PROVERBS With Meanings

PROVERBS MASTER 2016
LIST OF PROVERBS WITH MEANINGS
A
A bad tree does not
yield good apples. A bad parent does not raise good children.
A bad workman Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for
blames his tools. lack of skill.
A bird in hand is It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing
worth two in it by searching for something better.
a bush.
A broken friendship Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be
may be soldered but as strong as before.
will never be sound.
A burden of one's Something difficult seems easier when it is done
own choice is not voluntarily.
felt.
A burnt child dreads A bad experience will make people stay away from certain
the fire. things.
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 The strength of a group depends on each individual
stronger than its member.
weakest link.
A change is as good A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a
as a rest. holiday.
A dry March, a wet Harvest predictions are made according to the weather.
April and a cool May
fill barn and cellar
and bring much
hay.
A fault confessed is Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
half redressed.
A flower blooms If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself of it
more than once. another time.
NurulMunaShamsudin Page 1
A fool and his A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.

money are (soon)
easily parted.
A fool at forty is a If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never
fool forever. will.
A friend in need is a Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real
friend indeed. friend.
A friend to all is a Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them
friend to none. feel special.
A friend's eye is a A real friend will tell you the truth.
good mirror.
A good example is Giving a good example is better than giving advice.
the best sermon.
A good beginning If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it
makes a good end. will be well done.
A good conscience You sleep well when you have nothing to be guilty about.
is a soft pillow.
A guilty conscience If you know that you have done something wrong, you
needs no accuser. don't need anyone to tell you that you're guilty.
A hungry belly has A hungry person is totally concentrated on their need for
no ears. food and nothing else interests them.
A hungry wolf is A desperate person will go from place to place in order to
fixed to no place. satisfy their needs.
A lender nor Do not lend or borrow money.
borrower be.
A leopard cannot It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant person to become
change its spots. good or pleasant.
A lie begets a lie. Telling one lie will lead you to tell another one.
A little fire is quickly If you deal with a minor problem quickly, it will not become
trodden out. a major issue.
A little of what you It's ok to give into a little temptation occasionally.
fancy does you
good.
A loaded wagon Really wealthy people do not talk about money.
makes no noise.
A loveless life is Without affection, life is difficult.
living death.
A man can die but If death comes now, you will not have to experience it
once. later.
A man is as old as Your age doesn't matter as long as you are fit and healthy.
he feels himself to
be.
A man is judged by A person is judged on what he/she actually does, not on
his deeds, not by what they say they will do.
his words.
A man is known by A person's character is judged by the type of people with
the company he whom they spend their time.
keeps.
A monkey in silk is No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person
a monkey no less. underneath.
A new broom A newly-appointed person often makes changes quickly .
sweeps clean (but
the old brush knows
all the corners...)
A nod is as good as A hint or a subtle signal is enough to convey meaning to
a wink (to a blind someone who is ready to understand.
horse/man).
A picture paints a A picture is better than a long description.
thousand words.
A problem shared is It is easier to deal with a problem when you discuss it with
a problem halved. someone.
(Also : A worry
shared is a worry
halved)
A rising tide lifts all Refers to something that will be helpful to all.
boats.
A rolling stone If a person keeps moving from place to place, they gain
gathers no moss neither friends nor possessions.
Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one avoids
being tied down!
A rotten apple A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence
spoils the barrel. on a group.
A smooth sea never Overcoming adversity leads to competence.
made a skilled
mariner.
A soft answer If your reply is polite and tactful you will avoid anger.
turneth away wrath.
A stitch in time If you deal with a problem at an early stage you will save
saves nine. time and prevent it from getting worse.
A stumble may Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making
prevent a fall. a bigger one.
A swallow does not One good event does not mean that everything is alright.
make the summer.
A tidy house holds If a house is always tidy, the owner (woman) has nothing
a bored woman but housework to occupy her time.
A watched pot If you wait anxiously for something to happen, it seems to
never boils. take a long time.
A wise head keeps a An intelligent person knows when to stay silent.
still tongue
A wonder lasts but The effects of an amazing or stirring event last only nine
nine days days; after that, life goes on as before.
A young idler, an If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're
old beggar. old.
Absence makes the When you are away from someone you love, you love
heart grow fonder them even more.
Accidents will Some unfortunate events must be accepted as inevitable.
happen
Actions speak What a person actually does is more important than what
louder than words they say they will do.
Adversity makes People of all origins who share the same misfortune are
strange bedfellows. drawn together.
Advice is cheap It doesn't cost anything to offer advice.
Advice is least When a problem is serious, people often do not follow the
heeded when most advice given.
needed.
Advisors run no It's easier to give advice than to act.
risks.
After dinner rest a Dinner is called 'lunch' nowadays, and supper has become
while, after supper 'dinner'.
walk a while.
Age before beauty Older people should be given precedence over the
younger (who are thought to be more beautiful).
Agree, for the law is A compromise is better than an expensive lawsuit.
costly.
All cats are grey in People are undistinguished until they have made a name
the dark. for themselves.
All covet, all lose If you try to obtain everything, you risk losing everything.
All days are short to Time goes by slowly when you have nothing to do.
industry and long to
idleness.
All good things If you are patient you will be rewarded.

