English Proverbs
What Are English Proverbs?
English proverbs are short, traditional sayings that express wisdom, truth, or advice based on common sense or experience. They are often metaphorical and have been passed down through generations, reflecting cultural values and life lessons.
Proverbs are concise and memorable, making them useful in everyday conversation, writing, and teaching. They often use simple language but convey deep meanings about human behavior, morality, and practical life situations.
Examples of Common English Proverbs
A bad penny always turns up.
Meaning: A disreputable or unwanted person always returns.
Example: I thought we’d seen the last of him, but a bad penny always turns up.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Meaning: It’s better to have a sure thing than to risk it for more.
Example: He wanted to try for a higher-paying job, but I told him to stick with his current one—a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
Meaning: The strength of a group depends on its weakest member.
Example: We need to train the new team member—remember, a chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
Meaning: Foolish people quickly lose their money.
Example: He spent all his lottery winnings on luxury cars—just proves a fool and his money are soon parted.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Meaning: A true friend helps you when you’re in trouble.
Example: She stood by me when I lost my job—a friend in need is a friend indeed.
A man is known by his friends.
Meaning: You can judge a person by the company they keep.
Example: He’s always hanging out with troublemakers—a man is known by his friends.
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Meaning: Similar to the above.
Example: If he associates with dishonest people, people will think he is dishonest too.
A man’s home is his castle.
Meaning: One has the right to control what happens in their own home.
Example: I don’t allow smoking inside—my house, my rules. A man’s home is his castle.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Meaning: Someone who keeps moving doesn’t settle down or grow roots.
Example: He moves from job to job—a rolling stone gathers no moss.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Meaning: Fixing a problem early prevents it from getting worse.
Example: Repair the roof now—a stitch in time saves nine.
A woman’s place is in the home.
Meaning: An outdated belief that women should only work at home.
Example: That saying, “A woman’s place is in the home,” is no longer acceptable in modern society.
A woman’s work is never done.
Meaning: A comment on how women’s responsibilities are constant and never-ending.
Example: Between the kids, work, and cooking, a woman’s work is never done.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Meaning: Being away from someone makes you miss and love them more.
Example: I didn’t realize how much I missed her until she left—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Actions speak louder than words.
Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: Don’t promise to help—show up! Actions speak louder than words.
After a storm comes a calm.
Meaning: Tough times are followed by peace or recovery.
Example: Things are tough now, but after a storm comes a calm.
All good things must come to an end.
Meaning: Nothing lasts forever.
Example: The vacation was amazing, but all good things must come to an end.
All is fair in love and war.
Meaning: In certain situations, any behavior is acceptable.
Example: He lied to win her heart—well, all is fair in love and war.
All roads lead to Rome.
Meaning: Different methods can lead to the same result.
Example: Whether you save little by little or invest smartly, all roads lead to Rome.
All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Things that look valuable may not be.
Example: He seemed charming at first, but all that glitters is not gold.
All the world loves a lover.
Meaning: People admire those who are in love.
Example: They were so happy and adorable—truly, all the world loves a lover.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Meaning: Without time off from work, life becomes boring.
Example: You need a break—remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All’s well that ends well.
Meaning: A happy ending makes everything okay.
Example: We had many problems, but the wedding was perfect—all’s well that ends well.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Meaning: Eating healthy helps prevent illness.
Example: She always eats fruit in the morning—an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Appearances are deceptive.
Meaning: Looks can be misleading.
Example: He seemed friendly, but turned out to be a thief—appearances are deceptive.
April showers bring May flowers.
Meaning: Difficult times often lead to better things.
Example: Don’t be upset by the setbacks—April showers bring May flowers.
As soon as man is born he begins to die.
Meaning: Life is short and death is inevitable.
Example: It sounds gloomy, but it’s true—as soon as man is born he begins to die.
As you make your bed, so must you lie in it.
Meaning: You must accept the consequences of your actions.
Example: He lost his job due to laziness—as you make your bed, so must you lie in it.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Meaning: Your actions determine your results.
