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Who hasn’t used common proverbs in their speech at some point in time? We all have! Proverbs in english are an integral part of our daily communication. Having a strong knowledge of english proverbs will not only help you increase your communication skills but will also help you do well in various competitive exams like TOEFL, IELTS, SSC-CGL etc.
This blog provides an overview of more than 50 proverbs with meaning in english, along with their meanings and examples, making them useful for everyday life.
This Blog Includes:
- What is a Proverb?
- Most Common English Proverbs for Students
- List of Proverbs from Class 1 to 10
- Common English Proverbs on Life
- Common English Proverbs on Love
- Lesser Known English Proverbs
- Best Proverbs for Essay Writing
- Best Proverbs for Speech Making
- List of More Than 50 Proverbs With meaning For Daily Life
- Common Proverbs to Include in Story Writing
- List of Common Proverbs from A to Z
- Tips for Remembering Common Proverbs
- Common Proverbs Practice Worksheet PDF
- Recommended Books for Common Proverbs
- FAQs on Common Proverb
What is a Proverb?
A proverb in english is a folk piece of advice expressed through short, brief sentences. Most proverbs are related to local, beliefs, and traditions of a particular place. Proverbs can be figurative or literal. The image below showcases some famous and common proverbs in English for students.
Most Common English Proverbs for Students
Proverbs are short, well-known expressions that offer wisdom or advice. They can be particularly helpful for students as they often encapsulate important life lessons and values. Here are some English common proverbs that are relevant for students:
- “Knowledge is power.”
- “Practice makes perfect.”
- “A stitch in time saves nine.”
- “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
- “The early bird catches the worm.”
- “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
- “Actions speak louder than words.”
- “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
- “Honesty is the best policy.”
- “Never judge a book by its cover.”
- “Two heads are better than one.”
- “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
- “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
- “All that glitters is not gold.”
- “Hard work pays off.”
- “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
- “The more, the merrier.”
- “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
- “You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.”
List of Proverbs from Class 1 to 10
Here is a list of proverbs in english for students from class 1 to class 10. These proverbs will help you understand common proverbs with their meanings and applications to suit each grade level. Check out the links below to find proverbs that are perfect for your class and will enhance your learning!
Common English Proverbs on Life
Here are some common English proverbs on life:
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil”
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring”
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart”
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense”
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and one who saves life”
“A beggar can never be bankrupt“
“A bad workman blames his tools“
Common English Proverbs on Love
In this section, we will explore effective English proverbs on love:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act”
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy”
“Love those who love me, and those who seek me find me”
“ Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs”
Lesser Known English Proverbs
While the proverbs I mentioned in my previous response are fairly common, many lesser-known proverbs also offer valuable insights. Here are some lesser-known proverbs that you might find interesting:
“A closed mouth catches no flies.”
Meaning: Sometimes it’s better to keep quiet.
“The darkest hour has only sixty minutes.”
Meaning: Even in difficult times, there’s hope and a limited duration of darkness.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Meaning: Challenges and hardships are opportunities for personal growth.
“You can’t unscramble eggs.”
Meaning: Once something is done, it’s irreversible.
“A fool and his money are soon parted.”
Meaning: People who are not careful with their finances will quickly lose their wealth.
“Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.”
Meaning: Don’t worry about problems before they actually occur.)
“A watched pot never boils.”
Meaning: Time seems to pass more slowly when you’re eagerly waiting for something.
“Penny wise, pound foolish.”
Meaning: Being overly frugal with small expenses can lead to greater, more costly problems.
“The early worm gets eaten.”
Meaning: A twist on the early bird proverb, emphasizing the risks of being too hasty.)
Best Proverbs on Wisdom in English
Now that we are exploring common English proverbs, let us view some of the most popular proverbs on wisdom here:
“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”
“For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding”
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her”
“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”
Best Proverbs on Trust in English
Here are some common English proverbs on trust:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of them”
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind of words cheers it up”
“Good Judgement wins favour, but the way of unfaithful leads to their destruction”
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”
Best Proverbs for Essay Writing
Here are some common English proverbs for essay writing:
“Out of the frying pan into the fire.“
Don’t cast pearls before swine.
