Proverbs A

A bad excuse is better than none.

Always give an excuse, even if it's a

poor one.

A bad penny always turns up.

An unwanted or disreputable person

constantly comes back.

A bad tree does not yield good

apples.

A bad parent does not raise good

children.

A bad workman blames his tools.

Blaming the tools for bad workmanship

is an excuse for lack of skill.

A barking dog seldom bites.

Someone who constantly makes threats

rarely carries them out.

A bird in hand is worth two in

a bush.

It is better to keep what you have rather

than to risk losing it by searching for
something better.

A black plum is as sweet as a white.

People should not be judged by their

appearance.

A book holds a house of gold.

There is a wealth of knowledge in books.

A broken friendship may be soldered

but will never be sound.

Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute

but will never be as strong as before.

A burden of one's own choice is not

felt.

Something difficult seems easier when it

is done voluntarily.

A burnt child dreads the fire.

A bad experience will make people stay

away from certain things.

A calm sea does not make a skilled

sailor.

A person shows their competence or

ability when difficulties arise.

A cat has nine lives.

1) Cats can survive many accidents

because they land on their feet without
injury.
2) Nine 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 is as good as a rest.

A change in routine is often as refreshing

as a break or a holiday.

A constant guest is never welcome.

If you come to visit too often, your host

will be less pleased to see you.

A danger foreseen is half avoided.

If you are prepared to face a problem or

difficulty, it will be easier to deal with.

A day of sorrow is longer than a
month of joy.

Times goes by very quickly when you

are happy
and very slowly when you are sad.

A drop of ink may make a million

think.

A thought expressed in writing (perhaps

published in a newspaper) can influence
a large number of people.

A dry March, a wet April and a cool

May fill barn and cellar and bring
much hay.

Harvest predictions are made according

to the weather.

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

yourself of it another time.

A fly will not get into a closed mouth.

A closed mouth catches no flies.

If you learn when to keep silent you will

avoid trouble.

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.

A friend to all is a friend to none.

Someone who is a friend to everyone

makes none of them feel special.

A friend's eye is a good mirror.

A real friend will tell you the truth.

A good beginning makes a good end. If a task is carefully planned, there's a

better chance that it will be well done.
A good conscience is a soft pillow.

You sleep well when you have nothing to

be guilty about.

A good example is the best sermon.

Giving a good example is better than

giving advice.

A good mind possesses a kingdom.

Intellectual assets are more valuable

than material ones.

A good name is better than a good

face.

A good reputation is better than a good

appearance.

A growing youth has a wolf in his

belly.

Young boys eat a lot / are often hungry.

A guilty conscience needs no

If you know that you have done

accuser.

something wrong, you don't need

anyone to tell you that you're guilty.

A handful of patience is worth more

than a bushel of brains.

Patience is more precious than

intelligence.

A happy heart is better than a full

purse.

Happiness is better than wealth.

A heavy purse gives to a light heart.

When you have money you feel more

cheerful
and secure.

A hedge between keeps friendship

green.

It is important to respect the privacy of

others.

A hungry belly has no ears.

A hungry person is totally concentrated

on their need for food and nothing else
interests them.

A hungry wolf is fixed to no place.

A desperate person will go from place to

place when they need to satisfy their
needs.

A lender nor borrower be.

Do not lend or borrow money.

A leopard cannot change its spots.

It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant

person to become good or pleasant.

A lie begets a lie.

Telling one lie will lead you to tell another

one.

A little fire is quickly trodden out.

If you deal with a minor problem quickly,

it will not become a major issue.

A little of what you fancy does you

good.

It's ok to give into a little temptation

occasionally.

A loaded wagon makes no noise.

Really wealthy people do not talk about

money.

A loveless life is living death.

Without affection, life is difficult.

A man can die but once.

If death comes now, you will not have to

experience it later.

A man is as old as he feels himself to

be.

Your age doesn't matter as long as you

are fit and healthy.

A man is judged by his deeds, not by

his words.

A person is judged on what he/she

actually does, not on what they say they
will do.

A man is known by the company he

keeps.

A person's character is judged by the

type of people with whom they spend
their time.

A monkey in silk is a monkey no less. No matter how someone dresses, it's the
same person underneath.
A new broom sweeps clean (but the
old brush knows all the corners...)

A newly-appointed person often makes

changes quickly .

