performance appraisal, my friend left the organization without landing another job, and then he struggled to get another for several months. Don’t empty the water jar until the rain falls.

62. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Just like you can’t form an opinion of a book just by looking at its cover, you can’t form an opinion about someone (or something) from their outward appearance.

Example : He seems a bit jerk to me, but, hey, you never know. He may be good. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

63. Don’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

If you kill a goose that lays golden eggs, you destroy something that makes lot of money for you.

Example : Tourists come to this city mainly to see this monument. By opening it to commercial use, the city council may kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

64. Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile.

It’s difficult to attract customers without a pleasant persona.

Example : Since my friend has a neutral, if not cold, demeanour, I advised him not to open a shop unless he learns how to smile.

65. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Don’t put all your effort into a single course of action, venture, investment, goal, or the like, because if it doesn’t work, you lose everything.

Example : Almost entire revenue of the company comes from Facebook. If Facebook tweaks its policies in future, the company may sink. They shouldn’t put all their eggs in the same basket.

66. Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm.

Everything calm and peaceful doesn’t mean there are no dangers around.

Example : Even though the industry looks stable with predictable market share and revenue, there are always obscure start-ups which may threaten your company in future. Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm.

67. Don’t throw the baby with the bathwater.

Don’t discard something valuable while getting rid of something worthless.

Example : Let’s not throw the baby with the bathwater by scrapping the project for a subpart not planned well.

68. Eagles don’t catch flies.

Eagles catch bigger prey than flies, don’t they? Don’t take trivial matters to senior leaders in your organization. You have to resolve them, not they.

Example : You shouldn’t call the AVP for such small disruption in the supply chain. Resolve it yourself. Eagles, after all, don’t catch flies.

69. Early bird catches the worm.

One who starts early on the work has higher chance of success.

Example : I’ve come early for the season-ending sale so that I can choose from a wider selection and get a better piece. Early bird catches the worm, after all.

70. Empty bags can’t stand upright.

A poor or hungry person cannot discharge his duties well.

Example : You can’t expect poor people to fight for climate change, because empty bags can’t stand upright. They need to first fulfill their basic needs.

71. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Bad times will eventually give way to better times. (The presence of silver lining means that the sun is behind the cloud and will eventually emerge.)

Example : I know your business has suffered few setbacks this season. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining.

72. Every dog has his day.

Even the unluckiest or the most unfortunate will taste success at some point.

Example : Are you surprised that John, the laggard, has got 92 percent marks in math? Well, every dog has his day.

73. Every horse thinks its own pack is heaviest.

We think that we work the hardest. This is also called responsibility bias: People tend to overvalue their own contributions and undervalue contributions of others.

Example : X: You’re questioning my contribution! I’m the one who has worked the hardest on this project. I haven’t taken a day’s leave in six months. Y: Every horse thinks its own pack heaviest.

74. Every tub must stand on its own bottom.

We can’t hide incompetency behind teamwork. Everyone has to justify their expense.

Example : The manager has singled out my team member for unsatisfactory work in the current project. Message was clear: Every tub must stand on its own bottom.

75. Fall seven times; stand up eight.

Be resilient and try despite failures. That’s how you succeed.

Example : Abraham Lincoln lost so many elections, but he kept trying. Eventually he became the President of United States. It’s rightly said: Fall seven times; stand up eight.

76. Familiarity breeds contempt.

If you know a situation, person, or thing well, you start taking them for granted and stop respecting them.

Example : The reason for many breakups and disasters can be traced to contempt bred by familiarity.

77. Faults are thick where love is thin.

If the love is shallow, people will find faults in each other.

Example : We occasionally overhear accusations and counter-accusations coming from the neighboring family. Faults are thick where love is thin.

78. Fine feathers make fine birds.

Like birds with colorful feathers look attractive, people in fine clothes look appealing. However, don’t get swayed by external appearance when making friends.

Example : X: The person I’ve just been introduced to, no doubt, looks attractive.

Y: Why wouldn’t he? Fine feathers make fine birds, after all. But you shouldn’t go by attractiveness when making friends.

79. Flattery, like perfume, should be smelled but not swallowed.

Enjoy the flattery you receive, but don’t believe it because people often flatter to meet their own selfish interests.

Example : I know he was all praise for your business acumen, but don’t take his words literally as this guy needs business from us. Flattery, like perfume, should be smelled but not swallowed.

80. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fools or inexperienced persons get involved in situations or pursue goals without much thought. In contrast, wise think through such situations or goals.

Example : He sent an angry email without going into the background of the matter – fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

81. Fortune favors the brave.

If you carry out your plans boldly, luck is more likely to favor you.

Example : I know you’re hesitant to accept the overseas position in your company because ground realities there are different from what you’ve faced so far, but remember fortune favors the brave.

82. For want of a nail the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.

An insignificant nail resulted in the loss of the rider. Small things can have huge implications. So, don’t ignore nuances and minute details. They’re the ones that stand people out.

Example : Because of malfunction in a tiny component, the entire batch of 120,000 air conditioners had to be recalled. For want of a nail the shoe is lost… the rider is lost.

83. Get out while the going (getting) is good.

Get out of a situation while it’s still easy to leave on good terms.

Example : With the stock market at an all-time high and further upside looking difficult, we decided to sell our shares and get out while the going was good.

84. God helps those who help themselves.

God helps those who make sincere effort.

Example : You’ve to take the bull by horns and try getting a new job. God helps those who help themselves.

85. Good bargains empty the purse.

Good bargains can be tempting and entice people into buying more than required, most of which can even go unused.

Example : I bought three trousers and four shirts for 30 percent discount, even though I don’t need them. Good bargains indeed empty the purse.

86. Good swimmers are often drowned.

Overconfidence can doom even the competent.

Example : Kodak overlooked the prospect of digital photographs replacing its camera films. As a result, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2012 after more than 120 years in existence. Good swimmers are often drowned.

87. Good things come to those who wait.

Patience is often rewarded.

Example : The best investors in the world have made their fortunes by investing for the long term. Good things come to those who wait.

88. Good wine needs no bush.

A good product doesn’t need promotion; it spreads through word of mouth.

Example : Stripe, a financial services firm, grew mainly through word of mouth. Good wine needs no bush.

89. Grief divided is made lighter.

If you share your grief, it’ll get easier to bear.

Example : You shouldn’t hold back the news of financial loss you’ve incurred in your business. Grief divided is made lighter.

90. Half a loaf is better than none.

We should thank for what we get even though it’s less than what we had hoped for.

Example : I applied to six colleges and got admission in my second choice. Not ideal but it could have been worse. Half a loaf is better than no bread.

91. Home is where the heart is.

Don’t you feel relieved on reaching home after you’ve been away for few days? No matter where you visit, you’ll long to return to your home and family.

Example : I’ve been out of the town on work for only three days now, and I’m already longing to get back home. I guess, home is where the heart is.

92. Honesty is the best policy.

It’s always better to be truthful and honest, even if the opposite may get you short-term benefits.

Example : I think you should just explain what happened, rather than trying to cover your tracks. Honesty is the best policy, after all.

93. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Be optimistic, but be prepared for a scenario where things can go wrong.

Example : We’re hoping to raise capital from investors, but it may not come so soon. Therefore, it’s imperative to look for alternatives as well. Let’s hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

94. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

If things were to happen by just wishing them, even the poorest will have everything they want.

Example : X: I want to be in a job that would pay me a million dollars a year. Y: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Stop fooling yourself and work hard towards your goal.

95. If you are patient in a moment of anger, you will escape hundred days of sorrow.

Actions and decisions taken in moments of anger aren’t the best. They can bring great misery. Wait for your anger to pass and then act or decide.

Example : The customer representative was upset at the illegitimate demand of the customer, but he remained calm and patient because he knew that if you are patient… sorrow.

96. If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.

Something cheap will be of suspect quality and will trouble you later in the form of higher maintenance and/or poor performance.

Example : I bought the air conditioner at quite an attractive price, but it’s running a high electricity bill because it’s not very efficient. Moreover, it requires more maintenance. If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.

97. If you can’t beat them, join them.

If you can’t beat your opponent, then work alongside them for mutual benefit.

Example : ABC Pvt. Ltd. has struck partnership with its competitor after it failed to gain market share. If you can’t beat them, join them.

98. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.

If you do something dangerous or adventurous, you may get harmed.

Example : Enacting the stunts of movie superheroes in real life is playing with fire. You may get burned.

99. If you want peace, prepare for war.

If you utilize the peace time to get better at war, your adversaries will hesitate in waging a war on you, and hence the time of peace will stretch.

Example : We’re in a competitive industry. Therefore, we should use this time of high growth and less competition (time of peace, in other words) to shore up capital, diversify, invest in revenue streams of future, and hire good talent. If you want peace, prepare for war.

100. If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Working with others may be somewhat slow compared to solo work, but you’ll need to collaborate if you want long-term success because you can’t do everything yourself.

Example : If you want to grow your business and sustain it over the long term, build a team. If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

101. Ignorance is bliss.

If you don’t know about something, you don’t need to bother about it. In other words, if you’re unaware of something, it won’t cause you stress. This proverb, however, is often used in the opposite way – ignorance is not bliss.

Example : I didn’t know that the neighbor next door was involved in criminal activities. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

102. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Words of flattery may not be sincere. But action (imitation) is sincere. Who wouldn’t be flattered if someone imitates them in some way?

Example : In the conference, the Twitter influencer with more than a million followers was told by a follower that he has amassed more than 20,000 followers by following influencer’s advice. The influencer was extremely happy to hear that. Imitation, after all, is the sincerest form of flattery.

103. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s better to be cautious than regret later.

Example : One shouldn’t complain about the inconvenience of security check each time you enter the building. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

104. It’s better to lose the battle and win the war.

It’s fine to lose small things if it helps you win the big pie.

Example : I climbed down from my position before the friendly argument could heat up, and we all parted amicably. It’s better to lose the battle and win the war.

105. It is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general.

Leaders are not easy to find. Retain them at whatever price it takes if you’ve them.

Example : The Vice President was all set to leave Google and lead Twitter, but Google somehow convinced him not to leave as it knew that it’s easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general.

106. It’s never too late to mend.

It’s never too late to change course or make amends for a past mistake. Don’t let your ego come in between.

Example : I think it was your fault, and you should be the one to say sorry and make up with your estranged brother. It’s never too late to mend.

107. It is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

People shouldn’t be subjected to discomfort beyond tolerance.

Example : The government raised taxes last year and shouldn’t raise them again. It is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

108. It takes a village to raise a child.

It takes an entire community to raise children in safe and nourishing environment.

Example : Lionesses in a pride take care of cubs of other lionesses. Doesn’t it take a village to raise a child?

109. It takes two to make a quarrel.

Without involvement of at least two persons, a quarrel won’t happen. So, if one of the two persons decide, a quarrel won’t happen.

Example : X: Why are you so quarrelsome? Y: I’m not the only person involved. It takes two to make a quarrel.

110. It takes two to tango.

Where two parties are involved in a situation, fault usually lies with both if things go wrong. Rarely can one party be blamed entirely.

Example : This deal won’t go through unless you too are willing to compromise. It takes two to tango, after all.

111. Justice delayed is justice denied.

In many countries, wheels of justice move so slow that sometimes it takes decades to pronounce a judgment. This causes suffering in terms of time and money wasted and the long wait for justice.

Example : Verdict in the landgrab case has come after twelve long years. To contest the case, the victim had to sell off his land. Justice delayed is justice denied.

112. Kind words will unlock an iron door.

If you talk politely, people are more amenable to your suggestions and ask.

Example : The government officer was quite cold to my father but did the job when I made a polite request. Kind words can unlock an iron door.

113. Kings have long arms.

Governments have far-reaching powers.

Example : After committing the fraud, the tycoon fled to another country, but the government pulled all levers to get him extradited. Kings indeed have long arms.

114. Laughter is the best medicine.

Laughter reduces stress and improves immunity, leading to better health.

Example : I think the best thing for you right now would be to spend some time with people you can joke around with. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.

115. Learn to walk before you run.

Learn basic skills first before venturing into complex things.

Example : X: I want to submit my first article to Fortune magazine for publication. Y: I think you should aim for smaller publications to start with. You should learn to walk before you run.

116. Least said, soonest mended.

When you fall out with someone, restrain yourself from using foul, upsetting language. Words can leave a lasting impression and make it difficult to reconcile.

Example : When the argument heated up with my friend, I deescalated the matter, excused myself, and walked away. Least said, soonest mended.

117. Lend your money and lose your friend.

Lending money to a friend can lead to souring of friendship. If you ask to repay, he may feel offended, and if he fails to repay, you’ll be offended.

Example : I don’t like calling up Tom any longer for regular chitchats after he failed to return the money I lent three months back. Lend your money and lose your friend, I guess.

118. Let sleeping dogs lie.

Don’t talk about a bad situation people have forgotten and that could unnecessarily create problem in the present.

Example : X: Should I ask the professor if he is upset about my late submission of the assignment? Y: If he hasn’t said anything, then don’t bring forth the topic – let sleeping dogs lie.

119. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

Misfortune does not occur twice in the same way to the same person.

Example : X: I don’t want to take this route, because I was robbed the last time I travelled on this route. Y: Don’t worry, lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

120. Like people, like priest.

Quality of people is a good indicator of the quality of their leader. We expect our bureaucracy, politicians, and other leaders to be impeccable. But they don’t descend from heavens. They come from the very people they represent, and hence their quality will be reflective of the quality of people.

Example : As a society, we’re becoming more and more insensitive, self-centered, and apathetic on matters of public importance. Little wonder, our leaders too aren’t first rate. Like people, like priest.

121. Long absent, soon forgotten.

If you haven’t met or spoken to a friend or relative in long time, he’ll be forgotten. Such friendships eventually wither away or may just remain a distant acquaintance.

Example : I haven’t spoken to my college friend in years, and now I don’t even like to make the call. I guess I’ve moved on. Long absent, soon forgotten.

122. Look before you leap.

Consider all consequences before taking an action, especially when you can’t retract.

Example : X: I’m planning to pursue an MBA. Y: It’s an expensive degree and, moreover, you’ll be out of work for two years. I would say look before you leap.

123. Love me, love my dog.

If you love someone, then you should love them as they come with their qualities, shortcomings, friends, family, and so on.

Example : If you love her, then you should love her family and friends as well. Love me, love my dog. Isn’t it?

124. Make hay while the sun shines.

Make the most of favorable conditions till they last.

Example : I got plenty of referral traffic to my website from Facebook in its initial years. I made hay while the sun shone. Later on, they changed their algorithm, after which the referral traffic dried.

125. Make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you.

If you’re a yes-man and often talk sweet language to please others, people won’t respect you.

Example : X: This guy tries to keep everyone in good humor and will change his stand just for that. Y: True. That’s why people treat him with contempt. Make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you.

126. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Spend money carefully because it’s limited. You can’t grow it on trees and replenish.