“What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.“
“No man is an island. “
“Politics makes strange bedfellows.“
Best Proverbs for Speech Making
Let us walk you through some of the most common proverbs that you can use in speech writing.
“Cross the stream where it is the shallowest.“
“After the feast comes to the reckoning.”
“A leopard can not change his spots.“
“Adversity and loss make a man wise.”
“When there’s smoke, there’s fire”
“You reap what you sow”
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List of More Than 50 Proverbs With meaning For Daily Life
English Proverbs are pieces of brief and popular sayings, generally in the form of a phrase. They are commonly used to illustrate a specific point. Knowledge about proverbs is important since it increases your vocabulary and enhances social skills. Proverbs in english often appear in questions for various competitive exams, and thus getting familiar with different proverbs and their meanings should be an essential part of your preparation.
Below we have created a list of more than 50 proverbs with meaning in english used extensively in daily conversations. We have also added their meanings and some examples of proverbs:
1. All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: Something might not be as valuable as it seems to be
Example: Radhika bought an attractive bracelet recently, but it broke in less than a week. All that glitters is not gold.
2. “A picture is worth a thousand words“
Meaning: Explaining something is easier through a picture than by words
Example: It’s easier to learn from pictures than only text, since a picture is worth a thousand words.
3. “All good things come to an end“
Meaning: Nothing great lasts forever
Example: It was a fantastic vacation, but all good things come to an end.
4. “Beggars can’t be choosers“
Meaning: People dependent on others must be content with what is offered to them
Example: People who depend on the generosity of others can’t pick & choose things as per their liking. They’ve to accept what is given to them.
5. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step“
Meaning: It is necessary to take the first step to reach your goal
Example: I feel overwhelmed with all the tasks I have to finish, but I have to start with something since a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
6. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”
Meaning: What you have is better than what you might get
Example: I think I’ll sell my car at the offered price instead of waiting for something higher. After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
7. “Actions speak louder than words“
Meaning: What someone does means more than what they say they will do
Example: She never bragged about her grades but secured the second position in the board exams. Truly, actions speak louder than words.
8. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away“
Meaning: Eating an apple daily keeps you healthy
Example: You won’t fall ill if you eat the fruits, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
9. “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop“
Meaning: Evil thoughts come to us easily when we are idle
Example: You should give your daughter something to do in the afternoon, after all an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
10. “Better safe than sorry“
Meaning: It is better to take precautions than to regret later
Example: Don’t ride your bike without wearing a helmet. It is better to be safe than sorry.
11. “Appearances can be deceptive“
Meaning: Something might be different from how they appear outwardly
Example: Don’t trust people you are not familiar with; appearances can be deceptive.
12. “A stitch in time saves nine“
Meaning: It is better to deal with problems immediately than letting them become bigger
Example: Don’t ignore the sudden malfunctioning of your car, just go to the garage. A stitch in time saves nine.
13. “As you sow, so you shall reap“
Meaning: Your actions determine your results
Example: If you don’t go to sleep early, you will wake up late. As you sow, so shall you reap.
14. “The grass is always greener on the other side”
Meaning: Other people always seem to be in a better situation, although it might not be true
Example: Sometimes I feel I should have gone for my master’s degree like you instead of this job. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side.
15. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder“
Meaning: The perception of beauty varies from person to person
Example: I don’t really like the colour of your car, but then, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
16. “Better late than never“
Meaning: Getting something late is better than never getting it
Example: we have been waiting for you for 3 hours, but okay, it’s better late than never.
17. “Blood is thicker than water”
Meaning: Family relationships are always stronger than other relationships
Example: I had a party to attend but I still chose to stay home because my grandmother was sick. As they say, blood is thicker than water.
18. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do“
Meaning: Follow the local customs when you visit a foreign place
Example: You cannot be picky about food in this foreign country, you have to make do with the local food. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
19. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch“
Meaning: Don’t make plans based on events that have not yet happened
Example: Wait for the offer letter before celebrating about getting a job. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
20. “Don’t judge a book by its cover“
Meaning: Don’t form an opinion about someone by their appearance
Example: She may look innocent, but don’t judge a book by its cover – she is the greatest troublemaker I have ever seen.
21. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket“
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture
Example: Don’t invest all the money in the stock market, you should never put all your eggs in one basket.
22. “Early bird catches the worm“
Meaning: One who arrives first gets the best chance at success
Example: We should go early to the boutique on the day of their sale to get the best stuff. The early bird catches the worm!
23. “Every cloud has a silver lining“
Meaning: There is always a positive side to any difficult situation
Example: I got a much better job after losing my last one. Every cloud does have a silver lining.
24. “Enjoy it while it lasts“
Meaning: Make the best of a moment since it won’t last forever
Example: College life is the best time of your life, enjoy it while it lasts.
25. “Honesty is the best policy“
Meaning: Being honest is the best characteristic
Example: Don’t lie to land a job, remember that honesty is the best policy.
26. “Haste makes waste“
Meaning: Doing something too quickly results in mistakes
Example: Don’t rush through your assignment, remember haste makes waste.
27. “It’s no use crying over spilt milk“
Meaning: You shouldn’t be upset over something that has already happened
Example: The trip was a disaster, but it’s no use crying over spilt milk.
28. “Strike while the iron is hot“
Meaning: Grab an opportunity at the most favourable time
Example: To overtake your competitor, you should strike while the iron is hot.
29. “Laughter is the best medicine“
Meaning: Trying to be happy is the best cure
Example: Being in good company can lift your spirits, after all, laughter is the best medicine.
30. “Every dog has its day“
Meaning: everyone attains success at some point in their lives
Example: don’t give up just because you were rejected twice, remember every dog has its day.
31. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree“
Meaning: A child has similar characteristics to their parents
Example: Renu sings so well, just like her mother. Indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
32. “Necessity is the mother of invention”
Meaning: When you really need something, you find a way to meet the need
Example: When the strap of my sandals came off while I was in the office, I stapled it back. Necessity is the mother of invention, you know!
33. “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today“
Meaning: Do not delay a task if you can do it immediately
Example: Don’t leave the drawing incomplete, you should never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
34. “Practice makes perfect“
Meaning: You become better at a skill by practising it
Example: Don’t give up if you can’t do it right the first time, remember practice makes perfect.
35. A friend in need is a friend indeed“
Meaning: A true friend is one who helps you when you need it
Example: He helped me with the notes while I was sick, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
36. “Mind your own business“
Meaning: To not interfere in someone else’s matter
Example: Will you please mind your own business and stop telling me what to do?
37. “Practice what you preach“
Meaning: Follow what you want others to follow
Example: You always tell us to reach early and you come late. You should practice what you preach.
38. “Rome wasn’t built in a day“
Meaning: Good work takes time
Example: It took him ten years to get to this position. Rome was not built in a day.
39. “Forgive and forget“
Meaning: Pardon and hold no resentment regarding a certain event
Example: What was done cannot be changed, so let’s just forgive and forget.
40. “Two wrongs don’t make a right“
Meaning: Someone’s wrongful conduct is not a justification for acting in the same way
Example: You shouldn’t hit her because she hit you, two wrongs don’t make a right.
You’re doing great. Here’s your next set of common proverbs to learn!
41. “Look before you leap“
Meaning: Act after considering the possible consequences
Example: It is always better to look before you leap.
42. “Fortune favours the bold“
Meaning: Courageous actions are often rewarded
Example: Although fortune favours the bold, you should also calculate the risks involved in this venture.
43. “Out of sight, out of mind“
Meaning: People or things that are no longer present are easily forgotten
Example: The employees relaxed as soon as the boss left. Out of sight, out of mind.
44. “To kill two birds with one stone“
Meaning: Achieving two goals at once
Example: Using a cycle for exercise and transport is like killing two birds with one stone.
