-
Good counsel does no harm: Advice given with good intentions and based on sound judgement can only have positive effects.
-
Good health is above wealth: Having good health is more important than having material wealth because without health, one cannot enjoy the wealth they possess.
-
Good masters make good servants: The way a person is treated and taught by their superiors reflects in the way they serve and treat others.
-
Good words and no deeds: Empty promises and words without any action to back them up are meaningless.
-
Good words without deeds are rushes and reeds: A similar proverb to the previous one, emphasizing that words alone are like the weak and fragile reeds, whereas action is like the sturdy rushes.
-
Gossiping and lying go hand in hand: People who engage in gossiping and spreading rumors are likely to also engage in lying.
-
Grasp all, lose all: Trying to get everything can result in losing everything, as it is not possible to handle everything at once.
-
Great barkers are no biters: People who make loud threats and promises are often not able to follow through with them.
-
Great boast, small roast: Those who boast excessively usually have little to show for it.
-
Great cry and little wool: Making a big fuss over a small matter.
-
Great spenders are bad lenders: People who spend extravagantly are not likely to be good at lending money to others.
-
Great talkers are great liars: Those who talk excessively are more likely to be lying or exaggerating.
-
Great talkers are little doers: Those who talk excessively are often not able to follow through with their plans or promises.
-
Greedy folk have long arms: Greedy people will go to great lengths to get what they want.
-
Habit cures habit: The best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one.
-
Half a loaf is better than no bread: Something is better than nothing, even if it is not as much as one wants.
-
"Hamlet" without the Prince of Denmark: Refers to a situation where an important person or element is missing, making the whole thing incomplete or pointless.
-
Handsome is that handsome does: True beauty is reflected in a person's actions and behavior, not just their appearance.
-
Happiness takes no account of time: True happiness is not bound by time, it can be found in any moment.
-
Happy is he that is happy in his children: The joy and happiness of parents come from the happiness and well-being of their children.
-
Hard words break no bones: Harsh words do not cause physical harm, but they can cause emotional pain.
-
Hares may pull dead lions by the beard: Even the weakest can cause harm to the strongest in certain circumstances.
-
Harm watch, harm catch: If you are always looking for trouble, you are more likely to find it.
-
Haste makes waste: Rushing to do something often results in mistakes that require more time and effort to fix.
-
He cannot speak well that cannot hold his tongue: Someone who talks too much or shares too much information is not an effective communicator.
-
He carries fire in one hand and water in the other: This proverb means that someone is trying to do two contradictory things at the same time.
-
He dances well to whom fortune pipes: A person is successful when they have good fortune.
-
He gives twice who gives in a trice: Giving quickly is twice as valuable as giving slowly or delaying.
-
He goes long barefoot that waits for dead man's shoes: Waiting for something that may never come will lead to a long wait and a possible negative outcome.
-
He is a fool that forgets himself: One who neglects or forgets themselves is foolish.
-
He is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs: A good friend is someone who speaks highly of us when we are not around.
-
He is happy that thinks himself so: One's perception of happiness is what leads to true happiness.
-
He is lifeless that is faultless: One who never makes mistakes is dull or lifeless.
-
He is not fit to command others that cannot command himself: A leader must first have self-discipline before they can effectively lead others.
-
He is not laughed at that laughs at himself first: One who is able to make fun of themselves before others do, will not be the object of ridicule.
-
He is not poor that has little, but he that desires much: One who desires too much is always in a state of poverty.
-
He jests at scars that never felt a wound: A person who makes fun of others' pain or suffering without having experienced it themselves lacks empathy.
-
He knows best what good is that has endured evil: One who has experienced evil or hardship is able to appreciate good better.
-
He knows how many beans make five: Someone who is very knowledgeable or astute.
-
He knows much who knows how to hold his tongue: Being able to keep quiet and not speak out of turn is a sign of intelligence.
-
He laughs best who laughs last: The one who is successful or comes out on top is the one who will have the last laugh.
-
He lives long that lives well: Living a good life, with purpose and happiness, is the key to a long life.
-
He must needs swim that is held up by the chin: One must work hard to survive or succeed, even if it's a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
-
He should have a long spoon that sups with the devil: One should be cautious and wary of those who are dishonest or deceitful.
-
He smells best that smells of nothing: One who does not have any strong odors or fragrances is the most pleasant to be around.
-
He that comes first to the hill may sit where he will: This proverb means that if you arrive early to a place or event, you will have an advantage over those who arrive later.