Example : I’m surprised that you spent your entire month’s salary on a frivolous gadget. Well, money doesn’t grow on trees.

127. Money talks.

Money gives one power and influence.

Example : I don’t have access to many people like he has, after all he is a scion of a rich family. Money talks, you know.

128. More die of food than famine.

More people die because of excess indulgence in food and eating unhealthy than because of shortage of food.

Example : You shouldn’t eat unhealthy snacks so regularly. Remember, more die of food than famine.

129. Murder will out.

Secrets rarely remain secret. They’ll eventually come out and be known to all.

Example : I tried my best to not let my organization know that I’m searching for another job, but, to my embarrassment, one of my teammates has come to know. It’s rightly said murder will out.

130. Necessity is the mother of invention.

A need or problem forces people to come up with innovative solutions.

Example : In some parts of the world, farmers use washing machine to clean potatoes. Necessity, after all, is the mother of invention.

131. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

Don’t delay doing something if you can do it immediately.

Example : X: I’m done with most of my assignment, but I’ll pick the remaining part on Monday. Y: Why don’t you complete it now? You’ll be more relieved and in a better state of mind. You shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

132. Never test the depth of water with both feet.

If you’re testing the depth of water with both feet down, you risk being drowned if the water turns out to be deep. But if you test with one foot, you can pull away. The proverb means that before going whole hog into something unknown, assess the risk well.

Example : Before investing such large sum in crypto and taking a hit, I should’ve first invested a small amount or talked to experts. One should never test the depth of water with both feet.

133. Night brings counsel.

If you have a difficult problem to solve or an important decision to make, a good night’s sleep will work wonders.

Example : Thinking over and over again about the problem isn’t leading to a solution. Why don’t you just sleep over the problem? Sometimes, night brings counsel.

134. No gain without pain.

To succeed in one’s pursuits, it is necessary to work hard and sacrifice pleasures.

Example : You’ve to drastically reduce the time you spend on video games and TV if you want to get admission in a good college. No gain without pain.

135. No news is good news.

If you don’t receive any news about someone or something, it means that everything is fine and going normally.

Example : My daughter has been working in Australia for nearly five years now. At first, I used to get worried when I didn’t hear from her, but now I know that no news is good news.

136. Oaks may fall when reeds stand the storm.

Those who are flexible and relatively insignificant can survive a crisis that brings down powerful who are unable or unwilling to adapt.

Example : In mass extinction events such as the one in which dinosaurs became extinct, large animals, which need plenty of food, go extinct first. Oaks may fall when reeds stand the storm.

137. Once bitten twice shy.

A person won’t do something a second time because he/she had bad experience the first time.

Example : I won’t try this drink, because last time I had a burning sensation in my throat. Once bitten twice shy, I guess.

138. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

What may seem to be junk to one person maybe valuable to another.

Example : I sold my 6-year-old laptop for little amount, but I’m sure the buyer will make hefty profit on it by refurbishing and selling it to someone else. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, after all.

139. Pen is mightier than sword.

Thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than use of force.

Example : After the mass killings at the newspaper office, there is a protest which is happening in the city declaring support to the paper, proving that pen is mightier than sword.

140. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones at others.

People who have some shortcomings shouldn’t criticize others for having the same shortcomings.

Example : The main political party in the opposition has blamed the ruling party for giving tickets to people with dubious background in the upcoming elections. But the big question is that are they themselves clean on this count? People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones at others.

141. Persuasion is better than force.

You can achieve better results through persuasion than through coercion.

Example : After many futile attempts by the government, farmers finally agreed to acquisition of their land on the promise of economic development of the area. That’s why it is said persuasion is better than force.

142. Politeness costs little but yields much.

Speaking politely costs no more than speaking rudely, but it can yield much more by making friends.

Example : All things equal, few deals went my way – and not my competitor’s – because of my polite and pleasant demeanour. Politeness costs little but yields much.

143. Practice makes perfect.

Doing something over and over makes one better at it.

Example : You can’t expect to master guitar in two months. You’ve to keep at it for several months, as practice makes perfect.

144. Practice what you preach.

Behave the way you encourage others to behave.

Example : You keep telling us to go for a jog in the morning, but I wish you practice what you preach.

145. Rich man’s joke is always funny.

People agree with and flatter rich people to be in good books with them.

Example : The rich kid in my college was always surrounded by classmates who were overzealous to flatter him and keep him in good humor. A rich man’s joke is always funny.

146. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Important work takes time to complete.

Example : You can’t expect her to finish such a complex project in a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

147. Shrouds have no pockets.

We arrived in this world without anything, and we’ll leave without anything.

Example : What will you do with all the money you’re accumulating at the cost of a peaceful, happy life? As far as I know, shrouds have no pockets.

148. Silence is half consent.

If you don’t object to what someone says or does, you may be assumed to agree to some extent.

Example : He didn’t say anything to my proposal of going for a picnic on the weekend. I believe he is not saying ‘no’. Silence is half consent.

149. Slow and steady wins the race.

Slow and consistent work leads to better chance of success than quick work in spurts.

Example : X: I’ve built a strong vocabulary by learning a word a day for the last three years. Y: Mine has been much less, even though I’ve had days when I polished off ten words. I guess slow and steady wins the race.

150. Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

If you work only on regular projects, you won’t be challenged and hence not become better at what you do. So, volunteer into few challenging projects as well.

Example : In my new project, I’m leading the team that will launch a new product, an experience, I believe, will provide a steep learning curve. After all, smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

151. Still water runs deep.

If a person doesn’t speak much, it doesn’t mean they lack depth or are uninteresting.

Example : She may not talk much, but she is one of the smartest persons in the organization. Still water runs deep.

152. Strike while the iron is hot.

Take advantage of an opportunity before it extinguishes.

Example : I thought over the job offer way too long. Now it has been offered to someone else. I should have struck while the iron was hot.

153. The course of true love never did run smooth.

True love goes through ups and downs.

Example : Romeo and Juliet went through lot of trials and tribulations in their love. The course of true love, it seems, never did run smooth.

154. The family that (eats) prays together stays together.

The family that gets together regularly to pray or eat is more close-knit than the family that doesn’t.

Example : Our grandfather ensured that all family members come together, howsoever busy they may be, at least once a week for dinner, which likely was the reason why our family was so close-knit. The family that (eats) prays together stays together.

155. The grass is greener on the other side of fence.

People are never satisfied with their own situation; they always think others have it better.

Example : X: When I see him post all those travel pictures on Instagram, I feel he has the perfect life. Y: It’s usually not like that in real life. I’m sure he too has his share of problems. I see your thought as grass being greener on the other side of the fence.

156. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

The harder you work, the more ideas and chances you may make for yourself.

Example : Many think he got lucky in getting that fat contract, but few know he had been pursuing dozens of such contracts for several weeks – the harder you work, the luckier you get.

157. The higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail.

The higher an incompetent person rises in an organization, the more his incompetence is exposed.

Example : After the recent promotion, the official, who somehow rose in ranks despite lack of merit, now headed a much larger department. As a result, his incompetence was now exposed to far more people. The higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail.

158. The highest branch is not the safest roost.

Those in the highest positions can be vulnerable as many aspire to replace them. Second, if the person is replaced, it’s not easy to find a similar position because of paucity of roles at the top.

Example : In earlier times, kings used to be on their guard all the time, suspicious of plots to overthrow them. The highest branch is not the safest roost, after all.

159. The longest way around is the shortest way home.

If you want to achieve the desired quality, work diligently and carefully and not cut corners.

Example : The earlier software contractor wrote a bloated, shoddy code that now needs to be rewritten. It should have been done more thoughtfully. The longest way around is the shortest way home.

160. The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

If you deviate from the norm, you’ll face resistance, even hostile reaction in extreme case.

Example : In government, where rule-based work is norm, the nail that sticks out usually gets hammered down.

161. The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

There rarely are completely free offers; they come attached with hooks. So, beware of such offers.

Example : The film actor got a 4-day stay at heavy discount at a premium hotel in Maldives, but later they used her pictures to promote the hotel. The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

162. The proof of pudding is in eating.

You can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it.

Example : X: Marketers have claimed that this weight loss diet produces strong results in just two months. Y: Well, I’ll reserve my opinion till I’ve tried it myself. After all, proof of pudding is in the eating.

163. There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.

We all want peace and happiness in life, and there are multiple ways of achieving this goal. However, many get so tunnel-focused that they fail to see paths other than their current job, which may ironically be hurting their pursuit of happiness. So, once in a while, take a step back and reflect.

Example : You’re overworked and stressed in your current job. I would suggest you explore other options, for there are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.

164. There are more ways than one to skin a cat.

There is more than one way to reach the same goal.

Example : We can get around that by renting instead of buying the delivery van – there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

165. There is no time like the present.

The best time to do something is right now. So, act now.

Example : Don’t wait until New Year to change your bad habits. There’s no time like the present.

166. There is truth in wine.

People when drunk speak truth, often unwittingly.

Example : I got to know quite a few secrets last night from my friend Tom after he got drunk. There certainly is truth in wine.

167. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Good intention doesn’t not matter if a person’s actions lead to bad outcomes.

Example : X: Well, I was only trying to be helpful by mixing those two acids. Y: But it exploded! Well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

168. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

People who complain the most are the ones who get attention or what they want.

Example : If you’re not satisfied with the service at the hotel, then you should call up the manager there. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.

169. The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet tall.

We should avoid foul, inconsiderate language because it can leave lasting scars and dent relationships forever.

Example : The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high. It did in my case as I lost my friend forever when, in a fit of anger, I used quite harsh language with him, even dragging his friends and family.

170. Time and tide wait for no man.

You’ve no control over passage of time; it’ll keep slipping. So don’t procrastinate, don’t delay things.

Example : We need to decide fast about buying the property at this price. Time and tide wait for no man.

171. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

Many take up a job or project they later hate, wasting precious years. This can be avoided if you ask few who’ve undertaken the same job or project about their experience.

Example : I could’ve made a more informed career choice if I had asked few senior software engineers the nuts & bolts of the job at various stages of the career. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

172. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

When too many people work together on a project, the result is inferior.

Example : This proposal has received feedback from too many parliamentary committees, and that’s probably the reason why it lacks clear action items. I’ve no doubt that too many cooks spoil the broth.

173. Two heads are better than one.

Two persons have a better chance to solve a problem than one.

Example : More startups have two cofounders than one. That’s because they very well understand that two heads are better than one.

174. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

You shouldn’t harm a person who has harmed you, even if you think that person deserves it.

Example : Just because he insulted you doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to start a rumor about him – two wrongs don’t make a right.

175. What can you expect from a pig but a grunt?

What can you expect from a bad character but foul and rough language?

Example : X: My neighbour quarreled with me and used abusive language over such a small issue. Y: What can you expect from a pig but a grunt?

176. When a twig grows hard, it is difficult to twist it.

A person can be moulded when young but not when he has grown up. So, one should inculcate good values in children while they’re still young.

Example : Your son doesn’t take responsibility when he fails at something. You must take corrective action now, for when a twig grows hard, it is difficult to twist it.

177. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of local people.

Example : I don’t love cotton candy, but we are at a carnival. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

178. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

When conditions become difficult, strong people take action.

Example : I know you’re not used to climbing at such heights, but come on when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

179. Where there’s will, there’s way.

If you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want, even if it is difficult.

Example : He had little resources to start his business, but he eventually did through a small opening – blog. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

180. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

If there are rumors or signs that something is true, there must be some truth in it.

Example : X: Do you believe those rumors about the mayor? Y: Well, you know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

181. While the cat is away, the mice will play.

Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules.

Example : As soon as their parents left, the children invited all their friends over – when the cat’s away, you know.

182. Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?

Why take the trouble of investing in a cow and then maintaining it when you can simply buy milk far cheaply? You should avoid buying unnecessary assets when you can do with far cheaper options.

Example : Why buy a vehicle when we can get one on rent? Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?

183. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?

Sometimes, you have employees for specific job, but someone else ends up doing that job. That’s a waste.

Example : The company has hired a designer to bring uniformity and quality in design, but some of the divisions are still designing their own stuff. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?

184. Words must be weighed, not counted.

Word count doesn’t matter. What matters is how effective they’re.

Example : Your report is quite voluminous, and it contains lot of superfluous stuff. Kindly revise it. Words must be weighed, not counted.

185. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

It’s easier to win people to your side by persuasion and politeness than by confrontation and threats.

Example : X: The courier service has taken more time to deliver than they had promised. I want to take the issue up with them and get a refund. Y: I would suggest you deal with them politely. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

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

You can show people the way to do things, but you can’t force them to act.

Example : X: He has received all the resources one needs to start a business, but even after six months I don’t see anything happening. Y: Well, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

187. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

If you have your cake and eat it too, you get two things that are normally impossible to get simultaneously.

Example : If you want more local services, you can’t expect to pay less tax. Well, you can’t have your cake and eat it.

188. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

It is hard to achieve something important without causing unpleasant effects.

Example : If I don’t slash salaries, the company is going to go bankrupt. It’\’s unfortunate, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

189. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

People who have long been used to doing things in a particular way will not abandon their habits to learn something new.

Example : I bet you can’t get him to wake at 5 AM and go out for a walk. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

190. You do not fatten a pig by weighing it.

This proverb is quoted by opponents of too much testing. Weighing a pig won’t fatten it. Altering its diet would. Similarly, testing kids in school multiple times won’t improve their performance in a particular subject. What’s required is an elaborate system to work on students’ weak areas.

Example : Most private coaching centres for entrance exams hold not only regular tests but also elaborate doubt-clearing sessions. They clearly understand that you can’t fatten a pig by only weighing it.

191. You show me the man, and I’ll show you the rule.

Rules change depending on how powerful the person likely to be affected by the rules is.

Example : X: He has been treated leniently by the police. Y: That’s why they say – you show me the man and I’ll show you the rule.

192. Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood.

Like hunger forces the wolf out of the wood to seek food elsewhere, necessity forces poor to take up unpleasant tasks, sometimes in violation of law.

Example : With growing income disparities in the society, government must strengthen its skilling program for the unemployed and improve welfare programs for the poor. Otherwise, hunger will drive the wolf out of the wood.

193. A house divided cannot stand.

Prosperity and success come when a country, society, institution, or family stand united on issues and work together.

Example : Opposition parties are opposing the government even on the issue of national security, where we must stand united. A house divided cannot stand.

194. Until the lions produce their own historian, the story of the hunt will glorify only the hunter.

History is written by the victors, and they, naturally, glorify themselves.

Example : Tom: Some of the portrayals in history are overly rosy and superhuman, and some are downright villainous.

Jerry: Until the lions produce their own historian, the story of the hunt will glorify only the hunter.

195. The fish always stinks from the head downwards.

A dead fish starts rotting from head downwards. Similarly, in any organization or country, the rot sets in from the top. If the leadership is defunct, corrupt, and self-centred, implications will soon spread to the entire organization.

Example : Who can forget scandals at Enron and Satyam Computers where misdemeanours of their leaders sank the companies? The fish always stinks from the head downwards.