Example: He helped others and now everyone helps him—as you sow, so shall you reap.
Ask no questions and hear no lies.
Meaning: If you don’t ask, you won’t be misled.
Example: I didn’t want to know what he was hiding—ask no questions and hear no lies.
Bad news travels fast.
Meaning: Negative information spreads quickly.
Example: Everyone knew about the accident within an hour—bad news travels fast.
Barking dogs seldom bite.
Meaning: People who make threats rarely take action.
Example: He shouts a lot, but he never actually does anything—barking dogs seldom bite.
Beauty is only skin-deep.
Meaning: Physical appearance is superficial and not as important as inner character.
Example: She may be pretty, but she treats others badly—beauty is only skin-deep.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
Meaning: People in need must accept what they are given.
Example: I know the hotel isn’t perfect, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Better late than never.
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example: He finally apologized—better late than never.
Better be safe than sorry.
Meaning: It’s wise to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks.
Example: Wear a helmet while biking—better be safe than sorry.
Better die with honor than live with shame.
Meaning: It’s preferable to face death bravely than live dishonorably.
Example: He refused to betray his country—better die with honor than live with shame.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.
Meaning: It’s safer to deal with a familiar problem than an unknown one.
Example: I’ll stick with my current job—better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.
Better to be alone than in bad company.
Meaning: It’s preferable to be by yourself than with harmful or negative people.
Example: I stopped hanging out with them—better to be alone than in bad company.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Meaning: People with similar interests or traits tend to stick together.
Example: They both love science fiction—birds of a feather flock together.
Blood is thicker than water.
Meaning: Family relationships are more important than other relationships.
Example: We argue, but I’ll always support my sister—blood is thicker than water.
Boys will be boys.
Meaning: Boys often act in silly or mischievous ways, and it’s considered typical behavior.
Example: He got mud all over his clothes again—boys will be boys.
Business before pleasure.
Meaning: Work should come before enjoyment.
Example: I’ll join you after I finish this report—business before pleasure.
Business is business.
Meaning: Business decisions must sometimes be made without personal considerations.
Example: I had to let him go; business is business.
Charity begins at home.
Meaning: One should take care of their own family before helping others.
Example: She spends so much on donations but ignores her children—charity begins at home.
Christmas comes but once a year.
Meaning: Enjoy special occasions while they last.
Example: Go ahead and buy the expensive cake—Christmas comes but once a year.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Meaning: Being clean is very important and close to being virtuous.
Example: My mom always kept our house spotless—cleanliness is next to godliness.
Crime does not pay.
Meaning: Illegal activities ultimately lead to negative consequences.
Example: He ended up in jail—crime does not pay.
Curiosity killed the cat.
Meaning: Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
Example: Don’t go snooping around—curiosity killed the cat.
Dead men have no friends.
Meaning: When someone dies, their influence and relationships end.
Example: His allies turned on him after his fall from power—dead men have no friends.
Dead men tell no tales.
Meaning: The dead cannot reveal secrets.
Example: The criminal eliminated witnesses—dead men tell no tales.
Death is the great leveler.
Meaning: Death treats everyone equally, regardless of status.
Example: Rich or poor, death is the great leveler.
Diligence is the mother of good fortune.
Meaning: Hard work often leads to success.
Example: He practiced every day and won the contest—diligence is the mother of good fortune.
Discretion is the better part of valor.
Meaning: Sometimes it’s better to avoid danger than face it bravely.
Example: He backed down from the fight—discretion is the better part of valor.
Divide and rule.
Meaning: Creating divisions among people makes them easier to control.
Example: The emperor used divide and rule to keep his subjects weak and disunited.
Do as I say, and not as I do.
Meaning: Follow advice, even if the speaker doesn’t follow it themselves.
Example: He tells us not to smoke but smokes himself—do as I say, not as I do.
Do not wear out your welcome.
Meaning: Don’t overstay or become annoying when you are a guest.
Example: We should leave now before we wear out our welcome.
Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
Meaning: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Example: If you want kindness, show kindness—do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
Meaning: Don’t assume success or results before they actually happen.
