List of 1000 proverbs with definition part 2

Abhishek Ranavat
  1. At the ends of the earth - at the farthest place imaginable.

  2. Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune - excessive drinking can be more dangerous than drowning in the sea.

  3. Bad news has wings - negative news spreads quickly and easily.

  4. Barking does seldom bite - those who make the most noise are often the least likely to take action.

  5. Be slow to promise and quick to perform - it's better to take your time before making a commitment and then fulfill it promptly.

  6. Be swift to hear, slow to speak - it's better to listen carefully before speaking.

  7. Beauty is but skin-deep - physical attractiveness is not the only important thing.

  8. Beauty lies in lover's eyes - beauty is subjective and varies from person to person.

  9. Before one can say Jack Robinson - before one can realize or do something quickly.

  10. 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.

  11. Beggars cannot be choosers - when in need, one cannot be picky.

  12. Believe not all that you see nor half what you hear - don't trust everything you see or hear without verifying it.

  13. Best defense is offense - it's better to attack first than to wait for someone else to attack you.

  14. Better a glorious death than a shameful life - it's better to die honorably than to live a life filled with shame.

  15. Better a lean peace than a fat victory - it's better to have a peaceful settlement than to win a conflict with heavy losses.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Better be born lucky than rich - it's better to be fortunate in life than to have wealth but no luck.

  21. Better be envied than pitied - it's better to be respected and admired than to be the object of pity.

  22. 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.

  23. Better deny at once than promise long: It's better to refuse a request immediately than to promise and fail to deliver.

  24. 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.

  25. Better early than late: It's better to do something earlier than to do it later, as it can avoid delays and consequences.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. Better late than never: It's better to do something late than never to do it at all.

  29. 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.

  30. Better one-eyed than stone-blind: It's better to have some knowledge or ability than to have none at all.

  31. 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.

  32. Better the foot slip than the tongue: It's better to make a physical mistake than to say something inappropriate or harmful.

  33. Better to do well than to say well: It's better to do good deeds than to talk about them.

  34. 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.

  35. Better unborn than untaught: It's better not to be born than to be born and not receive proper education.

  36. Better untaught than ill-taught: It's better not to receive an education than to receive a poor or wrong education.

  37. Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip: Success is not guaranteed until it is fully accomplished.

  38. Between the devil and the deep (blue) sea: Stuck between two difficult or risky choices, with no easy way out.

  39. Between two evils 'tis not worth choosing: When both choices have negative consequences, it's not worth choosing either.

  40. 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.

  41. Between the upper and nether millstone: Trapped between two equally difficult or painful situations.

  42. Betwixt and between: In a state of uncertainty, indecision or confusion.

  43. 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.

  44. Bind the sack before it be full: Take precautions before something bad happens or before it's too late.

  45. Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests, beliefs, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.

  46. Blind men can judge no colours: People who lack knowledge or experience cannot make accurate judgments.

  47. Blood is thicker than water: Family bonds and relationships are stronger than any other.

  48. Borrowed garments never fit well: Things that are borrowed or acquired are often not as good as what one already possesses.

  49. Brevity is the soul of wit: Good communication is concise and to the point.

  50. Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse: Do not take extreme measures to solve a small problem.

  51. Business before pleasure: Prioritize responsibilities and work before leisure activities.

  52. By doing nothing we learn to do ill: Laziness and inactivity can lead to bad habits and poor skills.

  53. By hook or by crook: By any means necessary.

  54. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. Better deny at once than promise long: It's better to refuse a request immediately than to promise and fail to deliver.

  57. 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.

  58. Better early than late: It's better to do something earlier than to do it later, as it can avoid delays and consequences.

  59. 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.

  60. 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.

  61. Better late than never: It's better to do something late than never to do it at all.

  62. 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.

  63. Better one-eyed than stone-blind: It's better to have some knowledge or ability than to have none at all.

  64. 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.

  65. Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip: Success is not guaranteed until it is fully accomplished.

  66. Between the devil and the deep (blue) sea: Stuck between two difficult or risky choices, with no easy way out.

  67. Between two evils 'tis not worth choosing: When both choices have negative consequences, it's not worth choosing either.

  68. 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.

  69. Between the upper and nether millstone: Trapped between two equally difficult or painful situations.

  70. Betwixt and between: In a state of uncertainty, indecision or confusion.

  71. 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.

  72. Bind the sack before it be full: Take precautions before something bad happens or before it's too late.

  73. Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests, beliefs, or backgrounds tend to associate with each other.

  74. Calamity is man's true touchstone: Difficult times reveal a person's true character.

  75. Care killed the cat: Being overly cautious or worried can lead to negative outcomes.

  76. Catch the bear before you sell his skin: Ensure success before claiming victory.

  77. Caution is the parent of safety: Being cautious can prevent accidents or danger.

  78. Charity begins at home: Help those closest to you before helping others.

  79. Cheapest is the dearest: Choosing a cheaper option may end up being more expensive in the long run.

  80. Cheek brings success: Confidence and boldness can lead to success.

  81. Children and fools must not play with edged tools: People who lack experience or common sense should not handle dangerous objects or situations.

