Alphabetical list of proverbs - A - K

 with an explanation where necessary 

  www.learn-english-today.com. 

Proverb Explanation / Meaning

 
  When you are away from someone you love, you love them even
A  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
more.
   Accidents will happen.   Some unfortunate events must be accepted as inevitable.
  What a person actually does is more important that what they
   Actions speak louder than words. say they will do.
   Advice is cheap.   It doesn't cost anything to offer advice.
 Advice is least heeded when most   When a problem is serious, people often do not follow the advice
  needed. given.
   Advisers run no risks.   It's easier to give advice than to act.
   All cats are grey in the dark.  People are undistinguished until they have made a name.
 All good things come to those who
  wait.
  Patience brings rewards.

   All that glitters is not gold.   Appearances can be deceptive.

 All days are short to Industry and long
  to Idleness.
  Time goes by slowly when you have nothing to do.

   All is fair in love and war   Things that are done  in love or war can often be excused.
   All's well that ends well   There is a solution to everything even though there are doubts.
   All that glitters is not gold.   What look good on the outside may not be so in reality.
   All things grow with time - except grief.   As time goes by, grief subsides little by little.
 All things are difficult before they are
  easy.   With practice things become easier.
  Everybody needs a certain amount of relaxation.  It is not good
 All work and no play makes Jack a dull
  boy. to work all
  the time.
  Eating an apple every day can help to keep you healthy.
   An apple a day keeps the doctor away.*   Other interpretation : A small preventive treatment wards off
serious problems.
  When one's financial situation deteriorates,  friends tend to
   An empty purse frightens away friends.
disappear.
  An Englishman's home is a place where he feels safe,  enjoys
   An Englishman's home is his castle. privacy
  and can do as he wishes.
   An idle brain is the devil's workshop.   When you work you avoid temptation.
   An onion a day keeps everyone away.*  *A humoristic version of "an apple a day..."
  It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair
 An ounce of prevention is worth a
  pound of cure. the damage or
  cure the disease later.
 Anger is the one thing made better by
  delay.   When you are angry, it is best not to speak or act immediately.

   Any time means no time.   If the date of an event remains vague, it will never happen.

   April showers bring May flowers.  Something bad or unpleasant today may bring good things in the
future.
     
   A bad tree does not yield good apples.   A bad parent does not raise good children.
  Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of
   A bad workman blames his tools. skill.
   A bird in hand is worth two in a bush.   It's better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by
 searching for something better.
 A broken friendship may be soldered
  Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as
  but will strong as before.
 never be sound.
 A burden of one's own choice is not
  felt.
  Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.
  A bad experience will make people stay away from certain
   A burnt  child dreads the fire. things.
  1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their
   A cat has nine lives. feet without injury.
  2) Three lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay.
 A chain is no stronger than its weakest
  link.  The strength of a group depends on each individual member.
  A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a
   A change is as good as a rest. holiday.
 A dry March, a wet April and a cool May
      fill barn and cellar and bring much   Harvest predictions according to the weather.
hay.
   A fault confessed is half redressed.   Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
   A flower blooms more than once.   If you miss an occasion, you can avail of it at another time.
 A fool and his money are soon (easily)
  parted.   A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.

