List of 1000 Proverbs in english part 3

Abhishek Ranavat
  1. Good counsel does no harm: Advice given with good intentions and based on sound judgement can only have positive effects.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Good words and no deeds: Empty promises and words without any action to back them up are meaningless.

  5. 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.

  6. Gossiping and lying go hand in hand: People who engage in gossiping and spreading rumors are likely to also engage in lying.

  7. Grasp all, lose all: Trying to get everything can result in losing everything, as it is not possible to handle everything at once.

  8. Great barkers are no biters: People who make loud threats and promises are often not able to follow through with them.

  9. Great boast, small roast: Those who boast excessively usually have little to show for it.

  10. Great cry and little wool: Making a big fuss over a small matter.

  11. Great spenders are bad lenders: People who spend extravagantly are not likely to be good at lending money to others.

  12. Great talkers are great liars: Those who talk excessively are more likely to be lying or exaggerating.

  13. Great talkers are little doers: Those who talk excessively are often not able to follow through with their plans or promises.

  14. Greedy folk have long arms: Greedy people will go to great lengths to get what they want.

  15. Habit cures habit: The best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one.

  16. Half a loaf is better than no bread: Something is better than nothing, even if it is not as much as one wants.

  17. "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.

  18. Handsome is that handsome does: True beauty is reflected in a person's actions and behavior, not just their appearance.

  19. Happiness takes no account of time: True happiness is not bound by time, it can be found in any moment.

  20. 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.

  21. Hard words break no bones: Harsh words do not cause physical harm, but they can cause emotional pain.

  22. Hares may pull dead lions by the beard: Even the weakest can cause harm to the strongest in certain circumstances.

  23. Harm watch, harm catch: If you are always looking for trouble, you are more likely to find it.

  24. Haste makes waste: Rushing to do something often results in mistakes that require more time and effort to fix.

  25. He cannot speak well that cannot hold his tongue: Someone who talks too much or shares too much information is not an effective communicator.

  26. 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.

  27. He dances well to whom fortune pipes: A person is successful when they have good fortune.

  28. He gives twice who gives in a trice: Giving quickly is twice as valuable as giving slowly or delaying.

  29. 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.

  30. He is a fool that forgets himself: One who neglects or forgets themselves is foolish.

  31. 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.

  32. He is happy that thinks himself so: One's perception of happiness is what leads to true happiness.

  33. He is lifeless that is faultless: One who never makes mistakes is dull or lifeless.

  34. He is not fit to command others that cannot command himself: A leader must first have self-discipline before they can effectively lead others.

  35. 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.

  36. He is not poor that has little, but he that desires much: One who desires too much is always in a state of poverty.

  37. 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.

  38. He knows best what good is that has endured evil: One who has experienced evil or hardship is able to appreciate good better.

  39. He knows how many beans make five: Someone who is very knowledgeable or astute.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. He lives long that lives well: Living a good life, with purpose and happiness, is the key to a long life.

  43. 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.

  44. He should have a long spoon that sups with the devil: One should be cautious and wary of those who are dishonest or deceitful.

  45. He smells best that smells of nothing: One who does not have any strong odors or fragrances is the most pleasant to be around.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. He that goes a borrowing, goes a sorrowing: This proverb means that borrowing money or items from others can lead to trouble or unhappiness.

  52. 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.

  53. 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.

  54. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. 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.

  57. 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.

  58. 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.

  59. 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.

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

  63. 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.

  64. 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.

  65. 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.

  66. 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.

  67. He that never climbed never fell. (If you don't take risks, you won't fail.)

  68. He that once deceives is ever suspected. (If someone deceives others once, they are likely to be distrusted in the future.)

  69. He that promises too much means nothing. (Making promises that are impossible to keep is worthless.)

  70. He that respects not is not respected. (If you don't show respect to others, they are unlikely to show respect to you.)

  71. He that seeks trouble never misses. (If you look for trouble, you will find it.)

  72. He that serves everybody is paid by nobody. (If you try to please everyone, you will not please anyone.)

  73. 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.)

  74. He that spares the bad injures the good. (By not addressing bad behavior, you are harming the good.)

  75. He that talks much errs much. (Talking excessively can lead to making mistakes.)

  76. He that talks much lies much. (People who talk too much are more likely to exaggerate or fabricate the truth.)

  77. He that will eat the kernel must crack the nut. (To get what you want, you must put in effort.)

  78. 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.)

  79. 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.)

  80. He that will thrive, must rise at five. (To be successful, one must work hard and start early.)

  81. He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree. (To achieve a goal, one must work hard and make an effort.)

  82. He that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens. (To achieve a goal, one must be willing to endure difficulties or obstacles.)