196. If every man would sweep his own doorsteps, the city would soon be clean.

For community work, everyone should take responsibility and contribute whatever little they can. Small contributions by many can accomplish mammoth tasks such as cleaning an entire city.

Example : The people came together to raise funds for the community centre. If every man would sweep his own doorsteps, the city would soon be clean.

197. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Teaching fishing, a skill, is far more important than merely handing doles (fish, here) to people. It serves an important reminder to our educational institutions, especially higher education, where majority of graduates are churned out without marketable skills. Most animals, in contrast, teach only the most essential skills – finding food and escaping predators – to their young ones. Nothing superfluous there.

Example : Skilling is better than giving subsidies to poor. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

198. Corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned.

Protesting against a government or a large organization is unlike protesting against individuals. An organization can use its deep pockets and power to take you on for decades together, and it wouldn’t bother anyone in that organization because individuals there don’t suffer financially or otherwise. In contrast, the protesters suffer individually. That’s why it’s not easy for individuals to slug it out against organizations and governments.

Example : Some countries impose economic sanctions not just against dictatorial regimes and rogue organizations but also against individuals there, which pinches the key orchestrators. The sanctioning countries know very well that corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned.

199. When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.

A Native American proverb. It’s paramount to save the environment. We’re already seeing the adverse effect, which seem to intensify every year, of untold exploitation of nature.

Example : Government has approved another power project in an ecologically sensitive region. When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.

200. One law for the rich and another for the poor.

The law is same for both, but the rich, through their abundant resources, can get favourable decisions by influencing decision makers, hiring the best lawyers, and delaying the case if it suits them, among several measures at their command.

Example : The hotelier’s son went scot-free in the highly publicized hit-and-run case. After all, there is one law for the rich and another for the poor.

201. New lords, new laws.

New governments have their own agendas.

Example : The new government has raised taxes on the rich. New lords, new laws.

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

27 Comments

I love this. Some I agree with, some I don’t, but proverbs are something that have been around through ages. I liked easy-flowing descriptions of the proverbs.

Hi, I could be wrong here, but I thought blood is thicker than water was originally derived from ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb’, meaning friendship is stronger than family bonds. Thanks.

I really enjoyed reading and learning these proverbs. I appreciate your hard work to make this page. Thank you, Emilly, UK

Does anyone know any proverb/quote around the idea of making two trips (to the car) instead of one? The idea is not to try and save time by carrying too much at once? My GGMa had a saying and I cannot recall it. Any help appreciated.

This was very helpful, but I still need the meanings of the following proverbs: 1. Speech is silver, silence is golden 2. A miss is as good as a mile

The bow street runners used to ride. It took a mile to load a rifle so, a miss is as good as a mile!

It’s my best learning experience ever; honestly it’s my favourite. I wish I could have it in a pdf. I would really be so grateful. I appreciate it.

Great help for my father who has dementia.

Wow! Am a teacher and have found the proverbs so usefel and helpful in consideration that most books don’t address them quite fully.. Thanks for the Madeline examples

This is awesome! I’d like to share one my grandmother would say. “You don’t have to eat the whole hog to know you’re eating pork.”

Hi what’s the meaning and example of 1. The owl thinks her own young fairest 2. If fools went not to market, bad wares would 3. The peacock has fair feathers, but foul feet

Nice proverbs. I have our local proverb from South Sudan: A man is man no man can make man a man.

Great but most of them are not proverbs that kids can understand, like my daughter (5-year-old) said that if she and her friend were having a race did she just have to walk. She thought that slow really wins the race.

Does anyone Know what “queer as a bottle of chips ” means or comes from?

As an aspiring English writer whose mother language is not English, definitions of proverbs are sometimes hard to understand. This post really helped me a lot!

Also missing: You can’t make a silk purse from a pigs ear.

I learnt few proverbs that I can use in my essays. A big thank you to Lemon Grad. I hope you will be covering more things on English.

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. The squeaky wheel get the grease. What’s that have to do with the price of eggs in China. No good deed goes unpunished

Thank you for your 150 proverbs and their meanings. It helped my daughter to complete her english project. Thanks a lot ??????

Thank you for helping me score high in my national examination!!!

Thanks so much ?..I’ve just finished writing my term paper and the proverbs have been of great help.

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm you will never enjoy the sunshine.

Enjoy the current moments even if they are small rather than waiting for big events to take place in your life.

please email me meanings of proverbs down below

1- It never rains but pours

2- Still waters run deep

3- To carry water in a sieve

Hello, I think these could be the meaning you have asking for. I hope it helps you It never rains but pours. This means that misfortune never comes alone. Still waters run deep: Appearences are deceptive

Sorry, I’ve forgot the 3rd one To carry water in a sieve means work for nothing, doing a useless job

I was looking for an English version of a Danish proverb stating that “when the manger is empty, the horses bite one another”. Do you have a good match?

Admiring the hard work you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material.

Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

Comments are closed.

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50 Common Proverbs in English

This is a list of popular English proverbs. Proverbs are also known as sayings. Proverbs give some form of life advice. Every language and culture has them, and many proverbs exist in more than one language. It is important not to miss any of the words in most proverbs because the meaning can be lost if even one word is changed or left out. This list of English proverbs includes definitions and examples, and is meant to improve English vocabulary and English cultural knowledge.

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

50 Essential Proverbs In English

Do you use proverbs in your language?

I’m sure you do. 

If you’re wondering what a proverb is, well, it's a well-known expression that gives advice or says something that is generally true. 

Every language has its own proverbs and it may be possible that a proverb in your language is identical to a proverb in English.

In this post, you’ll learn 50 proverbs in English so you can not only understand English speakers when they use them but also use them yourself to express your ideas with more variety, impact and precision.

Ready? Here we go.

1. Honey Catches More Flies Than Vinegar

Meaning: It’s easier to persuade or attract others if you’re kind and gentle than being harsh or confrontational.

Example: I think your kids would visit you more if you were nicer to them. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!

2. Haste Makes Waste

Meaning:  Rushing through a task often creates problems or extra work.

Example: 

Team member: “We need to finish this project quickly. Let's skip the planning stage and start right away.”

Team leader: “Remember, haste makes waste. If we skip the planning phase, we’ll be more likely to make mistakes later on and end up having to spend time fixing them. We shouldn’t rush things, especially at the beginning.” 

3. Hope For The Best And Prepare For The Worse

Meaning: It’s absolutely fine to be positive, but you should be prepared in case things to go wrong.

Example: We hoped for the best and prepared for the worst when we learned that the hurricane was coming.

4. The Straw That Breaks/Broke The Camel's Back

Meaning: When an event is the straw that breaks/broke the camel's back, it means it’s the last in a series of bad things that happen to make someone very upset, angry, etc.

Example:  It had been a difficult year, so when he lost his job, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.

5. A Little Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing

Meaning: Only having a little understanding of a subject can be more dangerous than having no knowledge at all. 

You may be wondering why. 

Well, this is because when someone knows little about a topic, they may mistakenly believe they know enough about it to make decisions. But this could lead to negative consequences!

Example:  

Speaker A: “I read one article about becoming vegan. I’m ready to quit eating meat”

Speaker B: “No! Be careful, remember that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Learn more about how you can replace meat and animal products first and then do it”

6. Love Makes The World Go Round

Meaning: What makes life worth living is love, affection, and kindness to others.

Example: Love makes the world go round, not money or power, so do your best to create beautiful relationships.

7. Misery Loves Company

Meaning: People who are unhappy and miserable like to share their problems with others.

Example: We had both just broken up with our girlfriends, so we decided to go out for pizza together – misery loves company. 

8. Nothing Is Certain But Death And Taxes 

Meaning: You can only be sure about two things in life: 1. one day you’re going to die; 2. you must pay your taxes. 

Speaker A: “I’ve just made a big investment in the stock market”

Speaker B: “You’ll get rich!”

Speaker A: “Well, we’ll see. Nothing is certain but death and taxes!”

9. A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

Meaning: A friend who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.

Speaker A: When I was in hospital, Jon would phone me every day to check I was doing OK. He then helped me with my rehabilitation too. 

Speaker B: A friend in need is a friend indeed!

10. If You Want A Thing Done Well/Right, Do It Yourself

Meaning: It’s better to do something by yourself than to depend on others to do it well.

Speaker A: “I'm so upset with the way this project is going. I’ll just take over and do it myself.”

Speaker B: “Yeah! Sometimes if you want a thing done right, it's better to do it yourself.” 

11. Opportunity Seldom Knocks Twice

Meaning: You only get great opportunities rarely. So grab them immediately, otherwise you might lose them forever!

Speaker A: “They’ve offered me a well-paid job at Apple but I’m not sure what to do.”

Speaker B: “What??? Take it! Opportunity seldom knocks twice!”

12. When In Rome Do As The Romans Do

Meaning: When you’re traveling and you find yourself in a place with different customs and traditions, it’s a good thing to do adapt yourself to the customs of the local people and behave like they do.

Example:  “I know you normally love pineapple on pizza but you’re in Naples now. So don’t ask for that here. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”

13. If You Run After Two Hares, You Will Catch Neither

Meaning: Don’t try to do two things at once. You won’t do either of them well.

Speaker A: “I want to become a world-famous YouTuber and be the most popular writer in my country.”

Speaker B: “If I were you, I’d focus on one thing only. If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.”

14. Speech Is Silver But Silence Is Golden

Meaning: Sometimes it’s better to remain silent rather than speak.

Example:  “He’ll try to involve you in the debate. Try to resist and remember that speech is silver but silence is golden.”

15. Stretch Your Arm No Further Than Your Sleeve (Will Reach)

Meaning: Don’t spend more money than you have. 

Speaker A: “I’d like to buy a new smartphone but the one I want costs 1000 euros. I would have to ask my parents for that money.”  

Speaker B:  “Stretch your arm no further than your sleeve and buy one you can afford!”

16. Strike While The Iron Is Hot

Meaning: This is similar to “Opportunity seldom knocks twice”. It means you should take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it exists, in case the opportunity goes away and doesn’t return. 

Example:  “They don’t often offer such discounts so I'd strike while the iron is hot if I were you.”

17. Ask No Questions And Hear No Lies

Meaning: If you say this to someone, you’re basically telling them not to ask you about a topic because you’ll probably lie. 

Example: “I'm not going to tell you what we're planning for your graduation ceremony, so ask no questions and hear no lies.”

18. What The Eye Doesn't See, The Heart Doesn't Grieve Over

Meaning: If you remain ignorant or uninformed about something you’ll not get upset, angry, worried, or sad about it. 

Speaker A: “I really don’t want to know what my teenage son is doing on holiday with his nine male friends.” 

Speaker B: “I don’t blame you. What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over.”

19. Do Unto Others As You Would Have Others Do Unto You

Meaning:  Treat other people the way you would like other people to treat you. 

Example: A vegan activist once said, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Animals qualify as others.”

20. Appetite Comes With Eating

Meaning:  Starting an activity increases your desire to continue it.

Speaker A: “I don’t know whether I should start reading this book or not. It’s a big one. What if I don't enjoy it?”

Speaker B: “Give it a try.  After all, appetite comes with eating.”

21. Those Who Live In Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones

Meaning:  Don’t criticize other people for the bad qualities that you yourself have. Do that and such criticism will likely come back.

Speaker A: “She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!” 

Speaker B: “Hear hear! Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!”

22. Rome Wasn't Built In A Day

Meaning:  You can say this to emphasize that you cannot make great accomplishments in a short period of time, so you have to be patient.

Speaker A: “I started learning English last year and I’m still not fluent!” 

Speaker B: “Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

23. No Man Is An Island

Meaning: We all need human connection to be happy.

Example: “Don’t think you don’t need your friends. No man is an island.”

24. What Goes Up Must Come Down

Meaning: If something is increasing or rising, it will eventually fall or decline. 

Speaker A: “My mortgage rates keep increasing. I’m worried!”

Speaker B: “No need to worry. What goes up must come down. Try saving as much money as you can for now.”

25. Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Meaning:  Beauty is subjective. What’s beautiful for me might not be beautiful for you. 

Example: “You may not like my new jeans, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

26. Long Absent, Soon Forgotten

Meaning:  The longer a person is not present, the easier they are to forget about.

Example: “You can’t expect to grow your social media channel if you post once a year. People want to hear from you. Long absent, soon forgotten!”

27. One Rotten Apple Spoils The (Whole) Barrel

Meaning: It only takes one bad person, thing, element, etc., to ruin the entire group, situation, project, etc.

Speaker A: “Why are they kicking out Jon from the team?”

Speaker B: “Apparently he’s been bringing everyone down by complaining about the management. And more people seem to have become more critical of the boss now. You know what they say: one rotten apple spoils the barrel.” 

28. Well Begun Is Half Done

Meaning: If you start a task or project in the best way possible, it will take you – or seem to take you – less effort to complete it.

Speaker A: “I’m so happy with the way I started my professional photography course. I can already take much better photos than a week ago!” 

Speaker B: “Well begun is half done!”

29. Don’t Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth

Meaning: If you receive a gift, accept it without criticism.

Speaker A: “She bought me a new shirt for Christmas but I don’t like it. It looks like one of those old shirts my grandpa used to wear.”

Speaker B: “Hey! Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth!”

30. Too Many Cooks Spoil The Broth

Meaning: When there are too many people trying to control, influence, or work on something, the final product will be worse as a result.

Speaker A: “I was trying a new recipe for a Thai dish but then my mom got involved, then my grandmother and my sister too. It was a disaster!”

Speaker B: “Well, didn’t you know that too many cooks spoil the broth?!

31. Never Speak Ill Of The Dead

Meaning: You shouldn’t say bad things about those who passed away.

Speaker A: “He was just a stingy, old, arrogant man.” 

Speaker B: “George! Never speak ill of the dead!”

32. Eat To Live, Not Live To Eat

Meaning: Eating shouldn’t be your main source of pleasure. 

You should eat to get all the necessary nutrients and be healthy. 

Example: “He used to overeat to feel happier and mentally better, but now he eats to live, he doesn't live to eat.”

33. Better Late Than Never

Meaning: You can say this when you think that it’s better for someone or something to be late than never to arrive or to happen.

Speaker A: “After 2 years, I finally got a reply from them!”

Speaker B: “Well, better late than never!”

34. Better Safe Than Sorry

Meaning: You can say this when you think that it’s better to be careful than and not take risks than be careless and then regret it later.

Speaker A: “Set three alarms for tomorrow morning.” 

Speaker B: “Three??? Isn’t one enough?!” 

Speaker A: “I’m worried that I will oversleep. Better safe than sorry, you know?”

35. When The Cat's Away (The Mice Will Play)

Meaning: When someone in authority is not present, others might do things they wouldn’t normally do.

Example: “The boss was away all day today and everyone took longer and more frequent coffee breaks. When the cat is away, the mice will play!”

36. The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side

Meaning: People tend to always want what other people have and not be happy with what they have.

