100 proverbs in English along with their meanings and examples

Proverbs in English  -01

Proverbs in English

  • A stitch in time saves nine.
  • Actions speak louder than words.
  • All good things must come to an end.
  • Better late than never.
  • Birds of a feather flock together.
  • Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Haste makes waste.
  • Look before you leap.
  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • The early bird catches the worm.
  • The grass is always greener on the other side.
  • There’s no place like home.
  • Two wrongs don’t make a right.
  • When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
  • Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover.
  • You reap what you sow.
  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Actions speak louder than words.
  • Beggars can’t be choosers.
  • Every dog has its day.
  • Fortune favors the bold.

100 proverbs in English along with their meanings and examples:

  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  • Meaning: It’s better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.
  • Example: He decided to accept the job offer he had rather than waiting for a better one that might never come.
  • A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
  • Meaning: A group or system is only as strong as its weakest member or part.
  • Example: The success of the project depends on everyone working together efficiently; remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
  • A fool and his money are soon parted.
  • Meaning: Someone who is not careful with their money will quickly spend or lose it.
  • Example: He spent all his savings on expensive gadgets; a fool and his money are soon parted.
  • A friend in need is a friend indeed.
  • Meaning: A true friend is someone who helps you when you are in need.
  • Example: When I was sick, she brought me food and took care of me; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
  • A watched pot never boils.
  • Meaning: Time seems to pass more slowly when you are waiting for something to happen.
  • Example: Stop staring at the clock; a watched pot never boils.
  • Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
  • Meaning: Being away from someone or something makes you appreciate them more.
  • Example: After spending a year abroad, she realized how much she missed her family; absence makes the heart grow fonder.
  • Actions speak louder than words.
  • Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
  • Example: Instead of promising to help, show your support by actually doing something; actions speak louder than words.
  • All good things must come to an end.
  • Meaning: Nothing enjoyable can last forever.
  • Example: After a week of vacation, it was time to return to work; all good things must come to an end.
  • All that glitters is not gold.
  • Meaning: Something that appears valuable or attractive on the outside may not be as valuable or good on the inside.
  • Example: The new restaurant looked impressive, but the food was disappointing; all that glitters is not gold.
  • All’s fair in love and war.
  • Meaning: In romantic relationships and conflicts, people are allowed to do whatever is necessary to achieve their objectives.
  • Example: He didn’t feel guilty about competing with his friend for the job; after all, all’s fair in love and war.
  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
  • Meaning: Eating healthy foods helps to maintain good health.
  • Example: She believed in eating fruits and vegetables daily; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
  • As you sow, so shall you reap.
  • Meaning: Your actions will have consequences, either good or bad.
  • Example: By working hard and studying diligently, she knew she would succeed; as you sow, so shall you reap.
  • Beggars can’t be choosers.
  • Meaning: If you are in a position where you need something, you have to accept whatever you can get.
  • Example: He didn’t like the color of the free shirt, but beggars can’t be choosers.
  • Better late than never.
  • Meaning: It’s better to do something late than to never do it at all.
  • Example: She finally finished the project a week after the deadline, but better late than never.
  • Birds of a feather flock together.
  • Meaning: People who are similar to each other tend to spend time together.
  • Example: She joined the hiking club and made friends who enjoyed outdoor activities; birds of a feather flock together.
  • Blood is thicker than water.
  • Meaning: Family relationships are stronger and more important than other relationships.
  • Example: Even though they argued often, they always supported each other in difficult times; blood is thicker than water.
  • Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
  • Meaning: Don’t harm or be ungrateful to those who help or support you.
  • Example: He was rude to his boss, forgetting that he had given him a chance when no one else would; don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
  • Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
  • Meaning: Don’t assume you will receive or achieve something before you actually have it.
  • Example: He was already planning his vacation with the money he expected to win; don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
  • Don’t cry over spilled milk.
  • Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
  • Example: She regretted not buying the stock when it was low, but there was no use crying over spilled milk.
  • Don’t judge a book by its cover.
  • Meaning: Don’t form an opinion about someone or something based only on appearance.
  • Example: She thought the old car wouldn’t run, but it was actually in excellent condition; don’t judge a book by its cover.
  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture or investment.