  82. Children are poor men's riches: Children bring happiness and wealth to families, regardless of financial status.

  83. Choose an author as you choose a friend: Choose reading material carefully, as it can influence one's thinking and beliefs.

  84. Christmas comes but once a year, (but when it comes it brings good cheer): Christmas is a special occasion that brings happiness and joy.

  85. Circumstances alter cases: Situations can affect judgments or decisions.

  86. Claw me, and I will claw thee: If one is hurt or wronged, they may retaliate in kind.

  87. Cleanliness is next to godliness: Cleanliness is important and can be associated with moral purity.

  88. Company in distress makes trouble less: Having support during difficult times can make the situation easier to handle.

  89. Confession is the first step to repentance: Admitting wrongdoing is the first step towards making amends.

  90. Counsel is no command: Advice should be considered, but the final decision lies with the individual.

  91. 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.

  92. Cross the stream where it is shallowest: This proverb advises people to take the easiest path when faced with a challenge or problem.

  93. Crows do not pick crow's eyes: This proverb means that people should not criticize others for faults that they themselves possess.

  94. Curiosity killed the cat: This proverb means that being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger.

  95. Curses like chickens come home to roost: This proverb means that the negative consequences of one's actions will eventually catch up with them.

  96. 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.

  97. 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.

  98. 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.

  99. 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.

  100. Death pays all debts: This proverb means that when a person dies, all of their debts are considered paid in full.

  101. Death when it comes will have no denial: This proverb means that death is inevitable and cannot be avoided.

  102. 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.

  103. 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.

  104. Delays are dangerous: This proverb means that procrastination or delaying action can lead to negative consequences or missed opportunities.

  105. Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies: When a situation is very bad, extreme measures may be necessary to solve the problem.

  106. Diligence is the mother of success (good luck): Hard work and careful planning are the keys to achieving success.

  107. Diseases are the interests of pleasures: This proverb suggests that illnesses often arise as a result of indulging in too much pleasure or excess.

  108. 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.

  109. Do as you would be done by: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

  110. Dog does not eat dog: People who are in the same group or have a common interest should not harm each other.

  111. Dog eats dog: A situation where people compete ruthlessly with each other, even if they are part of the same group.

  112. Dogs that put up many hares kill none: Those who try to do too much at once may not achieve anything at all.

  113. Doing is better than saying: Actions speak louder than words.

  114. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched: Don't assume that something will happen before it actually happens.

  115. Don't cross the bridges before you come to them: Don't worry about problems before they actually arise.

  116. Don't have thy cloak to make when it begins to rain: Be prepared for potential problems in advance.

  117. Don't keep a dog and bark yourself: Don't employ someone to do a job and then do it yourself anyway.

  118. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth: Be grateful for what you receive without questioning its value.

  119. Don't put all your eggs in one basket: Don't risk everything on a single venture.

  120. Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it: Don't assume that something will happen before it actually happens.

  121. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you: Don't worry about problems before they actually arise.

  122. Don't whistle (halloo) until you are out of the wood: Don't assume that a problem is solved before it actually is.

  123. Dot your i's and cross your t's: Be meticulous and careful in your work.

  124. Draw not your bow till your arrow is fixed: Don't act until you are fully prepared.

  125. 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.

  126. Drunken days have all their tomorrow: The consequences of reckless behavior will come back to haunt you.

  127. Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals: Alcohol can lower inhibitions and cause people to behave in ways that they wouldn't when sober.

  128. Dumb dogs are dangerous: People who are ignorant or uninformed can be unpredictable and may cause harm without realizing it.

  129. Each bird loves to hear himself sing: People often enjoy hearing themselves talk or boast.

  130. 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.

  131. Easier said than done: It's easier to talk about doing something than to actually do it.

  132. East or West ? home is best: No matter where you travel, your home is the best place to be.

  133. Easy come, easy go: Things that come easily are often lost just as easily.

  134. Eat at pleasure, drink with measure: It's okay to enjoy good food, but be moderate with alcohol consumption.

  135. Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound: People who lack knowledge or substance often make the most noise.

  136. Enough is as good as a feast: It is better to have what is sufficient rather than to have too much.

  137. Envy shoots at others and wounds herself: When people are envious of others, it harms them more than the person they envy.

  138. Even reckoning makes long friends: When people are fair and just in their dealings, they are likely to maintain good relationships.

  139. Every ass loves to hear himself bray: Some people love to hear themselves talk, even if what they say is not worth hearing.

  140. Every barber knows that: A saying that implies something is obvious or well-known.

  141. Every bean has its black: Every good thing has a bad aspect to it.

  142. Every bird likes its own nest: People often prefer their own home or familiar surroundings.

  143. Every bullet has its billet: Every person has a destiny or fate.

  144. Every country has its customs: Every country has its own unique traditions and ways of doing things.

  145. Every dark cloud has a silver lining: Even in difficult situations, there is always a glimmer of hope or positivity.

  146. Every day is not Sunday: Life is not always easy or enjoyable.

  147. Every dog has his day: Every person will have a chance to be successful or have their moment of triumph.

  148. Every dog is a lion at home: People often act differently in their own familiar surroundings than in unfamiliar ones.