A nod is as good as a wink (to a blind A hint or a subtle signal is enough to

horse/man).
convey meaning to someone who is
ready to understand.
A picture paints a thousand words.

A picture is better than a long

description.

A problem shared is a problem

halved.
(Also : A worry shared is a worry
halved.)

It is easier to deal with a problem when

you discuss it with someone.

A rising tide lifts all boats.

Refers to 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 rotten apple spoils the barrel.

A dishonest or immoral person can have

a bad influence on a group.

A smooth sea never made a skilled

mariner.

Overcoming adversity leads to

competence.

A soft answer turn away wrath.

If your reply is polite and tactful you will

avoid anger.

A stitch in time saves nine.

If you deal with a problem at an early

stage you will save time and prevent it
from getting worse.

A stumble may prevent a fall.

Correcting a small mistake may help you

to avoid making a bigger one.

A swallow does not make the

summer.

One good event does not mean that

everything is alright.

A tidy house holds a bored woman

If a house is always tidy, the owner

(woman) has nothing but housework to
occupy her time.

A watched pot never boils.

If you wait anxiously for something to

happen, it seems to take a long time.

A wise head keeps a still tongue

An intelligent person knows when to stay

silent.

A wonder lasts but nine days

The effects of an amazing or stirring

event last only nine days; after that, life
goes on as before.

A young idler, an old beggar.

If you don't work, you won't have any

money when you're old.

Absence makes the heart grow

fonder

When you are away from someone you

love, you love them even more.

Accidents will happen

Some unfortunate events must be

accepted as inevitable.

Actions speak louder than words

What a person actually does is more

important than what they say they will
do.

Adversity makes strange bedfellows.

People of all origins who share the same

misfortune are drawn together.

Advice is cheap

It doesn't cost anything to offer advice.

Advice is least heeded when most

needed.

When a problem is serious, people often

do not follow the advice given.

Advisors run no risks.

It's easier to give advice than to act.

After dinner rest a while, after supper

walk a while.

Dinner is called 'lunch' nowadays, and

supper has become 'dinner'.

Age before beauty

Older people should be given

precedence over the younger (who are
thought to be more beautiful).

Agree, for the law is costly.

A compromise is better than an

expensive lawsuit.

All cats are grey in the dark.

People are undistinguished until they

have made a name for themselves.

All covet, all lose

If you try to obtain everything, you risk

losing everything.

All days are short to industry and

long to idleness.

Time goes by slowly when you have

nothing to do.

All good things come to those who

wait.

If you are patient you will be rewarded.

All that glitters is not gold.

Appearances can be deceptive.

All in good time.

Be patient. Things will happen when the

time is right.

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 if

there are doubts.

All roads lead to Rome

There are many different ways to reach

an objective.

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 everything becomes

easier.

All work and no play makes Jack a

dull boy.

Everybody needs a certain amount of

relaxation. It is not good to work all the
time.

An ant may well destroy a whole dam. A small problem can sometimes cause a
lot of harm.
An apple a day keeps the doctor
away.

Eating an apple every day can help to

keep you healthy.
Other interpretation: A small preventive
treatment wards off serious problems.

An empty purse frightens away

friends.

When one's financial situation

deteriorates, friends tend to disappear.

An Englishman's home is his castle

An Englishman's home is a place where

he feels safe, enjoys privacy and can do
as he wishes.

An idle brain is the devil's workshop

When you are busy working, you avoid

temptation.

An old fox is not easily snared.

A person of experience is difficult to fool

or manipulate.

An onion a day keeps everyone away. A humoristic version of "an apple a

day..."
An ounce of discretion is worth a
pound of wit.

It is better to be cautious and discreet

than to try to be funny.

An ounce of prevention is worth a

pound of cure.

It is easier to prevent something from

happening than to repair the damage or
cure the disease later.

Anger is the one thing made better by When you are angry, it is best not to
delay.
speak or act immediately.
Another day, another dollar.

A job may be hard or tedious but at least

there is some financial reward.

Any time means no time.

If the date of an event remains vague, it

will never happen.

(The) apple doesn't fall far from the

tree.

Children resemble their parents.

April showers bring May flowers.

Something bad or unpleasant today may

bring good things in the future.

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 one would rather not

discuss.