come to those who
wait.
All that glitters is Appearances can be deceptive.
not gold.
All in good time. Be patient. Things will happen when the time is right.
All is fair in love and Things that are done in love or war can often be excused.
war.
All's well that ends There is a solution to everything even if there are doubts.
well.
All roads lead to There are many different ways to reach an objective.
Rome
All things grow with As time goes by, grief subsides little by little.
time - except grief.
All things are With practice everything becomes easier.
difficult before they
are easy.
All work and no play Everybody needs a certain amount of relaxation. It is not
makes Jack a dull good to work all the time.
boy.
An ant may well A small problem can sometimes cause a lot of harm.
destroy a whole
dam.
An apple a day Eating an apple every day can help to keep you healthy.
keeps the doctor Other interpretation: A small preventive treatment wards
away. off serious problems.
An empty purse When one's financial situation deteriorates, friends tend to
frightens away disappear.
friends.
An Englishman's An Englishman's home is a place where he feels safe,
home is his castle enjoys privacy and can do as he wishes.
An idle brain is the When you are busy working, you avoid temptation.
devil's workshop
An old fox is not A person of experience is difficult to fool or manipulate.
easily snared.
An onion a day A humoristic version of "an apple a day..."
keeps everyone
away.
An ounce of It is better to be cautious and discreet than to try to be
discretion is worth a funny.
pound of wit.
An ounce of It is easier to prevent something from happening than to

prevention is worth repair the damage or cure the disease later.
a pound of cure.
Anger is the one When you are angry, it is best not to speak or act
thing made better immediately.
by delay.
Another day, A job may be hard or tedious but at least there is some
another dollar. financial reward.
Any time means no If the date of an event remains vague, it will never happen.
time.
(The) apple doesn't Children resemble their parents.
fall far from the tree.
April showers bring Something bad or unpleasant today may bring good things
May flowers. in the future.
As you sow, so You have to accept the consequences of your actions.
shall you reap.
Ask me no There are subjects one would rather not discuss.
questions, I'll tell
you no lies.
b
(A) bad excuse is Always give an excuse, even if it's a poor one.
better than none.
Bad news travels People tend to circulate bad news very quickly
fast. (accidents, illness, etc.).
(A) bad penny An unwanted or disreputable person constantly comes
always turns up. back.
(A) bad tree does A bad parent does not raise good children.
not yield good
apples.
(A) bad workman Blaming tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack
blames his tools. of skill.
(A) barking dog Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries
seldom bites. them out.
Be just before you Make sure all your debts are paid before you start
are generous. offering help to others.
Beauty is only skin A person's character is more important than their

