English Proverbs and Sayings
Еvеry culture hаs а cоllеctiоn оf wisе sаyings thаt оffеr аdvicе аbоut hоw to livе yоur lifе.
Thеsе sаyings аrе cаllеd "prоvеrbs". Pоvеrbs hаvе bееn cоnsidеrеd thе flоwеrs оf pоpulаr wit аnd thе trеаsurеs оf pоpulаr wisdоm.
A Proverb is a simple and short saying, widely known, often metaphorical, which expresses a basic truth or practical precept, based on the practical experience of humankind, and the idiosyncrasies of a people and their culture in time and history.
А Sаying is a shоrt wеll-knоwn еxprеssiоn — а rеmаrk оf wisdоm аnd truth оr а gеnеrаl аdvicе.
А grеаt wаy tо imprоvе yоur undеrstаnding оf thе Еnglish culturе, pеоplе аnd histоry is tо study Еnglish prоvеrbs аnd sаyings. By mеmоrizing thеm, yоu will nоt оnly lеаrn sоmе cоmmоn Еnglish sаyings; yоu will аlsо hеlp yоur brаin tо bеcоmе bеttеr аt fоrming gооd Еnglish sеntеncеs.
Below is the list of common English proverbs and sayings along with their meanings
A drowning man will clutch at a straw Meaning: in desperate situation people use any chance, even if it is hopeless, to get themselves out of it
A good beginning makes a good end Meaning: If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be done well
A good mind possesses a kingdom Meaning: Material assets are fleeting, but intellectual assets will basically stay with you for the rest of your life
A good name is the best of all treasures Meaning: Your good reputation is worth more than money
A friend's eye is a good mirror Meaning: A real friend will tell you the truth
A fool and his money are soon parted Meaning: Stupid people spend their money carelessly and soon become poor
A fool at forty is a fool forever Meaning: If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will
The apple never falls far from the tree Meaning: Children are in many regards like their parents
Advisers run no risks Meaning: It is easy to give advice, but hard to act
All's fair in love and war Meaning: Nothing is out of bounds when it comes to love and war
All are not friends that speak us fair Meaning: Someone says nice things about you doesn't mean that they are your friend or that they even like you
All hat and no cattle Meaning: All talk and appearance and little or no substance
All roads lead to Rome – Meaning: There are many different routes to the same goal
All things come to those who wait Meaning: A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy Meaning: Be sure to take breaks from work and do something entertaining
An army marches on its stomach Meaning: An army needs a regular supply of food in order to keep on fighting
March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers Meaning: Sometimes unpleasant things are required to bring good things
As you make your bed, so you must lie in it Meaning: You have to suffer the consequences of what you do
A hedge between keeps friends green Meaning: Your friendship will flourish if you and your friend respect each other's privacy
Actions speak louder than words Meaning: What one does is more important than what one says
A friend in need is a friend indeed Meaning: A friend is never known till a man has need
A leopard cannot change its spots Meaning: It is not possible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good
All cats love fish but hate to get their paws wet Meaning: a person who is keen to obtain something of value, but who is not bold enough to make the necessary effort or to take the risk
All good things must come to an end Meaning: All experiences, even pleasant ones, eventually end
All's well that ends well Meaning: An event that has a good ending is good even if some things went wrong along the way
All that glitters is not gold Meaning: Not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so
An apple a day keeps the doctor away Meaning: Apples are so nutritious that if you eat an apple every day, you will not ever need to go to a doctor
A loaded wagon makes no noise Meaning: People with real wealth don't talk about it
A man is known by the company he keeps Meaning: A person's character is judged by the type of people with whom they spend their time
A new broom sweeps clean Meaning: A newly-appointed person makes changes energetically
A rotten apple injures its companions /A rotten apple spoils the barrel Meaning: A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a group
A stitch in time saves nine Meaning: It's better to deal with a problem at an early stage, to prevent it from getting worse
A stumble may prevent a fall Meaning: Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making a bigger one
A tree is known by its fruit Meaning: A man is judged by his actions
A young idler, an old beggar Meaning: If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're old
As fit as a fiddle Meaning: Very fit and well
Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies Meaning: There are subjects I'd rather not discuss
Aught for naught, and a penny change Meaning: You can't get something for nothing - you might as well expect to get paid to take it
Bad news travels fast Meaning: Information about trouble or misfortune disseminates quickly
A bad penny always turns up Meaning: An unpopular person will always return to the place he came from
Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow Meaning: It is better to have a sure thing now than a possibility of more later
Better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion Meaning: It's better to be the leader of a small group than a subordinate in a bigger one
Better is the enemy of good Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might be in the way of progress