  • Example: He diversified his investments to reduce the risk; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Meaning: Even in difficult or unpleasant situations, there is something positive or beneficial.
  • Example: Despite losing his job, he found a new career path he was passionate about; every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Fortune favors the bold.
  • Meaning: Those who take risks are more likely to be successful.
  • Example: She decided to apply for the challenging position, believing that fortune favors the bold.
  • Good things come to those who wait.
  • Meaning: Patience will eventually be rewarded.
  • Example: He patiently worked hard and eventually achieved his dream of owning a business; good things come to those who wait.
  • Half a loaf is better than none.
  • Meaning: It’s better to get or receive less than you wanted than to get nothing at all.
  • Example: She didn’t get the full amount of funding she needed, but half a loaf is better than none.
  • Haste makes waste.
  • Meaning: Acting too quickly can result in mistakes that take more time to fix.
  • Example: He rushed through the project and had to redo it completely; haste makes waste.
  • He who laughs last, laughs best.
  • Meaning: The person who has the last laugh or victory is the happiest.
  • Example: She endured teasing about her idea, but when it succeeded, she had the last laugh; he who laughs last, laughs best.
  • Honesty is the best policy.
  • Meaning: It is always best to tell the truth.
  • Example: He admitted his mistake instead of trying to cover it up; honesty is the best policy.
  • If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
  • Meaning: If something is working well as it is, there’s no need to change or improve it.
  • Example: The old recipe was still popular, so they decided, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
  • Ignorance is bliss.
  • Meaning: Not knowing about something unpleasant or worrying can be more comfortable than knowing.
  • Example: She was happier before she learned about the problems in the company; ignorance is bliss.
  • It’s never too late to mend.
  • Meaning: It is never too late to change or improve something.
  • Example: He apologized for his mistakes and tried to make amends; it’s never too late to mend.
  • It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
  • Meaning: Those who complain or make noise are often the ones who receive attention or help.
  • Example: She spoke up about the issue, and finally, they addressed it; it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
  • Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
  • Meaning: Be cautious and aware of your enemies’ actions and intentions.
  • Example: He pretended to be friendly with his competitor to learn their strategy; keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
  • Let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Meaning: Avoid restarting a conflict or trouble that has settled.
  • Example: They decided not to bring up the old argument again; let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Like father, like son.
  • Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in behavior or character.
  • Example: His son was also interested in music, like father, like son.
  • Make hay while the sun shines.
  • Meaning: Take advantage of an opportunity while it’s available.
  • Example: They worked hard during the busy season; make hay while the sun shines.
  • Necessity is the mother of invention.
  • Meaning: When people need something, they find a way to get or achieve it.
  • Example: Facing a power outage, he invented a solar-powered lamp; necessity is the mother of invention.
  • No news is good news.
  • Meaning: If you haven’t heard any bad news, things are probably going well.
  • Example: She hadn’t received any updates from the doctor, but no news is good news.
  • One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
  • Meaning: Different people have different opinions about the value of things.
  • Example: She found an antique vase at a garage sale; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
  • Out of sight, out of mind.
  • Meaning: People tend to forget about things or people that are not visible or present.
  • Example: They moved to a new city, and soon, old friends were out of sight, out of mind.
  • Patience is a virtue.
  • Meaning: It is good to be patient.
  • Example: She waited calmly in line; patience is a virtue.
  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Meaning: By repeating something, you will become better at it.
  • Example: She practiced the piano every day, knowing that practice makes perfect.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • Meaning: Great achievements take time and effort.
  • Example: He reminded himself that building a successful business would take time; Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • Slow and steady wins the race.
  • Meaning: Consistency and perseverance are more effective than rushing or being impatient.
  • Example: He focused on steady progress rather than trying to finish quickly; slow and steady wins the race.
  • Still waters run deep.
  • Meaning: Quiet or calm people often have a strong or complex personality.
  • Example: She seemed shy, but still waters run deep.
  • The early bird catches the worm.
  • Meaning: Those who wake up early and start working first have a better chance of success.
  • Example: He arrived at the store before it opened; the early bird catches the worm.
  • The grass is always greener on the other side.
  • Meaning: People often think others’ situations are better than their own.
  • Example: She envied her friend’s job until she learned about the long hours; the grass is always greener on the other side.
