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At the ends of the earth - at the farthest place imaginable.
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Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune - excessive drinking can be more dangerous than drowning in the sea.
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Bad news has wings - negative news spreads quickly and easily.
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Barking does seldom bite - those who make the most noise are often the least likely to take action.
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Be slow to promise and quick to perform - it's better to take your time before making a commitment and then fulfill it promptly.
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Be swift to hear, slow to speak - it's better to listen carefully before speaking.
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Beauty is but skin-deep - physical attractiveness is not the only important thing.
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Beauty lies in lover's eyes - beauty is subjective and varies from person to person.
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Before one can say Jack Robinson - before one can realize or do something quickly.
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Before you make a friend eat a bushel of salt with him - before becoming close friends with someone, it's important to share experiences and trust each other.
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Beggars cannot be choosers - when in need, one cannot be picky.
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Believe not all that you see nor half what you hear - don't trust everything you see or hear without verifying it.
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Best defense is offense - it's better to attack first than to wait for someone else to attack you.
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Better a glorious death than a shameful life - it's better to die honorably than to live a life filled with shame.
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Better a lean peace than a fat victory - it's better to have a peaceful settlement than to win a conflict with heavy losses.
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Better a little fire to warm us than a great one to burn us - it's better to have a moderate amount of something than to go to extremes and suffer the consequences.
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Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow - it's better to have something small but certain now than to wait for something bigger but uncertain.
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Better an open enemy than a false friend - it's better to have someone openly opposing you than to have someone pretending to be your friend but secretly working against you.
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Better be alone than in bad company - it's better to be alone than to be in the company of people who will have a negative impact on you.
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Better be born lucky than rich - it's better to be fortunate in life than to have wealth but no luck.
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Better be envied than pitied - it's better to be respected and admired than to be the object of pity.
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Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion: It's better to be a leader of a lesser group than a follower in a greater one.
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Better deny at once than promise long: It's better to refuse a request immediately than to promise and fail to deliver.
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Better die standing than live kneeling: It's better to fight for one's beliefs than to live life on one's knees, giving up on principles.
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Better early than late: It's better to do something earlier than to do it later, as it can avoid delays and consequences.
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Better give a shilling than lend a half-crown: It's better to give something as a gift than lend it and risk losing both the item and the relationship.
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Better go to bed supperless than rise in debt: It's better to go to bed hungry than to accumulate debt by buying things one cannot afford.
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Better late than never: It's better to do something late than never to do it at all.
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Better lose a jest than a friend: It's better to lose a joke or a witty comment than to offend or lose a friend.
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Better one-eyed than stone-blind: It's better to have some knowledge or ability than to have none at all.
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Better the devil you know than the devil you don't: It's better to deal with a familiar problem than to risk a worse one by making a change.
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Better the foot slip than the tongue: It's better to make a physical mistake than to say something inappropriate or harmful.
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Better to do well than to say well: It's better to do good deeds than to talk about them.
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Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven: It's better to be a leader of a lesser group than a follower in a greater one, even if it's a bad group.
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Better unborn than untaught: It's better not to be born than to be born and not receive proper education.
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Better untaught than ill-taught: It's better not to receive an education than to receive a poor or wrong education.
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Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip: Success is not guaranteed until it is fully accomplished.
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Between the devil and the deep (blue) sea: Stuck between two difficult or risky choices, with no easy way out.
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Between two evils 'tis not worth choosing: When both choices have negative consequences, it's not worth choosing either.
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Between two stools one goes (falls) to the ground: When someone is unable to choose between two options, they end up missing out on both.
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Between the upper and nether millstone: Trapped between two equally difficult or painful situations.
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Betwixt and between: In a state of uncertainty, indecision or confusion.
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Beware of a silent dog and still water: Be cautious of things or people that appear to be calm and harmless, as they may be dangerous.
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Bind the sack before it be full: Take precautions before something bad happens or before it's too late.
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Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests, beliefs, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.
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Blind men can judge no colours: People who lack knowledge or experience cannot make accurate judgments.
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Blood is thicker than water: Family bonds and relationships are stronger than any other.
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Borrowed garments never fit well: Things that are borrowed or acquired are often not as good as what one already possesses.
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Brevity is the soul of wit: Good communication is concise and to the point.
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Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse: Do not take extreme measures to solve a small problem.
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Business before pleasure: Prioritize responsibilities and work before leisure activities.
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By doing nothing we learn to do ill: Laziness and inactivity can lead to bad habits and poor skills.
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By hook or by crook: By any means necessary.
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By the street of 'by-and-bye' one arrives at the house of 'Never': Delaying action or procrastinating can lead to missed opportunities or failure.
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Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion: It's better to be a leader of a lesser group than a follower in a greater one.
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Better deny at once than promise long: It's better to refuse a request immediately than to promise and fail to deliver.