Example: He started spending his bonus before getting it—don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
Meaning: Don’t act out of revenge in a way that harms yourself more.
Example: Quitting your job just to annoy your boss hurts you more—don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
Don’t go near the water until you learn how to swim.
Meaning: Don’t take risks or attempt something before you’re prepared.
Example: He wants to start a business but hasn’t learned the basics—don’t go near the water until you learn how to swim.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture.
Example: I invested in multiple businesses because I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.
Don’t wash your dirty linen in public.
Meaning: Don’t discuss private family or personal problems in public.
Example: They had a fight at the party—it’s better not to wash your dirty linen in public.
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
Meaning: Going to bed early and waking up early leads to success.
Example: He follows a strict schedule—early to bed and early to rise, and he’s thriving.
Easier said than done.
Meaning: It’s easy to talk about something, but hard to actually do it.
Example: Starting a business sounds great, but it’s easier said than done.
Every bird loves to hear himself sing.
Meaning: People enjoy hearing themselves talk or receiving attention.
Example: He never stops talking in meetings—every bird loves to hear himself sing.
Every dog has his day.
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance for success or good luck eventually.
Example: He finally won a match—every dog has his day!
Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard.
Meaning: Every family has secrets or hidden problems.
Example: Don’t judge them—every family has a skeleton in the cupboard.
Every man has his faults.
Meaning: Nobody is perfect.
Example: Don’t be too hard on him—every man has his faults.
Every man has his price.
Meaning: Anyone can be bribed if offered enough.
Example: He claims to be honest, but every man has his price.
Every man is his own worst enemy.
Meaning: People often cause their own problems.
Example: He lost the job because of his arrogance—every man is his own worst enemy.
Every picture tells a story.
Meaning: A picture can convey complex ideas or emotions.
Example: That old photo of grandma says a lot—every picture tells a story.
Experience is the best teacher.
Meaning: Learning from personal experience is most effective.
Example: I failed, but I learned a lot—experience is the best teacher.
Experience is the mother of wisdom.
Meaning: Wisdom comes from real-life experiences.
Example: After years of travel, she became very wise—experience is the mother of wisdom.
Failure teaches success.
Meaning: We learn more from our failures than our successes.
Example: He failed twice but finally succeeded—failure teaches success.
Faith will move mountains.
Meaning: Strong belief can help achieve seemingly impossible things.
Example: She never gave up on her dreams—faith will move mountains.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Meaning: Knowing someone too well may lead to disrespect.
Example: Their friendship broke down—familiarity breeds contempt.
Fear is stronger than love.
Meaning: People are more influenced by fear than affection.
Example: He ruled with intimidation—fear is stronger than love.
Fear of death is worse than death itself.
Meaning: The anxiety of dying is more painful than death.
Example: He was paralyzed by worry—fear of death is worse than death itself.
Fight fire with fire.
Meaning: Use the same methods as your opponent to defeat them.
Example: They attacked our brand, so we responded aggressively—fight fire with fire.
Finders keepers, losers weepers.
Meaning: Whoever finds something can keep it.
Example: I found this dollar on the sidewalk—finders keepers, losers weepers.
First come, first served.
Meaning: Those who arrive first are given priority.
Example: Tickets are limited, so it’s first come, first served.
First things first.
Meaning: Deal with important things before others.
Example: Let’s set up the tent before cooking—first things first.
First think, and then speak.
Meaning: Be careful and thoughtful before talking.
Example: He offended her—he should first think, and then speak.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Meaning: Inexperienced people act without thinking, often in risky situations.
Example: He jumped into the stock market blindly—fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Meaning: Poor input will result in poor output.
Example: If you feed wrong data into the system, it won’t work—garbage in, garbage out.
Give credit where credit is due.
Meaning: Acknowledge others’ achievements or efforts.
Example: She did most of the work—give credit where credit is due.
Give him an inch and he’ll take a yard.
Meaning: If you give someone a small favor, they’ll want more.