   A fool at forty is a fool forever.   If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will.
   A friend in need is a friend indeed.   Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.
  Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them feel
   A friend to all is a friend to none. special.
   A friend's eye is a good mirror.   A real friend will tell you the truth.
   A good example is the best sermon.   Giving an example is better than giving advice.
  If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will
   A good beginning makes a good end. be done well.
   A good conscience is a soft pillow.   You sleep well when you have nothing to feel guilty about.
   A guilty conscience needs no accuser.  
  It is not possible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good
   A leopard cannot change its spots. or pleasant.
   A loaded wagon makes no noise.   Really wealthy don't talk about money.
   A loveless life is a living death.  
   A man can die but once.  
 A man is as old as he feels himself to
  be.  
  A person's character is judged by the type of people with whom
 A man is known by the company he
  keeps. they spend
  their time.
  No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person
   A monkey in silk is a monkey no less.
underneath.
   A new broom sweeps clean.   A newly-appointed person makes changes energetically.
  It will be easier to deal with a problem if you discuss it with
   A problem shared is a problem halved.
someone.
   A rising tide lifts all boats.   Describes something that will be helpful to all.
   A rolling stone gathers no moss.   If a person keeps moving from place to place, they gain neither
friends nor
  possessions.                                
  Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one avoids being
 tied down!
  A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a
   A rotten apple spoils the barrel. group.
 A smooth sea never made a skilled
  mariner.   Overcoming adversity leads to competence.
  It's better to deal with a  problem at an early stage, to prevent it
   A stitch in time saves nine. from getting
  worse.
  Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making a
   A stumble may prevent a fall.
bigger one.
   A swallow does not make the summer.   One good event does not mean that everything is alright.
   A tree is known by its fruit.   A man is judged by his actions.
   A watched pot never boils   If you wait anxiously for something, it seems to take a long time.
   A young idler, an old beggar.   If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're old.
 After dinner rest a while, after supper  Today 'dinner' is usually called 'lunch', and 'supper' more often
  walk a mile. called 'dinner'.
   As you sow, so shall you reap   You have to accept the consequences of your actions.
 Ask me no questions, I'll tell  you no
  lies.
  There are subjects I'd rather not discuss.

     
  People tend to circulate bad news (accidents, illness etc.) very
 B  Bad news travels fast.
quickly.
   Beauty is only skin deep.   A person's character is more important than their appearance.
   Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.   Different people have different tastes.
 Beauty is the wisdom of women.
  Wisdom is the  
 beauty of men.
   Be swift to hear, slow to speak.   Listen carefully before speaking.
   Better be alone than in bad company.   Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with.
 Better be the head of a dog then the tail   It's better to be the leader of a small group than a subordinate in
  of a lion. a bigger one.
   Better flatter a fool than fight him.   It's better to avoid disputes with stupid people.
 Better the devil you know than the devil   It's better to deal with somebody difficult but familiar, than
  you change and risk dealing
 don't know   with somebody worse.
   Better late than never.   It's better to do something, even if it's late,  than not do it at all.
  It's better to stop and accept a small loss, rather than continue
   Better lose the saddle than the horse. and risk losing
  everything.
   Better safe than sorry   It's better to be too careful than to be careless and regret  it later.
   Better untaught than ill-taught   It's better not to be taught at all than to be taught badly.
   Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.   Don't trust your enemies.
   Birds of a feather flock together.   People of the same sort are usually found together.
  Family relationships are stronger than relationships with other
   Blood is thicker than water   people.
   Blood will out.   A person's background or education will eventually show.
     
 C  Charity begins at home.   A person's first duty is to help and care for his own family.
   Children and fools tell the truth.  
   Cleanliness is next to godliness.   A clean body is just as important as a pure soul.
   Clear moon, frost soon.   If the atmosphere is clear, frost may form.
   Clothes don't make the man.   Appearances can be deceiving.
 Constant occupation prevents
  temptation.
  When you work you avoid temptation.

     
  A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing something
 D  Dead men tell no tales that it would be
  preferable to conceal.
   Diamond cuts diamond.   Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.
 Diligence is the mother of good
    Hard work brings rewards.
fortune.
   Discretion is the better part of valour   It is useless to take unnecessary risks.
 Diseases of the soul are more
  dangerous than  
 those of the body.
  When you are separated from the person you love, your feelings
   Distance makes the heart grow fonder. are even stronger.
   Dogs of the same street bark alike.   People from the same background have the same behaviour.
   Don't bark if you can't bite.   Don't complain if you can't enforce your point of view.
 Don't count your chickens before
  they're hatched.   You must not be too confident that something will be successful.
 Don't dig your grave with your own
  knife and fork.   Don't do something yourself which causes your own downfall.