-
He that commits a fault thinks everyone speaks of it: This proverb means that when someone makes a mistake, they tend to think that everyone knows about it and is talking about it.
-
He that does you an ill turn will never forgive you: This proverb means that if someone wrongs you, they are unlikely to forgive you for anything in the future, even if you apologize or make amends.
-
He that fears every bush must never go a-birding: This proverb means that if you are overly cautious and fearful, you will miss out on opportunities.
-
He that fears you present will hate you absent: This proverb means that if someone is afraid of you when you are around, they will likely resent you when you are not around.
-
He that goes a borrowing, goes a sorrowing: This proverb means that borrowing money or items from others can lead to trouble or unhappiness.
-
He that goes barefoot must not plant thorns: This proverb means that if you are in a vulnerable position, you should avoid making enemies or taking actions that could lead to negative consequences.
-
He that has a full purse never wanted a friend: This proverb means that if you are wealthy, you may have many acquaintances but few true friends.
-
He that has a great nose thinks everybody is speaking of it: This proverb means that someone who is self-conscious about a particular physical feature may believe that others are constantly talking about it.
-
He that has an ill name is half hanged: This proverb means that someone who has a bad reputation or is widely criticized may be treated as if they are guilty even if they are innocent.
-
He that has no children knows not what love is: This proverb means that parents have a special kind of love for their children that cannot be fully understood by those who do not have children.
-
He that has his head needs no hat: This proverb means that someone who is confident and self-assured does not need external validation or support.
-
He that has no money needs no purse: This proverb means that someone who has no money has no need for a wallet or purse.
-
He that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned: This proverb means that someone who is destined to meet a certain fate cannot avoid it, even if they try.
-
He that is full of himself is very empty: This proverb means that someone who is arrogant and self-absorbed may actually be lacking in substance or character.
-
He that is ill to himself will be good to nobody: This proverb means that someone who is unhappy or unfulfilled in their own life is unlikely to be kind or helpful to others.
-
He that is warm thinks all so: This proverb means that someone who is comfortable or content may assume that everyone else feels the same way.
-
He that knows nothing doubts nothing: This proverb means that someone who is ignorant or uninformed may be overly confident or dismissive of new information or perspectives.
-
He that lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas: This proverb means that if you associate with bad or disreputable people, you may suffer the consequences of their actions.
-
He that lives with cripples learns to limp: This proverb means that someone who spends time with negative or unhealthy influences may adopt similar behaviors or attitudes.
-
He that mischief hatches, mischief catches: This proverb means that someone who engages in harmful or deceitful behavior is likely to face negative consequences in the end.
-
He that never climbed never fell. (If you don't take risks, you won't fail.)
-
He that once deceives is ever suspected. (If someone deceives others once, they are likely to be distrusted in the future.)
-
He that promises too much means nothing. (Making promises that are impossible to keep is worthless.)
-
He that respects not is not respected. (If you don't show respect to others, they are unlikely to show respect to you.)
-
He that seeks trouble never misses. (If you look for trouble, you will find it.)
-
He that serves everybody is paid by nobody. (If you try to please everyone, you will not please anyone.)
-
He that serves God for money will serve the devil for better wages. (If someone serves God only for monetary gain, they will easily be swayed by other temptations.)
-
He that spares the bad injures the good. (By not addressing bad behavior, you are harming the good.)
-
He that talks much errs much. (Talking excessively can lead to making mistakes.)
-
He that talks much lies much. (People who talk too much are more likely to exaggerate or fabricate the truth.)
-
He that will eat the kernel must crack the nut. (To get what you want, you must put in effort.)
-
He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay. (If you don't take advantage of an opportunity when it's available, you may not get another chance.)
-
He that will steal an egg will steal an ox. (Someone who is willing to commit a small crime is likely to commit a larger one.)
-
He that will thrive, must rise at five. (To be successful, one must work hard and start early.)
-
He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree. (To achieve a goal, one must work hard and make an effort.)
-
He that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens. (To achieve a goal, one must be willing to endure difficulties or obstacles.)
-
He who is born a fool is never cured. (Some people are inherently foolish and cannot be changed.)
-
He who hesitates is lost. (Delaying action can result in missed opportunities or negative consequences.)
-
He who likes borrowing dislikes paying. (People who frequently borrow from others may not be willing or able to repay their debts.)