deep. appearance.
Beauty is in the eye
Different people have different tastes.
of the beholder.
Beauty is the
wisdom of women.
No comment!
Wisdom is the
beauty of men.
Be swift to hear,
Listen carefully before speaking.
slow to speak.
(The) best advice A good night's sleep may help us find an answer to our
is found on the problem.
pillow.
(The) best helping
hand is at the end The best way to get something done is to do it yourself.
of your sleeve.
(The) best things You don't have to pay for what is important: happiness,
in life are free. friendship, good health.
Better an egg today
It is preferable to have something sure now than the
than a hen
possibility of something better later.
tomorrow.
Better be alone than
Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with.
in bad company.
Better be the head
It's better to be the leader of a small group than a
of a dog than the
subordinate in a bigger one.
tail of a lion.
Better flatter a fool
It's better to avoid disputes with stupid people.
than fight him.
Better to drink the
Be careful not to destroy the source of your income or
milk than to eat the
welfare.
cow.
Better the devil you
It's better to deal with someone difficult but familiar than
know than the devil
change and risk dealing with somebody worse.
you don't know.
Better late than It's better to do something, even if it's late, than not do it
never. at all.
Better lose the
It's better to stop and accept a small loss than continue
saddle than the
and risk losing everything.
horse.
Better safe than It's better to be too careful than to be careless and regret
sorry. 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
worth two in a bush. searching for something else.
Birds of a feather
People of the same sort are usually found together.
flock together.
(A) black plum is People should not be judged by their appearance.
as sweet as a
white.
Blood is thicker Family relationships are stronger than relationships with
than water. other people.
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 Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never
soldered but it will be as strong as before.
never be sound.
(A) burden of one's
Something difficult seems easier when it is done
own choice is not
voluntarily.
felt.
(A) burnt child A bad experience will make people stay away from
dreads the fire. certain things.
c
(A) calm sea does A person shows their competence or ability when difficulties
not make a skilled arise.
sailor.
(A) cat has nine 1) Cats can survive many accidents because
lives. 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 The strength of a group depends on each individual

stronger than member.
its weakest link.
(A) change is as A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a

good as a rest. holiday.
Charity begins at A person's first duty is to help and care for his own family.
home.
Children and fools Neither children nor fools know that it is sometimes
tell the truth. advantageous to lie.
Cleanliness is next A clean body is just as important as a pure soul.
to godliness.
Clear moon, frost If the atmosphere is clear, frost may form.
soon.
(A) closed mouth If you learn when to keep silent you will avoid trouble.
catches no flies.
Clothes don't make Appearances can be deceiving.
the man.
(A) constant guest If you come to visit too often, your host will be less pleased
is never welcome. to see you.
Constant When you are busy working, you avoid temptation.
occupation
prevents
temptation.
(A) danger foreseen If you are prepared to face a problem or difficulty, it will
is half avoided. be easier to deal with.
(The) darkest hour is The most difficult moment is just before a problem is
just before dawn. solved.
(A) day of sorrow is Times goes by very quickly when you are happy
longer than a month and very slowly when you are sad.
of joy.
Dead men tell no A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing

lies. something that it would be preferable to conceal.
Death is the great All people are equal when they die.
leveller.
(The) devil looks Success comes to those who deserve it least.

after his own.
(The) devil makes People who have no work, or are idle, often get into
work for idle hands. trouble.
Diamonds cut Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.

diamonds.
(The) die is cast. A decision has been made and it is impossible to change
it.
Diligence is the
mother of good Hard work brings rewards.
fortune.
Discretion is the
It is useless to take unnecessary risks.
better part of valour.
Diseases of the soul

are more dangerous Thought to refer to mental and emotional disorder or
than those of the spiritual torment as opposed to bodily pain.
body.
Distance makes the When you are separated from the person you love, your
heart grow fonder. feelings are even stronger.
Dogs of the same People of the same background have the same
street bark alike. behaviour.
Don't bark if you

