93 Common Proverbs in English With Their Meanings & Examples
Discover 93 popular English proverbs with their meanings and examples. Enhance your understanding of proverbs and improve your language skills.
Proverbs are timeless sayings that offer practical wisdom about life. These short, memorable phrases are used in everyday conversations to express common truths, life lessons, or advice. Every language and culture has proverbs, and in this article, we focus on proverbs in English. So, if you’re looking for some wise words and would like to learn more about proverbs, read on!
Before we get into the list of proverbs, let’s take a look at exactly what a proverb is.
What is a Proverb?
A proverb is a short, commonly known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs often convey moral lessons or insights about life, behavior, and human nature. They are typically passed down through generations and reflect cultural values or wisdom.
For example, the proverb “Actions speak louder than words” suggests that what people do is more important than what they say. Proverbs can be found in many languages and cultures, highlighting universal themes and experiences.
Many proverbs also exist in more than one language. Here we focus on proverbs in English, let’s see if you recognize them!
List of English Proverbs
Here you’ll find a list of 93 common proverbs in English, arranged alphabetically, with their meanings and examples to help you understand and use them effectively.
A bad workman always blames his tools
Meaning: Incompetent people often find excuses instead of taking responsibility for their failures.
Example: “He failed to fix the issue and said it was the equipment’s fault; a bad workman always blames his tools.”
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It’s better to keep what you have than risk losing it by trying to get more.
Example: “You should accept the job offer instead of waiting for a better one; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Meaning: Being away from someone increases your affection for them.
Example: “After their trip, they missed each other. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link
Meaning: A group is only as strong as its weakest member.
Example: “The project failed because one team member didn’t do their part. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What people do is more significant than what they say.
Example: “He promised to help, but didn’t show up. Actions speak louder than words.”
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Meaning: Someone who helps you when you need it is a true friend.
Example: “She stayed by my side during the crisis. A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
A leopard can’t change its spots
Meaning: People cannot change their true nature.
Example: “He promised to be more reliable, but a leopard can’t change its spots.”
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Meaning: Even the longest tasks start with small actions.
Example: “She finally decided to start her novel. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Meaning: Eating healthily can prevent the need for medical care.
Example: “She always eats fruits and vegetables; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning: Saving money is just as important as earning it.
Example: “You don’t need to buy that today. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.”
A picture is worth a thousand words
Meaning: A single image can convey more than words can.
Example: “The photo showed their happiness clearly. A picture is worth a thousand words.”
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Meaning: A person who keeps moving won’t be tied down or develop responsibilities.
Example: “He’s always changing jobs; a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
A watched pot never boils
Meaning: Time seems to go slower when you’re waiting for something.
Example: “Relax! Checking your phone won’t speed up the email. A watched pot never boils.”
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Meaning: Being away from someone increases affection for them.
Example: “They’ve been apart for months, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: “He says he’ll help, but never shows up. Actions speak louder than words.”
All good things must come to an end
Meaning: Nothing lasts forever, and good times will eventually end.
Example: “We had a great vacation, but all good things must come to an end.”
All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: Not everything that looks good on the outside is as valuable as it seems.
Example: “That high-paying job sounds tempting, but remember, all that glitters is not gold.”
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Meaning: Eating healthy foods will help you stay healthy.
Example: “I eat fruit daily because an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Meaning: It’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them afterward.
Example: “By maintaining your car, you’ll avoid expensive repairs later. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Meaning: Perception of beauty is subjective and varies from person to person.
Example: “I think that artwork is amazing, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Beggars can’t be choosers
Meaning: If you’re asking for something, you can’t be picky about what you get.
Example: “I wanted a black jacket, but they only had blue. Beggars can’t be choosers.”
Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: “I know I’m late to the meeting, but better late than never.”
Better safe than sorry
Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than to take risks and regret it later.
Example: “Wear your seatbelt, just in case. Better safe than sorry.”
Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People with similar interests or personalities tend to associate with each other.
Example: “They’re always together because birds of a feather flock together.”
Blood is thicker than water
Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than friendships or other relationships.
Example: “We argue a lot, but we’ll always be close. Blood is thicker than water.”
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Meaning: Being clean and tidy is a virtue.
Example: “He keeps his home spotless because cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Inquisitive behavior can lead to trouble or danger.