-
He who makes no mistakes, makes nothing. (Taking risks and making mistakes is necessary for success and growth.)
-
He who pleased everybody died before he was born. (It's impossible to please everyone, and attempting to do so can be detrimental.)
-
He who says what he likes, shall hear what he doesn't like. (Speaking one's mind can result in negative feedback or consequences.)
-
He who would catch fish must not mind getting wet. (Success requires effort and perseverance, even if it involves discomfort or risk.)
-
He who would eat the nut must first crack the shell. (To achieve a goal, one must overcome obstacles or challenges.)
-
He who would search for pearls must dive below. (To achieve success, one must be willing to take risks and face challenges.)
-
He will never set the Thames on fire. (Someone who is not exceptional is unlikely to achieve great things.)
-
He works best who knows his trade. (Having expertise and experience in a particular field leads to better performance.)
-
Head cook and bottle-washer. (Someone who is responsible for both managerial and menial tasks.)
-
Health is not valued till sickness comes: People often do not realize the importance of good health until they fall sick.
-
His money burns a hole in his pocket: Refers to someone who spends money as soon as they receive it, without saving or investing it.
-
Honesty is the best policy: It is always better to be truthful and honest rather than lying or deceiving others.
-
Honey is not for the ass's mouth: Some things are not meant for certain people, like giving expensive items to those who don't value them.
-
Honey is sweet, but the bee stings: Good things often come with a catch, such as the risk of getting hurt or experiencing negative consequences.
-
Honour and profit lie not in one sack: Doing the right thing and making money may not always align.
-
Honours change manners: Success or recognition can change how people behave or treat others.
-
Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper: Being optimistic and hopeful is good for starting the day, but relying solely on hope can lead to disappointment.
-
Hope is the poor man's bread: Hope is often the only thing that those who are impoverished or struggling have to hold on to.
-
Hunger breaks stone walls: When someone is hungry, they will go to great lengths to obtain food, even breaking through seemingly impenetrable obstacles.
-
Hunger finds no fault with cookery: When someone is starving, they will eat anything that is available, regardless of the quality or taste.
-
Hunger is the best sauce: When someone is hungry, even the simplest or blandest food can taste delicious.
-
Hungry bellies have no ears: When someone is starving, they are not able to focus or listen well to anything else.
-
Idle folks lack no excuses: Those who are lazy or unmotivated will always find excuses for not getting things done.
-
Idleness is the mother of all evil: When people are idle, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities.
-
Idleness rusts the mind: Not using the mind or being mentally active can cause it to become dull or ineffective.
-
If an ass (donkey) bray at you, don't bray at him: When someone insults or attacks you, it's best not to stoop to their level and respond in kind.
-
If ifs and ans were pots and pans...: Refers to the futility of imagining or discussing hypothetical situations.
-
If my aunt had been a man, she'd have been my uncle: Refers to a situation that is impossible or hypothetical.
-
If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch: If people who are inexperienced or ignorant try to lead others, it can lead to disastrous consequences.
-
If the sky falls, we shall catch larks: Refers to someone who is overly optimistic or unrealistic.
-
If there were no clouds, we should not enjoy the sun: Refers to the idea that experiencing hardship or difficulty can make us appreciate good times more.
-
If things were to be done twice all would be wise: Doing something a second time can often help us learn from our mistakes and improve.
-
If we can't as we would, we must do as we can: When we are not able to achieve something the way we wanted to, we should try to do what we can with the resources and abilities available to us.
-
If wishes were horses, beggars might ride: Merely wishing for something does not make it a reality; action is required to achieve our goals.
-
If you agree to carry the calf, they'll make you carry the cow: If you agree to do a small task, people might expect you to do more than you can handle.
-
If you cannot bite, never show your teeth: If you cannot carry out a threat or don't have the power to do so, it's best not to make it in the first place.
-
If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have: If you cannot get what you want, make the most of what you have and be content with it.
-
If you dance you must pay the fiddler: If you start something, you must be prepared to face the consequences.
-
If you laugh before breakfast you'll cry before supper: If things are going too well, it's likely that something will go wrong.
-
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither: If you try to do too many things at once, you'll likely not succeed in any of them.
-
If you sell the cow, you sell her milk too: If you give up something valuable, you also give up everything that goes with it.
-
If you throw mud enough, some of it will stick: If you make enough accusations or criticisms, some of them will eventually be believed.
-
If you try to please all you will please none: If you try to make everyone happy, you'll likely end up making no one happy.