45. “Good things come to those who wait“
Meaning: Patience is rewarded
Example: Don’t be hasty with your decisions, good things come to those who wait
46. “Great minds think alike“
Meaning: Intelligent people have similar ideas
Example: both of us suggested similar solutions for this problem, indeed, great minds think alike.
47. “Once bitten, twice shy“
Meaning: One unpleasant experience leads to caution
Example: After his road accident, he became very cautious during crossing roads. Once bitten, twice shy.
48. “Money doesn’t grow on trees“
Meaning: It requires effort to earn money
Example: Don’t keep buying unnecessary things, money doesn’t grow on trees.
49. “The pen is mightier than the sword“
Meaning: Written words are more effective than brute force
Example: The journalists proved to the world that ultimately the pen is mightier than the sword.
50. “Birds of a feather flock together“
Meaning: One tends to stick together with similar-minded people
Example: Both of them are computer geeks, no wonder they are best friends. As they say, birds of a feather flock together.
51. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder“
Meaning: We love the people who are not with us more in their absence
Example: We never understood each other’s worth when we were together. Now we miss each other all the time. I think absence makes the heart grow fonder.
52. “A cat has nine lives“
Meaning: Cats can survive the most fatal of accidents
Example: We haven’t been able to meet for months now. But I am not worried, I know a cat has nine lives.
53. “A drowning man will clutch at a straw“
Meaning: If someone is in a difficult or tough situation, he/ she will grasp on any available opportunity to improve it
Example: Since the allopathic medicines have not been able to help him, he is now trying homoeopathic for a cure. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
54. “A leopard can’t change its spots“
Meaning: A person cannot change his/her innate character, especially the bad aspects
Example: I don’t think he will change his habits if he gets caught. A leopard can’t change its spots.
55. “All is well that ends well“
Meaning: It doesn’t matter how many problems in the world as long as the result is good
Example: I am glad you didn’t get hurt in the accident, even if the car got smashed. All’s well that ends well.
56. “Among the blind the one-eyed man is king“
Meaning: Even an incapable person can come to a powerful position if others in the fray are even more incapable
Example: He has become the head of the department in his office despite his lack of skills and exposure. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king.
57. “An empty vessel makes much noise “
Meaning: People who are stupid or foolish are the most talkative
Example: Rather than help the siblings resolve the fight, he kept interfering and inciting them. An empty vessel makes much noise.
58. “A rolling stone gathers no moss“
Meaning: A person who keeps changing his/her jobs always has the advantage of fewer responsibilities and also the disadvantage of no particular place to live
Example: Can’t believe he is married and well settled now. He was a bit of a rolling stone a few years back.
59. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness“
Meaning: Cleanliness is a good virtue. It is next to Godliness.
Example: You must keep yourself and your room clean. You must remember that cleanliness is next to Godliness.
60. “Curiosity killed the cat“
Meaning: You should never poke your nose in the business of others. It can be dangerous
Example: I am aware that curiosity killed the cat, but I still want to find out if he hit her. It is not right.
Must Read: Common Phrases with Meanings
61. “Practice what you preach”
Meaning: Behave the way you encourage other people to behave
Example: You keep telling us to go for a jog in the morning, but I wish you would practice what you preach.
62. “Ignorance is bliss“
Meaning: If you don’t know about something, you don’t need to bother about it. In other words, if you’re unaware of something, it won’t cause you stress.
Example: I didn’t know that the neighbour next door was involved in criminal activities. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
63. “It’s better to be safe than sorry“
Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than regret later
Example: One shouldn’t complain about the inconvenience of security check each time you enter the building. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
64. “It’s easy to be wise after the event“
Meaning: It is easy to understand what you could have done to prevent something bad from happening after it has happened.
Example: I would have never bought an apartment if I had known that the land on which it has been built is disputed. Well, it’s easy to be wise after the event.
65. “It’s never too late to mend“
Meaning: It’s never too late to change your wrong ways or habits
Example:
X: “I still miss my best friend, but it’s been a year since our fight and we haven’t spoken to each other since.”
Y: “Well, it’s never too late to mend; why don’t you call him up and apologize?”