   Don't judge a book by its cover.   Don't judge by appearances.

     
 Early to bed and early to rise makes a
E man  
 healthy, wealthy and wise.
  What is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually
   Easier said than done. do it.
   Elbow grease is the best polish.   Hard work gives the best results.
   Empty vessels make the most noise.   The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or noisy.
   Every ass likes to hear himself bray.   People like to listen to themselves talking.
   Every cloud has a silver lining  There is a positive or hopeful side to every unpleasant situation.
  You must think of your own interests before the interests of
   Every man for himself. others.
   Every man has his price.   Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price.
 Every man is the architect of his own
  fortune.   Life is what you make it.

   Every path has its puddle.   Progress is rarely without difficulty.

   Every rose has its thorn.   Every good thing has an unpleasant side.
   Every why has a wherefore.   There is an explanation for everything.
   Everything in the garden is rosy.   Everything is satisfactory.
   Experience is the father of wisdom.   Experience and knowledge result in better judgement.
     
  People show what they are really like by what they do, rather
 F  Facts speak louder than words. than by what
  they say.
   Failure teaches success.  
 False friends are worse than open
  enemies.  
  Knowing somebody very well may lead to a lack of respect for
   Familiarity breeds contempt them.
   Fine words butter no parsnips.   No amount of talking can replace action.
   First come, first served.   The first person in the line will be attended to first.
 Fool me once, shame on you;
   fool me twice, shame on me.   One should learn from one's mistakes.
 Fools rush in where angels fear to   Inexperienced people act in situations that more intelligent
  tread people would avoid
   Friendship is love with understanding.  
     
 Gardens are not made by sitting in the
G   Nothing is achieved without effort.
shade.
 Give someone an inch and they will
  Give someone a little and they will want more - some people are
  take a never satisfied.
 mile (or yard).
 Give someone enough rope and they
  Give someone enough time and freedom and they will get into
  will hang trouble.
 themselves.
   God helps those who help themselves.  
   Good and quickly seldom meet.   A well-done job takes time.
 Good management is better than good
  income.  
  Said when you express the same opinion as another person at
   Great minds think alike. the same time.
   Great oaks grow from little acorns.   Large successful operations can begin in a small way.
   Grief divided is made lighter   If you share your grief it is easier to bear.
     
  You should be grateful for something, even if it's not as much as
 H  Half a loaf is better than none.
you wanted.
   Hard words break no bones.  
  If something is done too quickly, it may be done carelessly and
   Haste makes waste. need to be redone.
  A person who feels hatred does not see any qualities in the
   Hatred is a blind as love. person he/she hates.
   He can who believes he can.   If you believe you can do something, you will be able to do it.
   He has enough who is content.   A happy person needs nothing more.
  If you delay your decision too long, you may miss a good
   He who hesitates is lost. opportunity.
   He who is everywhere is nowhere.   It's not good to do too many things at the same time.
 He who knows nothing, doubts
  nothing.   Knowledge leads us to make choices.
  The person who provides the money for something should
   He who pays the piper calls the tune. control how it is spent
   He who plays with fire gets burnt.   If you behave in a risky way, you are likely to have problems.
   He who wills the end wills  the means.   If you are determined to do something you will find a way.
   He laughs best who laughs last.   Don't express your joy, or your triumph, too soon!
   Health is better than wealth.   It's better to be in good health than to be rich.
   Home is where the heart is.   You call home the place where the people you love are.
   Honesty is the best policy.   It's always better to be honest.
   Honey catches more flies than vinegar.   You can obtain more cooperation from others by being nice.
 However long the night, the dawn will 
  break
  Bad things don't last forever.

   Hunger is a good sauce.   All food tastes good when you are hungry.
     