Speaker A: “I’m jealous of all the money he’s got.”

Speaker B: “OK, but he might be jealous of all the free time you have. The grass is always greener on the other side.”

37. You Can Lead A Horse To Water, But You Can’t Make Him Drink It

Meaning: You can give someone helpful advice, but you can't make them accept it or act on it.

Speaker A: “I’ve given him a lot of tips on how to stop smoking but he’s still buying cigarettes!”

Speaker B: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it.”

38. The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Grease

Meaning: People who complain or protest the loudest or most frequently are the ones who will get what they want.

Speaker A: “I don’t understand how he was able to get his parents to buy him a car.”

B: “He’s been complaining a lot about not having one for one month! The squeaky wheel gets the grease!”

39. Knowledge Is Power

Meaning: The more knowledge you have the more powerful you can be.

Speaker A: “I want to read and learn about history as much as I can. Knowledge is power!”

40. Keep Your Friends Close, And Your Enemies Closer

Meaning: Be very vigilant of your enemies' behavior and actions so you can avoid their malicious intents.

Speaker A: “Why were you talking with her in the office the other day? I thought you couldn’t stand her.” 

Speaker B: “I was just being nice to her as we now work for the same client. As the proverb goes, ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”, right?”

41. A Barking Dog Never Bites

Meaning: Someone who often makes angry or threatening statements rarely takes action on them.

Example: “My teacher used to yell at us saying she was going to give us more homework as a punishment. She never did it though. A barking dog never bites.” 

42. A Lie Has Short Legs

Meaning: You cannot get away with a lie because the truth will always come out.

Example: “You can keep telling your parents lies but they’ll eventually find out about what you did. A lie has short legs!”

43. All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Meaning: You may think something is valuable or worthwhile by the way it appears, but it might not actually be so.

Speaker A: “You work from home and never have to drive to the office. You have the best job in the world!” 

Speaker B: “All that glitters is not gold. I actually feel lonely and I need real human interaction!” 

44. A Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved

Meaning: Sharing a problem with someone can help you deal with it and solve it.

Example: “Come on, tell me what’s wrong. A problem shared is a problem halved.”

45. A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step

Meaning: Something that seems hard to accomplish can be started by doing a very simple thing.

Example: “You may think speaking a language fluently is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do in your life. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so start by reading a short story in English for 5 minutes a day.” 

46. An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Meaning: Eating healthy foods will help you avoid illness.

Example: “Eat fruit and veggies. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

47. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Meaning: Sometimes a single picture can convey more meaning than any amount of words could.

Speaker A: “You don’t need to write anything for this part of your presentation about the environment. Just show your audience a photo of a polluted city. A picture is worth a thousand words.”

48. A Smooth Sea Never Made A Skilled Sailor

Meaning: Challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone is what helps you grow and develop.

Example: “If you want to learn to speak a second language, you have to go out there and speak it. It might be uncomfortable but remember: a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

49. When One Door Closes, Another Opens

Meaning: You can use this to say that when an opportunity is lost, another one will soon come to you.

Example: “Don’t worry if you didn’t get that job, my friend. When one door closes, another opens.”

50. Better An Egg Today Than A Hen Tomorrow

Meaning: It's smarter to have something less valuable now than to chase after something more valuable that you might not get in the future.

Speaker B: “I think I'll keep my small winnings rather than betting again on the next dog race and try to win more!”

Speaker B: “Yes! Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow!”

Proverbs In English

All right! Congratulations on making it to the end of this list of proverbs in English! 

Did you see any proverbs in English that are similar to the ones you have in your language? I wouldn’t be surprised if you did.

Now you may think: What’s the best way to learn English proverbs? 

Well, reading and listening to stories is a great way to do it and that's exactly what the StoryLearning method is all about. 

Sure, lists may help, but there’s not much context in a list. So read books in English and listen as much as you can and see if you can spot proverbs in English here and there.

Whatever you do when learning, remember to have fun and….carpe diem! (This is another proverb that means you should enjoy the present and not worry too much about the future – proverb #51!)

By the way, if you've enjoyed this post and want to keep building your vocabulary, check out these posts about English idioms , slang words in English and phrasal verbs in English.

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What Are English Proverbs? Definition and Examples

Table of Contents

What is a Proverb in English

A proverb in English is a brief, simple statement that carries a message, lesson, or truth about life. It is a short saying that offers wisdom, advice, or shares a universal truth. These sayings are often well-known and used to make a point more clearly or to offer guidance. These sayings are passed down from generation to generation and are widely recognized within a culture. Proverbs serve multiple purposes: They offer advice, encapsulate a common experience, or provide a moral lesson, often in a witty or catchy manner. They are like condensed wisdom, offering insights into human nature, society, or the natural world in just a few words.

For example, consider the proverb “Actions speak louder than words.” This saying emphasizes that what you do is more important than what you say. It’s a reminder that promises or verbal commitments are not as meaningful as actual deeds. Another example is “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” which advises against risking everything on a single venture or idea. Instead, it suggests diversifying your efforts or investments to minimize risk. Look at one more example, the proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” means that taking care of a problem early will prevent bigger problems in the future. Proverbs are useful for understanding the values and beliefs of English-speaking cultures, and they can make your language richer and more interesting.

Proverbs often use simple, everyday language, making them accessible and easy to understand. However, many also employ literary devices like metaphor, alliteration, or rhyme to make them memorable. For instance, “A rolling stone gathers no moss” uses metaphor to convey the idea that staying active and embracing change leads to a fulfilling life, free from stagnation.

The beauty of proverbs lies in their versatility. They can be found in various aspects of life, from literature and speeches to everyday conversations. They’re used to emphasize points, offer wisdom, or even add a touch of humor. However, it’s essential to use them appropriately and understand their context. Misusing a proverb can lead to confusion or convey the wrong message.

Understanding proverbs can be particularly beneficial for those learning English as a second language. Not only do they enrich vocabulary, but they also offer insights into the cultural nuances and values of English-speaking societies. However, learners should be cautious when using proverbs in formal or academic settings, as they are generally considered more suitable for conversational or literary contexts.

A proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a common truth or piece of advice. These sayings are deeply embedded in English-speaking cultures and serve as a quick way to convey wisdom or moral lessons. They are valuable linguistic tools that can make language more engaging and meaningful, provided they are used correctly and in the appropriate context. Whether you’re a native speaker or learning English as a second language, understanding proverbs can enrich your communication skills and deepen your cultural understanding.

Types of Proverbs

Proverbs come in various types, each serving a different purpose. Here are some common types of proverbs with examples:

Advice Proverbs

These proverbs offer guidance on how to live your life.

• Example: “Honesty is the best policy.”
• Meaning: Being truthful is always the best course of action.

Observational Proverbs

These proverbs make an observation about the world or human nature.

• Example: “The early bird catches the worm.”
• Meaning: Those who act quickly have the best opportunities.

Cautionary Proverbs

These proverbs serve as warnings against certain actions or behaviors.

• Example: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
• Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen until it actually does.

Conditional Proverbs

These proverbs describe a condition and a result, often in an “If…, then…” format.

• Example: “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
• Meaning: If something applies to you, accept it.

Paradoxical or Contradictory Proverbs

These proverbs seem to contradict themselves but offer wisdom upon closer inspection.

• Example: “Less is more.”
• Meaning: Sometimes having fewer things or simpler situations can actually be better.

Humorous Proverbs

These proverbs use humor to make a point.

• Example: “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.”
• Meaning: Be cautious with your spending or investments.

Time Proverbs

These proverbs talk about the importance or nature of time.

• Example: “Time heals all wounds.”
• Meaning: Emotional or physical pain gets better as time passes.

Relationship Proverbs

These proverbs offer insights into human relationships.

• Example: “Birds of a feather flock together.”
• Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to spend time with each other.

Understanding these types of proverbs can help you use them more effectively in your communication. Each type serves a different function but all enrich language and make it more colorful and nuanced.

Characteristics of Proverbs

Proverbs are fascinating elements of language that pack a lot of wisdom into a few words. They have several distinct characteristics that make them both memorable and effective in conveying messages. Here are some key features that define proverbs:

• Brevity : One of the most striking features of proverbs is their brevity. They are short and to the point, often consisting of just a single sentence. This makes them easy to remember and quick to use in conversation. For example, “Time is money” is a short phrase, but it conveys the idea that time is a valuable resource.
• Universality : Proverbs often express universal truths or common experiences that are relatable to many people, regardless of their background. Phrases like “Every cloud has a silver lining” are understood and appreciated in various cultures because they touch on a shared human experience—looking for hope in difficult times.
• Simplicity : Proverbs usually employ simple, everyday language. They avoid complex words or structures, making them accessible to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. For instance, “Birds of a feather flock together” uses simple words to convey that people with similar interests or characteristics will usually be found together.
• Metaphorical Language : Many proverbs use metaphors or analogies to convey their message. This adds a layer of depth and makes the proverb more engaging. For example, “Don’t cry over spilled milk” uses the metaphor of spilled milk to talk about not wasting time worrying about past mistakes.
• Rhythmic and Rhyming Elements : Some proverbs have a rhythmic or rhyming structure that makes them catchy and easier to remember. Phrases like “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” have a rhythmic flow that sticks in the mind.
• Moral or Practical Lesson : Most proverbs aim to teach a moral or practical lesson. Whether it’s advising caution, as in “Look before you leap,” or encouraging kindness, as in “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” the primary purpose is instructional.
• Fixed Structure : Proverbs are often fixed phrases that don’t change over time. This stability helps them endure through generations. For example, “Honesty is the best policy” has been used for centuries and its wording has not changed.
• Context-Dependent : While proverbs are designed to be universally applicable, their effectiveness can depend on the context in which they are used. Knowing when and how to use a proverb appropriately is crucial for it to have the desired impact.
• Cultural Variations : Although the core message of a proverb may be universal, the way it is expressed can vary from one culture to another. Understanding the cultural nuances can add another layer of meaning.
• Adaptability : Some proverbs are adapted or modified to fit specific situations, although the core message remains the same. This adaptability makes them versatile tools in both spoken and written language.

Proverbs are short, universal, and easy to understand, often employing metaphorical language and rhythmic elements to make them memorable. They offer moral or practical lessons and are a valuable resource for effective communication and cultural understanding. Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language, recognizing these characteristics can help you appreciate the richness that proverbs bring to English.

Importance of Proverbs: Why understanding Proverbs is important for English language learners?

The importance of proverbs lies in their ability to encapsulate wisdom, cultural values, and life lessons in a concise and memorable way. Here are some reasons why understanding proverbs is significant:

• Cultural Insight : Proverbs often reflect the beliefs, values, and norms of a society. By understanding them, you can gain valuable insights into the culture, mindset, and social customs of English-speaking communities.
• Contextual Understanding : Proverbs are often used in specific situations. Knowing when and how to use them can help you understand the context of conversations better.
• Effective Communication : Proverbs can make your speech or writing more impactful. They serve as shorthand for more complex ideas, allowing you to convey your message more efficiently. They can add emphasis or clarity to what you’re trying to say, making your communication more impactful.
• Richer Vocabulary : Proverbs often use unique phrasing, idiomatic expressions, or literary devices like metaphors. This can enrich your vocabulary and understanding of language structure.
• Universal Lessons : Proverbs usually offer universal truths or advice that are applicable in various situations. This makes them valuable tools for guidance and decision-making.
• Social Interaction : Using proverbs correctly can make you sound more like a native speaker, helping you integrate socially. They show that you not only understand the language but also the nuances and subtleties of the culture.
• Better Listening Comprehension : Native speakers frequently use proverbs in everyday speech. Understanding these can help you follow conversations more easily and respond more appropriately.
• Enhanced Reading Skills : Proverbs often appear in written texts like articles, stories, and even business reports. Knowing them can improve your reading comprehension.
• Enjoyment of Literature and Media : Many English books, movies, and songs use proverbs. Understanding them can enhance your enjoyment and interpretation of these works.
• Moral and Ethical Guidelines : Many proverbs offer moral or ethical lessons, serving as simple reminders of what is considered right or wise behavior.
• Memory and Recall : The catchy, often rhythmic nature of proverbs makes them easy to remember. This can be especially helpful for language learners trying to memorize new concepts.
• Problem-Solving : Because they often encapsulate wisdom and experience, proverbs can be used as tools for problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Avoiding Misunderstandings : Misinterpreting a proverb can lead to confusion or even offense. Knowing the meaning helps you avoid misunderstandings.
• Learning Nuances : Proverbs often contain nuances that literal translations don’t capture. Understanding these subtleties can deepen your grasp of the English language.
• Cross-Cultural Connections : Many proverbs have equivalents in other languages and cultures. Understanding the proverbs of one culture can sometimes make it easier to understand the wisdom of another.

Proverbs are more than just sayings; they are mini-lessons packed with wisdom and cultural insights. Understanding them can significantly enhance your language skills, deepen your cultural understanding, and enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

How to use Proverbs

Using proverbs effectively can add depth and color to your language. Here’s how you can use them:

In Conversation

• To Give Advice : If someone is facing a dilemma, you can use a proverb like “Better safe than sorry” to advise caution.
• To Make a Point : If you’re discussing hard work and its benefits, you might say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
• To Agree or Disagree : If someone says something you agree with, you can use a proverb like “Great minds think alike” to show your agreement.
• To Emphasize a Concept : If you’re writing about the importance of taking opportunities, you could use the proverb “Strike while the iron is hot.”
• To Start or Conclude : Proverbs can make strong opening or closing statements. For example, if you’re writing about honesty, you might conclude with “Honesty is the best policy.”

In Business

• In Presentations : Use proverbs to underscore a point. For example, if you’re talking about teamwork, you might say, “Two heads are better than one.”
• In Emails : A well-placed proverb can make your message more impactful. But remember, keep it relevant to the topic.

When to avoid using Proverbs

• In Academic Writing : Proverbs are generally considered too informal for academic papers.
• With People Unfamiliar with English : If you’re speaking with someone who is new to the English language, using proverbs may cause confusion.
• In Sensitive or Serious Situations : In some cases, like bad news or formal announcements, using a proverb might be seen as inappropriate or insensitive.

Tips for using Proverbs

• Know the Meaning : Make sure you understand the proverb and its cultural context before using it.
• Use Sparingly : Proverbs are impactful when used sparingly. Overuse can make your speech or writing seem clichéd.
• Match the Situation : Choose a proverb that fits the situation and the point you’re trying to make.
• Test the Waters : If you’re unsure how a proverb will be received, you might first try using it in a less important situation to gauge reactions.

By understanding when, where, and how to use proverbs, you can communicate more effectively and add a layer of richness to your language skills.

Common mistakes in using Proverbs

Using proverbs can be tricky, especially for those who are learning English as a second language. Here are some common mistakes people make:

Incorrect Wording

One of the most common mistakes is altering the words of the proverb, which can change its meaning.

• Incorrect: “Honesty is the good policy.”
• Correct: “Honesty is the best policy.”