  • The pen is mightier than the sword.
  • Meaning: Words and communication have more influence and power than force or violence.
  • Example: He wrote a persuasive article that changed public opinion; the pen is mightier than the sword.
  • There’s no place like home.
  • Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and familiar place.
  • Example: After traveling for weeks, she was happy to return home; there’s no place like home.
  • Time heals all wounds.
  • Meaning: Emotional pain lessens over time.
  • Example: After the breakup, she believed that time heals all wounds.
  • Two heads are better than one.
  • Meaning: Collaborating with someone else often leads to better ideas or solutions.
  • Example: They worked together to solve the problem, knowing that two heads are better than one.
  • Two wrongs don’t make a right.
  • Meaning: It’s not justified to do something wrong in response to another wrong.
  • Example: He apologized instead of seeking revenge; two wrongs don’t make a right.
  • Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • Meaning: If you are determined to achieve something, you will find a way to do it.
  • Example: Despite the challenges, she found a way to start her own business; where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
  • Meaning: You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you cannot force them to take it.
  • Example: He offered to help, but she refused to accept it; you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover.
  • Meaning: You should not form an opinion about someone or something based only on appearance.
  • Example: The old car looked rough, but it ran smoothly; you can’t judge a book by its cover.
  • You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
  • Meaning: It is difficult to change someone’s habits or behavior, especially if they are older.
  • Example: He tried to convince his grandfather to use a smartphone, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
  • You reap what you sow.
  • Meaning: Your actions have consequences, either good or bad.
  • Example: By studying hard, she earned good grades; you reap what you sow.
  • A leopard can’t change its spots.
  • Meaning: People cannot change their basic nature.
  • Example: He promised to stop being late, but a leopard can’t change its spots.
  • A rolling stone gathers no moss.
  • Meaning: People who keep moving or changing jobs do not become tied down and do not accumulate wealth or status.
  • Example: He preferred to travel and explore new places; a rolling stone gathers no moss.
  • A watched pot never boils.
  • Meaning: Time seems to pass more slowly when you are waiting for something to happen.
  • Example: Stop staring at the clock; a watched pot never boils.
  • Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
  • Meaning: Different people have different opinions about what is beautiful.
  • Example: She preferred classic art, while he liked modern sculptures; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
  • Better safe than sorry.
  • Meaning: It’s wiser to be cautious and careful than to take risks and regret it later.
  • Example: He wore a helmet while biking; better safe than sorry.
  • Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
  • Meaning: Don’t take on more responsibilities or tasks than you can handle.
  • Example: He accepted too many projects and became overwhelmed; don’t bite off more than you can chew.
  • Don’t cry over spilled milk.
  • Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
  • Example: She regretted not buying the stock when it was low, but there was no use crying over spilled milk.
  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture or investment.
  • Example: He diversified his investments to reduce the risk; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Easy come, easy go.
  • Meaning: Things that are obtained quickly and easily are often lost or spent just as quickly.
  • Example: He won the lottery but spent all the money within a year; easy come, easy go.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Meaning: Even in difficult or unpleasant situations, there is something positive or beneficial.
  • Example: Despite losing his job, he found a new career path he was passionate about; every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Fortune favors the bold.
  • Meaning: Those who take risks are more likely to be successful.
  • Example: She decided to apply for the challenging position, believing that fortune favors the bold.
  • Good things come to those who wait.
  • Meaning: Patience will eventually be rewarded.
  • Example: He patiently worked hard and eventually achieved his dream of owning a business; good things come to those who wait.
  • Half a loaf is better than none.
  • Meaning: It’s better to get or receive less than you wanted than to get nothing at all.
  • Example: She didn’t get the full amount of funding she needed, but half a loaf is better than none.
  • Haste makes waste.
  • Meaning: Acting too quickly can result in mistakes that take more time to fix.
  • Example: He rushed through the project and had to redo it completely; haste makes waste.
  • He who laughs last, laughs best.
  • Meaning: The person who has the last laugh or victory is the happiest.
  • Example: She endured teasing about her idea, but when it succeeded, she had the last laugh; he who laughs last, laughs best.
  • Honesty is the best policy.
  • Meaning: It is always best to tell the truth.
  • Example: He admitted his mistake instead of trying to cover it up; honesty is the best policy.