 In times of prosperity friends are
I   You have many friends when you have no difficulties.
plentiful.
 If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his
  If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life will become
  body will
difficult .
 follow.
 If in February there be no rain, 'tis
  neither good   Plants and crops will grow badly if there is no rain in early spring.
 for hay nor grain.
 If you are patient in one moment of
  Avoid regrets by taking time to think before speaking or acting
  anger, angrily.
 you will avoid 100 days of sorrow.
 If you chase two rabbits, you will not
  If you try to do two things at the same time, you won't succeed in
  catch either doing either of them.
 one.
 If two ride a horse, one must ride   When two people do something together, one will be the leader
  behind.   and the other will be the subordinate.
   If you want a friend, be a friend.  
 If wishes were horses, then beggars
  would ride.   Wishing alone is of no use;  you must act as well.
  Possible interpretation: What you do not know causes no worry
   Ignorance is bliss. or sadness.
  If you start something, it's better to spend the time or money
   In for a penny, in for a pound. necessary to complete it.
 In the land of the blind, the one-eyed   A man of even limited ability has an advantage over a person
  man is king. who is less able.
   It never rains but it pours.   Misfortunes usually come in large numbers.
   It is always darkest before the dawn   The most difficult time is just before a problem is solved.
  Don't express regret for something that has happened and
   It's no use crying over spilt milk. cannot be remedied.
   It takes all sorts to make a world.   People vary in character and abilities, and this is a good thing.
        
J  Justice delayed is justice denied.   If the law is applied too late, there is no justice.
     
  What you learn when you are young will be invaluable when you
 K  Knowledge in youth is wisdom in age.
grow old.
   Knowledge is power.   Knowledge makes it possible for you to act.
   Kill one to warn a hundred.   Warn many by punishing a few.
   Kill the goose that lays the golden egg.   Destroy something that would be a source of wealth or success.
   Kindness begets kindness.   If you are kind to people, they will be kind to you.

Proverb Explanation / Meaning

 
L  Laughter is the best medicine.  
   Learn to walk before you run.  Don't rush into doing something until you know how to do it.
 Learning is a treasure that will follow
  its owner   Education is something you keep forever.
 everywhere.
   Least said soonest mended.   The more discreet you are, the less damage you  cause.
   Let bygones be bygones.   Let's forgive and forget past quarrels.
   Let the chips fall where they may.   We should not try to control our destiny.
   Liars need good memories.  
   Lightning never strikes in the same   An unusual event is not likely to occur again in exactly the same
 place twice circumstances.
   Like father, like son.   A son's character can be expected to resemble his father's.
   Little strokes fell great oaks.   If you divide a task into small parts, it becomes easier to do.
   Look before you leap.   Consider possible consequences before taking action.
  Disclosing important information ( to the enemy or a competitor)
   Loose lips sink ships. could result in large
  losses.
 If you lose something you weep, if you find something you keep
   Losers weepers, finders keepers. it.
  A person in love does not see the faults of the person he/she
   Love is blind. loves.
     
M  Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear  Manage to produce something good using poor material.
 Man is the head of the family;
   woman is the neck that turns the head.  

   Man proposes, God disposes.  Our destiny depends on God's will.

   Manners make the man.  Possibly:  a person's manners show their origins.
   Many hands make light work.  Sharing work makes work easier.
 If you get married too quickly, you may spend all your life
   Marry in haste, repent at leisure. regretting it.
   Memory is the treasure of the mind.  
 Men make houses, women make
  homes.  
 Might as well be hanged for a sheep as  If the penalty is going to be the same, you might as well commit
  (for) a lamb the greater offence.
   Money begets money.  If you have money you can make more money.
   Money doesn't grow on trees.  You shouldn't waste money because it is not plentiful.
   Money is the root of all evil.  Money is the main cause of wrongdoing and problems.
     