66. “It’s not over till it’s over”
Meaning: Till the event has completely played, you’re still in with a chance to succeed
Example: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga came back from two sets down at Wimbledon to pull off a miraculous win. That’s why they say it’s not over till it’s over.
67. “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today“
Meaning: Don’t delay doing something if you can do it immediately
Example:
X: “I’m done with most of my assignment, but I’ll pick the remaining part on Monday.”
Y: “Why don’t you complete it now? You’ll be more relieved and in a better state of mind. You shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
68. “Never test the depth of the water with both feet”
Meaning: If you’re in the water with both feet down, you risk being swept away by the currents. The message is: don’t put all your eggs in the same basket. Think twice before placing all your bets and investments on one thing.
Example: While applying to colleges, don’t limit yourself only to those with high cutoff marks. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
69. “No gain without pain”
Meaning: It is necessary to suffer or work hard in order to succeed or make progress.
Example: You’ve to drastically reduce the time you spend on video games and TV if you want to get admission to a good college. No gain without pain.
70. “No news is good news”
Meaning: If you don’t receive any news about someone or something, it means that everything is fine and going normally.
Example: My daughter has been working in Australia for nearly five years now. At first, I used to get worried when I didn’t hear from her, but now I know that no news is good news.
71. “Once bitten twice shy“
Meaning: You say this proverb when someone won’t do something a second time because they had a bad experience the first time.
Example: I won’t try this drink, because last time I had a burning sensation in my throat. Once bitten twice shy, I guess.
72. “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure“
Meaning: What may seem to be junk to one person may be valuable to another
Example: I sold my 6-year-old laptop for a little amount, but I’m sure the buyer will make a hefty profit on it by refurbishing and selling it to someone else. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, after all.
73. “One shouldn’t miss the forest for the trees”
Meaning: Sometimes you get so focused on small details that you may miss the larger context.
Example: The marketers got so bogged down on creating the perfect ad campaign that they didn’t realize that the medium – Facebook – they wanted to use was no longer a viable option because of its recent algorithm updates.
74. “The show must go on”
Meaning: A performance, event, etc., must continue even though there are problems
Example: The chairman died yesterday but the show must go on.
75. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”
Meaning: People who complain the most are the ones who get attention or what they want.
Example: If you’re not satisfied with the service at the hotel, then you should call up the manager there. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all.
76. “Time and tide wait for no man”
Meaning: You’ve no control over the passage of time; it’ll keep slipping. So don’t procrastinate, don’t delay things.
Example: We need to hurry up or else we’ll miss the flight. Time and tide wait for no man.
77. “Too many cooks spoil the broth“
Meaning: When too many people work together on a project, the result is inferior
Example: This proposal has received feedback from too many parliamentary committees, and that’s probably the reason why it lacks clear actionable. I’ve no doubt that too many cooks spoil the broth.
78. “Two heads are better than one“
Meaning: Two persons have a better chance to solve a problem than one.
Example: More startups have two co founders than one. That’s because they very well understand that two heads are better than one.
Common Proverbs to Include in Story Writing
Apart from the above-listed most common English proverbs, here we have some more popular proverbs that you can use for story writing. Check them out:
- Two wrongs don’t make a right
Meaning: You shouldn’t harm a person who has harmed you, even if you think that person deserves it.
Example: Just because he insulted you doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to start a rumour about him – two wrongs don’t make a right.
- Watch the doughnut and not the hole
Meaning: Focus on what you have and not on what you don’t.
Example: X: I’ve to submit the assignment next Monday, but I don’t have a clue on the topic. Y: Consult your friends. Consult books. Understand the topic. Watch the doughnut and not the hole.
- What goes around comes around
Meaning: If someone treats other people badly, he or she will eventually be treated badly by someone else.
Example: He tormented me back in high school, and now he has his own bully. What goes around comes around.
- When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Meaning: When conditions become difficult, strong people take action.