Don't complain if you can't enforce your point of view.
can't bite.
Don't count your

You must not be too confident that something will be
chickens before
successful.
they're hatched.
Don't dig your grave

Don't do something yourself that causes your own
with our own knife
downfall.
and fork.
Don't judge a book

Don't judge by appearances.
by its cover.
(A) drop of ink may A thought expressed in writing (perhaps published in a

make a million think. newspaper) can influence a large number of people.
(A) dry March, a wet

April and a cool May
Harvest predictions according to the weather.
may fill barn and
cellar and bring
much hay.
E
Early to bed, and
early to rise, makes It is much better for you to go to bed early and to get up
a man healthy, early in the morning;
wealthy and wise.
(The) early bird Act early, or before anyone else, if you want to have an
catches the worm. advantage or be successful.
Easier said than What is suggested sounds easy, but it is more difficult to
done. actually do it.
Elbow grease is the
Hard work gives the best results.
best polish.
Empty vessels make The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or
the most noise. noisy.
(An) empty purse
When one's financial situation deteriorates, friends tend
frightens away
to disappear.
friends.
(The) end justifies Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of the
the means. action is good.
(An)
An Englishman's home is a place where he feels safe,
Englishman's home
enjoys privacy and can do as he wishes.
is his castle.
Every ass likes to
People like to listen to themselves talking.
hear himself bray.
Every cloud has a
There is a positive or hopeful side to every situation.
silver lining.
Every man for You must think of your own interests before the interests
himself. of others.
Every man has his
Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price.
price.
Every man is the
architect of his own Life is what you make it.
fortune.
Every path has its
Progress is rarely without difficulty.
puddle.
Every rose has its

Every good thing has an unpleasant side.
thorn.
Every why has a
There is an explanation for everything.
wherefore.
Everything in the
Everything is satisfactory.
garden is rosy.
Experience is the
Experience and knowledge result in better judgement.
father of wisdom.
F
Facts speak louder People show what they are really like by what they do,
than words rather than by what they say.
Failure teaches People can learn from their failures and be successful
success. later on.
Fair exchange is no Swapping two items of equal value is an honest deal.

robbery
False friends are It's better to know who your real enemies are rather
worse than open than trust someone who pretends to be a friend but is
enemies. capable of stabbing you in the back.
Familiarity breeds Knowing someone very well can lead to a lack of

contempt respect for them.
(A) fault confessed is Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.

half redressed.
Fine words butter no No amount of talking can replace action.

parsnips
First come, first The first person in the line will be attended to first.
served.
(The) first step is the

The most difficult part of an action is the beginning.
hardest.
(A) flower blooms If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself of it
more than once. another time.
(A) fly will not get into If you learn when to keep silent you will avoid trouble.
a closed mouth.
(A) fool and his A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.
money are (soon)
easily parted.
(A) fool at forty is a If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never
fool forever. will.
Fool me once, shame One should learn from one's mistakes.

on you; fool me twice,
shame on me.
Fools rush in where Inexperienced people become involved in situations

angels fear to tread. that more intelligent people would avoid.
(A) friend in need is a Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a
friend indeed. real friend.
(A) friend to all is a Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of

friend to none. them feel special.
(A) friend's eye is a A real friend will tell you the truth.
good mirror.
Friendship is like Effort is necessary to keep a friendship alive.

money, easier made
than kept.
Friendship is love A friend is more tolerant than a lover/partner/spouse?

with understanding.
Gardens are not Nothing is achieved without effort.

made by sitting in
the shade.
Give someone an
Give someone a little and they will want more - some
inch and they will
people are never satisfied.
take a mile (or yard)
Give someone Give someone enough time and freedom and they will
enough rope and get into trouble.
they will hang
themselves.
God helps those