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Better die standing than live kneeling: It's better to fight for one's beliefs than to live life on one's knees, giving up on principles.
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Better early than late: It's better to do something earlier than to do it later, as it can avoid delays and consequences.
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Better give a shilling than lend a half-crown: It's better to give something as a gift than lend it and risk losing both the item and the relationship.
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Better go to bed supperless than rise in debt: It's better to go to bed hungry than to accumulate debt by buying things one cannot afford.
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Better late than never: It's better to do something late than never to do it at all.
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Better lose a jest than a friend: It's better to lose a joke or a witty comment than to offend or lose a friend.
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Better one-eyed than stone-blind: It's better to have some knowledge or ability than to have none at all.
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Better the devil you know than the devil you don't: It's better to deal
Better untaught than ill-taught: It's better not to receive an education than to receive a poor or wrong education.
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Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip: Success is not guaranteed until it is fully accomplished.
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Between the devil and the deep (blue) sea: Stuck between two difficult or risky choices, with no easy way out.
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Between two evils 'tis not worth choosing: When both choices have negative consequences, it's not worth choosing either.
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Between two stools one goes (falls) to the ground: When someone is unable to choose between two options, they end up missing out on both.
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Between the upper and nether millstone: Trapped between two equally difficult or painful situations.
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Betwixt and between: In a state of uncertainty, indecision or confusion.
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Beware of a silent dog and still water: Be cautious of things or people that appear to be calm and harmless, as they may be dangerous.
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Bind the sack before it be full: Take precautions before something bad happens or before it's too late.
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Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests, beliefs, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.
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Calamity is man's true touchstone: Difficult times reveal a person's true character.
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Care killed the cat: Being overly cautious or worried can lead to negative outcomes.
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Catch the bear before you sell his skin: Ensure success before claiming victory.
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Caution is the parent of safety: Being cautious can prevent accidents or danger.
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Charity begins at home: Help those closest to you before helping others.
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Cheapest is the dearest: Choosing a cheaper option may end up being more expensive in the long run.
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Cheek brings success: Confidence and boldness can lead to success.
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Children and fools must not play with edged tools: People who lack experience or common sense should not handle dangerous objects or situations.
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Children are poor men's riches: Children bring happiness and wealth to families, regardless of financial status.
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Choose an author as you choose a friend: Choose reading material carefully, as it can influence one's thinking and beliefs.
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Christmas comes but once a year, (but when it comes it brings good cheer): Christmas is a special occasion that brings happiness and joy.
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Circumstances alter cases: Situations can affect judgments or decisions.
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Claw me, and I will claw thee: If one is hurt or wronged, they may retaliate in kind.
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Cleanliness is next to godliness: Cleanliness is important and can be associated with moral purity.
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Company in distress makes trouble less: Having support during difficult times can make the situation easier to handle.
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Confession is the first step to repentance: Admitting wrongdoing is the first step towards making amends.
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Counsel is no command: Advice should be considered, but the final decision lies with the individual.
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Creditors have better memories than debtors: This proverb means that people who lend money are better at remembering the debts owed to them than the people who owe the money.
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Cross the stream where it is shallowest: This proverb advises people to take the easiest path when faced with a challenge or problem.
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Crows do not pick crow's eyes: This proverb means that people should not criticize others for faults that they themselves possess.
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Curiosity killed the cat: This proverb means that being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger.
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Curses like chickens come home to roost: This proverb means that the negative consequences of one's actions will eventually catch up with them.
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Custom is a second nature: This proverb means that people become accustomed to certain behaviors or habits, which become like a second nature to them.
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Custom is the plague of wise men and the idol of fools: This proverb means that wise people should not blindly follow traditions or customs without questioning their validity.
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Cut your coat according to your cloth: This proverb means that people should live within their means and not try to live a lifestyle beyond their financial capabilities.
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Death is the grand leveller: This proverb means that death is the great equalizer and eventually all people will die, regardless of their social status or wealth.
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Death pays all debts: This proverb means that when a person dies, all of their debts are considered paid in full.
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Death when it comes will have no denial: This proverb means that death is inevitable and cannot be avoided.
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Debt is the worst poverty: This proverb means that being in debt can be worse than being poor because it creates a burden that is difficult to overcome.
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Deeds, not words: This proverb means that actions speak louder than words and it is more important to do something than to merely talk about it.
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Delays are dangerous: This proverb means that procrastination or delaying action can lead to negative consequences or missed opportunities.
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Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies: When a situation is very bad, extreme measures may be necessary to solve the problem.
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Diligence is the mother of success (good luck): Hard work and careful planning are the keys to achieving success.
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Diseases are the interests of pleasures: This proverb suggests that illnesses often arise as a result of indulging in too much pleasure or excess.
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Divide and rule: A tactic used by rulers to maintain power by dividing their subjects into smaller groups and encouraging them to compete with each other instead of uniting against the ruler.