Wrong Context

Using a proverb in an inappropriate situation can lead to confusion or may seem awkward.

• Example: Saying “Every cloud has a silver lining” at a funeral might be considered insensitive.

Using too many proverbs can make your speech or writing seem forced or clichéd.

• Example: “Well, you know what they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but a stitch in time saves nine, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Mixing Proverbs

Combining two different proverbs can create a confusing or nonsensical statement.

• Incorrect: “Don’t count your chickens before the early bird catches the worm.”
• Correct: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” and “The early bird catches the worm” are separate proverbs.

Literal Interpretation

Some people might take the words in a proverb literally, missing the metaphorical or symbolic meaning.

• Example: Thinking “Breaking the ice” means literally breaking a piece of ice, rather than initiating a conversation to ease tension.

Cultural Misunderstanding

Some proverbs have cultural nuances that may not be understood by everyone.

• Example: Using “It’s raining cats and dogs” with someone unfamiliar with English idioms might lead them to think it’s about animals, not heavy rain.

Incorrect Timing

Using a proverb at the wrong time can lessen its impact or make it seem out of place.

• Example: Saying “Better late than never” when someone is on time can be confusing.

In Formal Writing

Proverbs are generally considered informal, so using them in academic or formal writing is usually discouraged.

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to fully understand the proverb you’re using, both its wording and its meaning. Make sure it fits the context and consider your audience’s familiarity with the proverb and the English language.

Books and websites to learn more about Proverbs

If you’re interested in learning more about proverbs, there are several resources that can help you deepen your understanding. Here are some books and websites you might find useful:

• “Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs” by John Simpson and Jennifer Speake : This book provides a comprehensive collection of proverbs along with their origins and meanings.
• “Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings” by Gregory Y. Titelman : This book focuses on popular proverbs and sayings, providing context and usage examples.
• “Proverbs: A Handbook” by Wolfgang Mieder : This book offers an academic look at proverbs, exploring their role in language, culture, and society.
• “The Book of Proverbs” : This is a book in the Bible that contains many ancient proverbs, offering moral and practical advice.
• “English Proverbs Explained” by Ronald Ridout : Aimed at English learners, this book explains the meanings and usages of various English proverbs.
• Phrase Finder (phrases.org.uk) : This website offers a large collection of English sayings, phrases, and proverbs, along with their meanings and origins.
• The Proverb Hunter (proverbhunter.com) : This website is dedicated to proverbs from around the world, including English proverbs. It provides meanings, usages, and sometimes the history behind each proverb.
• Wikiquote : The Proverbs section on Wikiquote offers a collection of proverbs from various cultures, including English.
• UsingEnglish.com : This website has a section dedicated to English idioms, sayings, and proverbs, aimed specifically at English learners.
• YourDictionary : The website has a list of proverbs with their meanings, and it’s a good starting point for beginners.

By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of proverbs, their meanings, and their role in language and culture. Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language, these resources offer valuable insights into this fascinating aspect of language.

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64 Proverbs with Meaning and Example Sentences

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A proverb is a short, simple, concrete, pithy saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs can be used in any circumstance, to give others advice or enlighten them about the situation they are in.

Here’s a list of the most common proverbs in English with meaning and example sentences:

1. A Bad Penny Always Turns Up

Meaning : Someone or something unwelcome will always reappear or return.

Example : Ricky is like a bad penny and appears when needs not.

2. A Barking Dog Never Bites

Meaning : One who regularly makes angry or threatening statements rarely acts upon them.

Example : My boss threatens to fire me at least once a week, but a barking dog never bites.

3. A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

Meaning: It’s better to hold onto something that you already have than to risk losing it by trying to attain something better.

Example : Stephan decided against selling off his small clothing shop for the prospects of starting a bigger one. He realized that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

4. A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step

Meaning: To finish a difficult task, you have to first start it.

Example: If you want to run a marathon you should start running shorter distances first. You have to start somewhere, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

5. A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing

Meaning: Having a limited amount of knowledge about something can lead one to act in a way that could be detrimental to them or someone else

Example : It seems that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and the authors have allowed themselves to over-interpret their interesting findings.

6. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Meaning: A picture conveys meaning more effectively than words.

Example: A good presentation should contain more of graphics and less of text, since a picture is worth a thousand words.

7. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

Meaning: If you sort out a problem immediately it will save you extra work later.

Example : You should get your back looked at right away or it will get much worse! A stitch in time saves nine!

8. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say. Actions shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say.

Example : You don’t have to keep saying that you do the most work in the office. Remember that actions speak louder than words.

9. All Good Things Must Come to an End

Meaning: There is an end to everything. All experiences, even pleasant ones, eventually end.

Example : It’s been a fantastic journey but all good things must come to an end.

10. All That Glitters is Not Gold

Meaning: It means that everything that looks good may not actually be all that good.

Example : I know that Stephan is a handsome boy but don’t forget all that glitters is not gold.

11. All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

Meaning: It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring.

Example : Stephan come out to the watch a match with us tonight! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

12. All’s Fair in Love and War

Meaning: It is used where people do not follow the usual rules and do things that are normally considered unfair or wrong.

Example: I had to flatter the boss in order to get that big promotion. All’s fair in love and war.

13. All’s Well That Ends Well

Meaning: It is used to describe a situation that started with problems but ended on positive or satisfactory note.

Example: The groom was late for the wedding, but everything worked out all right. All’s well that ends well.

14. An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth

Meaning: If someone does something wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing done to them.

Example: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; this is all I demand from all those have wronged me.

15. Barking Dogs Seldom Bites

Meaning: People who are full of talk, are low on action. Don’t be afraid of people that threaten you because they rarely take action.

Example: Stephan looks all rough and dangerous and talks tough, but he is all bark and no bite.

16. Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder

Meaning: That which one person finds beautiful may not appeal to another.

Example: I don’t see why he finds her attractive; but, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.

17. Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Meaning: People who need something should be satisfied with what they get even if it is not exactly what they wanted

Example: I would have preferred a house of my own rather than sharing, but beggars can’t be choosers.

18. Better Late Than Never

Meaning: It is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than not do it or arrive at all.

Example: Stephan finally paid me the money he owed me. Well, better late than never.

19. Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Meaning: People of the same sort or with the same tastes and interests will often spend time with each other.

Example: These health professionals sure were birds of a feather.

20. Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

Meaning: It is very important to keep yourself clean. Being clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness.

Example: My mother is always adamant that we wash our hands before eating because cleanliness is next to godliness.

21. Cowards Die Many Times Before Their Deaths

Meaning: People who constantly fear death feel the stress associated with it many times before actually dying.

Example: Coward dies many times before their death but the valiant never taste of death but once.

22. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Meaning: One should not put all their resources into one thing as one could lose everything.

Example: It would be prudent to diversify your investments, as you should not put all your eggs in one basket.

23. Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse

Meaning: Don’t do things out of the proper order.

Example: The government put the cart before the horse by investing heavily before making major reforms.

24. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Meaning: Don’t try to do something that is too difficult for you.

Example: It feels like I bit off more than I could chew when I accepted two part-time jobs,

25. Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You

Meaning: Don’t act badly or ungratefully towards the person who is helping.

Example: I know your boss isn’t always nice, but remember: Never bite the hand that feeds you.

26. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning: Don’t assume that something will definitely happen before it really does.

Example: You may get the job, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch; wait till you get the offer letter before you throw the party.

27. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Meaning: Don’t make an opinion of someone or something by looking at the person or thing’s appearance.

Example: The candidate did not look very intelligent, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

28. Fine Feathers Make Fine Birds

Meaning: Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

Example: Stephan you should wear a tie for the job interview. Fine feathers make fine birds.

29. Fortune Favors the Brave

Meaning: Luck is usually on the side of those who take chances and risks.

Example: Stephan decided to ask out the most beautiful girl in school because fortune favors the brave.

30. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Meaning: You need make an effort to achieve something.

Example: You better start working for the test because God helps those who help themselves.

31. Half a Loaf Is Better than None

Meaning: Said about a situation in which you must accept less than you wanted.

Example: I know they’re offering you less money than you’d hoped for, but at least it’s a good job – half a loaf is better than none.

32. Honesty is the Best Policy

Meaning: Telling the truth is always better than lying.

Example: Stephan realized honesty is the best policy and told them what really happened to their jeep.

33. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Meaning: One should be optimistic but ready for hard times as well.

Example: Although I hope for the best, but I am prepared for the worst in case we do not get the visa.

34. If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

Meaning: There is no need to change or fix something that is in a working state.

Example: I really don’t see any point in trying to fix my car when it works fine. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

35. If You Play With Fire, You’ll Get Burned

Meaning: If you do something dangerous, chances are you will get hurt.

Example: You are playing with fire if you are not doing the work you boss is asking you to do. He might fire you.

36. It Takes Two to Make a Quarrel

Meaning: It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on one side .

Example: Stephan it’s not just my fault. It takes two to make a quarrel.

37. It’s Never Too Late to Mend

Meaning: It is never too late to repair something you have done wrong.

Example: Well, it’s never too late to mend; why don’t you call Stephan up and apologize for what you did?

38. It’s No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

Meaning: One shouldn’t worry about things that have already happened and can’t be changed.

Example: Stephan lost all his money and there is nothing he can do about it – It’s no use crying over spilled milk.

39. It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

Meaning: It is better to do things carefully beforehand than to suffer the consequences later.

Example: Stephan you should get this checked by a doctor – better safe than sorry!

40. Knowledge is Power

Meaning: The more one knows, the more one will be able to control events.

Example: You should try to get as much information as possible about the job. As they say knowledge is power.

41. Laughter is the Best Medicine

Meaning: Trying to be happy is a good way to stop worrying.

Example: Sometimes, all you need to do is laugh as laughter is the best medicine.

42. Like Father, Like Son

Meaning: A son’s character or behaviour is expected to resemble that of his father.

Example: Stephan’s only interest is in making money. Like father, like son.

43. Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning: Make good use of an opportunity while it lasts.

Example: The skiing conditions won’t be this good for another several months, so let’s make hay while the sun shines.

44. Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Meaning: If you really need to do something, you will think of a way of doing it

Example: If you want to invent something, think about what people need. Necessity is the mother of invention.

45. No Man Is an Island

Meaning: No one is self-sufficient; everyone relies on others. This saying comes from a sermon by John Donne.

Example: You can’t manage this all by yourself; no man is an island.

46. People Who Live in Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones

Meaning: People who have faults should not criticize other people for having the same faults.

Example: Stephan been hounding Ricky for not performing well in the game, but he himself hasn’t done well in last few matches. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!

47. Practice Makes Perfect

Meaning: You should continue doing something multiple times, if you want to learn to do it very well.

Example: You should continue working on your tennis serve to get the desired results. Practice makes perfect!

48. Rome Was Not Built in a Day

Meaning: It takes time to create something great.

Example: It will take a year for me to finish my research project. Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know.

49. Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Meaning: Take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it exists

Example: One doesn’t get such offers often. If I were you, I’d strike while the iron is hot.

50. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Meaning: If you work slowly but constantly, you will succeed better than if you work fast for a short while and do not continue.

Example: You might be slow at what you are doing but you will succeed if you continue doing. Slow and steady wins the race.

51. The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Meaning: The person who takes the earliest opportunity to do something will gain the advantage over others.

Example: We need to get to the store early if we want to have the best selection. The early bird catches the worm

52. The Forbidden Fruit is the Sweetest

Meaning: People are drawn to things that they are forbidden from doing or having.

Example: He went after her just because the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.

53. The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence

Meaning: Other people’s lives or situations always seem better than your own.

Example: You might think you’d be happy if you were working in my company, but, well, the grass is greener on the other side.

54. The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

Meaning: The power of the written word is far more powerful than the force of a sword.

Example: The Founding Fathers of the United States of America considered the pen to be mightier than the sword, and therefore were able to gain the freedom of America by uniting the colonists

55. The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease

Meaning: Someone who complains or causes problems is more likely to receive attention or help.

Example: My younger brother got far more stuff from my parents when we were kids because the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

56. Time and Tide Wait for None

Meaning: The opportunities of life will pass you by if you delay or procrastinate in taking advantage of them.

Example: You should start preparing for the exam now other wise you will miss the opportunity. Time and tide wait for none

57. Time is Money

Meaning: Time is a valuable resource, therefore it’s better to do things as quickly as possible.

Example: Stephan won’t be going along as it would be a waste of his time, and time is money.

58. Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right

Meaning: The fact that someone has done something unjust or dishonest is no justification for acting in a similar way.

Example: You should not have hit him back. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

59. When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do

Meaning: You should follow the conventions and customs of the place in which you are residing or visiting.

Example: Having travelled so many countries, the only advice that I give is that when in Rome, do as the Romans.

60. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going

Meaning: When conditions become difficult, strong people continue working harder.

Example: The football team was losing the game, so at half time the coach reminded them that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

61. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Meaning: If someone is determined to do something, he will find a way to accomplish it regardless of obstacles.

Example: Don’t tell me it’s impossible. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And we’re going to find a way to do it.

62. Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Meaning: There’s always some reason for a rumour.

Example: They have not arrested him for nothing. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. He has likely done something wrong and will now have to face it.

63. You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It

Meaning: To have or do two things that one desires that are normally contradictory or impossible to have or do simultaneously.

Example: You can’t have your cake and eat it – if you want more local services, you can’t expect to pay less tax.

64. You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Meaning: It is very difficult to teach someone new skills or to change someone’s habits or character.

Example: I tried to get my father to start using an iPad, but he says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

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Proverbs: 50+ Useful and Important English Proverbs for ESL Students

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that express a truth or an opinion based on common sense or experience. They are often used to give advice or to share a moral lesson.  In this post, we’ll learn some common proverbs in English. By using some of these 0ver 50 popular proverbs, you can up your English language by a few notches.

What Is a Proverb?

A proverb is a short, pithy saying that expresses a traditionally held truth or piece of advice, based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often used to give advice or to share a moral lesson and can be found in many cultures and languages. They are usually passed down through generations and often use figurative language , such as metaphor or allegory, to convey their message.

Proverbs can be used in a variety of settings, including in everyday conversation, literature, and even in educational settings as a way to teach values and lessons. They can provide a quick, concise way to convey a message or a lesson and can be an effective way to impart wisdom or to make a point.

They can also be found in many different forms, including as sayings, idioms, and even as jokes or riddles. Some proverbs are specific to a particular culture or language, while others are more widely known and used.

In summary, proverbs are short, wise sayings that are used to convey a truth or a lesson and are found in many cultures and languages. They often use figurative language and are passed down through generations as a way to impart wisdom and share moral lessons.

Here are a few examples of proverbs and their meanings:

• “Actions speak louder than words.”

This proverb means that what people do is more important than what they say.

• “Honesty is the best policy.”

This proverb advises people to be honest, as it is generally the best course of action.

• “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

This proverb advises people not to make assumptions or form opinions based on appearances alone.

• “Practice makes perfect.”

This proverb suggests that repetition and practice can help someone improve their skills or abilities.