Success comes to those who make a real effort to
who help
achieve it.
themselves.
Good accounting You will keep your friends if you avoid disputes over
makes good friends. money.
Good and quickly A well-done job takes time.

seldom meet.
(A) good beginning If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance

makes a good end. that it will be well done.
(A) good conscience You sleep well when you have nothing to feel guilty
is a soft pillow. about.
(A) good mind

Intellectual assets are more valuable than material
possesses a
ones.
kingdom.
(A) good name is A good reputation is better than a good appearance.

better than a good
face.
Good management Income can be lost if it is used carelessly.

is better than good
income.
Grasp all, lose all. Trying to obtain everything will often result in gaining
nothing.
Great minds think Intelligent people very often have the same idea at the
alike. same time.
Great oaks grow Large successful operations can begin in a small way.
from small acorns.
Grief divided is If you share your grief, it will be easier to bear.

made lighter.
(A) growing youth has Young boys eat a lot / are often hungry.
a wolf in his belly.
(A) guilty conscience If you know that you have done something wrong, you
needs no accuser. don't need anyone to tell you that you're guilty.
H
Half a loaf is better You should be grateful for something, even if it is not
than none as much as you wanted.
(A) handful of Patience is more precious than intelligence.

patience is worth
more than a bushel of
brains.
Handsome is what Behaviour is more important than appearance.

handsome does.
(A) happy heart is Happiness is better than wealth.

better than a full
purse.
Hard words breaks Criticism or verbal attacks may be unpleasant but will
no bones. 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 A person who feels hatred does not see any qualities
love. in the person he/she hates.
(A) heavy purse gives When you have money you feel more cheerful
to a light heart. and secure.
(A) hedge between It is important to respect the privacy of others.

keeps friendship
green.
He can who believes If you believe you can do something, you will be able
he can. to do it.
He has enough who

A happy person needs nothing more.
is content.
He who hesitates is If you delay your decision too long, you may miss a
lost. good opportunity.
He who is
everywhere is It's not good to do too many things at the same time.
nowhere.
He who know Knowledge leads us to make choices.

nothing doubts
nothing.
He who pays the The person who provides the money for something
piper calls the tune. should control how it is spent.
He who plays with If you behave in a risky way, you are likely to have
fire gets burnt. problems.
He who wills the end If you are determined to do something you will find a
wills the means. way.
He laughs best who Don't express your joy, or triumph, too soon.
laughs last.
Health is better than It's better to be in good health than to be rich.

wealth.
(The best) helping

The best way to get something done is to do it
hand is at the end of
yourself.
your sleeve.
Home is where the You call home the place where the people you love
heart is. are.
Honesty is the best It's always better to be honest.

policy.
Honey catches more You can obtain more cooperation from others
flies than vinegar. by being nice.
However long the Bad things don't last forever.

night, the dawn will
break.
Hunger is a good All food tastes good when you are hungry.
sauce.
(A) hungry belly has A hungry person is totally concentrated on their need
no ears. for food and nothing else interests them.
(A) hungry wolf is A desperate person will go from place to place when
fixed to no place. they need to satisfy their needs.
I
(An) idle brain is the When you are busy working you avoid temptation.
devil's workshop.
In times of prosperity You have many friends when you have no difficulties.
friends are plentiful.
If a camel gets his If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life
nose in a tent, his will become difficult.
body will follow.
If in February there be Plants and grains will grow badly if there is no rain in
no rain, 'tis neither early spring.
good for hay nor
grain.
If you are patient in Avoid regrets by taking the time to think before
one moment of anger, speaking or acting angrily.
you will avoid 100
days of sorrow.
If you chase two If you try to do two things at the same time, you will
rabbits, you will not not succeed in doing either of them.
catch either one.
If two ride a horse, When two people do something together, one will be
one must ride behind. the leader and the other will be the subordinate.
If you want a friend, Friendship must be reciprocal.