-
If you want a thing well done, do it yourself: If you want something done properly, it's best to do it yourself.
-
Ill-gotten gains never prosper: Money or possessions acquired dishonestly will not bring lasting success or happiness.
-
Ill-gotten, ill-spent: Money obtained dishonestly is likely to be wasted or used unwisely.
-
In every beginning think of the end: Consider the potential consequences of your actions before you begin.
-
In for a penny, in for a pound: If you have already committed to something, you might as well go all the way.
-
In the country of the blind one-eyed man is a king: In a situation where everyone is ignorant or unskilled, even a person with limited knowledge or skill can be considered an expert.
-
In the end things will mend: Eventually, things will improve or get better.
-
In the evening one may praise the day: After a successful outcome, it's easy to look back and reflect positively on the experience.
-
Iron hand (fist) in a velvet glove: A person who appears gentle or kind on the outside but is actually tough or strong-willed.
-
It is a good horse that never stumbles: Even the most reliable or competent person can make mistakes.
-
It is a long lane that has no turning: Every situation or circumstance eventually changes or comes to an end.
-
It is a poor mouse that has only one hole: Having only one option or opportunity is risky.
-
It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest: It's foolish to harm one's own environment or community.
-
It is an ill wind that blows nobody good: Even a negative or unpleasant situation can benefit someone.
-
It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bait: A person who falls for the same trick or deception more than once is foolish.
-
It is easy to swim if another holds up your chin (head): With the right kind of support or assistance, even difficult tasks become easier.
-
It is enough to make a cat laugh: Something is so ridiculous or absurd that even a cat would find it amusing.
-
It is good fishing in troubled waters: This proverb means that there are opportunities to be found in difficult or chaotic situations.
-
It is never too late to learn: This proverb emphasizes that learning is a continuous process, and it's never too late to acquire new knowledge or skills.
-
It is no use crying over spilt milk: This proverb means that there is no point in regretting something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
-
It is the first step that costs: This proverb highlights the difficulty of taking the first step in a task or a journey.
-
It never rains but it pours: This proverb means that when things start going wrong, they tend to get worse and worse.
-
It's as broad as it's long: This proverb means that two choices are equal or equivalent, and it doesn't matter which one is chosen.
-
It's no use pumping a dry well: This proverb means that it is futile to try to get something from a source that has nothing to offer.
-
It's one thing to flourish and another to fight: This proverb means that success and fighting for it are two different things.
-
It takes all sorts to make a world: This proverb emphasizes the importance of diversity and how everyone's unique characteristics contribute to society.
-
Jackdaw in peacock's feathers: This proverb refers to someone who pretends to be someone they are not.
-
Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail: This proverb warns against joking or teasing with someone who may not understand or appreciate it.
-
Judge not of men and things at first sight: This proverb cautions against making hasty judgments or decisions without proper consideration.
-
Just as the twig is bent, the tree is inclined: This proverb means that early experiences or influences can shape a person's character or behavior.
-
Keep a thing seven years and you will find a use for it: This proverb suggests that it's wise to hold onto things that may not seem useful at first, as they may have a purpose in the future.
-
Keep your mouth shut and your ears open: This proverb advises listening more than speaking, as it can lead to better understanding and communication.
-
Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open: This proverb advises observing more than talking, as it can lead to greater awareness and understanding.
-
Last, but not least: This proverb means that even though something is mentioned last, it is still important.
-
Laws catch flies, but let hornets go free: This proverb means that the law may punish minor offenders while letting more significant wrongdoers go unpunished.
-
Learn to creep before you leap: This proverb advises starting with small steps before taking bigger risks or actions.
-
Learn to say before you sing: This proverb suggests that it's essential to master the basics before attempting more complex tasks or skills.
-
Learn wisdom by the follies of others: One can gain knowledge and learn from other people's mistakes.
-
Least said, soonest mended: It is better to say as little as possible about a problem or dispute to prevent making it worse.
-
Leaves without figs: A situation where someone has failed to deliver on their promises or expectations.
-
Let bygones be bygones: To forget about past conflicts or problems and move on.
-
Let every man praise the bridge he goes over: People tend to praise or appreciate things or people that have helped them in some way.
-
Let sleeping dogs lie: It is better to avoid meddling in a situation that has been resolved and could potentially cause more trouble if brought up again.
-
Let well (enough) alone: To not make any unnecessary changes or interfere with something that is already functioning satisfactorily.