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Do as you would be done by: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
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Dog does not eat dog: People who are in the same group or have a common interest should not harm each other.
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Dog eats dog: A situation where people compete ruthlessly with each other, even if they are part of the same group.
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Dogs that put up many hares kill none: Those who try to do too much at once may not achieve anything at all.
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Doing is better than saying: Actions speak louder than words.
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Don't count your chickens before they are hatched: Don't assume that something will happen before it actually happens.
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Don't cross the bridges before you come to them: Don't worry about problems before they actually arise.
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Don't have thy cloak to make when it begins to rain: Be prepared for potential problems in advance.
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Don't keep a dog and bark yourself: Don't employ someone to do a job and then do it yourself anyway.
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Don't look a gift horse in the mouth: Be grateful for what you receive without questioning its value.
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Don't put all your eggs in one basket: Don't risk everything on a single venture.
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Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it: Don't assume that something will happen before it actually happens.
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Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you: Don't worry about problems before they actually arise.
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Don't whistle (halloo) until you are out of the wood: Don't assume that a problem is solved before it actually is.
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Dot your i's and cross your t's: Be meticulous and careful in your work.
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Draw not your bow till your arrow is fixed: Don't act until you are fully prepared.
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Drive the nail that will go: Focus on the things that are likely to succeed, rather than trying to do too many things at once.
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Drunken days have all their tomorrow: The consequences of reckless behavior will come back to haunt you.
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Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals: Alcohol can lower inhibitions and cause people to behave in ways that they wouldn't when sober.
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Dumb dogs are dangerous: People who are ignorant or uninformed can be unpredictable and may cause harm without realizing it.
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Each bird loves to hear himself sing: People often enjoy hearing themselves talk or boast.
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Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise: Going to bed early and waking up early is good for your health, and can lead to success and wisdom.
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Easier said than done: It's easier to talk about doing something than to actually do it.
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East or West ? home is best: No matter where you travel, your home is the best place to be.
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Easy come, easy go: Things that come easily are often lost just as easily.
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Eat at pleasure, drink with measure: It's okay to enjoy good food, but be moderate with alcohol consumption.
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Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound: People who lack knowledge or substance often make the most noise.
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Enough is as good as a feast: It is better to have what is sufficient rather than to have too much.
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Envy shoots at others and wounds herself: When people are envious of others, it harms them more than the person they envy.
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Even reckoning makes long friends: When people are fair and just in their dealings, they are likely to maintain good relationships.
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Every ass loves to hear himself bray: Some people love to hear themselves talk, even if what they say is not worth hearing.
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Every barber knows that: A saying that implies something is obvious or well-known.
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Every bean has its black: Every good thing has a bad aspect to it.
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Every bird likes its own nest: People often prefer their own home or familiar surroundings.
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Every bullet has its billet: Every person has a destiny or fate.
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Every country has its customs: Every country has its own unique traditions and ways of doing things.
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Every dark cloud has a silver lining: Even in difficult situations, there is always a glimmer of hope or positivity.
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Every day is not Sunday: Life is not always easy or enjoyable.
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Every dog has his day: Every person will have a chance to be successful or have their moment of triumph.
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Every dog is a lion at home: People often act differently in their own familiar surroundings than in unfamiliar ones.
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Every dog is valiant at his own door: People are often brave or confident when they are on their own territory.
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Every Jack has his Jill: There is a match for everyone.
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Every man has a fool in his sleeve: Everyone has their moments of foolishness or mistakes.
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Every man has his faults: Everyone has flaws or weaknesses.
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Every man has his hobby-horse: Everyone has something that they are passionate or enthusiastic about.
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Every man is the architect of his own fortunes: People are responsible for creating their own success or failure.
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Every man to his taste: People have different preferences and likes.
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Every miller draws water to his own mill: People tend to act in their own self-interest.
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Every mother thinks her own gosling a swan: A mother will always think the best of her own child.
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Every one's faults are not written in their foreheads: People's flaws or mistakes are not always obvious to others.
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Every tub must stand on its own bottom: People must be self-reliant and responsible for their own actions and decisions.
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Every white has its black, and every sweet its sour: This proverb means that everything has its opposite or downside, and there is no pure good or pure evil.
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Every why has a wherefore: This proverb means that there is a reason or explanation behind every question or action.
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Everybody's business is nobody's business: This proverb means that when a task or responsibility is everyone's responsibility, no one takes ownership of it and it remains unfulfilled.
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Everything comes to him who waits: This proverb means that patience and persistence are key to achieving one's goals.
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Everything is good in its season: This proverb means that everything has its time and place, and things should be done or enjoyed at the appropriate time.
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Evil communications corrupt good manners: This proverb means that associating with bad company can have a negative influence on one's behavior and character.