Proverbs B
(A) bad excuse is
better than none.
Bad news travels fast.
(A) bad penny always
turns up.
(A) bad tree does not
yield good apples.
(A) bad workman
blames his tools.
(A) barking dog
seldom bites.
Be just before you are
generous.
Beauty is only skin
deep.
Beauty is in the eye of
the beholder.
Beauty is the wisdom
of women.
Wisdom is the beauty
of men.
Be swift to hear, slow
to speak.
(The) best advice is
found on the pillow.
(The) best helping
hand is at the end of
your sleeve.
(The) best things in
life are free.
Better an egg today

Always give an excuse, even if it's a poor one.

People tend to circulate bad news very quickly (accidents, illness, etc.).
An unwanted or disreputable person constantly comes back.
A bad parent does not raise good children.
Blaming tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.
Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries them out.
Make sure all your debts are paid before you start offering help to others.
A person's character is more important than their appearance.
Different people have different tastes.

No comment!

Listen carefully before speaking.

A good night's sleep may help us find an answer to our problem.

The best way to get something done is to do it yourself.

You don't have to pay for what is important: happiness, friendship, good
health.
It is preferable to have something sure now than the possibility of something

than a hen tomorrow. better later.

Better be alone than in
Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with.
bad company.
Better be the head of a
It's better to be the leader of a small group than a subordinate in a bigger
dog than the tail of a
one.
lion.
Better flatter a fool
It's better to avoid disputes with stupid people.
than fight him.
Better to drink the
milk than to eat the
Be careful not to destroy the source of your income or welfare.
cow.
Better the devil you
It's better to deal with someone difficult but familiar than change and risk
know than the devil
dealing with somebody worse.
you don't know.
Better late than never. It's better to do something, even if it's late, than not do it at all.
Better lose the saddle It's better to stop and accept a small loss than continue and risk losing
than the horse.
everything.
Better safe than sorry. It's better to be too careful than to be careless and regret it later.
Better be untaught
It's better not to be taught at all than to be taught badly.
than ill-taught.
Beware of Greeks
Don't trust your enemies.
bearing gifts.
(A) bird in hand is
It's better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by searching for
worth two in a bush. something else.
Birds of a feather
People of the same sort are usually found together.
flock together.
(A) black plum is as
People should not be judged by their appearance.
sweet as a white.
Blood is thicker than
Family relationships are stronger than relationships with other people.
water.
Blood will out.
A person's background or education will eventually show.
(A) book holds a
There is a wealth of knowledge in books.
house of gold.

(A) broken friendship

may be soldered but
it will never be
sound.
(A) burden of one's
own choice is not
felt.
(A) burnt child
dreads the fire.

Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as

before.

Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.

A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.

Proverbs C
(A) calm sea does not make a skilled
sailor.
(A) cat has nine lives.

A person shows their competence or

ability when difficulties arise.
1) Cats can survive many accidents
because
they land on their feet without injury.
2) Nine lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to
stray, 3 years to stay.
(A) chain is no stronger than its
The strength of a group depends on each
weakest link.
individual member.
(A) change is as good as a rest.
A change in routine is often as refreshing
as a break or a holiday.
Charity begins at home.
A person's first duty is to help and care
for his own family.
Children and fools tell the truth.
Neither children nor fools know that it is
sometimes advantageous to lie.
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.
(A) closed mouth catches no flies.
If you learn when to keep silent you will
avoid trouble.
Clothes don't make the man.
Appearances can be deceiving.
(A) constant guest is never welcome. If you come to visit too often, your host
will be less pleased to see you.
Constant occupation prevents
When you are busy working, you avoid
temptation.
temptation.

Proverbs D
(A) danger foreseen is half avoided.

If you are prepared to face a problem or

difficulty, it will be easier to deal with.

(The) darkest hour is just before dawn. The most difficult moment is just before
a problem is solved.
(A) day of sorrow is longer than a
month of joy.

Times goes by very quickly when you

are happy
and very slowly when you are sad.

Dead men tell no lies.

A dead person cannot cause difficulties

by revealing something that it would be

preferable to conceal.
Death is the great leveller.

All people are equal when they die.

(The) devil looks after his own.

Success comes to those who deserve it

least.

(The) devil makes work for idle hands.

People who have no work, or are idle,

often get into trouble.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Refers to two people equally matched

in wit or cunning.

(The) die is cast.

A decision has been made and it is

impossible to change it.

Diligence is the mother of good

fortune.

Hard work brings rewards.

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.

Thought to refer to mental and

emotional disorder or spiritual torment
as opposed to bodily pain.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. When you are separated from the
person you love, your feelings are even
stronger.
Dogs of the same street bark alike.