• “The early bird catches the worm.”

This proverb advises people to get an early start, as it can lead to success or advantage.

Common Proverbs in English

• A bargain is a bargain.
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
• A blind man would be glad to see.
• A cat in gloves catches no mice.
• After dinner comes the reckoning.
• Penny-wise and pound-foolish.
• One swallow does not make a summer.
• Nightingales will not sing in a cage.
• Many a good father has but a bad son.
• Least said, soonest mended.
• Keep a thing seven years and you will find a use for it.
• Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
• All are not merry that dance lightly.
• An oak is not felled at one stroke.
• The camel going to seek horns lost his ears.
• So many countries, so many customs.
• As you brew, so must you drink.
• Best defense is offense.
• Better be born lucky than rich.
• Between two evils ’tis not worth choosing.
• Catch the bear before you sell his skin.
• Death is the grand leveler.
• Diseases are the interests of pleasures.
• Doing is better than saying.
• Draw not your bow till your arrow is fixed.
• Everything comes to him who waits.
• Fair without, foul (false) within.
• Fish and company stink in three days.
• Fools may sometimes speak to the purpose.
• Give him an inch and he’ll take an ell.
• Good words without deeds are rushes and reeds.
• Half a loaf is better than no bread.
• He is not laughed at that laughs at himself first.
• His money burns a hole in his pocket.
• If we can’t as we would, we must do as we can.
• It is good fishing in troubled waters.
• Make hay while the sun shines.
• No man loves his fetters, be they made of gold.
• Politeness costs little (nothing), but yields much.
• Short debts (accounts) make long friends.
• The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.
• Truth comes out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.
• Two is company, but three is none.
• Velvet paws hide sharp claws.
• Virtue is its own reward.
• Wait for the cat to jump.
• What is done cannot be undone.
• What is got over the devil’s back is spent under his belly.
• When children stand quiet, they have done some harm.
• Beggars can’t be choosers.
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
• No man is an island.
• People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
• The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
• Two heads are better than one.
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Types of Proverbs

Descriptive proverbs.

Descriptive proverbs provide a description or observation about a situation. They are used to describe a situation or a person. For example, “Actions speak louder than words” is a descriptive proverb that means that what people do is more important than what they say. Another example is “All that glitters is not gold,” which means that not everything that looks good is actually good.

Instructional Proverbs

Instructional proverbs provide guidance or advice on how to act in a certain situation. They are used to teach moral values and wisdom. For example, “Honesty is the best policy” is an instructional proverb that teaches the importance of being truthful. Another example is “A penny saved is a penny earned,” which teaches the importance of saving money.

Explanatory Proverbs

Explanatory proverbs explain a concept or a situation. They are used to clarify a situation or to provide an explanation. For example, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is an explanatory proverb that means that when you are in a foreign country, you should follow the customs and traditions of that country. Another example is “You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” which means that you can’t have everything you want in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Proverbs?

Proverbs is a book of wisdom in the Bible that teaches us how to live a good and successful life. The main message of Proverbs is to seek wisdom and understanding, and to live a life that is pleasing to God. The book emphasizes the importance of honesty, hard work, and treating others with kindness and respect. It also warns against foolishness, laziness, and immoral behavior.

What are some of the themes in Proverbs?

Some of the main themes in Proverbs include wisdom, understanding, knowledge, diligence, honesty, humility, and the fear of the Lord. The book also touches on topics such as wealth and poverty, friendship, family relationships, and the power of words. Proverbs encourages us to seek these virtues and apply them to our daily lives.

What are some of the most memorable Proverbs?

Proverbs is full of memorable sayings that have become well-known phrases in our culture. Some examples include “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6), and “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). These and many other Proverbs have become popular for their timeless wisdom and practical advice.

Last Updated on November 7, 2023

7 thoughts on “Proverbs: 50+ Useful and Important English Proverbs for ESL Students”

what is done cannot be undone? really?

This phrase means that once something has been done, it cannot be reversed or undone. It implies that actions have consequences and that people should be mindful of the choices they make. It is a reminder to take responsibility for our actions and to be thoughtful before making decisions that may have lasting effects.

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30+ Most Useful English Proverbs You Should Learn Right Now

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2019

Sharing is caring!

An English proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience.

It’s good to know the really common English proverbs because you hear them come up in conversation all the time. Sometimes people say the entire proverb to give advice to a friend.

Learning proverbs can also help you to understand the way that people in English-speaking cultures think about the world.

Learn more about common idioms in English.

In the list below, we are going to explore 33 common sayings with their meaning.

Most Useful English Proverbs

1. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned

Meaning:  If you get involved in something dangerous or beyond your abilities, you will probably experience negative consequences.

2. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself

Meaning:  Don’t depend on someone else to do a good job; do it yourself.

3. Knowledge is power

Meaning:  The more you know, the more powerful you can be in different areas of your life.

4. Laughter is the best medicine

Meaning:  When you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation.

5. No man is an island

Meaning: No one is truly capable of living alone. We need human connection to be healthy.

6. Actions speak louder than words

Meaning: What do you do is more important than what you say.

7. All good things must come to an end

Meaning: Everything ends; good times don’t last forever.

8. A picture is worth a thousand words

Meaning:  An image can tell a story better than a words.

9. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Meaning: What is “beautiful” is different for each other.

10. Better late than never

Meaning: It’s better to finish something late than to never do it at all.

11. Birds of a feather flock together

Meaning: People who are similar spend time together.

12. Don’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone.

13. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning: Don’t expect a positive result before you actually see it.

14. Don’t out all of your eggs in one basket

Meaning: Don’t put all of your hopes and resources into one goal or dream.

15. Don’t put too many irons in the fire

Meaning: Don’t try to do too many things at the same time; focus on one thing at a time.

16. Good things come to those who wait

Meaning: If you are patient, good things can happen.

17. Honesty is the best policy

Meaning: It’s always better to tell the truth than it is to lie.

18. There is no place like home

Meaning: Your home is the most comfortable place in the world.

19. Easy come, easy go

Meaning: When you get money quickly, like by winning it, it’s easy to spend it or lose it quickly as well.

20. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

Meaning:  If someone’s paying you or helping you out, you have to be careful not to make them angry or say bad things about them.

21. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em

Meaning:  When you try to change someone’s behavior or it doesn’t work, you might have to change instead.

22. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

Meaning:  Different people have different ideas about what’s valuable.

23. There’s no time like the present

Meaning:  If you need to do something, don’t wait until later. Do it now.

24. Necessity is the mother of invention

Meaning:  When you’re really in need, you think of creative solutions to your problems.

25. A penny saved is a penny earned

Meaning:  Save your money.

26. Familiarity breeds contempt

Meaning: When you’re around someone for too long, you get tired of them and annoyed by them.

27. You can’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning:  Things sometimes look different than they really are. A restaurant that looks old and small might have amazing food.

28. Good things come to those who wait

Meaning:  Be patient.

29. Better late than never

Meaning:  The delayed occurrence or achievement of something that one desires is better than it not happening at all.

30. Birds of a feather flock together

Meaning:  People like to spend time with others who are similar to them.

31. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

Meaning: If you have an enemy, pretend to be friends with them instead of openly fighting with them. That way you can watch them carefully and figure out what they’re planning.

32. A picture is worth a thousand words

Meaning: Picture conveys emotions and messages better than written or spoken explanations.

33. There’s no such thing as a free lunch

Meaning:  Things that are offered for free always have a hidden cost.

Most Useful English Proverbs | Image

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Zarrar Khan barakzai

Wednesday 3rd of August 2022

I want to change my school please can you guys tell my father 🥺🙏🥺🙏🥺🙏🥺🙏🥺🙏🥺🙏🥺

Mohamed Dara

Wednesday 21st of October 2020

Nice discussion

Saturday 31st of March 2018

So helpful, thanks

Dimitar Gavrailov

Thursday 30th of November 2017

They worth and I'll do it (The 30...). Well - by and by. Not compulsorily right now. :)

Proverbs: Timeless Wisdom for Everyday Life

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that have been passed down through generations. They are often used to provide guidance and wisdom on how to live a good life. Proverbs can be found in many cultures and religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. They are a valuable tool for learning about different cultures and their values.

If you are interested in learning more about proverbs, there are many resources available online. You can find lists of proverbs with their meanings and examples, as well as information on the cultures and religions they come from. Some websites even provide tables that organize proverbs by topic or theme. By studying proverbs, you can gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and their values, as well as learn valuable lessons on how to live a good life.

Table of Contents

What are Proverbs?

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that convey a nugget of wisdom or truth. They are often used to teach a moral lesson or offer practical advice. Proverbs can be found in many cultures and are often passed down from generation to generation. In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, there are many examples of these sayings.

Here are some examples of proverbs, their meanings, and their usage:

Proverbs are often used to teach children important lessons. Parents and teachers can use these sayings to help children understand the importance of being honest, working hard, and treating others with kindness and respect.

In addition to teaching moral lessons, proverbs can also be used to make a point or express an idea in a concise and memorable way. They are often used in speeches, essays, and other forms of communication to drive home a message.

List of Common Proverbs in English

A picture is worth a thousand words

• MEANING: An image can tell a story better than words
• EXAMPLE: “I wasn’t sure that he loved her, but then I saw them hugging at the airport. A picture is worth a thousand words .”

All good things must come to an end

• MEANING: Everything ends; good times don’t last forever
• EXAMPLE: “I wish this vacation would go on forever. It’s too bad that all good things must come to an end .”

Actions speak louder than words

• MEANING: What you do is more important than what you say
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t just tell me you’re going to change. Do it! Actions speak louder than words .”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

• MEANING: What is “beautiful” is different for each person
• EXAMPLE: “I think their house is ugly, but they seem to like it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder .”

Better late than never

• MEANING: It’s better to finish something late than to never do it at all
• EXAMPLE: “Hello, Mr. Jameson. Here is my final essay. Better late than never , right?”

Don’t judge a book by its cover

• MEANING: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone
• EXAMPLE: “Racism is still a problem today, and it will continue to be that way until we learn not to judge a book by its cover .”

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket

• MEANING: Don’t put all of your hopes and resources into one goal or dream
• EXAMPLE: “I know you really want to be an actor, but don’t you think you’re being financially irresponsible? Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. ”

Easy come, easy go

• MEANING: When you make money quickly, it’s very easy to lose it quickly as well
• EXAMPLE: “I won $200 at the casino, and then I spent it on a very expensive meal for me and some friends. Easy come, easy go .”

Good things come to those who wait

• MEANING: If you are patient, good things can happen
• EXAMPLE: “I know you’re hungry, but stop being so impatient. We just ordered our food. Good things come to those who wait. ”

If you play with fire, you’ll get burned

• MEANING: If you get involved in something dangerous or beyond your abilities, you will probably experience negative consequences
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t make him angry. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned .”

Knowledge is power

• MEANING: The more you know, the more powerful you can be in different areas of your life
• EXAMPLE: “When we were kids, our parents taught us how to swim. That knowledge helped me to save my cousin’s life when he was 5 years old. Knowledge is power .”

Laughter is the best medicine

• MEANING: When you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation
• EXAMPLE: “I’m sorry to hear about your dog. Want to watch a funny movie? Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine .”

Practice makes perfect

• MEANING: The more you do something, the better you will become at it
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t give up on learning the violin. Practice makes perfect .”

There is no such thing as a free lunch

• MEANING: Nothing is free. Even the things that are free have a hidden cost
• EXAMPLE: “His bank gave him $50 for free, but he had to commit to opening a credit card account. There’s no such thing as a free lunch .”

Time is money

• MEANING: Don’t waste your time or other people’s time; also, if you can use your time to make money in some way, you should do that.
• EXAMPLE: “Hurry up! Time is money !”

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

• MEANING: When you are in a new place or situation, try to act like the majority of people in that place or situation.
• EXAMPLE: “Are you sure we should eat this with our hands?” Answer: “Why not? All of these people are eating it that way. When in Rome, do as the Romans do !”

Types of Proverbs

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that express a truth or piece of advice. They are found in many cultures and languages around the world and are often passed down from generation to generation. There are three main types of proverbs: universal, cultural, and modern.

Universal Proverbs

Universal proverbs are sayings that are common across many cultures and languages. They express universal truths about life, human nature, and the world around us. Some examples of universal proverbs include:

Cultural Proverbs

Cultural proverbs are sayings that are specific to a particular culture or language. They often reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of that culture. Some examples of cultural proverbs include:

Modern Proverbs

Modern proverbs are sayings that have emerged in recent times, often as a result of new technologies, social changes, or popular culture. They reflect the concerns and issues of modern society. Some examples of modern proverbs include:

In conclusion, proverbs are a rich source of wisdom and advice. Whether they are universal, cultural, or modern, they offer insights into the human experience and can help us navigate the challenges of life.

Interpreting Proverbs

When reading Proverbs, it is important to understand that they are not always meant to be taken literally. Sometimes, they are symbolic and require interpretation. Here are two ways to interpret Proverbs:

Literal Interpretations

Some Proverbs can be taken at face value, without any deeper meaning. These Proverbs are straightforward and easy to understand. Here are some examples:

Symbolic Interpretations

Other Proverbs are symbolic and require interpretation. These Proverbs use metaphorical language to convey a deeper meaning. Here are some examples:

It is important to read Proverbs in context and to consider the cultural and historical context in which they were written. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of their meaning and apply them to your own life.

used in many different situations. Whether you are a student or an adult, proverbs can help you make wise decisions and navigate life’s challenges.

Famous Proverbs and Their Meanings

Proverbs are short, wise sayings that have been passed down through generations. They offer advice, guidance, and wisdom about life. Here are some famous proverbs and their meanings:

These are just a few examples of famous proverbs and their meanings. Proverbs can be found in many cultures and languages, and they offer timeless advice that can be applied to many areas of life. By learning and understanding proverbs, you can gain wisdom and insight into the world around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best Proverbs in the Bible?

There are many great Proverbs in the Bible that can provide wisdom and guidance for everyday life. Some of the most well-known and beloved Proverbs include:

What is Proverbs main message?

The main message of Proverbs is to seek wisdom and live a righteous life. The book emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands and living with integrity, while also warning against the dangers of foolishness and sin.

What are the Ketuvim books in the Hebrew Bible?

The Ketuvim, also known as the Writings, is the third section of the Hebrew Bible . It includes several books of poetry and wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes.

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50 Meaningful Proverbs to Wow Your Teacher

• Primary School Composition Writing

Parents and teachers are always telling you “honesty is the best policy” and “practice makes perfect”. But what are these phrases and how do all the adults know them?

These phrases are called proverbs. They are short statements of universal truths. Proverbs are pearls of wisdom and by using them, you can show that your characters have really learned their lessons. They give variation to dialogue, and they can be used in the introduction or conclusion of your compositions.

But before you read on, you might want to download this Free-Ebook on 88 meaningful proverbs that your child can use to wow the teacher!