Example: I let him stay a night, now he won’t leave—give him an inch and he’ll take a yard.
Give the devil his due.
Meaning: Acknowledge someone’s good qualities, even if you dislike them.
Example: He’s arrogant but very talented—give the devil his due.
God helps them that help themselves.
Meaning: Success comes to those who take initiative.
Example: Don’t wait for miracles—God helps them that help themselves.
Good fences make good neighbors.
Meaning: Respecting boundaries helps maintain good relationships.
Example: We built a wall between our properties—good fences make good neighbors.
Goodness is better than beauty.
Meaning: A kind and good character is more valuable than physical appearance.
Example: She may not be a model, but she helps everyone—goodness is better than beauty.
Great minds think alike.
Meaning: Smart people often have the same thoughts or ideas.
Example: You suggested the same plan I was thinking—great minds think alike!
He is the best general who makes the fewest mistakes.
Meaning: The most competent people are those who avoid errors.
Example: His leadership was calm and cautious—he is the best general who makes the fewest mistakes.
He that is master of himself, will soon be master of others.
Meaning: Self-control leads to the ability to lead others.
Example: He remained calm during the crisis—he that is master of himself will soon be master of others.
He that knows nothing, doubts nothing.
Meaning: Ignorant people are often overly confident.
Example: He thinks he knows it all but won’t ask questions—he that knows nothing doubts nothing.
He that plants a tree plants for posterity.
Meaning: Doing good today benefits future generations.
Example: He started a scholarship fund—he that plants a tree plants for posterity.
He who hesitates is lost.
Meaning: Delaying decision-making can lead to missed opportunities.
Example: I paused before making the offer, and someone else got the job—he who hesitates is lost.
Honesty is the best policy.
Meaning: It’s always best to be truthful.
Example: I told the truth about the accident—honesty is the best policy.
If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Meaning: If you decide to do something, do it with full effort.
Example: He cleaned the house thoroughly—if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Ignorance is bliss.
Meaning: Not knowing something can sometimes be more comfortable.
Example: I didn’t read the bad reviews before watching the movie—ignorance is bliss.
Ignorance of the law excuses no man.
Meaning: Not knowing the law is not an excuse for breaking it.
Example: He claimed he didn’t know the rule, but ignorance of the law excuses no man.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
Meaning: Once you’re involved, you should commit fully.
Example: I already invested some money, so I might as well go all in—in for a penny, in for a pound.
It is best to be on the safe side.
Meaning: It’s better to be cautious and avoid risk.
Example: I packed extra clothes just in case—it is best to be on the safe side.
It is no use crying over spilt milk.
Meaning: Don’t waste time worrying about past mistakes.
Example: The vase is broken, and we can’t fix it—it’s no use crying over spilt milk.
It never rains, but it pours.
Meaning: Problems often come all at once.
Example: I lost my job and my car broke down—it never rains, but it pours.
It takes two to tango.
Meaning: Both people involved are responsible for a situation.
Example: Don’t blame only him—it takes two to tango.
Jack of all trades, master of none.
Meaning: Someone who can do many things but is not an expert in any.
Example: He fixes cars, paints, and plays music—but he’s a jack of all trades, master of none.
Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
Meaning: Listen more and talk less.
Example: In meetings, I try to keep my mouth shut and my ears open.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Meaning: Humor and joy can help heal emotional pain.
Example: After the bad day, we watched a comedy—laughter is the best medicine.
Let bygones be bygones.
Meaning: Forget past disagreements and move on.
Example: We had a fight years ago, but let bygones be bygones.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Meaning: Don’t stir up old conflicts.
Example: Don’t bring up that issue again—let sleeping dogs lie.
Let the buyer beware.
Meaning: Buyers should examine goods carefully before purchasing.
Example: The item wasn’t returnable—let the buyer beware.
Let the dead bury their dead.
Meaning: Focus on living and present matters, not the past.
Example: He was stuck in grief for too long—it’s time to let the dead bury their dead.
Life is just a bowl of cherries.
Meaning: Life is pleasant and carefree.