People of 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 our own

knife and fork.

Don't do something yourself that

causes your own downfall.

Don't judge a book by its cover.

Don't judge by appearances.

(A) drop of ink may make a million

think.

A thought expressed in writing (perhaps

published in a newspaper) can
influence a large number of people.

(A) dry March, a wet April and a cool

May
may fill barn and cellar and bring
much hay.

Proverbs E

Harvest predictions according to the

weather.

Early to bed, and early to

rise, makes
It is much better for you to go to bed early and to get
a man healthy, wealthy and up early in the morning;
wise.
(The) early bird catches the Act early, or before anyone else, if you want to have
worm.
an advantage or be successful.
Easier said than done.

What is suggested sounds easy, but it is more

difficult to actually 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.

(An) empty purse frightens

away friends.

When one's financial situation deteriorates, friends

tend to disappear.

(The) end justifies the

means.

Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of

the action is good.

(An) Englishman's home is An Englishman's home is a place where he feels

his castle.
safe, enjoys privacy and can do as he wishes.
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 situation.

Every man for himself.

You must think of your own interests before the

interests of 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
Everything is satisfactory.
rosy.
Experience is the father of
wisdom.

Experience and knowledge result in better

judgement.

Proverbs F
Facts speak louder than words People show what they are really like by what
they do, rather than by what they say.

Failure teaches success.

People can learn from their failures and be

successful later on.

Fair exchange is no robbery

Swapping two items of equal value is an honest

deal.

False friends are worse than

open enemies.

It's better to know who your real enemies are

rather than trust someone who pretends to be a
friend but is capable of stabbing you in the
back.

Familiarity breeds contempt

Knowing someone very well can lead to a lack

of respect for them.

(A) fault confessed is half

redressed.

Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.

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.

(The) first step is the hardest.

The most difficult part of an action is the

beginning.

(A) flower blooms more than

once.

If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself

of it another time.

(A) fly will not get into a closed If you learn when to keep silent you will avoid
mouth.
trouble.
(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.

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 tread.

Inexperienced people become involved in

situations that more intelligent people would
avoid.

(A) friend in need is a friend

indeed.

Someone who helps you when you are in

trouble is a real friend.

(A) friend to all is a friend to

none.

Someone who is a friend to everyone makes

none of them feel special.

(A) friend's eye is a good

mirror.

A real friend will tell you the truth.

Friendship is like money,

easier made than kept.

Effort is necessary to keep a friendship alive.

Friendship is love with

understanding.

A friend is more tolerant than a

lover/partner/spouse?

Proverbs G
Gardens are not made by sitting in
the shade.

Nothing is achieved without effort.

Give someone an inch and they will

take a mile (or yard)

Give someone a little and they will want

more - some people are never satisfied.

Give someone enough rope and

they will hang themselves.

Give someone enough time and freedom

and they will get into trouble.

God helps those who help

themselves.

Success comes to those who make a

real effort to achieve it.

Good accounting makes good

friends.

You will keep your friends if you avoid

disputes over money.

Good and quickly seldom meet.

A well-done job takes time.

(A) good beginning makes a good

end.

If a task is carefully planned, there's a

better chance that it will be well done.

(A) good conscience is a soft pillow.

You sleep well when you have nothing to

feel guilty about.

(A) good mind possesses a

kingdom.

Intellectual assets are more valuable

than material ones.

(A) good name is better than a good

face.

A good reputation is better than a good

appearance.

Good management is better than

good income.

Income can be lost if it is used

carelessly.

Grasp all, lose all.

Trying to obtain everything will often

result in gaining nothing.

Great minds think alike.

Intelligent people very often have the

same idea at the same time.

Great oaks grow from small acorns.

Large successful operations can begin in

a small way.

Grief divided is made lighter.

If you share your grief, it will be easier to

bear.

(A) growing youth has a wolf in his

belly.

Young boys eat a lot / are often hungry.

(A) guilty conscience needs no

accuser.

If you know that you have done

something wrong, you don't need
anyone to tell you that you're guilty.

Proverbs H
Half a loaf is better than none

You should be grateful for something, even if

it is not as much as you wanted.

(A) handful of patience is worth

more than a bushel of brains.

Patience is more precious than intelligence.

Handsome is what handsome

does.

Behaviour is more important than

appearance.

(A) happy heart is better than a

full purse.