Example: I know you’re not used to climbing at such heights, but come on when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
- Where there’s smoke there’s fire
Meaning: If there are rumours or signs that something is true it must be at least partly true
Example: X: Do you believe those rumours about the mayor? Y: Well, you know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
- Where one door shuts, another opens
Meaning: When you lose an opportunity to do one thing, an opportunity to do something else appears.
Example: X: I failed to get into my dream college. Y: Don’t worry, this has happened with many. I’m sure something better is waiting for you. Where one door shuts, another opens.
- While the cat’s away, the mice will play
Meaning: Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules.
Example: As soon as their parents left, the children invited all their friends over – when the cat’s away, you know.
- You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
Meaning: It’s easier to win people to your side by persuasion and politeness than by confrontation and threats.
Example: X: The courier service has taken more time to deliver than they had promised. I want to take the issue up with them and get a refund. Y: I would suggest you deal with them politely. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
- You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink
Meaning: You can show people the way to do things, but you can’t force them to act
Example: X: He has received all the resources one needs to start a business, but even after six months I don’t see anything happening. Y: Well, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
- You can’t always get what you want
Meaning: Sometimes you may face disappointments in your pursuits or your wishes may not be fulfilled.
Example: X: I want a bike on my birthday. Y: Sorry, you can’t always get what you want.
- Out of sight, out of mind
Meaning: If someone or something is not seen for a long time, it’ll be forgotten.
Example: Many celebrities find a way to appear in the media because they know that out of sight is out of mind.
- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Meaning: If something works well, there’s no point trying to change it.
- Make the best of a bad bargain.
Meaning: To deal with and create the best possible outcome of a bad situation.
- Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Meaning: Actions that might seem extreme under normal circumstances are appropriate during adversity.
- The calm (comes) before the storm.
Meaning: Turbulent times wait just around the corner when it is calm.
- A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
Meaning: You don’t lose anything by enlightening others.
- Bitter pills may have blessed effects.
Meaning: The remedy might be bitter, but the cure might be wonderful.
- Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.
Meaning: You will become like your company.
- The longest mile is the last mile home.
Meaning: It is always the end of something that feels the most difficult.
- Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Meaning: Don’t worry about the future, focus on today’s worries.
- Familiarity breeds contempt.
Meaning: Having extensive knowledge about someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it.
- Hindsight is better than foresight.
Meaning: It is always easier for us to evaluate the past choices than the choices we have to make in the present.
- If you can’t beat them, join them.
Meaning: if someone is too strong for you to defeat, it is better to be on the same side as them.
- Forewarned is forearmed.
Meaning: if you know about a problem in advance, then you will be able to deal with it when you need to.
- Variety is the spice of life.
Meaning: new and exciting experiences make life more interesting.
- The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Meaning: plans must be put into action otherwise they are useless.
- Too many chiefs, not enough Indians.
Meaning: Too many people are giving orders, and there is not enough to carry them out.
- A workman always blames his tools.
Meaning: When someone blames their equipment rather than their performance.
Let’s take a quick break! Enjoy Reading Synonyms List: 50 Difficult Words with Meanings
- A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Meaning: If one person fails, the whole group fails
- There is more than one way to skin a cat.
Meaning: There are many ways to do what you want.
- One good turn deserves another.
Meaning: If someone does you a favour, you should always repay it.
- Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Meaning: Ownership is easy to maintain if one has possession of something.
- A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
Meaning: You never grow if you don’t leave your comfort zone.
- Barking dogs, seldom bite.
Meaning: People look threatening are often harmless.
- Beauty is only skin-deep.
Meaning: Personality and character matter more than physical beauty.
- Best things in life are free.
Meaning: Things that matter the most are truly free.
- Better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.
Meaning: Good health is the most important thing.
- Better to wear out rather rust out.
Meaning: It’s better to stay active than idle.
- The first step is always the hardest.
Meaning: Stepping out of our comfort zone is the hardest step.
- Cowards die many times before their deaths.
Meaning: People who do not challenge themselves die many times
- After the feast comes the reckoning.
Meaning: People tend to pay for their pleasures and indulgences
- Cross the stream where it is the shallowest.