  The need for something forces people to find a way of obtaining
N  Necessity is the mother of invention.
it.
   Need teaches a plan.   Necessity will make you find a solution.
 Never put off till tomorrow what can be   Don't postpone something you can do
  done today now.                                        
   Never say die.   Never give up.
   Nobody is perfect.  
   No man can serve two masters.   It's impossible to follow instructions from two different sources.
   No man is an island.   We all need other people.
  If the news was bad, we would hear of it.  Since we have heard
   No news is good news. nothing,
  we can assume that all is  well.
   No smoke without fire.   There could be some truth in the rumour...
   No wind, no waves.   Similar to : 'no smoke without fire'.
   Nothing ventured, nothing gained.   You cannot expect to achieve anything if you don't take risks.
     
  After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to avoid
 O  Once bitten, twice shy. something similar.
 One father is more than a hundred
  schoolmasters.  

   One good turn deserves another.   You should be helpful to someone who helps you.
  One of these days is none of these
  days.  'One of these days' remains vague.
  What you have today is better than what is promised or hoped
   One today is worth two tomorrow. for.
 One man's meat is another man's
  poison   People don't always like the same things.
 One man's trash is another man's
  treasure.   What is useless to one person could be valuable to another.
  A single satisfactory event does not mean that all the others will
   One swallow doesn't make a summer. be as good.
 Only real friends will tell you when your
  face is  Only a real friend will tell you the truth.
 dirty.
   Opportunity seldom knocks twice.   Don't miss opportunities that come along.
 Out of the mouths of babes and
  sucklings
  Children often speak wisely.

   Out of sight, out of mind.   We tend to forget people or things that we do not see.
     
 P  Patience is a virtue   It is good to be patient.
  Refers to a person who is careful about spending small amounts
   Penny wise, pound foolish. of money, but
  not careful about spending large amounts of money.
 People who live in glass houses should
  not throw   One should not criticize others for faults similar to one's own.
 stones.
   Poverty waits at the gates of idleness.   If you do not work you will not make money.
  Doing something repeatedly is the only way to become good at
   Practice makes perfect. it.
   Practise what you preach   Do yourself what you advise others to do.
  It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair
   Prevention is better than cure the damage or cure the
  disease later.
  Don't be too self-confident or proud; something may happen to
   Pride comes before a fall. make you look foolish.
   Procrastination is the thief of time   Delaying an action for too long is a waste of time.
   Punctuality is the soul of business   You should always be on time for your business appointments.
  Risk everything by relying on one plan (by putting all one's
   Put all your eggs in one basket money in one business).
     
 R  Revenge is sweet.  There is satisfaction in returning an injury.
  It takes a long time to do a job properly.  You should not expect
   Rome was not built in a day. to do it quickly.
     
S  Save me from my friends.  Friends can be more dangerous than enemies.
   Saying is one thing, doing is another.  People don't always do what they announce.
   Short reckonings make long friends.  Debts paid quickly encourage friendship.
 Sickness in the body brings sadness to
  the mind.
 
 If you don't object to something it can be assumed that you agree
   Silence gives consent.
with it.
   Snug as a bug in a rug.  Feeling very comfortable.
 If you don't punish a child when he does wrong, you will spoil his
   Spare the rod and spoil the child
character.
  Sticks and stones will break my bones
  but names  Physical attacks may harm me, but cruel words will not.
 will never hurt me
   Still waters run deep.   A quiet person can have much knowledge or wisdom.
  It's better to deal with a problem in its early stages, because if
   A stitch in time saves nine you don't, it will get
  worse.
   Stolen fruit is the sweetest.  What is forbidden is the most tempting.
     