Happiness is better than wealth.

Hard words breaks no bones.

Criticism or verbal attacks may be unpleasant

but will not kill anyone.

Haste makes waste

If something is done too quickly, it may be

done carelessly and need to be redone.

Hatred is as blind as love.

A person who feels hatred does not see any

qualities in the person he/she hates.

(A) heavy purse gives to a light

heart.

When you have money you feel more

cheerful
and secure.

(A) hedge between keeps

friendship green.

It is important to respect the privacy of others.

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.

He who hesitates is lost.

If you delay your decision too long, you may

miss a good opportunity.

He who is everywhere is
nowhere.

It's not good to do too many things at the

same time.

He who know nothing doubts

nothing.

Knowledge leads us to make choices.

He who pays the piper calls the

tune.

The person who provides the money for

something should 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 triumph, too soon.

Health is better than wealth.

It's better to be in good health than to be rich.

(The best) helping hand is at the The best way to get something done is to do
end of your sleeve.
it yourself.
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.

(A) hungry belly has no ears.

A hungry person is totally concentrated on

their need for food and nothing else interests
them.

(A) hungry wolf is fixed to no

place.

A desperate person will go from place to

place when they need to satisfy their needs.

Proverbs I
(An) idle brain is the devil's
workshop.

When you are busy working you avoid

temptation.

In times of prosperity friends are

plentiful.

You have many friends when you have

no difficulties.

If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his

body will follow.

If you let something intrusive enter your

life, your life will become difficult.

If in February there be no rain, 'tis

neither good for hay nor grain.

Plants and grains will grow badly if there

is no rain in early spring.

If you are patient in one moment of

anger, you will avoid 100 days of
sorrow.

Avoid regrets by taking the time to think

before speaking or acting angrily.

If you chase two rabbits, you will not

catch either one.

If you try to do two things at the same

time, you will not succeed in doing either
of them.

If two ride a horse, one must ride

behind.

When two people do something

together, one will be the leader and the

other will be the subordinate.

If you want a friend, be a friend.

Friendship must be reciprocal.

If wishes were horses, then beggars

would ride.

Wishing alone is of no use; you must act

as well.

Ignorance is bliss.

Possible interpretation: what you do not

know causes no worry or sadness.

In for a penny, in for a pound.

If you start something, it is better to

spend the time or money necessary to
complete it.

In the land of the blind the one-eyed

man is king.

A man of even limited ability has an

advantage over a person who is less
able.

It never rains but it pours.

Misfortune usually comes in large

numbers.

It is always darkest before the dawn.

The most difficult time is just before the

problem is solved.

It's no use crying over spilt milk.

Don't express regret for something that

has happened and cannot be remedied.

It takes all sorts to make a world.

People vary in character and abilities,

and this is a good thing.

Proverbs J-K
Justice delayed is justice denied.

If the law is applied too late, there is no

justice.

Kill one to warn a hundred.

Warn many people by punishing a few.

Kill not the goose that lays the

golden egg.

Do not destroy the source of your good

fortune.

Kindle not a fire you cannot put out.

Do not start something that you cannot

control; you may fail or cause damage.

Kindness begets kindness.

If you are kind to someone, they will

return your kindness.

Knowledge in youth is wisdom in

age.

What you learn when you are young will

be invaluable when your grow old.

Knowledge is power.

It is easier to make progress or be

successful if you are educated or
possess a lot of information.

Proverbs L

Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter makes people feel good.

Learn to walk before you run.

Don't rush into doing something before you

know how to do it.

Learning is a treasure that will

Education is something that you keep forever.
follow its owner everywhere.
Least said, soonest mended.

The less you talk about an incident, the more

easily it will be forgotten.

(A) lender nor borrower be.

Do not lend or borrow money.

(A) leopard cannot change its It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant person
spots.
to become good or pleasant.
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.

People who do not tell the truth must be careful

to remember what they say.

A lie begets a lie.

Telling one lie will lead you to tell another one.

Lightning never strikes in the

same place twice.

An unusual event is not likely to occur again in

exactly the same circumstances.

Like father, like son.

A son's character can be expected to resemble

his father's.

(A) little fire is quickly trodden If you deal with a minor problem quickly, it will
out.
not become a major issue.
(A) little of what you fancy
does you good.

It's ok to give into a little temptation occasionally.

Little strokes fell good oaks.

If you divide a task into small parts, it become

easier to do.