  149. Every dog is valiant at his own door: People are often brave or confident when they are on their own territory.

  150. Every Jack has his Jill: There is a match for everyone.

  151. Every man has a fool in his sleeve: Everyone has their moments of foolishness or mistakes.

  152. Every man has his faults: Everyone has flaws or weaknesses.

  153. Every man has his hobby-horse: Everyone has something that they are passionate or enthusiastic about.

  154. Every man is the architect of his own fortunes: People are responsible for creating their own success or failure.

  155. Every man to his taste: People have different preferences and likes.

  156. Every miller draws water to his own mill: People tend to act in their own self-interest.

  157. Every mother thinks her own gosling a swan: A mother will always think the best of her own child.

  158. Every one's faults are not written in their foreheads: People's flaws or mistakes are not always obvious to others.

  159. Every tub must stand on its own bottom: People must be self-reliant and responsible for their own actions and decisions.

  160. 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.

  161. Every why has a wherefore: This proverb means that there is a reason or explanation behind every question or action.

  162. 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.

  163. Everything comes to him who waits: This proverb means that patience and persistence are key to achieving one's goals.

  164. 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.

  165. Evil communications corrupt good manners: This proverb means that associating with bad company can have a negative influence on one's behavior and character.

  166. Experience is the mother of wisdom: This proverb means that wisdom is gained through experience and practical knowledge.

  167. 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.

  168. 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.

  169. Extremes meet: This proverb means that two opposing things can be surprisingly similar or connected in some way.

  170. Facts are stubborn things: This proverb means that facts cannot be changed or ignored, even if they are inconvenient or unpleasant.

  171. Faint heart never won fair lady: This proverb means that one needs to be bold and persistent in pursuing what one wants.

  172. 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.

  173. 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.

  174. False friends are worse than open enemies: This proverb means that it is better to have an honest adversary than a deceitful friend.

  175. Familiarity breeds contempt: This proverb means that people can become bored or disdainful of things or people that they are too familiar with.

  176. Far from eye, far from heart: This proverb means that distance can weaken emotional ties or attachments.

  177. Fasting comes after feasting: This proverb means that after a period of indulgence or enjoyment, there may be a need for restraint or austerity.

  178. 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.

  179. 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.

  180. 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.

  181. Fine words butter no parsnips: This proverb means that words alone do not achieve anything without corresponding actions.

  182. First catch your hare: This proverb means that one should prepare properly and take the necessary steps before attempting to achieve something.

  183. First come, first served: This proverb means that those who arrive or claim something first are entitled to it before others.

  184. First deserve and then desire: This proverb means that one should earn or be worthy of something before desiring or expecting it.

  185. First think, then speak: It is better to carefully consider what you want to say before speaking.

  186. Fish and company stink in three days: Spending too much time with the same people can become unpleasant.

  187. Fish begins to stink at the head: If a group or organization is not functioning well, it is likely due to poor leadership.

  188. Follow the river and you'll get to the sea: By following a certain path, one can eventually reach their desired destination.

  189. Fool's haste is no speed: Rushing can lead to mistakes and slow progress.

  190. Fools and madmen speak the truth: Sometimes people who are not taken seriously can offer valuable insights.

  191. Fools grow without watering: Negative or unproductive behavior can often thrive without any encouragement.

  192. Fools may sometimes speak to the purpose: Even those who are not usually insightful can offer useful advice or ideas.

  193. Fools never know when they are well: People who are not satisfied with what they have will always want more.

  194. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread: Unwise or reckless people are more likely to take risks that others would avoid.

  195. For the love of the game: Doing something for the enjoyment of it rather than for any practical or financial benefit.

  196. Forbearance is no acquittance: Being patient and tolerant towards someone who has wronged you does not absolve them of their actions.

  197. Forbidden fruit is sweet: People are often attracted to things that are off-limits or taboo.

  198. Forewarned is forearmed: Knowing about a potential problem in advance can help prevent it from happening.

  199. Fortune favours the brave (the bold): Taking risks can lead to great rewards.

  200. Fortune is easily found, but hard to be kept: Gaining success or wealth is often easier than maintaining it.

  201. Four eyes see more (better) than two: Two people working together can often achieve more than one person working alone.

  202. Friends are thieves of time: Spending too much time socializing can be a distraction from more important tasks.

  203. From bad to worse: Things are getting progressively worse.

  204. From pillar to post: Moving around aimlessly without making any progress.

  205. Gentility without ability is worse than plain beggary: Having a high social status without any skills or talents is worse than being poor.

  206. Get a name to rise early, and you may lie all day: A good reputation can lead to more opportunities and success.

  207. 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.

  208. Give a fool rope enough, and he will hang himself: Allowing someone to make their own mistakes can lead to their downfall.

  209. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice: It is important to listen to others, but not to speak too much.

  210. 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.

  211. Give never the wolf the wether to keep: Do not trust someone who has proven themselves untrustworthy in the past.

  212. Gluttony kills more men than the sword: Eating too much can be more harmful than violence.

  213. 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.

  214. Good clothes open all doors: Dressing well can make a good impression and lead to more opportunities.