be a friend.
If wishes were horses, Wishing alone is of no use; you must act as well.
then beggars would
ride.
Ignorance is bliss. Possible interpretation: what you do not know causes

no worry or sadness.
In for a penny, in for a If you start something, it is better to spend the time or
pound. money necessary to complete it.
In the land of the blind A man of even limited ability has an advantage over a
the one-eyed man is person who is less able.
king.
It never rains but it Misfortune usually comes in large numbers.

pours.
It is always darkest The most difficult time is just before the problem is
before the dawn. solved.
It's no use crying over Don't express regret for something that has happened
spilt milk. and cannot be remedied.
It takes all sorts to People vary in character and abilities, and this is a
make a world. good thing.
J -
Justice delayed is
If the law is applied too late, there is no justice.
justice denied.
Kill one to warn a

Warn many people by punishing a few.
hundred.
Kill not the goose that

Do not destroy the source of your good fortune.
lays the golden egg.
Kindle not a fire you Do not start something that you cannot control; you
cannot put out. may fail or cause damage.
Kindness begets If you are kind to someone, they will return your
kindness. kindness.
Knowledge in youth What you learn when you are young will be
is wisdom in age. 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.
L
Laughter is the best
Laughter makes people feel good.
medicine.
Learn to walk before Don't rush into doing something before you know how
you run. to do it.
Learning is a treasure
that will follow its Education is something that you keep forever.
owner everywhere.
Least said, soonest The less you talk about an incident, the more easily it
mended. will be forgotten.
(A) lender nor Do not lend or borrow money.

borrower be.
(A) leopard cannot It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant person to

change its spots. become good or pleasant.
Let bygones be Let's forgive and forget past quarrels.

bygones.
Let the chips fall We should not try to control our destiny.
where they may.
Liars need good People who do not tell the truth must be careful to
memories. remember what they say.
A lie begets a lie. Telling one lie will lead you to tell another one.
Lightning never
An unusual event is not likely to occur again in exactly
strikes in the same
the same circumstances.
place twice.
A son's character can be expected to resemble his

Like father, like son.
father's.
(A) little fire is quickly If you deal with a minor problem quickly, it will not
trodden out. become a major issue.
(A) little of what you It's ok to give into a little temptation occasionally.
fancy does you good.
Little strokes fell good If you divide a task into small parts, it become easier
oaks. to do.
(A) loaded wagon

Really wealthy people do not talk about money.
makes no noise.
Consider possible consequences before taking

Look before you leap.
action.
Loose lips sink ships. Disclosing important information (to the enemy or a
competitor) could result in large losses.
Losers weepers, If you lose something you lament, if you find

finders keepers. 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 death.
Without affection, life is difficult.
M
Make a silk purse Manage to product something good using poor
out of a sow's ear. material.
Man is the head of No comment!

the family and
woman is the neck
that turns the head.
Man proposes, God Our destiny depends on God's will.

disposes.
(A) man can die but If death comes now, you will not have to experience it
once. later.
(A) man is as old as Your age doesn't matter as long as you are fit and
he feels himself to healthy.
be.
(A) man is judged by A person is judged on what he/she actually does, not
his deeds, not by his on what they say they will do.
words.
(A) man is known by A person's character is judged by the type of people

the company he with whom they spend their time.
keeps.
Manners make the Possibly: a person's manners show their origins.

man.
Many a true word is Even if something is said as a joke it can still be true.
spoken in jest.
Many hands make

Sharing work makes the task easier.
light work.
March comes in like

The weather at the beginning of March is stormy
a lion and goes out
and at the end is mild.
like a lamb.
March winds and

The storms and rain in March and April produce
April showers bring
flowers in the month of May.
forth May flowers.
Mark, learn and Note and reflect upon something in order to thoroughly
inwardly digest. assimilate it.
Marry in haste, If you get married too quickly, you may spend your
repent as leisure. whole life regretting it.
Memory is the
A good memory is very precious.
treasure of the mind.
Men make houses,