Better late than never Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it
Better lose the saddle than the horse Meaning: It's better to stop and accept a small loss, rather than continue and risk losing everything
Better safe than sorry Meaning: You should be cautious—if you are not, you may regret it
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts Meaning: Don't trust your enemies
Birds of a feather flock together Meaning: People with important similarities seek out one another's company, often to the exclusion of others
Bitter pills may have blessed effects Meaning: The remedy might be bitter, but the cure might be wonderful
Blood is thicker than water Meaning: Family ties are always more important than the ties you make among friends
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder Meaning: Different people have different ideas about what is beautiful
A bad workman blames his tools Meaning: someone blames the objects they are using for their own mistakes
Barking dogs seldom bite Meaning: A person who often threatens rarely carries out his threats
Beggars can't be choosers Meaning: If you are in a bad situation or do not have much to offer you must be content with whatever help you can get
Better to be alone than in bad company Meaning: Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't Meaning: It is often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than someone new
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush Meaning: It is better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better
A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword Meaning: The pen is mightier than the sword
Bloom where you are planted Meaning: It is often better to escalate your commitment rather than starting over with something new
Born with a silver spoon in his/her mouth Meaning: Born in a rich family
Boys will be boys Meaning: Boys are traditionally expected to misbehave, while girls are not
A broken watch is right two times a day Meaning: A person who is wrong will eventually be right about something
A burnt child dreads the fire Meaning: You will avoid an activity which has given you a bad experience for the rest of your life
By hook or by crook Meaning: A thing to be achieved will be done in a straightforward way, but if it cannot, then it will be achieved by any means necessary
The calm comes before the storm Meaning: Turbulent times wait just around the corner when it is calm
A cat has nine lives Meaning: Cats can survive many accidents
A cat may look at a king Meaning: Everyone has the right to be curious about important people
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link Meaning: A group is not stronger than its weakest member
Clothes don't make the man Meaning: Appearances can be deceiving
Constant occupation prevents temptation Meaning: When you work you avoid temptation
Damned if you do, damned if you don't Meaning: Refers to a situation where both possibilities will lead to harm or blame
Dead men tell no tales Meaning: A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing something
Desperate times call for desperate measures Meaning: In adverse circumstances actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice
Different strokes for different folks Meaning: Different things suit different people
Diligence is the mother of good fortune - Meaning: Hard work brings rewards
Distance makes the heart grow fonder Meaning: When you are separated from the person you love, your feelings are even stronger
Don't bark if you can't bite Meaning: Don't do things you haven't got the competence for
Don't bite off more than you can chew Meaning: To try to do more than you are able to do
Don't bite the hand that feeds you Meaning: To treat someone badly who has helped you in some way
Don't burn the candle at both ends Meaning: Don't work early in the morning and late into the evening as well
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched Meaning: You should not count on something before it happens
Don't cross a bridge before you come to it Meaning: Focus on a problem the moment you are facing it, and not earlier
Don't cut off your nose to spite your face Meaning: Do not take action to spite others that will harm you more than them
Don't fall before you're pushed Meaning: Don't give up in the face of adversity
Don't have too many irons in the fire Meaning: To be doing too many things at once
Don't judge a book by its cover Meaning: Don't judge by appearances
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth Meaning: Never criticize gifts
Don't make a mountain out of a molehill Meaning: Don't make a big deal out of a little thing
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you Meaning: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself
Don't put all your eggs in one basket Meaning: Meaning: Do not rest all your hopes on one eventuality; plan for several cases
Don't put the cart before the horse Meaning: Do not do things in the wrong order
Don't spit into the wind Meaning: Don't take actions which you know will harm yourself or be futile
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater Meaning: Don't reject an idea entirely because parts of it are bad
Easier said than done Meaning: What is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it
Eyes are bigger than your belly Meaning: Think you can eat more than you can
The early bird catches the worm Meaning: Those who starts working early in the morning will get much done
An Englishman's home is his castle Meaning: There is no place like home
Every cloud has a silver lining Meaning: There is nothing bad that does not bring about something good