Meaning: To do things in the easiest way
- Hard words break no bones.
Meaning: It is often good to tell the harsh truth
- Half truth is whole lie.
Meaning: Hiding the truth is the same as lying.
- Head and feet keep warm the rest will take no harm.
Meaning: If you take care of important things, other stuff will follow.
- He who hesitates is lost.
Meaning: Wait too long and you might lose the opportunity
- Curses like chicken, come home to roost.
Meaning: Wrong doings tend to catch up with us.
- Out of the frying pan into the fire.
Meaning: Moving from a difficult position to a worse one.
- One should fight fire with fire.
Meaning: Use the same methods to defeat them.
- Use it or lose it.
Meaning: Not using a skill might lead you into losing it.
- Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Meaning: Don’t be mean to people who help you.
- You cant have an omelette unless you break the egg.
Meaning: You must sacrifice something to create something bigger
- Walk the walk, talk the talk.
Meaning: First show worth then do flaunt it.
- A watched pot never boils.
Meaning: While waiting for something to happen, time feels slower.
- What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.
Meaning: what is good for men is good for women.
- Willful waste makes woeful want.
Meaning: If you waste something you will regret it in future.
- Don’t cast pearls before swine.
Meaning: Don’t offer something valuable to someone who doesnt value it.
- Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.
Meaning: Be prepared in life.
- Politics makes strange bed fellows.
Meaning: Politics creates unholy alliances.
List of Common Proverbs from A to Z
Check out our A to Z list of common proverbs! These wise sayings provide valuable insights and can improve your everyday conversations.
Tips for Remembering Common Proverbs
Now that you are familiar with the meanings and ways to use common English proverbs, you have a better chance at competitive exams. Remembering proverbs can be difficult since there are so many of them. To help you in this task here are a few tips which you can follow for memorizing proverbs:
- Start incorporating these proverbs in your daily speech
- Make a few drawings or posters of motivational proverbs to hang around your room
- Practice including proverbs in sentences while writing
- Play quizzes with your friends on proverbs and their meanings
Common Proverbs Practice Worksheet PDF
Here, we have provided two links to Common Proverbs Worksheets for practice. Please download the worksheets and keep practicing to improve your English and enhance your understanding of proverbs.
Recommended Books for Common Proverbs
Here is a list of books for common English proverbs you can explore:
| Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs by Jennifer Speake | Buy it here |
| The Penguin Dictionary of Proverbs by Rosalind Fergusson | Buy it here |
| English Proverbs by Terry O’ Brien | Buy it here |
| 3000 Proverbs by Sam Phillips | Buy it here |
| Big Book of Proverbs by Maple Press | Buy it here |
| Idioms, Phrases & Proverbs by H.S. Bhatia & P.S. Bhatia | Buy it here |
| Concise Dictionary Of Proverbs by Tanvir Khan | Buy it here |
| Handbook of Proverbs by Nawal Kant Jha | Buy it here |
| A Dictionary Of Proverbs by Thomas Preston | Buy it here |
| The Wise World Of English Proverbs by S.C. Gupta and Kumkum Gupta | Buy it here |
Related Reads
| Sanskrit Proverbs about Life | African Proverbs about Life |
| Chinese Proverbs on Love | Proverbs on Wisdom in Leadership |
| Proverbs about Old Age and Wisdom | Popular African American Proverbs and Quotes |
FAQs on Common Proverb
Ans: The most popular proverb in English are given below:
Better late than never
Birds of a feather flock together
Rome wasn’t built in a day
A beggar can never be bankrupt
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
The early bird catches the worm
A bad workman blames his tools
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Better safe than sorry
No man is an island
Strike while the iron is hot
When there’s smoke, there’s fire
You reap what you sow
A cat has nine lives
A leopard can’t change its spots
All is Well That Ends Well
Ans: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” is one of the most famous proverbs in the world
Ans: A proverb (derived from the Latin word proverbial) is a simple and perceptive traditional saying that reflects a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are frequently figurative and employ formulaic language.
Ans: Here are 10 Proverbs with examples:
– Rome wasn’t built in a day: Great things take time to achieve, so patience is essential.