Women give a house its comfort and character.
women make homes.
Might as well be
If the penalty is going to be same, you might as well
hanged for a sheep
commit the greater offence.
as (for) a lamb.
Misery loves When people are sad they often like others to feel sad
company too.
Money begets
money. If you have money you can make more money.
Money doesn't grow You should not waste money because it is not plentiful
on trees. or obtained easily.
(A) monkey in silk is No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person
a monkey no less. underneath.
(The) more haste, A person makes more progress if they take time to do
the less speed. things carefully.
(The) more you have,

People have a constant desire to possess more.
the more you want.
(The) mouse that has

If you depend on just one thing, and it fails, you have
but one hole is
no alternatives.
quickly taken.
N
Necessity is the The need for something forces people to find a way of
mother of invention. obtaining it.
Need teaches a plan. Necessity will make you find a solution.
Needs must when the Sometimes you are compelled to do something that
devil drives. you would rather not do.
Never put off till Don't postpone until later something you can do now.
tomorrow what can
be done today.
Never say die. Never give up.
Never trouble troubles

Don't look for problems in advance; deal with them
until troubles
when they arise.
trouble you.
(A) new broom A newly-appointed person often makes changes

sweeps clean quickly .
(but the old brush
knows all the corners...)
(A) nod is as good as A hint or a subtle signal is enough to convey meaning

a wink (to a blind to someone who is ready to understand.
horse/man).
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 It's impossible to follow instructions from two different
masters. sources.
No man is a hero to Few people are admired by those who know them
his valet. intimately and are aware of their failings.
No man is an island. We are all interdependent and need other people.
No news is good If the news was bad, we would hear of it. Since we
news. 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
There could be some truth in the rumour ...
fire.
No wind, no waves. Similar to 'no smoke without fire'.
Nothing ventured You cannot expect to achieve anything if you take no

nothing gained. risks.
A person of experience is difficult to fool or

(An) old fox is not
manipulate.
easily snared.
Once bitten, twice shy. After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to
avoid something similar.
One father is (worth) A teacher cannot replace a father.

more than a hundred A child is raised by a father and taught by a teacher.
schoolmasters.
One good turn You should be helpful to someone who helps you.
deserves another.
One of these days is Until a date is set, 'one of these days' remains a
none of these days. vague promise.
One today is worth two What you have today is better than what is promised
tomorrows. or hoped for.
One man's meat is People don't always like the same things.
another man's poison.
One man's trash is

What is useless to one person could be valuable to
another man's
another.
treasure.
One swallow doesn't A single satisfactory event does not mean that all the
make a summer. others will be as good.
(An) onion a day keeps

A humoristic version of "an apple a day..."
everyone away.
Only real friends will Only a real friend will tell you the truth.
tell you when your
face is dirty.
Opportunity seldom
Don't miss opportunities that come along.
knocks twice.
(An) ounce of
It is better to be cautious and discreet than to try to
discretion is worth a
be funny.
pound of wit.
(An) ounce of
prevention is worth a It is easier to prevent something from happening than
pound to repair the damage or cure the disease later.
of cure.
Out of the mouth of

Children often speak wisely.
babes and sucklings.
Out of sight, out of We tend to forget people or things that we do not

mind. see.
P - Q
(The) pen is mightier Words and communication have a greater effect than
than the sword. war and fighting.
Penny wise, pound Refers to a person who is careful about spending

foolish. small amounts of money, but not careful about
spending large amounts.
People who live in One should not criticize others for faults similar to
glass houses should one's own and risk retaliation.
not throw stones.
(A) picture paints a A picture is better than a long description.

thousand words.
Pity is akin to love. If you begin to feel sorry for someone, you may start
to love them.
Poverty waits at the If you do not work, you will not earn any money.
gates of idleness.
Practice makes perfect. Doing something repeatedly is the only way to

become good at it.
Practice what you Do yourself what you advise others to do.