Example: After getting his dream job, he felt life was just a bowl of cherries.
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
Meaning: Unusual events are unlikely to happen again.
Example: He won the lottery once, but lightning never strikes twice.
Like father, like son.
Meaning: Sons often resemble their fathers in behavior.
Example: He’s a great cook just like his dad—like father, like son.
Like mother, like daughter.
Meaning: Daughters often behave like their mothers.
Example: She has the same kindness as her mom—like mother, like daughter.
Live and learn.
Meaning: You learn from your experiences and mistakes.
Example: I forgot my passport, but now I’ll double-check next time—live and learn.
Live and let live.
Meaning: Tolerate others’ differences.
Example: I don’t agree with his views, but I believe in live and let live.
Look after number one.
Meaning: Take care of yourself first.
Example: In tough times, you must look after number one.
Look before you leap.
Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
Example: Don’t invest without checking the risks—look before you leap.
Look on the bright side.
Meaning: Be optimistic and find positives in bad situations.
Example: We lost the match, but we played well—look on the bright side.
Love conquers all.
Meaning: Love overcomes any obstacle.
Example: Despite the distance, they stayed together—love conquers all.
Love is blind.
Meaning: People in love often don’t see each other’s flaws.
Example: He ignores her rude behavior—love is blind.
Love makes the world go round.
Meaning: Love is the driving force of human life.
Example: They care so deeply for each other—love makes the world go round.
Love sees no faults.
Meaning: When in love, people overlook imperfections.
Example: She forgives all his mistakes—love sees no faults.
Love will find a way.
Meaning: True love can overcome any challenge.
Example: Their families disapproved, but they married anyway—love will find a way.
Make hay while the sun shines.
Meaning: Take advantage of opportunities while they last.
Example: This is your chance to earn—make hay while the sun shines.
Man cannot live by bread alone.
Meaning: People need more than just basic necessities to be happy.
Example: He wants time for hobbies too—man cannot live by bread alone.
Many hands make light work.
Meaning: A task becomes easier when more people help.
Example: With everyone helping clean, we finished quickly—many hands make light work.
Marriages are made in heaven.
Meaning: Marriage is often seen as divinely arranged.
Example: They are so perfect together—marriages are made in heaven.
Might is right.
Meaning: Those with power often get their way, regardless of fairness.
Example: The stronger team won even unfairly—might is right.
Mind your own business.
Meaning: Don’t interfere in others’ affairs.
Example: I didn’t ask for your opinion—mind your own business.
Money is the root of all evil.
Meaning: Greed for money causes many problems.
Example: He betrayed his friend over money—money is the root of all evil.
Money isn’t everything.
Meaning: Wealth alone doesn’t bring happiness.
Example: He’s rich but lonely—money isn’t everything.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Meaning: Difficult situations often inspire creative solutions.
Example: She built a water filter with basic items—necessity is the mother of invention.
Never judge from appearances.
Meaning: Outward looks can be deceptive.
Example: He looked poor but was a millionaire—never judge from appearances.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Meaning: Don’t criticize or question a gift.
Example: Just accept the free upgrade—never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Never mix your liquor.
Meaning: Mixing different alcoholic drinks can lead to trouble.
Example: He felt sick after trying several drinks—never mix your liquor.
Never say die.
Meaning: Never give up; stay hopeful.
Example: Even after many failures, he kept going—never say die.
Never speak ill of the dead.
Meaning: Avoid criticizing those who have passed away.
Example: Though they disagreed, he stayed respectful—never speak ill of the dead.
Never too late to learn.
Meaning: Learning can happen at any age.
Example: She joined college at 50—never too late to learn.
Never too late to repent.
Meaning: One can always change for the better.
Example: He apologized after many years—never too late to repent.
No man can serve two masters.
Meaning: One cannot be loyal to two conflicting sides.
Example: You must choose a side—no man can serve two masters.
No man is indispensable.
Meaning: Everyone can be replaced.
Example: The company went on without him—no man is indispensable.
No news is good news.
Meaning: Silence often means nothing bad has happened.