Every man has his price Meaning: Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price
Every rose has its thorn Meaning: No one is perfect
The exception proves the rule Meaning: Something that does not follow a rule shows that the rule exists
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise - Meaning: Going to bed early and waking up early is good for success
Easy come, easy go Meaning: When you get money quickly, it's easy to spend it or lose it quickly as well
The ends justify the means Meaning: You can use bad or immoral methods as long as you accomplish something good by using them
Every dog has its day Meaning: Everyone gets their chance eventually
Experience is the father of wisdom Meaning: Experience and knowledge result in better judgement
Failure is the stepping stone for success Meaning: Failing will make you more determined to succeed the next time you try
Fine words butter no parsnips Meaning: No amount of talking can replace action
First come, first served Meaning: Is a service policy whereby the requests of customers or clients are attended to in the order that they arrived
First things first Meaning: The most important and most urgent worries should be taken care of first
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me Meaning: One should learn from one's mistakes
Forewarned is forearmed Meaning: Those who know that something is coming are better prepared to face itthan those who do not know
Forgive, but don't forget Meaning: Let things go and pass, but don't forget what they were
Fortune favours the bold Meaning: People who bravely go after what they want are more successful than people who try to live safely
Fretting cares make grey hairs Meaning: Worrying can age you prematurely
The grass is always greener on the other side Meaning: You will always want what you don't have
Grasp all, lose all Meaning: Trying to get everything will often result in not gaining anything
God helps those who help themselves Meaning: Don't just wait for good things to happen to you, work hard to achieve your goals
Good things come to those who wait Meaning: Be patient and eventually something good will happen to you
Good and quickly seldom meet Meaning: A well-done job takes time
Green leaves and brown leaves fall from the same tree Meaning: If you are good at one aspect of a skill, you should be skilled at the other aspects
Half a loaf is better than none Meaning: You should be grateful for something, even if it's not as much as you wanted
Hard words break no bones Meaning: It is often good to tell someone a harsh truth
Haste makes waste Meaning: You do not save any time by working too fast
Hawks will not pick out Hawk's eyes Meaning: One belonging to a group having common interests is not likely to act against or find fault with another
The head and feet keep warm, the rest will take no harm Meaning: If you take care of the important matters, everything else will fall into place
He laughs best who laughs last Meaning: He who wins in the end wins
He who dares wins is a Latin aphorism, is a motto made popular by the British Special Air Service
Health is wealth Meaning: The loss of health is loss of all happiness
He who plays with fire gets burnt Meaning: If you behave in a risky way, you are likely to have problems
He who hesitates is lost Meaning: The person who waits too long loses the opportunity
He who wills the end wills the means Meaning: If you are determined to do something you will find a way
Handsome is what handsome does Meaning: Behaviour is more important than looks
Honesty is the best policy Meaning: It's always better to be honest
Honey catches more flies than vinegar Meaning: You can obtain more cooperation from others by being nice
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst Meaning: Bad things might happen, so be prepared
However long the night, the dawn will break - Meaning: Bad things don't last forever
If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his body will follow Meaning: If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life will become difficult
If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one Meaning: If you try to do two things at the same time, you won't succeed in doing either of them
If you want a thing done right, do it yourself Meaning: You cannot rely on other people to do things properly for you
Ignorance is bliss Meaning: Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it
In for a penny, in for a pound Meaning: Commitment will often escalate
In one ear and out the other Meaning: Heard but not remembered
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king Meaning: If surrounded by people less capable, someone who would not normally be considered special can shine
In times of prosperity friends are plentiful Meaning: You have many friends when you have no difficulties
It never rains but it pours Meaning: Misfortunes usually come in large numbers
It takes both rain and sunshine to make rainbows Meaning: It takes good and bad to make good things in the future, or make them stand out
It's a long lane that has no turning Meaning: Bad times won't last for long
It's always darkest before the dawn Meaning: There is hope, even in the worst of circumstances
It's an ill wind that blows no good Meaning: There is nothing bad that does not bring about something good
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
It's never too late to mend Meaning: It is never too late to apologize for something you have done wrong
It's no use crying over spilt milk Meaning: It is not useful feeling sorry about something that has already happened