(A) loaded wagon makes no

noise.

Really wealthy people do not talk about money.

Look before you leap.

Consider possible consequences before taking

action.

Loose lips sink ships.

Disclosing important information (to the enemy

or a competitor) could result in large losses.

Losers weepers, finders

keepers.

If you lose something you lament, if you find

something you keep it.

Love is blind.

A person in love does not see the faults of the

person he/she loves.

(A) loveless life is a living

Without affection, life is difficult.

death.

Proverbs M
Make a silk purse out of a
sow's ear.

Manage to product something good using poor

material.

Man is the head of the

family and woman is the
neck that turns the head.

No comment!

Man proposes, God

disposes.

Our destiny depends on God's will.

(A) man can die but once.

If death comes now, you will not have to

experience it later.

(A) man is as old as he

feels himself to be.

Your age doesn't matter as long as you are fit and

healthy.

(A) man is judged by his

deeds, not by his words.

A person is judged on what he/she actually does,

not on what they say they will do.

(A) man is known by the

company he keeps.

A person's character is judged by the type of

people with whom they spend their time.

Manners make the man.

Possibly: a person's manners show their origins.

Many a true word is spoken

in jest.

Even if something is said as a joke it can still be

true.

Many hands make light

work.

Sharing work makes the task easier.

March comes in like a lion

and goes out like a lamb.

The weather at the beginning of March is stormy

and at the end is mild.

March winds and April

showers bring forth May
flowers.

The storms and rain in March and April produce

flowers in the month of May.

Mark, learn and inwardly

digest.

Note and reflect upon something in order to

thoroughly assimilate it.

Marry in haste, repent as

leisure.

If you get married too quickly, you may spend your

whole life regretting it.

Memory is the treasure of

the mind.

A good memory is very precious.

Men make houses, women

make homes.

Women give a house its comfort and character.

Might as well be hanged for

a sheep as (for) a lamb.

If the penalty is going to be same, you might as

well commit the greater offence.

Misery loves company

When people are sad they often like others to feel

sad too.

Money begets money.

If you have money you can make more money.

Money doesn't grow on

trees.

You should not waste money because it is not

plentiful or obtained easily.

(A) monkey in silk is a

monkey no less.

No matter how someone dresses, it's the same

person underneath.

(The) more haste, the less

speed.

A person makes more progress if they take time to

do things carefully.

(The) more you have, the

more you want.

People have a constant desire to possess more.

(The) mouse that has but

one hole is
quickly taken.

If you depend on just one thing, and it fails, you

have no alternatives.

Proverbs N
Necessity is the mother of
invention.

The need for something forces people to find a

way of obtaining it.

Need teaches a plan.

Necessity will make you find a solution.

Needs must when the devil

drives.

Sometimes you are compelled to do something

that you would rather not do.

Never put off till tomorrow

what can
be done today.

Don't postpone until later something you can do

now.

Never say die.

Never give up.

Never trouble troubles until

troubles
trouble you.

Don't look for problems in advance; deal with

them when they arise.

(A) new broom sweeps clean A newly-appointed person often makes changes
(but the old brush knows all the quickly .
corners...)
(A) nod is as good as a wink
(to a blind horse/man).

A hint or a subtle signal is enough to convey

meaning to someone who is ready to understand.

Nobody is perfect.

It is understandable not to be perfect or to make

occasional mistakes.

No joy without annoy

There is no happiness without clouds.

No losers, no winners.

If there were no losers, there could be no

winners.

No man can serve two

masters.

It's impossible to follow instructions from two

different sources.

No man is a hero to his valet. Few people are admired by those who know them
intimately and are aware of their failings.
No man is an island.

We are all interdependent and need other people.

No news is good news.

If the news was bad, we would hear of it. Since

we have heard nothing, we can assume that all is
well.

No pain, no gain.

Nothing is achieved without effort.

No rain, no grain.

Without rain the harvest will be poor.

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 take

no risks.

Proverbs O
(An) old fox is not easily
A person of experience is difficult to fool or manipulate.
snared.
Once bitten, twice shy.

After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to

avoid something similar.

One father is (worth)

more than a hundred
schoolmasters.

A teacher cannot replace a father.

A child is raised by a father and taught by a teacher.

One good turn deserves You should be helpful to someone who helps you.
another.
One of these days is
none of these days.

Until a date is set, 'one of these days' remains a vague

promise.

One today is worth two

tomorrows.