Example: I haven’t heard from the doctor, so I assume no news is good news.
No pain, no gain.
Meaning: Success requires hard work and sacrifice.
Example: He trains every day for the marathon—no pain, no gain.
Nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Meaning: Only death and taxes are guaranteed in life.
Example: Everything changes, except one thing—nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Nothing succeeds like success.
Meaning: Success attracts more success.
Example: His first win brought more opportunities—nothing succeeds like success.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Meaning: You must take risks to achieve something.
Example: He tried the new business despite the risks—nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Old habits die hard.
Meaning: It’s difficult to change long-established behaviors.
Example: He still bites his nails—old habits die hard.
Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.
Meaning: Veterans remain respected even as they disappear from the public eye.
Example: He may be retired, but his legacy lives on—old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.
One good turn deserves another.
Meaning: If someone helps you, you should help them in return.
Example: He helped me move, so I’ll help him paint—one good turn deserves another.
One man’s loss is another man’s gain.
Meaning: What someone loses, someone else often benefits from.
Example: I bought the car he couldn’t afford—one man’s loss is another man’s gain.
Opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Meaning: Rare chances shouldn’t be missed.
Example: Don’t turn down that scholarship—opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Meaning: We tend to forget things or people not in front of us.
Example: Since she moved away, he rarely talks about her—out of sight, out of mind.
Patience is a virtue.
Meaning: Being patient is a good and admirable quality.
Example: Wait for your turn—patience is a virtue.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
Meaning: Saving small amounts while ignoring bigger expenses is unwise.
Example: He skipped car maintenance to save money—penny wise, pound foolish.
Practice makes perfect.
Meaning: Repeated practice leads to improvement.
Example: Keep playing the piano—practice makes perfect.
Practice what you preach.
Meaning: Act according to the advice you give others.
Example: You say exercise is important, but you never do—practice what you preach.
Prevention is better than cure.
Meaning: It’s better to stop problems before they happen.
Example: Eat healthy to avoid illness—prevention is better than cure.
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.
Meaning: A child’s rhyme expressing a wish for rain to stop.
Example: The kids couldn’t play outside—“Rain, rain, go away…”
Rats desert a sinking ship.
Meaning: Disloyal people leave when trouble arises.
Example: As the company failed, many resigned—rats desert a sinking ship.
Revenge is sweet.
Meaning: Getting back at someone can feel satisfying.
Example: He beat his old rival in the final—revenge is sweet.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Meaning: Solving one problem by creating another.
Example: Taking a loan to repay another—robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
Meaning: Help me and I’ll help you.
Example: I voted for him, and he helped me later—scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
Seeing is believing.
Meaning: You have to see something to truly believe it.
Example: The magic trick was incredible—seeing is believing.
Silence is golden.
Meaning: Being quiet is often wise or peaceful.
Example: In arguments, sometimes silence is golden.
Something is better than nothing.
Meaning: Having a little is better than having none.
Example: The bonus wasn’t huge, but something is better than nothing.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Meaning: Lack of discipline can ruin a child’s character.
Example: He never corrects his son—spare the rod and spoil the child.
Speak when you are spoken to.
Meaning: Children should only talk when adults address them.
Example: At dinner, my grandmother said, “Speak when you are spoken to.”
Still waters run deep.
Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts or feelings.
Example: He’s silent, but very smart—still waters run deep.
Strike while the iron is hot.
Meaning: Take advantage of opportunities while they last.
Example: Submit your resume now—strike while the iron is hot.
Sweet things are bad for the teeth.
Meaning: Pleasurable things can have negative effects.
Example: He eats too much candy—sweet things are bad for the teeth.
The best go first.
Meaning: Good people often die young.
Example: She was kind and generous—it’s true, the best go first.
The best of friends must part.
Meaning: Even close friends must separate someday.
Example: We cried at the airport—the best of friends must part.
The best things in life are free.
Meaning: Love, joy, and nature don’t cost money.
Example: A walk with family reminded me—the best things in life are free.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Meaning: Powerful people suffer more when they fail.