Example: “She got into trouble for snooping around; curiosity killed the cat.”
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Meaning: Don’t hurt or criticize those who help you.
Example: “You shouldn’t talk badly about your boss. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen until it actually does.
Example: “You shouldn’t plan how to spend the money until you have it. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Don’t cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Don’t waste time worrying about something that has already happened.
Example: “It was a mistake, but don’t cry over spilled milk.”
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t judge something or someone based only on appearance.
Example: “She seemed rude at first, but she’s really kind. Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t rely on just one option; spread your risks.
Example: “Invest in multiple areas. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Meaning: Don’t procrastinate; complete tasks promptly.
Example: “He finished his homework early. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
Don’t put too many irons in the fire
Meaning: Don’t try to do too many things at once.
Example: “She was overwhelmed by her commitments. Don’t put too many irons in the fire.”
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
Meaning: Going to bed and waking up early helps you be successful.
Example: “My grandfather always says, ‘Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'”
Easy come, easy go
Meaning: Things gained easily can be lost easily.
Example: “He won the lottery but spent it all. Easy come, easy go.”
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There is always something good, even in a bad situation.
Example: “Losing my job was hard, but it pushed me to start my own business. Every cloud has a silver lining.”
Fortune favors the bold
Meaning: Those who take risks are more likely to succeed.
Example: “I decided to start my own company, knowing that fortune favors the bold.”
God helps those who help themselves
Meaning: Self-initiative leads to success.
Example: “She studied hard and got accepted. God helps those who help themselves.”
Good things come to those who wait
Meaning: Patience often leads to positive outcomes.
Example: “He waited for the right job offer. Good things come to those who wait.”
Honesty is the best policy
Meaning: It’s always better to tell the truth than to lie.
Example: “I admitted my mistake to my boss because honesty is the best policy.”
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Meaning: Be optimistic but ready for potential difficulties.
Example: “They planned for their trip carefully. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Meaning: Don’t try to improve something that is already working well.
Example: “Why change the team’s strategy? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
If you can’t beat them, join them
Meaning: If you can’t overcome your opponents, align with them.
Example: “She decided to support the new policy. If you can’t beat them, join them.”
If you play with fire, you’ll get burned
Meaning: Engaging in risky behavior can lead to trouble.
Example: “He ignored the warnings and faced consequences. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.”
If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself
Meaning: Relying on others can lead to disappointment; self-reliance is key.
Example: “He fixed the project himself. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”
Ignorance is bliss
Meaning: Sometimes it’s better not to know certain things.
Example: “I didn’t ask about the company’s problems because sometimes, ignorance is bliss.”
It takes two to tango
Meaning: Problems often arise from both parties, not just one.
Example: “They both need to work on their marriage. It takes two to tango.”
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer
Meaning: Monitor your enemies to stay ahead of them.
Example: “He was cautious about his rivals. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”
Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: Accomplish two tasks at once.
Example: “By walking to the store, I can exercise and run my errand—kill two birds with one stone.”
Knowledge is power
Meaning: Being informed gives you an advantage.
Example: “He studies hard because knowledge is power.”
Laughter is the best medicine
Meaning: Humor helps to heal emotional distress.
Example: “She laughed through her troubles. Laughter is the best medicine.”
Learn to walk before you can run
Meaning: Master the basics before attempting more advanced tasks.
Example: “Don’t rush into the project; learn to walk before you can run.”
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems that could cause trouble.
Example: “We’ve moved on from that argument. Let sleeping dogs lie.”
Like father, like son
Meaning: Sons often resemble their fathers in behavior or traits.
Example: “He has the same mannerisms as his dad. Like father, like son.”
Look before you leap
Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
Example: “Don’t rush into buying a new car. Look before you leap.”
Many hands make light work
Meaning: Tasks become easier when multiple people work together.
Example: “We finished the project quickly because everyone helped; many hands make light work.”
Necessity is the mother of invention
Meaning: People create new solutions when they need something badly.
Example: “I built a shelf with what I had because necessity is the mother of invention.”
No man is an island
Meaning: Everyone needs help and support from others.
Example: “He realized he needed friends. No man is an island.”
No pain, no gain
Meaning: Hard work and suffering are necessary to achieve success.
Example: “You need to practice harder if you want to win. No pain, no gain.”
Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning: After experiencing something bad, you’re cautious not to repeat it.
Example: “She avoids online shopping after being scammed once. Once bitten, twice shy.”
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones
Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you have similar flaws.
Example: “She shouldn’t judge her friend’s mistakes. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Practice makes perfect
Meaning: Repeated practice improves your skills.
Example: “Keep practicing the piano every day. Practice makes perfect.”
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Meaning: Great things take time to achieve.
Example: “Don’t expect your business to succeed overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
Meaning: If you ignore or avoid acknowledging bad behavior or wrongdoing, you won’t be affected by it.
Example: “She decided to stay out of the argument, following the principle of see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
Slow and steady wins the race
Meaning: Consistent, measured progress is better than rushing and making mistakes.
Example: “You don’t need to hurry. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.”
Strike while the iron is hot
Meaning: Take advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
Example: “The stock prices are low right now. Strike while the iron is hot.”
The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who start or act early are more likely to succeed.
Example: “I wake up at 5 a.m. every day because the early bird catches the worm.”
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
Meaning: Two opposing parties can cooperate against a common adversary.
Example: “They teamed up to tackle the rival. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
The grass is always greener on the other side
Meaning: People often think others have better situations than they do.
Example: “You might think that job is better, but the grass is always greener on the other side.”
The pen is mightier than the sword
Meaning: Writing and ideas are more powerful than physical force.
Example: “She uses her blog to inspire change. The pen is mightier than the sword.”
There are plenty of fish in the sea
Meaning: There are many other opportunities or people available.
Example: “I know you’re upset about the breakup, but there are plenty of fish in the sea.”
There is no place like home
Meaning: Home is unique and irreplaceable.
Example: “After traveling, she felt relief returning. There is no place like home.”
There is no such thing as a free lunch
Meaning: Everything has a cost, even if it’s not obvious.
Example: “He knew the deal had hidden fees. There is no such thing as a free lunch.”
There is no time like the present
Meaning: The best time to act is now.
Example: “He decided to start his fitness journey. There is no time like the present.”
The squeaky wheel gets the grease
Meaning: The most noticeable problems receive attention.
Example: “She complained and got help first. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Time heals all wounds
Meaning: Emotional pain becomes easier to deal with over time.
Example: “You’ll feel better soon; time heals all wounds.”
Time is money
Meaning: Wasting time is equivalent to losing money.
Example: “He hurried to finish the project. Time is money.”
Too many cooks spoil the broth
Meaning: When too many people are involved, it can lead to problems.
Example: “Everyone kept changing the plan, and now it’s a mess. Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
Two heads are better than one
Meaning: It’s easier to solve problems when two people work together.
Example: “I couldn’t figure out the problem alone, but with his help, we solved it. Two heads are better than one.”
Two wrongs don’t make a right
Meaning: Responding to a wrong with another wrong does not justify it.
Example: “He realized that retaliating wouldn’t help. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Meaning: Adapt to the customs and behaviors of the place you’re in.
Example: “I wasn’t used to their traditions, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Meaning: Strong people take action in difficult situations.
Example: “She faced challenges head-on. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Meaning: If you’re determined to do something, you will find a way to do it.
Example: “I know it seems impossible, but we can do it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
Meaning: Signs of trouble often indicate a real issue.
Example: “He suspected dishonesty; where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
Meaning: Being kind and polite is more effective than being rude.
Example: “You’ll get better results with a friendly approach. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it
Meaning: You can provide opportunities, but you can’t force someone to take them.
Example: “She gave him advice, but he ignored it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it.”
You can’t always get what you want
Meaning: Life does not always go as planned; acceptance is necessary.
Example: “She didn’t get her dream job, but she’s happy. You can’t always get what you want.”
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t have everything; sometimes you have to make choices.
Example: “If you want to save money, you can’t keep spending so much. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t form opinions based only on appearance.
Example: “She looks shy, but she’s actually very outgoing. You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs
Meaning: You have to accept that some things will go wrong to achieve your goal.
Example: “We lost some money starting the business, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.”
You reap what you sow
Meaning: Your actions determine the consequences you face.
Example: “He treated people badly, and now nobody wants to help him. You reap what you sow.”
Conclusion
That brings to an end our list of proverbs. Did you study them carefully? Don’t forget, it’s important to learn to walk before you can run!