– A beggar can never be bankrupt: Those who are humble are not truly poor in spirit.
– Every cloud has a silver lining: There’s always something good in a bad situation.
– A stitch in time saves nine: Fixing a problem early can stop it from getting worse.
– A bad workman blames his tools: This means that a person who fails to do their job properly often blames external factors instead of taking responsibility for their mistakes.
– No man is an island: This emphasizes that no one is truly self-sufficient; we all rely on others for support and companionship.
– When there’s smoke, there’s fire: This suggests that if there are signs of trouble or rumors, there is likely some truth behind them.
– You reap what you sow: This means that the actions you take will ultimately determine the consequences you face, whether good or bad.
– All is well that ends well: This implies that a positive outcome can make up for any difficulties faced along the way.
– Curiosity killed the cat: This warns that excessive curiosity or inquiry can lead to trouble or danger.
Ans: Proverbs frequently use rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, which make them easier to remember and pass down. This poetic quality aids in recall and adds an aesthetic quality to the language, making proverbs both memorable and impactful. The rhythmic structure, combined with metaphorical language, helps people internalize and apply the wisdom they contain, as the poetic nature of proverbs appeals to both emotions and intellect.
Ans: Proverbs introduce new vocabulary, cultural references, and idiomatic expressions that deepen language comprehension. By learning proverbs, students become familiar with the way native speakers express complex ideas concisely, helping them understand subtleties and nuances within the language. Using proverbs also enhances communication skills by helping learners sound more fluent and natural, building both linguistic proficiency and cultural insight.
Ans: Both proverbs and idioms are common sayings, but they serve different purposes. A proverb offers direct advice or moral guidance (e.g., “The early bird catches the worm”), providing wisdom or warnings. An idiom, on the other hand, has a figurative meaning unrelated to its literal words (e.g., “Hit the nail on the head”), often used to convey concepts that require context for understanding, rather than moral lessons.
Ans: Proverbs can enhance storytelling by adding authenticity, depth, and cultural richness. They connect the story to universal life lessons, making it relatable for audiences. Proverbs reinforce the themes and morals of a story, helping readers or listeners engage more deeply with the message. This added layer of meaning makes stories more impactful, providing wisdom that resonates beyond the narrative itself.
Ans: Proverbs serve as powerful tools in speeches and presentations, adding emphasis and emotional impact to the speaker’s message. By using familiar wisdom, speakers connect with their audience on a shared cultural level. Proverbs condense complex ideas into memorable phrases, helping reinforce points and make speeches more relatable, persuasive, and memorable.
Ans: Discussing proverbs helps students analyze, interpret, and question commonly held beliefs. By examining a proverb’s meaning and considering its application in various situations, students practice evaluating different perspectives and forming independent judgments. This process strengthens critical thinking, as it requires assessing whether the advice or lesson aligns with personal experiences and values.
Ans: A simple list of proverbs for beginners include:
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
“Time is money.”
Ans: Practice daily by associating proverbs with real-life situations and writing them down with examples.
Ans: The english proverbs that emphasize hard work such as “No pain, no gain” and “Hard work always pays off.”
Ans: The common proverbs in English for students include “Better late than never” and “A stitch in time saves nine.”
Ans: This proverb means that consistent practice leads to improvement and mastery of a skill.
We hope this blog has provided you with all the necessary information on common proverbs. To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.
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Thanks for reading!
You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Examples of Simile
Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction -
Thanks for reading!
You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Examples of Simile
Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction
Give us a call at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!
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During ironing, you will need a way for the steam generated by your iron to escape without burning you or spoiling the clothes or fabrics you are ironing.
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5 comments
Thank u sir
Thanks for reading!
You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Examples of Simile
Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction
Thanks for reading!
You can also check: 120 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Examples of Simile
Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction
Give us a call at 1800 57 2000 for study-abroad related matters!
During ironing, you will need a way for the steam generated by your iron to escape without burning you or spoiling the clothes or fabrics you are ironing.
Very nice Keep it up👏👏