• Simple & Easy-to-use
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• Examples provided
• Learn the meaning of these proverbs!

By the way, here’s a Free Online Lesson I carried out on How to Use Proverbs recently…

(It is a 1.5hr lesson, with the last 0.5hr spent answering questions from parents.)

In the above free online lesson, your child will learn:

– What are proverbs?

– How to use proverbs effectively

– How to avoid common mistakes when using proverbs

At the end of the lesson, your child will get some hands-on practice on how to use proverbs in a sentence.

255 students attended this free lesson, hence the chat box was out of control.

In our paid classes, however, we limit each virtual class to about 50 students, to make the chatbox controllable, and to ensure everyone has a chance to have their queries answered.

Here are 50 proverbs that you can use for your compositions!

1. A bad workman always blames his tools

Someone who fails at a task and blames his tools does not have the ability to carry out the task in the first place.

Example: Frustrated, Ting Ting threw her bike to the ground and insisted, “I can’t ride it because it is broken!” Her father shook his head. “A bad workman always blames his tools,” he said. “Let’s try that again.”

2. A barking dog never bites

Someone who acts intimidating by being loud is not actually a dangerous person.

Example: The vegetable seller shrank in fear when the customer raised her voice. She demanded, “Don’t be stingy. Give me a discount!” Shaking my head in disapproval, I encouraged the seller. “A barking dog never bites. Don’t be afraid of her.”

3. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Being separated from someone or something for a long time makes you appreciate them even more.

Example: My mother had been in Thailand for two weeks now. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I missed her and her cooking.

4. Actions speak louder than words

A better way of showing your sincerity is doing what you promise rather than just saying you promise to do it.

Example: Jack promised he would not push Tom around again. But actions speak louder than words, we had to wait and see if Jack would keep his promise.

5. A friend in need is a friend indeed

This proverb is used to explain that the people who help you when you are in need are your true friends.

Example: After I lost the race, Mary continued to support me even though everyone else called me names. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

6. A leopard never changes its spots

It is not possible for a person to change their habits or personality.

Example: Even after being reprimanded for bullying Tom, Jack simply switched his target to Walter. A leopard never changes its spots.

7. All good things must come to an end

Everything will come to an end, even good things do not last forever.

Example: I had the time of my life at the birthday party. But all good things must come to an end, and it was time for us to go home.

8. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

If all someone does is work, they will grow bored and become boring.

Example: Jenny was a very hard-working girl, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, she would soon grow tired of studying all the time.

9. All’s well that ends well

As long as there is a good ending, the problems encountered along the way are not important.

Example: Finishing this mural was tough, but all’s well that ends well.

10. A penny saved is a penny earned

This proverb is commonly used when advising people to save their money.

Example: On the way home from school, I found a dollar on the floor. I picked it up happily and said to myself, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

11. A picture is worth a thousand words

A picture or image expresses meaning more effectively than words.

Example: Johnny did not need to explain how grateful he was for his parents. From the painting he did of his family, we could tell just how much he loves them. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

12. An empty vessel makes the most noise

The person who is the most foolish is also the noisiest.

Example: Harry is the most talkative student in the class, but you know what they say: “An empty vessel makes the most noise.” He is also known for his poor grades.

13. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

A person who has harmed another person should receive a punishment that is equal to the harm the victim has suffered. This proverb is commonly used as an excuse for revenge or to teach people to treat others like how they want to be treated.

Example: I accidentally hit Jack with my elbow. I wanted to apologise but Jack was fuming. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You hit me, so I am going to hit you back!”

14. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop

A lazy person who wastes their time being unproductive is more likely to think of bad things.

Example: “Can you stop lazing around and start on your homework?” my mother nagged. “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop!”

15. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

If you want to finish a task, you must start on it first.

Example: It would take me an extremely long time to complete my project, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

16. A stitch in time saves nine

It is better to fix a problem now than later so that the problem will not worsen.

Example: I wanted to fix the shaky ladder later but I remembered the saying “a stitch in time saves nine”. I should deal it with now, or someone might get hurt if they used it.

17. Beggars can’t be choosers

You should not complain when something you need is given to you, even when the thing given is not what you wanted.

Example: “Just eat your chicken rice without the chilli,” my mother snapped. “Beggars can’t be choosers!”

18. The best-laid plans go astray

Even if you have prepared everything, plans might not go the way you want them to.

Example: Soon, we realised we were lost despite following the map. The best-laid plans go astray, we needed to adapt if we wanted to survive the night.

19. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

People have different definitions of what is beautiful or attractive.

Example: I did not find the puppy very cute, but Sarah kept cooing over it. I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

20. Beauty is only skin-deep

Someone who is good-looking is not necessarily good-natured too.

Example: I learned that beauty is only skin-deep. I was overweight, but I was also hard-working and respectful to my elders, and those qualities are more important than looks.

21. Better late than never

It is better for someone or something to be overdue instead of never turning up.

Example: Jessica had a bad habit of being late, and she would always give the excuse “better late than never”.

22. The best things in life are free

The things that are truly important usually do not cost any money.

Example: I realised that the best things in life are free. Even though we cannot afford to have a fancy lifestyle, my family is still happy because we have one another.

23. Birds of a feather flock together

Similar people are drawn to each other.

Example: Judy and Sam are both big bullies and they are best friends. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.

24. Clothes do not make the man

Similar to “beauty is only skin-deep”, “clothes do not make the man” is used to explain that what we wear or look like do not determine who we are as a person.

Example: Finn, the homeless man, wore the same tattered shirt everyday but clothes do not make the man. He was kind and friendly to everyone, even animals.

25. Curiosity killed the cat

Being too curious may be harmful. This proverb is usually used to advise people to mind their own business.

Example: Curiosity killed the cat, I should not have eavesdropped on my parents’ conversation. Now they were going to punish me for it.

26. Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Do not take on responsibilities that are too difficult for you.

Example: I learnt that we should not bite off more than we can chew. I should have given up some of my commitments.

27. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

You should not be ungrateful towards the person who has given you something.

Example: I decided to accept the cake even though I did not like chocolate. After all, we should not bite the hand that feeds us.

28. Don’t judge a book by its cover

We should not decide what someone’s character is like by how they look. This proverb can be applied to things as well.

Example: The cake was misshapen, but do not judge a book by its cover! It was actually delicious.

29. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

This proverb is used to discourage people from putting all their efforts and resources into one thing, as they might lose everything if it turns out to be unsuccessful.

Example: We should always have a back-up plan and never put all our eggs in one basket.

30. The early bird catches the worm

It is good to be earlier than everyone else as you will have an advantage.

Example: As I was the first to come down for breakfast, my mother gave me the biggest portion. Indeed, the early bird catches the worm.

31. Every dog has his day

Even the most unfortunate person will find success one day. This proverb can be used to comfort someone who had a bad day.

Example: Nothing went right today, but I did not let it get me down. Every dog has his day, and tomorrow would be better.

32. Every cloud has a silver lining

Even misfortune can lead to good things. This proverb is normally used to encourage people who are going through a hard time or experienced failure.

Example: Even though I did not win the writing competition, one of the judges liked my story so much, he wanted to publish it. Every cloud has a silver lining.

33. Fortune favours the brave/bold

People who take risks are more likely to be rewarded than people who stick to what is safe.

Example: Fortune favours the bold, we should not be afraid to try new things.

34. Good things come to those who wait

Patience is often rewarded.

Example: The food took a long time to arrive, but it was one of the most delicious meals I ever had. Good things come to those who wait.

35. Honesty is the best policy

You should always tell the truth.

Example: I learnt that honesty is the best policy. If I had told my parents the truth at the beginning, nobody would have gotten hurt.

36. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again

You should never give up.

Example: Even after falling off the bike a hundred times, I would pick myself up. If at first you do not succeed, try and try again.

37. If you can’t beat them, join them

If you cannot be better than someone else no matter how hard you try, then you should befriend or work with them instead.

Example: After weeks of training, I still could not surpass Owen’s speed. Well, if you cannot beat them, join them. Eventually, I decided the best way to improve my stamina was to ask Owen for help.

38. If you play with fire, you will get burned

If you do something dangerous, you will get hurt. This proverb is usually used to discourage people from doing things that will put them in danger.

Example: “Farah, get down from there! If you play with fire, you will get burned!” my mother warned.

39. It’s better to be safe than sorry

It is better to avoid taking risks than lose everything or get hurt after.

Example: I knew the ladder was shaky, so I decided to find another way to reach the top shelf. It is better to be safe than sorry.

40. It takes two to tango / It takes two hands to clap

Because two things or people were required for something to happen, both people should be at fault if it went wrong.

Example: Ben might have started the fight, but Jeffrey fought back. It takes two hands to clap, and both boys should be punished.

41. Knowledge is power

This proverb is used to encourage people to keep learning.

Example: Learning taekwondo might seem useless, but knowledge is power. One day, I could use it to protect someone in need.

42. Laughter is the best medicine

Laughing helps us get through sad times.

Example: I was feeling down because I failed my Maths test, but my friends cheered me up with their silly jokes. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

43. Lightning never strikes the same place twice

An unusual event rarely happens twice.

Example: Lightning never strikes the same place twice. If a wonderful opportunity opened up for you, you should take it.

44. Look before you leap

You should consider all the possible results before doing something.

Example: I wanted to climb over the fence to retrieve our frisbee but Joe stopped me. He advised, “You should look before you leap. Are you sure you want to trespass?”

45. Many hands make light work

Work is easier to complete if more people are working together.

Example: After putting our differences aside, we realised that many hands make light work.

46. Money doesn’t grow on trees

Money is not easily acquired. This proverb can be used to advise people to be careful with how they spend their money.

Example: I begged my mother to buy the remote-control car for me. She scolded, “Do you think money grows on trees? It’s too expensive!”

47. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

You should finish your tasks as soon as you can, rather than leave it to later.

Example: I decided to finish my homework instead of playing soccer with the boys. After all, we should never put off until tomorrow what we can do today.

48. No man is an island

People cannot survive on their own, we need to rely on one another in order to live.

Example: No man is an island, we should rely on others in times of need.

49. No pain, no gain

To achieve something, we need to work hard.

Example: Just as I felt like giving up, my coach encouraged me, “No pain, no gain.”

50. No use crying over spilt milk

There is no point in dwelling over things that have already happened.

Example: My baby cousin had broken all the plates! But there is no use crying over spilt milk, I had to think of a way to fix this before my parents came home.

See more related articles and information on Writing Samurai:

• Writing Good Compositions For Primary School
• Model Compositions Examples
• Top Exam Smart Tips for English Comprehension
• List of Awesome Idioms for Composition Writing

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Essay on Proverbs: Timeless Wisdom in Every Word

Proverbs, succinct expressions of wisdom handed down through generations, serve as a treasure trove of cultural insights and practical guidance. In the tapestry of language, proverbs are like colorful threads weaving stories of resilience, morality, and human experience. This essay delves into the significance of proverbs, exploring their timeless relevance and the invaluable lessons they impart in our daily lives.

Quick Overview:

• Condensed Wisdom: Proverbs are concise expressions that encapsulate profound wisdom in a few words. Rooted in the collective experiences of cultures, they distill complex truths into simple, memorable phrases. Proverbs act as concise guides, offering nuggets of timeless wisdom that can be applied to various aspects of life.
• Cultural Reflection: Proverbs are mirrors reflecting the ethos of a culture. Each proverb is a product of its cultural context, embodying the values, beliefs, and experiences of a community. Through proverbs, we gain insights into the cultural identity, moral compass, and societal norms of a people.
• Moral and Ethical Guidance: Many proverbs carry moral and ethical lessons. They often serve as ethical compasses, guiding individuals in making righteous decisions. Proverbs like “Honesty is the best policy” or “Actions speak louder than words” encapsulate enduring moral principles that transcend time and cultural boundaries.
• Practical Life Lessons: Proverbs offer practical life lessons derived from common experiences. Whether it’s facing challenges, building relationships, or managing resources, proverbs provide pragmatic advice. For example, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” warns against premature expectations, urging patience and caution.
• Cultural Preservation: Proverbs play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. Passed down orally from generation to generation, proverbs are carriers of cultural memory. They ensure that the collective wisdom, humor, and resilience of a culture endure, fostering a sense of continuity and connection to the past.

Conclusion: In conclusion, proverbs are not merely linguistic ornaments; they are windows into the collective wisdom of humanity. These succinct expressions serve as timeless guides, offering practical advice, moral insights, and cultural reflections. In a world where information flows rapidly, proverbs stand as pillars of stability, providing enduring truths that resonate across generations.

As we encounter proverbs in our daily lives, we should appreciate the depth of wisdom they carry. Each proverb is a distillation of the experiences, observations, and reflections of those who came before us. In embracing and passing on these linguistic gems, we contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the perpetuation of universal truths that withstand the test of time.

Proverbs, with their economy of words and richness of meaning, remind us that wisdom is not confined to the pages of books but is embedded in the everyday language we speak. They serve as a reminder that, despite the complexities of the modern world, the essence of human experience remains rooted in enduring values and lessons that find expression in the timeless beauty of proverbs.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Proverb

I. What is a Proverb?

A proverb is a short saying or piece of folk wisdom that emerges from the general culture rather than being written by a single, individual author. Proverbs often use metaphors or creative imagery to express a broader truth. “Adage” is another word for “proverb.”

II. Examples of Proverb

If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both. (Russian Proverb)

This is a popular adage/ proverb that exists in several cultures. It is an expression of the general advice that one should choose a single goal and focus on it, rather than trying to do too much and thus failing to accomplish anything. Notice how the “rabbit” metaphor  gives the adage more texture and color – it’s more memorable than just saying “always pick one goal.”

The world is a library – knowledge is rooted in all things. (Lakota Proverb)

This proverb comes from the Lakota, or Sioux, cultures of the American plains. It expresses the Lakota’s belief that human beings should approach the world with a combination of intense curiosity and deep reverence, just the attitude that students have toward a venerable university library.

III. The Importance of Proverbs

Every culture on earth has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of proverbs, and they all borrow from one another. We can tell a lot about a culture by what wisdom it encodes in proverbs, and what imagery or metaphors it employs to express that wisdom.

Due to their concision and frequent use of metaphors, proverbs are very easy to remember, and they often stick with us long after we first hear them. This, in combination with their general applicability, gives proverbs remarkable staying power, which explains why they float around in the culture for centuries or millennia, and why they can so easily translate from one culture into another.

What they gain in applicability and staying power, however, proverbs generally lose in specificity. By definition, a proverb is a short, general statement, meaning there’s no room for explanations or supporting arguments . The proverb must simply be accepted on its intuitive merits and the power of cultural authority.

IV. Examples of Proverb in Literature

R.R. Tolkien was extremely adept at inventing proverbs for his made-up cultures in the Lord of the Rings series. The wizard Gandalf, for example, repeats a proverb that “not all those who wander are lost” – a phrase that has become extremely popular among Lord of the Rings fans.

