100 proverbs in English along with their meanings and examples
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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.