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Experience is the mother of wisdom: This proverb means that wisdom is gained through experience and practical knowledge.
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Experience keeps a dear school, but fools learn in no other: This proverb means that learning from one's mistakes can be a painful but effective way of gaining wisdom, but some people refuse to learn even from their own mistakes.
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Experience keeps no school, she teaches her pupils singly: This proverb means that experience teaches everyone differently and individually, and there is no universal lesson or formula.
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Extremes meet: This proverb means that two opposing things can be surprisingly similar or connected in some way.
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Facts are stubborn things: This proverb means that facts cannot be changed or ignored, even if they are inconvenient or unpleasant.
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Faint heart never won fair lady: This proverb means that one needs to be bold and persistent in pursuing what one wants.
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Fair without, foul (false) within: This proverb means that someone or something may look good on the outside but have negative qualities or intentions on the inside.
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Fair words break no bones: This proverb means that kind or gentle words may be pleasant to hear but they do not necessarily solve problems or produce results.
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False friends are worse than open enemies: This proverb means that it is better to have an honest adversary than a deceitful friend.
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Familiarity breeds contempt: This proverb means that people can become bored or disdainful of things or people that they are too familiar with.
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Far from eye, far from heart: This proverb means that distance can weaken emotional ties or attachments.
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Fasting comes after feasting: This proverb means that after a period of indulgence or enjoyment, there may be a need for restraint or austerity.
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Faults are thick where love is thin: This proverb means that when there is a lack of love or affection between people, their flaws and shortcomings become more noticeable and bothersome.
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Feast today and fast tomorrow: This proverb means that one should not indulge excessively and should be prepared to make sacrifices or face consequences later.
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Fine feathers make fine birds: This proverb means that appearances can be deceiving, and that people or things may seem better than they really are because of external factors.
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Fine words butter no parsnips: This proverb means that words alone do not achieve anything without corresponding actions.
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First catch your hare: This proverb means that one should prepare properly and take the necessary steps before attempting to achieve something.
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First come, first served: This proverb means that those who arrive or claim something first are entitled to it before others.
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First deserve and then desire: This proverb means that one should earn or be worthy of something before desiring or expecting it.
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First think, then speak: It is better to carefully consider what you want to say before speaking.
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Fish and company stink in three days: Spending too much time with the same people can become unpleasant.
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Fish begins to stink at the head: If a group or organization is not functioning well, it is likely due to poor leadership.
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Follow the river and you'll get to the sea: By following a certain path, one can eventually reach their desired destination.
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Fool's haste is no speed: Rushing can lead to mistakes and slow progress.
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Fools and madmen speak the truth: Sometimes people who are not taken seriously can offer valuable insights.
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Fools grow without watering: Negative or unproductive behavior can often thrive without any encouragement.
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Fools may sometimes speak to the purpose: Even those who are not usually insightful can offer useful advice or ideas.
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Fools never know when they are well: People who are not satisfied with what they have will always want more.
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Fools rush in where angels fear to tread: Unwise or reckless people are more likely to take risks that others would avoid.
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For the love of the game: Doing something for the enjoyment of it rather than for any practical or financial benefit.
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Forbearance is no acquittance: Being patient and tolerant towards someone who has wronged you does not absolve them of their actions.
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Forbidden fruit is sweet: People are often attracted to things that are off-limits or taboo.
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Forewarned is forearmed: Knowing about a potential problem in advance can help prevent it from happening.
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Fortune favours the brave (the bold): Taking risks can lead to great rewards.
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Fortune is easily found, but hard to be kept: Gaining success or wealth is often easier than maintaining it.
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Four eyes see more (better) than two: Two people working together can often achieve more than one person working alone.
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Friends are thieves of time: Spending too much time socializing can be a distraction from more important tasks.
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From bad to worse: Things are getting progressively worse.
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From pillar to post: Moving around aimlessly without making any progress.
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Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary: Having a high social status without any skills or talents is worse than being poor.
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Get a name to rise early, and you may lie all day: A good reputation can lead to more opportunities and success.
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Gifts from enemies are dangerous: Even if someone who is usually hostile towards you offers you a gift, it may be part of a plot to harm you.
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Give a fool rope enough, and he will hang himself: Allowing someone to make their own mistakes can lead to their downfall.
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Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice: It is important to listen to others, but not to speak too much.
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Give him an inch and he'll take an ell: If you give someone a little bit of leeway, they will take advantage of it and push for even more.
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Give never the wolf the wether to keep: Do not trust someone who has proven themselves untrustworthy in the past.
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Gluttony kills more men than the sword: Eating too much can be more harmful than violence.
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Go to bed with the lamb and rise with the lark: Going to bed early and waking up early is a healthy and productive habit.
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Good clothes open all doors: Dressing well can make a good impression and lead to more opportunities.
List of 1000 proverbs with definition part 2
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