  83. He who is born a fool is never cured. (Some people are inherently foolish and cannot be changed.)

  84. He who hesitates is lost. (Delaying action can result in missed opportunities or negative consequences.)

  85. He who likes borrowing dislikes paying. (People who frequently borrow from others may not be willing or able to repay their debts.)

  86. He who makes no mistakes, makes nothing. (Taking risks and making mistakes is necessary for success and growth.)

  87. He who pleased everybody died before he was born. (It's impossible to please everyone, and attempting to do so can be detrimental.)

  88. He who says what he likes, shall hear what he doesn't like. (Speaking one's mind can result in negative feedback or consequences.)

  89. He who would catch fish must not mind getting wet. (Success requires effort and perseverance, even if it involves discomfort or risk.)

  90. He who would eat the nut must first crack the shell. (To achieve a goal, one must overcome obstacles or challenges.)

  91. He who would search for pearls must dive below. (To achieve success, one must be willing to take risks and face challenges.)

  92. He will never set the Thames on fire. (Someone who is not exceptional is unlikely to achieve great things.)

  93. He works best who knows his trade. (Having expertise and experience in a particular field leads to better performance.)

  94. Head cook and bottle-washer. (Someone who is responsible for both managerial and menial tasks.)

  95. Health is not valued till sickness comes: People often do not realize the importance of good health until they fall sick.

  96. 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.

  97. Honesty is the best policy: It is always better to be truthful and honest rather than lying or deceiving others.

  98. 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.

  99. 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.

  100. Honour and profit lie not in one sack: Doing the right thing and making money may not always align.

  101. Honours change manners: Success or recognition can change how people behave or treat others.

  102. 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.

  103. 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.

  104. Hunger breaks stone walls: When someone is hungry, they will go to great lengths to obtain food, even breaking through seemingly impenetrable obstacles.

  105. Hunger finds no fault with cookery: When someone is starving, they will eat anything that is available, regardless of the quality or taste.

  106. Hunger is the best sauce: When someone is hungry, even the simplest or blandest food can taste delicious.

  107. Hungry bellies have no ears: When someone is starving, they are not able to focus or listen well to anything else.

  108. Idle folks lack no excuses: Those who are lazy or unmotivated will always find excuses for not getting things done.

  109. Idleness is the mother of all evil: When people are idle, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities.

  110. Idleness rusts the mind: Not using the mind or being mentally active can cause it to become dull or ineffective.

  111. 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.

  112. If ifs and ans were pots and pans...: Refers to the futility of imagining or discussing hypothetical situations.

  113. If my aunt had been a man, she'd have been my uncle: Refers to a situation that is impossible or hypothetical.

  114. 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.

  115. If the sky falls, we shall catch larks: Refers to someone who is overly optimistic or unrealistic.

  116. 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.

  117. 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.

  118. 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.

  119. If wishes were horses, beggars might ride: Merely wishing for something does not make it a reality; action is required to achieve our goals.

  120. 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.

  121. 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.

  122. 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.

  123. If you dance you must pay the fiddler: If you start something, you must be prepared to face the consequences.

  124. If you laugh before breakfast you'll cry before supper: If things are going too well, it's likely that something will go wrong.

  125. 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.

  126. 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.

  127. If you throw mud enough, some of it will stick: If you make enough accusations or criticisms, some of them will eventually be believed.

  128. 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.

  129. If you want a thing well done, do it yourself: If you want something done properly, it's best to do it yourself.

  130. Ill-gotten gains never prosper: Money or possessions acquired dishonestly will not bring lasting success or happiness.

  131. Ill-gotten, ill-spent: Money obtained dishonestly is likely to be wasted or used unwisely.

  132. In every beginning think of the end: Consider the potential consequences of your actions before you begin.

  133. In for a penny, in for a pound: If you have already committed to something, you might as well go all the way.

  134. 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.

  135. In the end things will mend: Eventually, things will improve or get better.

  136. In the evening one may praise the day: After a successful outcome, it's easy to look back and reflect positively on the experience.

  137. Iron hand (fist) in a velvet glove: A person who appears gentle or kind on the outside but is actually tough or strong-willed.

  138. It is a good horse that never stumbles: Even the most reliable or competent person can make mistakes.

  139. It is a long lane that has no turning: Every situation or circumstance eventually changes or comes to an end.

  140. It is a poor mouse that has only one hole: Having only one option or opportunity is risky.

  141. It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest: It's foolish to harm one's own environment or community.

  142. It is an ill wind that blows nobody good: Even a negative or unpleasant situation can benefit someone.

  143. 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.

  144. 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.

  145. It is enough to make a cat laugh: Something is so ridiculous or absurd that even a cat would find it amusing.

  146. It is good fishing in troubled waters: This proverb means that there are opportunities to be found in difficult or chaotic situations.

  147. 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.

  148. 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.