Example: The famous CEO’s scandal proved it—the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
The burnt child dreads the fire.
Meaning: Past bad experiences make people cautious.
Example: After losing money once, he avoids stocks—the burnt child dreads the fire.
The early bird catches the worm.
Meaning: Success comes to those who act quickly.
Example: I arrived at the sale first and got the best deal—the early bird catches the worm.
The end justifies the means.
Meaning: A good result can make the actions taken to achieve it acceptable.
Example: He cheated to win, claiming the end justifies the means.
The female of the species is more deadly than the male.
Meaning: Women can be more dangerous or determined than men.
Example: Don’t underestimate her—the female of the species is more deadly than the male.
The first step is the hardest.
Meaning: Getting started is often the most difficult part.
Example: Just begin your essay—the first step is the hardest.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Meaning: People think others have it better than they do.
Example: He moved abroad but regrets it—the grass isn’t always greener.
The last straw breaks the camel’s back.
Meaning: A small burden can cause collapse when added to an already heavy load.
Example: His rude remark was the last straw—I quit my job.
The more one knows, the less one believes.
Meaning: Increased knowledge can lead to skepticism.
Example: After studying politics deeply, he trusted less—the more one knows, the less one believes.
The more you get, the more you want.
Meaning: Human desires grow with acquisition.
Example: She bought a car, now she wants a mansion—the more you get, the more you want.
The pot calls the kettle black.
Meaning: A person criticizes another for a fault they also possess.
Example: He accused me of lying—how ironic, the pot calling the kettle black!
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Meaning: The real value of something is shown through practical experience.
Example: Try the cake before judging it—the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
There are only twenty-four hours in a day.
Meaning: Time is limited and should be used wisely.
Example: I can’t handle another task—there are only twenty-four hours in a day!
There are two sides to every question.
Meaning: Every issue can be viewed differently.
Example: Listen to him too—there are two sides to every question.
There is a time and a place for everything.
Meaning: Certain actions are appropriate only at the right moment.
Example: Stop joking now—we’re at a funeral. There is a time and place for everything.
There is no honor among thieves.
Meaning: Dishonest people cannot be trusted, even by each other.
Example: He stole from his partner—there’s no honor among thieves.
There is more than one way to skin a cat.
Meaning: A problem can be solved in various ways.
Example: Don’t worry if Plan A fails—there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
There is safety in numbers.
Meaning: People feel more secure in groups.
Example: We traveled in a group—there is safety in numbers.
There’s a black sheep in every flock.
Meaning: Every group has an odd or troublesome member.
Example: He’s always in trouble—the black sheep of the family.
There’s no fool like an old fool.
Meaning: Older people should be wiser, so their foolish actions seem worse.
Example: He married a scammer—there’s no fool like an old fool.
There’s no place like home.
Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and special place.
Example: The vacation was fun, but there’s no place like home.
There’s no smoke without fire.
Meaning: Rumors often have some truth behind them.
Example: They say he’s corrupt—there’s no smoke without fire.
There’s one law for the rich, and another for the poor.
Meaning: Justice often favors the wealthy.
Example: He escaped punishment because he’s rich—one law for the rich, another for the poor.
They that dance must pay the fiddler.
Meaning: One must accept the consequences of their actions.
Example: He spent recklessly—now he’s in debt. They that dance must pay the fiddler.
Things are not always what they seem.
Meaning: Appearances can be deceiving.
Example: The house looked fine but had issues—things are not always what they seem.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you have similar faults.
Example: He’s dishonest too—he shouldn’t accuse others. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
Time cures all things.
Meaning: Emotional pain and problems lessen with time.
Example: She’ll feel better eventually—time cures all things.
Time flies.
Meaning: Time passes quickly.
Example: It’s already December—time flies!
Time is a great healer.
Meaning: With time, emotional wounds tend to heal.
Example: After his breakup, he’s slowly recovering—time is a great healer.
Time is money.
Meaning: Time is valuable and should be used productively.
Example: Stop wasting time—time is money!