Justice delayed is justice denied - Meaning: If the law is applied too late, there is no justice
Kill the goose that lays the golden egg Meaning: Destroy something that would be a source of wealth
Kindness begets kindness Meaning: If you are kind to people, they will be kind to you
Knowledge is power - is a Latin aphorism
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
Least said sooner mended Meaning: A bad event can more easily be forgotten if you do not talk about it
Let sleeping dogs lie Meaning: Leave something alone if it might cause trouble
Let the cobbler stick to his last Meaning: Don't talk about things you don't know anything about
Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas Meaning: You will become like your company
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place Meaning: The same misfortune won't happen to a person twice
Life is what you make of it Meaning: Nothing's going to change unless you do something about it
Like cures like Meaning: A person can better help another if they have something in common
Little by little and bit by bit Meaning: Do things slowly and carefully
Live and let live Meaning: Let others do whatever they want as long as it does not hurt anyone
The longest mile is the last mile home Meaning: It is always the end of something that feels the most difficult
Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves Meaning: Save every penny you can and it will build up into a significant amount of money
Look before you leap Meaning: Think before you act
Loose lips sink ships Meaning: Disclosing important information could result in large losses
Love is blind Meaning: If you love someone, you cannot see any faults in that person
Man proposes but God disposes Meaning: Things often don't turn out as you have planned
Manners make the man Meaning: A person's manners show their origins
Many hands make light work Meaning: Sharing work makes work easier
Many a mickle makes a muckle Meaning: Many small parts will eventually creat something impressive
Marry in haste, and repent at leisure Meaning: If you marry someone you do not know well,you will regret it for a long time
Measure twice, cut once Meaning: Think before you act
Misery loves company Meaning: Unhappy people like other people to be unhappy too
Misfortunes never come singly Meaning: Bad things tend to happen in groups
A miss by an inch is a miss by a mile Meaning: A miss is a miss regardless the distance
Missing the wood for the trees Meaning: While tending to every detail you might miss out the big picture
Money cannot buy happiness Meaning: Wealthy people have their own set of concerns
Money is the root of all evil - Meaning: Money is the main cause of wrongdoing and problems
Monkey see, monkey do - Meaning: People will do like others without thinking
More haste, less speed Meaning: Hurry, but work slowly to make sure what you attend to gets done properly
Need teaches a plan Meaning: Necessity will make you find a solution
Never cast a clout till May be out Meaning: Don't discard your winter clothing until May is over
Never put off till (until) tomorrow what you can do today Meaning: You should not delay doing something if you can do it immediately
Never say never Meaning: Nothing is impossible, anything can happen
Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you Meaning: Stay out of trouble, but be prepared in case you become troubled
A new broom sweeps clean Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious
No man is an island Meaning: Everyone needs help from other people
No man can serve two masters Meaning: It's impossible to follow instructions from two different sources
No pain, no gain Meaning: If you want to improve, you must work so hard that it hurts
No news is good news Meaning: someone feel less worried when they have not received information about something, because if something bad had happened, they would have been told about it
No time like the present Meaning: Don't spend time regretting past actions or worrying about the future
Nothing succeeds like success Meaning: If you have succeeded in the past, you will continue to be successful in the future
Nothing ventured, nothing gained Meaning: You cannot expect to achieve anything if you don't take risks
An old dog will learn no tricks Meaning: It is impossible to change people's habits or traits
One good turn deserves another Meaning: Treat someone good who has been treating you good
One man's meat is another man's poison - Meaning: People don't always like the same things
One rotten apple will spoil the whole barrel Meaning: One bad person can influence many others to behave in a bad way
One today is worth two tomorrow Meaning: What you have today is better than what is hoped for
One swallow doesn't make a summer - Meaning: A single satisfactory event does not mean that all the others will be as good
Once bitten, twice shy Meaning: When something has hurt you once, you tend to avoid that thing
Opportunity knocks only once Meaning: You will only have one chance to do something important
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Meaning: Children often speak wisely
Out of sight... Out of mind Meaning: You will not see a thing which is out of your sight
Penny wise, pound foolish Meaning: A person who is careful about spending small amounts of money, but not careful about spending large amounts of money
A penny saved is a penny earned Meaning: Money that you save is more valuable than money that you spend right away
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at another Meaning: You should not criticize other people for having the same faults that you yourself have