  149. It is the first step that costs: This proverb highlights the difficulty of taking the first step in a task or a journey.

  150. It never rains but it pours: This proverb means that when things start going wrong, they tend to get worse and worse.

  151. 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.

  152. 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.

  153. It's one thing to flourish and another to fight: This proverb means that success and fighting for it are two different things.

  154. It takes all sorts to make a world: This proverb emphasizes the importance of diversity and how everyone's unique characteristics contribute to society.

  155. Jackdaw in peacock's feathers: This proverb refers to someone who pretends to be someone they are not.

  156. 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.

  157. Judge not of men and things at first sight: This proverb cautions against making hasty judgments or decisions without proper consideration.

  158. 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.

  159. 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.

  160. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open: This proverb advises listening more than speaking, as it can lead to better understanding and communication.

  161. Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open: This proverb advises observing more than talking, as it can lead to greater awareness and understanding.

  162. Last, but not least: This proverb means that even though something is mentioned last, it is still important.

  163. 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.

  164. Learn to creep before you leap: This proverb advises starting with small steps before taking bigger risks or actions.

  165. Learn to say before you sing: This proverb suggests that it's essential to master the basics before attempting more complex tasks or skills.

  166. Learn wisdom by the follies of others: One can gain knowledge and learn from other people's mistakes.

  167. Least said, soonest mended: It is better to say as little as possible about a problem or dispute to prevent making it worse.

  168. Leaves without figs: A situation where someone has failed to deliver on their promises or expectations.

  169. Let bygones be bygones: To forget about past conflicts or problems and move on.

  170. 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.

  171. 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.

  172. Let well (enough) alone: To not make any unnecessary changes or interfere with something that is already functioning satisfactorily.

  173. Liars need good memories: Dishonest people have to remember their lies in order to maintain the deception.

  174. Lies have short legs: The truth will eventually come out, and lies will be exposed.

  175. Life is but a span: Life is short and should be valued and appreciated.

  176. Life is not a bed of roses: Life is difficult and full of challenges, and one must work hard to overcome them.

  177. Life is not all cakes and ale (beer and skittles): Life is not always enjoyable, and there will be hardships and difficulties.

  178. Like a cat on hot bricks: To be anxious or nervous about something.

  179. Like a needle in a haystack: To search for something that is difficult to find or rare.

  180. Like begets like: People tend to produce offspring or actions similar to themselves.

  181. Like cures like: A medical treatment where a substance causing symptoms similar to those of a disease is used to treat the disease.

  182. Like father, like son: Children often inherit traits or characteristics from their parents.

  183. Like draws to like: People with similar interests or personalities tend to be attracted to each other.

  184. Like master, like man: The behavior and attitudes of a leader or manager are reflected in those of their employees or subordinates.

  185. Like mother, like daughter: Children often inherit traits or characteristics from their parents.

  186. Like parents, like children: Children often share traits or behaviors with their parents.

  187. Like priest, like people: The character and behavior of a religious leader are reflected in the congregation.

  188. Like teacher, like pupil: The attitudes and teaching styles of a teacher can influence the behavior and attitudes of their students.

  189. Little chips light great fires: Small actions or contributions can have a significant impact over time.

  190. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing: A small amount of knowledge or information can lead to overconfidence and potentially harmful decisions.

  191. Little pigeons can carry great messages: This proverb means that even small or insignificant messengers can communicate important information.

  192. 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.

  193. Little strokes fell great oaks: This proverb means that consistent and persistent effort, even in small amounts, can eventually achieve significant results.

  194. 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.

  195. Little things amuse little minds: This proverb means that people with narrow interests or limited intelligence are easily entertained by simple things.

  196. 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.

  197. Live and let live: This proverb encourages people to tolerate and accept others' differences and to not interfere in their lives.

  198. 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.

  199. 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.

  200. Look before you leap: This proverb suggests that one should carefully consider the potential consequences before taking action.

  201. 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.

  202. 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.

  203. 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.

  204. Lost time is never found again: This proverb means that time is a valuable resource that cannot be regained once it has been lost.

  205. Love cannot be forced: This proverb suggests that love is a natural emotion that cannot be compelled or coerced.

  206. Love in a cottage: This proverb means that love can thrive in simple or humble surroundings.

  207. 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.

  208. 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.

  209. 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.

  210. Make haste slowly: This proverb suggests that one should move quickly, but with caution and deliberation, in order to avoid making mistakes.

  211. Make hay while the sun shines: This proverb means that one should take advantage of favorable conditions or opportunities while they last.

  212. Make or mar: This proverb means that a situation can either be successful or a failure, depending on the effort and decisions made.

  213. Man proposes but God disposes: This proverb means that humans can make plans, but ultimately events are determined by a higher power or fate.

  214. 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.