What you have today is better than what is promised or

hoped for.

One man's meat is

another man's poison.

People don't always like the same things.

One man's trash is

What is useless to one person could be valuable to

another man's treasure.

another.

One swallow doesn't

make a summer.

A single satisfactory event does not mean that all the

others will be as good.

(An) onion a day keeps

everyone away.

A humoristic version of "an apple a day..."

Only real friends will tell Only a real friend will tell you the truth.
you when your face is
dirty.
Opportunity seldom
knocks twice.

Don't miss opportunities that come along.

(An) ounce of discretion It is better to be cautious and discreet than to try to be

is worth a pound of wit. funny.
(An) ounce of
prevention is worth a
pound
of cure.

It is easier to prevent something from happening than

to repair the damage or cure the disease later.

Out of the mouth 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.

Proverbs P-Q
(The) pen is mightier than
the sword.

Words and communication have a greater effect

than war and fighting.

Penny wise, pound foolish.

Refers to a person who is careful about spending

small amounts of money, but not careful about
spending large amounts.

People who live in glass

houses should not throw
stones.

One should not criticize others for faults similar to

one's own and risk retaliation.

(A) picture paints a

thousand words.

A picture is better than a long description.

Pity is akin to love.

If you begin to feel sorry for someone, you may

start to love them.

Poverty waits at the gates

of idleness.

If you do not work, you will not earn any money.

Practice makes perfect.

Doing something repeatedly is the only way to

become good at it.

Practice what you preach.

Do yourself what you advise others to do.

Prevention is better than

cure.

It is easier to prevent something from happening

than to repair the damage or cure the disease later.

Pride comes before a fall.

Don't be too self-confident or proud; something

may happen to make you look foolish.

(A) problem shared is a

problem halved.

It is easier to deal with a problem when you discuss

it with someone.

Procrastination is the thief

of time.

Delaying an ction for too long is a waste of time.

(The) proof of the pudding

is in the eating.

The real value of something can be judged only

after it has been tried or tested.

Punctuality is the soul of

business.

You should always be on time for your business

appointments.

Put all your eggs in one

basket.

Risk everything by relying on one plan (e.g. by

putting all one's money into one business).

Proverbs R
Revenge is sweet.

There is satisfaction in returning an injury.

(A) rising tide lifts

all boats.

Refers to something that will be helpful to all.

(The) road to hell is

paved with good
intentions.

It is not enough to intend to do something, you must

actually do it.

(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!

Rome was not built

in a day.

It takes time to a job properly. You should not expect to do

it quickly.

(A) rotten apple

spoils the barrel.

A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence

on a group.

Proverbs 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.

Physical suffering can lead to sadness

or depression.

Silence gives consent.

If you don't object something, it is

assumed that you agree with it.

(A) soft answer turneth away wrath.

If your reply is polite and tactful you will

avoid anger.

(A) smooth sea never made a skilled

mariner.

Overcoming adversity leads to

competence.

Snug as a bug in a rug.

Feeling very comfortable.

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

If you don't punish a child when he does

wrong, you will spoil his character.

Speech is silver, silence is golden.

Speaking is good, but discretion can be

better.

Sticks and stones will break my

bones but names will never hurt me.

Physical attacks may harm me, but cruel

words will not.

Still waters run deep.

A quiet person with a calm outward

appearance can have much knowledge
or wisdom.

(A) stitch in time saves nine.

It's better to deal with a problem at an

early stage so as to prevent it from
getting worse.

Stolen fruit is sweet / the sweetest

Stolen pleasures are the sweetest.

What is forbidden is the most tempting.

(A) stumble may prevent a fall.

Correcting a small mistake may help you

to avoid making a bigger one.

(A) swallow does not make the

summer.

One good event does not mean that

everything is alright.

Proverbs T
Tall oaks grow from little

Great things may come from small beginnings.

acorns.
The apple doesn't fall far
from the tree.

Children resemble their parents.

The best advice is found

on the pillow.

A good night's sleep may help us find an answer to

our problem.

The best things in life are

free.

You don't have to pay for what is important:

happiness, friendship, good health.

The darkest hour is just

before dawn.

The most difficult moment is just before a problem

is solved.

The devil looks after his

own.

Success comes to those who deserve it least.

The devil makes work for

idle hands.

People who have no work, or are idle, often get into

trouble.

The die is cast.

A decision has been made and it is impossible to

change it.