To err is human.
Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes.
Example: Don’t be too hard on him—to err is human.
Tomorrow is another day.
Meaning: Don’t give up; there will be new opportunities.
Example: You lost today, but tomorrow is another day.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Meaning: Too many people involved can ruin a task.
Example: Let one person lead—too many cooks spoil the broth.
True love never grows old.
Meaning: Genuine love endures and remains strong over time.
Example: Even after 50 years of marriage, they still hold hands—true love never grows old.
Trust is the mother of deceit.
Meaning: People are often deceived because they trust too easily.
Example: She believed his lies because she trusted him—trust is the mother of deceit.
Turn the other cheek.
Meaning: Respond to an insult or attack with calmness rather than revenge.
Example: Instead of arguing back, he chose to turn the other cheek.
Two heads are better than one.
Meaning: Two people working together can solve a problem more effectively.
Example: Let’s work on this together—two heads are better than one.
Two is company, three is a crowd.
Meaning: A third person can be unwelcome when two people want to be alone.
Example: They wanted privacy on their date—two is company, three is a crowd.
Two wrongs do not make a right.
Meaning: Responding to a wrong with another wrong is not justified.
Example: Don’t cheat because he did—two wrongs don’t make a right.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Meaning: People are stronger together than alone.
Example: The team must stick together—united we stand, divided we fall.
Variety is the spice of life.
Meaning: Diversity makes life more interesting.
Example: Try something new every week—variety is the spice of life.
Virtue is its own reward.
Meaning: Being good brings its own satisfaction, even without recognition.
Example: She helped without expecting anything—virtue is its own reward.
Walls have ears.
Meaning: Be careful what you say; someone might be listening.
Example: Speak quietly—walls have ears in this place.
Waste not, want not.
Meaning: If you use resources wisely, you won’t be in need later.
Example: Finish your food—waste not, want not.
What you don’t know can’t hurt you.
Meaning: Ignorance of something unpleasant can prevent worry or harm.
Example: He didn’t read the bad review—what you don’t know can’t hurt you.
When in doubt, do nothing.
Meaning: If you’re unsure, it’s safer to wait or avoid acting hastily.
Example: I paused before replying to the angry email—when in doubt, do nothing.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Meaning: Follow local customs and traditions when in a new place.
Example: I wore traditional attire at the wedding—when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Meaning: People will misbehave when authority is absent.
Example: The kids threw a party when their parents left—when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Where there is no trust there is no love.
Meaning: Trust is essential for love to exist.
Example: They broke up because of constant suspicion—where there is no trust, there is no love.
Where there’s a will there’s a way.
Meaning: Determination leads to success, no matter how hard the task.
Example: She climbed the corporate ladder—where there’s a will, there’s a way.
You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.
Meaning: Achieving something important may require some sacrifices.
Example: He lost some friends on the way to success—you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.
You can’t please everyone.
Meaning: It’s impossible to satisfy every person’s expectations.
Example: Some liked the speech, others didn’t—you can’t please everyone.
You can’t take it with you when you die.
Meaning: Material possessions are useless after death.
Example: Spend and enjoy your money—you can’t take it with you when you die.
You can’t tell a book by its cover.
Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based on appearance.
Example: She looks shy, but she’s a great speaker—you can’t judge a book by its cover.
You can’t win them all.
Meaning: It’s natural to lose or fail sometimes.
Example: We didn’t win the match—oh well, you can’t win them all.
You cannot have it both ways.
Meaning: You must choose between two options—you can’t enjoy both.
Example: You can’t party all night and expect to ace the exam—you can’t have it both ways.
You cannot have your cake and eat it.
Meaning: You can’t enjoy two benefits that are mutually exclusive.
Example: He wants freedom and control—you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
You don’t get something for nothing.
Meaning: Everything has a cost; nothing comes free.
Example: He promised quick success without effort—remember, you don’t get something for nothing.
You win some, you lose some.
Meaning: Success and failure are part of life.
Example: I didn’t get the promotion, but I’m not upset—you win some, you lose some.