T  Tall oaks grow from little acorns.   Great things may come from small beginnings.
   The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.   Children resemble their parents.
   The best advice is found on the pillow.   After a good night's sleep we may find an answer to our problem.
   The darkest hour is just before dawn.  There is hope even in the worst of times.
   The devil looks after his own.   Success comes to those who deserve it least  .
  People who have no work, or are idle, often get into or make
   The devil makes work for idle hands trouble.
   The die is cast.   A decision has been made and it's impossible to change it.
  If you want to do something successfully, you should do it as
   The early bird catches the worm. soon as you can.
  Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of the action
   The end justifies the means. is good.
   The first step is the hardest.   The most difficult thing is to begin.
   The more haste, the less speed.   A person makes more progress if they do things less quickly.
   The more you have, the more you want.  
 The mouse that has but one hole is  If you depend on just one thing, and it fails you, you will have no
  quickly taken. alternatives.
  Words and communication have greater effect than war and
   The pen is mightier than the sword fighting.
 The proof of the pudding is in the  The real value of something can be judged only after it has been
  eating. tried or tested.
 The road to hell is paved with good
  intentions.   It's not enough to intend to do something, you must actually do it.

   The tongue wounds more than a lance.   Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.
   The truth is in the wine.   People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.
 The way to a man's heart is through his
  stomach.   Feed a man well and he will love you.

   The wish is father to the thought.   You think that something is true because you want it to be so.
 There is always one who doesn't  behave or perform like the
   There is a black sheep in every flock. others.
   There is a trick in every trade.  There is an established way of doing things.
   There is no fool like an old fool.   A older person is expected to behave more sensibly.
   There is safety in numbers   Being in a crowd makes you feel more confident.
   Time and tide wait for no man.   Delaying a decision will not prevent events from taking place.
   Time has wings.  Time goes by quickly.
   Time is money.  Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
  It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one should
   To err is human, to forgive divine forgive.
 Too many cooks spoil the broth.
  If too many people are involved in something, it will not be done
   (Humoristic version :  Too many clicks properly.
spoil the browse!)
   Trust not a horse's heel nor a dog's  
 tooth.
   Truth is stranger than fiction.   Events in real life are sometimes stranger than in fiction.
   Two wrongs don't make a right   It is wrong to harm someone because they have harmed you.
     
U  Union is strength.   A group has more force than an individual.
  A person who doesn't want to do something always finds a
   Unwillingness easily finds an excuse. reason to avoid it.
     
V  Variety is the spice of life.   Doing a lot of different things makes life more interesting.
   Virtue is its own reward.   You should not expect praise for acting in a correct or moral way.
     
 
 Walls have ears.   Be careful.  People could be listening.
W
   Waste not, want not.   If you never waste anything, you will have it when you need it.
 What the eye doesn't see, the heart
  doesn't grieve   If a person doesn't know about something, it cannot hurt them.
 over.
 What a man says drunk, he thinks
  sober.
  People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.
 What soberness conceals,
  drunkenness reveals.
  People are less discreet under the influence of alcohol.
  People misbehave when their boss, or the person in authority, is
   When the cat's away, the mice play. absent.
  You should adopt the customs of the people or country you are
 When in Rome, do as the Romans do. visiting,
    and behave in the same way.
 When poverty come in the door, love
  goes out the  
 window.
   Where there's life there's hope.  
   Where there's a will, there's a way.   A person with determination will find a way of doing something.
 Who makes himself a sheep will be   Possible interpretation:  an easily influenced person can be
  eaten by the wolves. mislead.
   Wisdom is better than strength.  
   Wonders will never cease!   Expresses surprise at an unexpected pleasure or event (ironic).
 Worry often gives a small thing a big
  shadow.
  Worrying over small details can make them seem worse.

     
Y  You are what you eat.   What you eat has an effect on your well-being.
   You are never too old to learn.  
 You can lead a horse to water but you
  You can offer someone an opportunity to do something but you
  can't
can't force them.
 make it drink.
  A person who is used to doing things a certain way cannot
   You can't teach an old dog new tricks. change.
 You never know what you can do until
  you try.   Try first before deciding not to do something.
 You scratch my back and I'll scratch
  yours.   You help me and I'll help you.