The early bird catches the

worm.

Act early, or before anyone else, if you want to have

an advantage or be successful.

The end justifies the

means.

Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result

of the action is good.

The first step is the

hardest.

The most difficult part of an action is the beginning.

The more haste, the less

speed.

A person makes more progress if they take time to

do things carefully.

The more you have, the

more you want.

People have a constant desire to possess more.

The mouse that has but

one hole is
quickly taken.

If you depend on just one thing, and it fails, you

have no alternatives.

The pen is mightier than

the sword.

Words and communication have a greater effect

than war and fighting.

The proof of the pudding

is in the eating.

The real value of something can be judged only

after it has been tried or tested.

The road to hell is paved

with good intentions.

It is 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 a black sheep in

every flock.

There is always someone who doesn't behave or

perform like the others.

There's many a slip

between the cup
and the lip.

We do not own something until we actually get it.

There is a trick in every

trade.

There is an established way of doing things.

There is no fool like an old An older person is expected to behave more

fool.
sensibly.
There is safety in
numbers.

Being in a crowd makes you feel more confident.

(A) tidy house holds a

bored woman.

If a house is always tidy, the owner (woman) has

nothing but housework to occupy her time.

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 heals all wounds.

The passage of time lessens the impact of bad

events.

Time is money.

Time is valuable and should not be wasted.

To err is human, to forgive

divine.

It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one

should forgive them.

Too many cooks spoil the

broth.

If too many people are involved in something, it will

not be done properly.

Too much bed makes a

dull head.

When you sleep too much, you are not able to think
clearly.

(The) tongue wounds more Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.
than a lance.
A tree is known by its fruit. A person is judged by their actions.
Trust not a horse's heel
nor a dog's
tooth.

A horse kicks from behind, a dog attacks with its

teeth.

Truth has no answer.

You cannot argue against facts or refute what is

true.

(The) truth is in the wine.

People speak more freely under the influence of

alcohol.
Truth is stranger than
fiction.

Events in real life are often stranger than in fiction.

Two wrongs don't make a

right.

It is wrong to harm someone because they have

harmed you.

Proverbs U-V
Union is strength

A group has more force than an

individual.

Unwillingness easily finds an excuse.

A person who doesn't want to do

something always finds a reason to
avoid it.

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.

Proverbs W
Walls have ears.

Be careful. People could be listening.

Waste not, want not.

If you never waste anything, you will have is

when you need it.

(A) watched pot never boils.

If you wait anxiously for something to happen, it

seems to take a long time.

(The) way to a man's heart is Feed a man well and he will love you.
through his stomach.
What the eye doesn't see,
If a person doesn't know about something, it
the heart doesn't grieve over. cannot hurt them.
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.

When the cat's away, the

mice play.

People sometimes misbehave when the person

in authority, is absent.

When in Rome, do as the

Romans do.

You should adopt the customs of the people or

country you are visiting and behave in the same
way.

When poverty comes in the

door, love goes out the
window.

When a couple loses everything, their

relationship becomes difficult.

Where there's life there's

hope.

As long as a person is breathing, there is hope

for recovery.

Where there's a will there's a If you are determined to do something, you will
way.
find a way to do it.
Who makes himself a sheep
will be eaten by the wolves.

Possible interpretation: an easily influenced

person can be mislead.

(A) wise head keeps a still

tongue

An intelligent person knows when to stay silent.

Wisdom is better than

strength.

It is preferable to use one's intelligence than

one's physical strength.

(The) wish is father to the

thought.

You think that something is true because you

want it to be so.

(A) wonder lasts but nine

days

The effects of an amazing or stirring event last

only nine days; after that, life goes on as before.

Wonders will never cease!

Expresses surprise at an unexpected pleasure or

event.

Worry often gives a small

thing a big shadow.

Worrying over small details can make them seem

worse.

(Two) wrongs don't make a

right.

It is wrong to harm someone because they have

harmed you.

Proverbs X-Y-Z
You are what you eat.

What you eat has an effect on your wellbeing.

You are never too old to learn.

You can always learn something new,

no matter how old you are.

You can lead a horse to water but you You can offer somebody an opportunity
can't make it drink.
to do something but you can't force
them to do it.
You can't teach an old dog new
tricks.

A person who is used to doing things a

certain way cannot 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.
(A) young idler, an old beggar.

You help me and I'll help you.

If you don't work, you won't have any
money when you're old.