Other authors, especially poets, will turn proverbs on their heads or satirize them. For example, Paul Muldoon’s Symposium starts with the line “You can bring a horse to water but you can’t make it hold its nose to the grindstone,” a combination of two common English-language proverbs. The whole poem uses this sort of mixed metaphor to poke fun at popular proverbs (which Muldoon seems to regard as truisms ).

V. Examples of Proverb in Pop Culture

Songs are frequently based around short proverbs. In these cases, the proverb is often repeated in the chorus while the song makes a statement about its meaning. Examples include Eric Idle’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and “A Man’s Home is His Castle” by Faith Hill.

In the movie Forrest Gump , the main character frequently speaks in proverbs, and is even shown inventing a few. For example:

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.

This proverb means that life is full of surprises and it is impossible to predict the future.

The Nigerian rapper 9ice frequently combines English and Yoruba in his lyrics, often by placing Yoruba proverbs in the context of English lyrics. For example, one of his famous lines is:

They forget say ogbon ju agbaralo [wisdom is greater than power].

This multilingual use of proverbs is a way of reaching a global English-language audience without losing touch with 9ice’s ancestral Yoruba roots.

Related Terms

An aphorism is just like a proverb, but has a single author that we can trace. For example, the common saying “all’s well that ends well” is often regarded as a general proverb, but in fact it was originally penned by Shakespeare as the title of his 1605 play.

A truism is an aphorism or proverb that’s so vague, trite, or general that it’s almost meaningless. The great proverbs rarely get stale no matter how many times they’re repeated, but if this happens then even an ancient proverb can start to seem like a truism. For example, some people might feel that the proverb “no time like the present” is a truism, because it’s somewhat trite and does not add much new information to a given situation.

Many proverbs employ metaphor (having one thing stand in for something else) to get their point across. One example is the adage “if the shoe fits, wear it.” In this case, shoe is a metaphor for opportunity and possibility more generally. Of course, there are some proverbs that are simple statements of truth without any metaphors – for example, “two wrongs don’t make a right” is a proverb without a metaphor. A proverb without a metaphor is generally referred to as a “maxim.”

A maxim is a concise statement of a general truth – especially a moral or spiritual truth. It may be either a proverb or an aphorism, depending on whether or not it has a single author. Maxims usually do not employ metaphors, but rather state their point explicitly, e.g. “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

Simple Living High Thinking – Proverb Meaning and Expansion of idea

The proverb ‘simple living high thinking’ promotes simplicity of life and high thoughts in morale and in conduct. It teaches us to adopt a simplistic approach towards our standard of living. We shouldn’t be trying to display our opulence and materialistic possessions everywhere and to everyone; rather we should be more concerned about our own moral highness and purity of thoughts because that is what actually matters.

Expansion of idea

The proverb simple living and high thinking is the one that encourages us to make our lives more meaningful rather than affluent. Here a simple way of living refers to a simple and non-expensive standard of living. We should be worried about only the very basic needs essential for a living. For example, a diet consisting of simple non-vegetarian food and a modest house is enough for one to live and stay. Above these basic needs whatever we aspire is our greed, but not need.

The phrase ‘high thinking’ in the proverb refers to the purity and highness of thoughts and deeds. More than making our lives affluent, we should be more concerned about its value and worth. It is our thoughts and deeds and their impacts on others that matters the most. Thinking that is devoid of cruelty, jealousy, hatred, and is filled with love and respect is superior to a rich yet corrupt life.

Short Stories on ‘Simple Living High Thinking’

A well-written story on the proverb ‘simple living and high thinking’ will let you better understand the proverb’s meaning. I am giving below a couple of stories for your knowledge, also to help you better understand the proverb.

Short Story 1

Once lived a doctor in a remote Indian village. His name was Dr. Pramod. He was highly qualified and aluminous of a prestigious medical college. For years the doctor had been serving the people of the village in sickness and disease. He lived in a modest hut that had a fan, a bed, and electricity; though, he had a big garden, where he liked to spent time.

Dr. Pramod looked immensely satisfied with his life and was happy about what he does every day. Once, a news reporter was in the village to cover a political issue. The reporter heard about the doctor and was impressed by the respect villagers were giving to the doctor. The reporter decided to meet the doctor.

Finally, the reporter and the doctor met at the doctor’s hut. Their conversation about the doctor’s life and education had the reporter speechless. The reporter knew that with such a good qualification the doctor could have been earning millions in any major city of the country, but he rather chose to spend his life in a remote village which doesn’t have even a proper road.

Why is he doing it? In fact why anyone would chose a life like this over an affluent standard of living? These were the questions that troubled the reporter. He can’t contain his curiosity and asked the doctor – why did he choose a life like this? The doctor said that he belonged to a family of wealthy farmers who lost their lands in the due course of time. He had seen both richness and poverty at close quarters. He knew that monetary wealth is destined to lose with time and decided to spend a life that is more valuable and impacts the lives of others as well. This is the main reason for his being in the village and serving the people.

The reporter was impressed and the next day an article about doctor Pramod was printed in the local newspaper with bold heading ‘Simple living and high thinking’.

Short Story 2

There lived a wealthy businessman with his only son in a big mansion. The businessman had no time for his family yet, their house had everything in the entire world that money can buy. The son had to spend most of his time alone, with his cars and gadgets, but he was happy with it. He started valuing materialistic possessions more than human sentiments or relationships. The boy started taking immense pride in the things he owned and looked down on his not so wealthy friends.

Slowly the friends moved away, but the boy was still happy with the riches he got. The businessman was worried about his son’s perception of wealth and relationship but had no time to deal with it.

One day, it so happened, that the businessman’s childhood friend from his village, came to meet him. The businessman was so happy and asked his friend to spend the night in his mansion. The son was introduced to his father’s friend but had disrespected him by looking down on him as he was poor and came from a village.

Disheartened, the businessman thought of teaching his son a lesson. He asked him to join in one of his businesses as a trainee and also asked him to stay in a single room staff quarters. The son was angry but had no choice. Moving out of the affluence and into the real world of pain, sorrow, and happiness had changed the boy very much. Soon he was respecting the poor and the rich alike. He was a changed personality. Now he loved people and they also loved and respected him back.

Happy to know about his son’s transformation, the businessman asked him to move back to their house. The son wrote a note to his father stating that they would be meeting on weekends but he refused to shift in the mansion. He further wrote that he loves this simple living, high thinking, and chose to be like this only.

A well-written example is effective in understanding the true meaning of a proverb. I am giving below a couple of examples based on the proverb ‘simple living high thinking’ that will help you understand the proverb’s true meaning.

“Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi wore simple loincloth throughout his life and religiously followed the principles of truth and non-violence. He is a perfect example of simple living and high thinking.”

“About simple living and high thinking, Mahatma Gandhi had once said that we should focus more on our needs than our greed.”

“Manan said – Yesterday I had been to a Buddhist monastery. There were monks with their heads shaved off, wearing only a simple cloth. Yet when I talked to them, they seemed to be filled with purest thoughts about the planet and its creatures; truly an example of simple living high thinking.”

“A few days back, I met a poor old man who has donated his month’s earnings for the education of children; truly an example of simple living and high thinking.”

“Many personalities in history have been an example of simple living high thinking. They lived their lives in the simplest possible way, yet they have been thoughtful of bringing value to the world. This is an example of simple living high thinking.”

The exact origin of the phrase is unknown; however, it is hugely attributed to the Indian freedom fighter and father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. In his several speeches and writings, he had mentioned that a person should live a simple yet rewarding life. The stress should be more on the value of life and its impacts on others rather than the materialistic possessions and their worth.

Some even attribute the origin of the phrase to Indian guru and yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), who had said “plain living and high thinking should be your goal. Learn to carry all the conditions of happiness within yourself by meditating and attuning your consciousness to the ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new joy, which is God.”

The phrase teaches us to make our lives more valuable by avoiding unnecessary excesses of money and material. It gives the key to true happiness and inner satisfaction.

It also conveys that true happiness lies in the purity of our thoughts rather than anything else. It inspires us to recognize our roots and avoid any act of affluence. The true worth of life is not in what are our materialistic acquisitions but it is in what we think, do, and how many lives we touch every day.

Simple living and high thinking had always been at the root of Indian culture. The phrase might have been coined later, but the philosophy that it portrays had always been at the core of Hindu religious ideology.

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Proverb Essay

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Essay on important and famous Proverb

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Proverb is a simple and factual saying said by the experienced and great personalities of any country over any subject. Proverbs are generally prove the real facts in the life. All the proverbs said are generally express truth or advice based on the common sense. Proverbs said by the personalities become the practical experiences of the humanity.

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Proverbs may be over discipline, health, ethics, time, education, cleanliness, hygiene, diseases, honesty, knowledge, etc. Here we have provided variety of essay on proverbs said by the famous personalities all over the world. Students can be assigned in their schools or colleges to discuss meaning, prove the fact or write some paragraphs or full essay on any proverb given by the teacher or examiner. You can select any proverb essay given below under different words limit.

What is Proverbs?

An English proverb is a short, wise saying that people use to give advice or share a truth about life. These sayings are so common that native English speakers might use them in conversations without even realizing it.

Proverbs can make it easier to explain things. For example, instead of saying, “We need to talk to the client before any other company does to be successful,” someone can simply say, “the early bird catches the worm.” Everyone will understand what they mean. Proverbs use familiar words to convey a message that everyone knows.

Proverbs are often used to make a point or share wisdom. They are different from regular speech because they use metaphors or symbols. Some proverbs are tied to specific cultures or places, but most are known and used by people from all around the world, and they get passed down from one generation to the next.

Surprisingly, some of the oldest proverbs were written by the Sumerians about 4,000 years ago. Researchers found tablets with over a thousand of these Sumerian sayings. When they translated them, they realized how timeless and universal these bits of wisdom are, showing that proverbs connect people across different times and places.

And just to be clear, English proverbs are not the same as the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.

Popular Proverbs in English for Students

• Many hands make light work: When lots of folks work together on a tough job, it doesn’t feel as tough. This saying means that when people collaborate, the work becomes simpler and gets done faster.

Strike while the iron is hot: This saying suggests that you should make the most of a good opportunity before it goes away or turns into something less favorable.

Honesty is the best policy: The right thing to do is to be truthful and honest. When you do this, people will trust and respect you.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence: People often think that others have happier and more successful lives than their own, even when things are going well for them.

Don’t judge a book by its cover: Try not to decide what you think about someone or something just by how it looks on the outside.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away: This saying suggests that eating healthy, like apples, with lots of vitamin C, helps keep us healthy and reduces trips to the doctor. In this English saying, apples represent good, nutritious food.

Better late than never: It’s often better to do something later than to never do it.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you: Don’t mistreat the person or people you rely on or who look after you in any manner

Rome wasn’t built in a day: Great or important things require a certain amount of time to be accomplished.

Actions speak louder than words: You can judge someone’s real character by their actions, not just their words. People can talk a lot, but they might not actually do what they say.

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Essay on important and famous Proverb FAQs

What is a proverb in an essay.

A proverb in an essay is a short, wise saying that imparts valuable advice or wisdom in a concise and memorable way.

How do you write a proverb in an essay?

To include a proverb in an essay, you can introduce it with a relevant context and use quotation marks, followed by an explanation of its relevance to your essay's topic.

What's a famous proverb?

A famous proverb is 'Actions speak louder than words,' which means that what people do is more important than what they say.

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Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should plastic be banned?
• Pollution due to Urbanization
• Education should be free
• Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
• Selling Tobacco should be banned
• Smoking in public places should be banned
• Facebook should be banned
• Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

• Wonder Of Science
• Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

• Independence Day (15 August)
• Teachers Day
• Summer Vacation
• Children’s Day
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• Janmashtami
• Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

• Education Essay
• Importance of Education
• Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King
• Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

• My Best Friend
• My Favourite Teacher
• My Aim In Life
• My Favourite Game – Badminton
• My Favourite Game – Essay
• My Favourite Book
• My Ambition
• How I Spent My Summer Vacation
• India of My Dreams
• My School Life
• I Love My Family
• My Favourite Subject
• My Favourite Game Badminton
• My Father My Hero
• My School Library
• My Favourite Author
• My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

• Global Warming
• Environment
• Air Pollution
• Environmental Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Rainy Season
• Climate Change
• Importance Of Trees
• Winter Season
• Deforestation
• Natural Disasters
• Save Environment
• Summer Season
• Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

• Health Is Wealth
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
• Where there is a will, there is way
• Time and Tide wait for none

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Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

• Noise Pollution
• Environment Pollution
• Women Empowerment
• Time and Tide Wait for none
• Science and Technology
• Importance of Sports
• Sports and Games
• Time Management
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• Cleanliness
• Rome was not Built in a Day
• Unemployment
• Clean India
• Cow Essay In English
• Describe Yourself
• Festivals Of India
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Healthy Food
• Importance Of Water
• Plastic Pollution
• Value of Time
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights
• Knowledge Is Power
• Same Sex Marriage
• Childhood Memories
• Cyber Crime
• Kalpana Chawla
• Punctuality
• Rani Lakshmi Bai
• Spring Season
• Unity In Diversity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Online Shopping
• Indian Culture
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Indian Education System
• Disaster Management
• Environmental Issues
• Freedom Fighters
• Grandparents
• Save Fuel For Better Environment
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• Lal Bahadur Shastri
• Raksha Bandhan
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• Digital India
• Dussehra Essay
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• Sachin Tendulkar
• Health And Hygiene
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• International Yoga Day
• Winter Vacation
• Soil Pollution
• Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
• Indian Culture And Tradition
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• Nelson Mandela
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• Life in a Big City
• Democracy in India
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• Female Foeticide
• Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
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• Importance of Communication
• Conservation of Nature
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• Indian Economy
• Mothers Love
• Importance of National Integration
• Black Money
• Greenhouse effect
• Untouchability
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• Global Terrorism
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• Newspaper and Its Uses
• World Health Day
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• A Picnic with Family
• Indian Heritage
• Status of Women in India
• Child is Father of the Man
• Reading is Good Habit
• Plastic Bag
• Terrorism in India
• Library and Its Uses
• Life on Mars
• Urbanization
• Pollution Due to Diwali
• National Flag of India
• Vocational Education
• Importance of Tree Plantation
• Summer Camp
• Vehicle Pollution
• Women Education in India
• Seasons in India
• Freedom of the Press
• Caste System
• Environment and Human Health
• Mountain Climbing
• Depletion of Natural Resources
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• Health Education
• Effects of Deforestation
• Life after School
• Starvation in India
• Jan Dhan Yojana
• Impact of Privatization
• Election Commission of India
• Election and Democracy
• Prevention of Global Warming
• Impact of Cinema in Life
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Dowry System
• Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
• Role of Science in Making India
• Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
• Pollution due to Festivals
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Family Planning in India
• Democracy vs Dictatorship
• National Festivals of India
• Sri Aurobindo
• Casteism in India
• Organ trafficking
• Consequences of Global Warming
• Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
• Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
• Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
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• PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
• Role of Youths in Nation Building
• Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
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