  • If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
  • Meaning: If something is working well as it is, there’s no need to change or improve it.
  • Example: The old recipe was still popular, so they decided, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
  • Ignorance is bliss.
  • Meaning: Not knowing about something unpleasant or worrying can be more comfortable than knowing.
  • Example: She was happier before she learned about the problems in the company; ignorance is bliss.
  • It’s never too late to mend.
  • Meaning: It is never too late to change or improve something.
  • Example: He apologized for his mistakes and tried to make amends; it’s never too late to mend.
  • It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
  • Meaning: Those who complain or make noise are often the ones who receive attention or help.
  • Example: She spoke up about the issue, and finally, they addressed it; it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
  • Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
  • Meaning: Be cautious and aware of your enemies’ actions and intentions.
  • Example: He pretended to be friendly with his competitor to learn their strategy; keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
  • Let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Meaning: Avoid restarting a conflict or trouble that has settled.
  • Example: They decided not to bring up the old argument again; let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Like father, like son.
  • Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in behavior or character.
  • Example: His son was also interested in music, like father, like son.
  • Make hay while the sun shines.
  • Meaning: Take advantage of an opportunity while it’s available.
  • Example: They worked hard during the busy season; make hay while the sun shines.
  • Necessity is the mother of invention.
  • Meaning: When people need something, they find a way to get or achieve it.
  • Example: Facing a power outage, he invented a solar-powered lamp; necessity is the mother of invention.
  • No news is good news.
  • Meaning: If you haven’t heard any bad news, things are probably going well.
  • Example: She hadn’t received any updates from the doctor, but no news is good news.
  • One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
  • Meaning: Different people have different opinions about the value of things.
  • Example: She found an antique vase at a garage sale; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
  • Out of sight, out of mind.
  • Meaning: People tend to forget about things or people that are not visible or present.
  • Example: They moved to a new city, and soon, old friends were out of sight, out of mind.
  • Patience is a virtue.
  • Meaning: It is good to be patient.
  • Example: She waited calmly in line; patience is a virtue.
  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Meaning: By repeating something, you will become better at it.
  • Example: She practiced the piano every day, knowing that practice makes perfect.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • Meaning: Great achievements take time and effort.
  • Example: He reminded himself that building a successful business would take time; Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • Slow and steady wins the race.
  • Meaning: Consistency and perseverance are more effective than rushing or being impatient.
  • Example: He focused on steady progress rather than trying to finish quickly; slow and steady wins the race.
  • Still waters run deep.
  • Meaning: Quiet or calm people often have a strong or complex personality.
  • Example: She seemed shy, but still waters run deep.
  • The early bird catches the worm.
  • Meaning: Those who wake up early and start working first have a better chance of success.
  • Example: He arrived at the store before it opened; the early bird catches the worm.
  • The grass is always greener on the other side.
  • Meaning: People often think others’ situations are better than their own.
  • Example: She envied her friend’s job until she learned about the long hours; the grass is always greener on the other side.
  • The pen is mightier than the sword.
  • Meaning: Words and communication have more influence and power than force or violence.
  • Example: He wrote a persuasive article that changed public opinion; the pen is mightier than the sword.
  • There’s no place like home.
  • Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and familiar place.
  • Example: After traveling for weeks, she was happy to return home; there’s no place like home.
  • Time heals all wounds.
  • Meaning: Emotional pain lessens over time.
  • Example: After the breakup, she believed that time heals all wounds.
  • Two heads are better than one.
  • Meaning: Collaborating with someone else often leads to better ideas or solutions.
  • Example: They worked together to solve the problem, knowing that two heads are better than one.
  • Two wrongs don’t make a right.
  • Meaning: It’s not justified to do something wrong in response to another wrong.
  • Example: He apologized instead of seeking revenge; two wrongs don’t make a right.
  • Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • Meaning: If you are determined to achieve something, you will find a way to do it.
  • Example: Despite the challenges, she found a way to start her own business; where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
  • Meaning: You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you cannot force them to take it.
  • Example: He offered to help, but she refused to accept it; you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover.Meaning: You should not form an opinion about someone or something based only on appearance. – Example: The old car looked rough, but it ran smoothly; you can’t judge a book by its cover.

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