-
Liars need good memories: Dishonest people have to remember their lies in order to maintain the deception.
-
Lies have short legs: The truth will eventually come out, and lies will be exposed.
-
Life is but a span: Life is short and should be valued and appreciated.
-
Life is not a bed of roses: Life is difficult and full of challenges, and one must work hard to overcome them.
-
Life is not all cakes and ale (beer and skittles): Life is not always enjoyable, and there will be hardships and difficulties.
-
Like a cat on hot bricks: To be anxious or nervous about something.
-
Like a needle in a haystack: To search for something that is difficult to find or rare.
-
Like begets like: People tend to produce offspring or actions similar to themselves.
-
Like cures like: A medical treatment where a substance causing symptoms similar to those of a disease is used to treat the disease.
-
Like father, like son: Children often inherit traits or characteristics from their parents.
-
Like draws to like: People with similar interests or personalities tend to be attracted to each other.
-
Like master, like man: The behavior and attitudes of a leader or manager are reflected in those of their employees or subordinates.
-
Like mother, like daughter: Children often inherit traits or characteristics from their parents.
-
Like parents, like children: Children often share traits or behaviors with their parents.
-
Like priest, like people: The character and behavior of a religious leader are reflected in the congregation.
-
Like teacher, like pupil: The attitudes and teaching styles of a teacher can influence the behavior and attitudes of their students.
-
Little chips light great fires: Small actions or contributions can have a significant impact over time.
-
Little knowledge is a dangerous thing: A small amount of knowledge or information can lead to overconfidence and potentially harmful decisions.
-
Little pigeons can carry great messages: This proverb means that even small or insignificant messengers can communicate important information.
-
Little pitchers have long ears: This proverb suggests that children are often more aware of their surroundings than adults realize, and can easily overhear conversations that they should not be privy to.
-
Little strokes fell great oaks: This proverb means that consistent and persistent effort, even in small amounts, can eventually achieve significant results.
-
Little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape: This proverb suggests that small criminals are punished more harshly than powerful ones, who are often able to avoid punishment altogether.
-
Little things amuse little minds: This proverb means that people with narrow interests or limited intelligence are easily entertained by simple things.
-
Live and learn: This proverb suggests that life is a continual learning process, and that we should strive to learn from our experiences and mistakes.
-
Live and let live: This proverb encourages people to tolerate and accept others' differences and to not interfere in their lives.
-
Live not to eat, but eat to live: This proverb suggests that we should eat to sustain our bodies, rather than for enjoyment or excess.
-
Long absent, soon forgotten: This proverb means that people can forget someone or something easily if they are not present or around for an extended period of time.
-
Look before you leap: This proverb suggests that one should carefully consider the potential consequences before taking action.
-
Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back: This proverb advises to weigh the risks before making a decision, but once the decision has been made, it should be committed to without hesitation or second-guessing.
-
Lookers-on see more than players: This proverb suggests that observers often have a better understanding of a situation than those who are directly involved in it.
-
Lord (God, Heaven) helps those (them) who help themselves: This proverb means that divine intervention is more likely to occur when people make an effort to solve their own problems.
-
Lost time is never found again: This proverb means that time is a valuable resource that cannot be regained once it has been lost.
-
Love cannot be forced: This proverb suggests that love is a natural emotion that cannot be compelled or coerced.
-
Love in a cottage: This proverb means that love can thrive in simple or humble surroundings.
-
Love is blind, as well as hatred: This proverb means that love can make people overlook flaws or faults in someone, just as hatred can make people see only the negative aspects of a person.
-
Love me, love my dog: This proverb means that if someone loves another person, they should also accept and love their family, friends, and pets.
-
Love will creep where it may not go: This proverb means that love can develop unexpectedly, and can sometimes arise between people who are not well-suited or appropriate for each other.
-
Make haste slowly: This proverb suggests that one should move quickly, but with caution and deliberation, in order to avoid making mistakes.
-
Make hay while the sun shines: This proverb means that one should take advantage of favorable conditions or opportunities while they last.
-
Make or mar: This proverb means that a situation can either be successful or a failure, depending on the effort and decisions made.
-
Man proposes but God disposes: This proverb means that humans can make plans, but ultimately events are determined by a higher power or fate.
-
Many a fine dish has nothing on it: This proverb means that outward appearances can be deceiving, and something may appear impressive but be lacking in substance or quality.
List of 1000 Proverbs in english part 3
March 30, 2023