Practice before you preach Meaning: Before asking others to do something, make sure you are following it yourself
Practice makes perfect Meaning: You have to practice a skill a lot to become good at it
Prevention is better than cure - Meaning: It is best to be proactive
Pride comes before a fall Meaning: Don't be too self-confident; something may happen to make you look foolish
The proof of the pudding is in the eating Meaning: You will not really learn about something unless you test it
Put a beggar on horseback and he'll ride it to death Meaning: If you get rich suddenly you will spend a lot of money
Revenge is sweet Meaning: There is satisfaction in returning an injury
Rome wasn't built in a day Meaning: It takes time to create something impressive
Seeing is believing - Meaning: You believe in something when it is confirmed by concrete evidence
Silence gives consent Meaning: If you don't object to something it can be assumed that you agree with it
Silence is golden Meaning: sometimes it is better not to say anything
Simple minds think alike Meaning: Simple things amuse simple minds
Some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you Meaning: Some days you win, and some days you lose
The squeaky wheel gets the grease Meaning: A person that complains about a service often gets much
Spare the rod and spoil the child Meaning: If you don't punish a child when he does wrong, you will spoil his character
Still waters run deep Meaning: Taciturn people have the most interesting things to say
Stolen fruit is the sweetest Meaning: Forbidden things are the most desirable
Strike while the iron is hot Meaning: Take the opportunity now; don't waste it
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof Meaning: Don't worry about the future; focus on today's worries
That which does not kill you, makes you stronger Meaning: Unpleasant experiences will make you wiser
Tall oaks grow from little acorns Meaning: Great things may come from small beginnings
The die is cast Meaning: A decision has been made and it's impossible to change it
The dogs bark but the caravan goes on Meaning: Let the world say what it will
The end justifies the means Meaning: Wrong methods may be used if the result of the action is good
The road to hell is paved with good intentions Meaning: It's not enough to intend to do something, you must actually do it
The straw that broke the camel's back Meaning: The last of a number of little things which led to something major
The truth is in the wine Meaning: People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol
There is no smoke without fire Meaning: Everything happens for a reason
There's no time like the present Meaning: If you need to do something, don't wait until later
There's no such thing as a free lunch Meaning: Things that are offered for free always have a hidden cost
Time is money Meaning: Time is valuable and should not be wasted
Time will tell Meaning: Sometime you just can't know
Tomorrow is another day - Meaning: You can't do everything today
Too many cooks spoil the broth Meaning: Too many persons involved in managing an activity can ruin it
Too much of one thing, good for nothing Meaning: You can have too much of something good
Tread on a worm and it will turn Meaning: Even the weakest person will try to defend when he feels threatened
Trouble shared is trouble halved Meaning: If you tell someone about a problem you are having, the problem will not seem so daunting
Two heads are better than one Meaning: Two people working together have a better chance of solving a problem than one person working alone
Two is a company; three is a crowd Meaning: A loving couple wants to be left alone
Two wrongs don't make a right Meaning: A second misdeed or mistake does not cancel the first
Union is strength Meaning: If people join together, they are more powerful than if they work by themselves
Use it or lose it Meaning: Not using a skill might lead you into losing it
Variety is the spice of life Meaning: You should try many different kinds of experiences, because trying it keeps life interesting
Walk softly, carry a big stick Meaning: Be affable but be sure to have powerful punitive measures
Walk the walk and talk the talk - Meaning: First do your task, and then talk about it
Walls have ears Meaning: Someone may be listening
A watched pot never boils Meaning: While waiting for something to happen, it feels like time is moving slower
Well begun is half done Meaning: Beginning a project well makes it easier to do the rest
What goes around comes around Meaning: Good acts will quite often reward you
What a man says drunk, he thinks sober Meaning: People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol
What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals Meaning: People are less discreet under the influence of alcohol
What you sow is what you reap Meaning: Everything that happens to you is a result of your own actions
When in Rome, do as the Romans do Meaning: When you are visiting another country, you should behave like the people in that country
When the cat is away, the mice will play Meaning: When no one in authority is present, the subordinates can do as they please
When the going gets tough, the tough get going Meaning: Strong people don't give up when they come across challenges
Where there's muck there's brass Meaning: There is money to be made in dirty jobs
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink Meaning: You can give someone an opportunity, but you can't force him to take advantage of it
You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs Meaning: When you try to do something great, you'll probably make a few people annoyed or angry