preach.
Prevention is better It is easier to prevent something from happening than

than cure. to repair the damage or cure the disease later.
Pride comes before a Don't be too self-confident or proud; something may

fall. happen to make you look foolish.
(A) problem shared is a It is easier to deal with a problem when you discuss it
problem halved. with someone.
Procrastination is the
Delaying an ction for too long is a waste of time.
thief of time.
(The) proof of the

The real value of something can be judged only after
pudding is in the
it has been tried or tested.
eating.
Punctuality is the soul You should always be on time for your business
of business. appointments.
Put all your eggs in one Risk everything by relying on one plan (e.g. by
basket. putting all one's money into one business).
R
Revenge is sweet. There is satisfaction in returning an injury.
(A) rising tide lifts all

Refers to something that will be helpful to all.
boats.
(The) road to hell is

It is not enough to intend to do something, you must
paved with good
actually do it.
intentions.
(A) rolling stone If a person keeps moving from place to place, they
gathers no moss gain neither friends nor possessions.
Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one
avoids being tied down!
Rome was not built in a It takes time to a job properly. You should not
day. expect to do it quickly.
(A) rotten apple spoils A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad
the barrel. influence on a group.
S
Save me from my
Friends can be more dangerous than enemies.
friends.
Saying is one thing,

People don't always do what they announce.
doing is another.
Short reckonings make

Debts paid quickly encourage friendship.
long friends.
Sickness in the body

Physical suffering can lead to sadness or
brings sadness to the
depression.
mind.
Silence gives consent. If you don't object something, it is assumed that you
agree with it.
(A) soft answer turneth If your reply is polite and tactful you will avoid anger.
away wrath.
(A) smooth sea never

Overcoming adversity leads to competence.
made a skilled mariner.
Snug as a bug in a rug. Feeling very comfortable.
Spare the rod and spoil If you don't punish a child when he does wrong, you
the child. will spoil his character.
Speech is silver,
Speaking is good, but discretion can be better.
silence is golden.
Sticks and stones will

break my bones but Physical attacks may harm me, but cruel words
names will never hurt will not.
me.
Still waters run deep. A quiet person with a calm outward appearance can
have much knowledge or wisdom.
(A) stitch in time saves It's better to deal with a problem at an early stage so
nine. as to prevent it from getting worse.
Stolen fruit is sweet /

the sweetest
What is forbidden is the most tempting.
Stolen pleasures are
the sweetest.
(A) stumble may Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid
prevent a fall. making a bigger one.
(A) swallow does not One good event does not mean that everything is
make the summer. alright.
T
Tall oaks grow from Great things may come from small beginnings.
little acorns.
The apple doesn't fall Children resemble their parents.

far from the tree.
The best advice is A good night's sleep may help us find an answer to
found on the pillow. our problem.
The best things in life You don't have to pay for what is important:
are free. happiness, friendship, good health.
The darkest hour is just The most difficult moment is just before a problem is
before dawn. solved.
The devil looks after Success comes to those who deserve it least.
his own.
The devil makes work People who have no work, or are idle, often get into
for idle hands. trouble.
The die is cast. A decision has been made and it is impossible to

change it.
The early bird catches Act early, or before anyone else, if you want to have
the worm. an advantage or be successful.
The end justifies the Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of
means. the action is good.
The first step is the

The most difficult part of an action is the beginning.
hardest.
The more haste, the A person makes more progress if they take time to
less speed. do things carefully.
The more you have, the

People have a constant desire to possess more.
more you want.
The mouse that has but

If you depend on just one thing, and it fails, you have
one hole is
no alternatives.
quickly taken.
The pen is mightier Words and communication have a greater effect

than the sword. than war and fighting.
The proof of the

The real value of something can be judged only after
pudding is in the
it has been tried or tested.
eating.
The road to hell is

It is not enough to intend to do something, you must
paved with good
actually do it.
intentions.
The tongue wounds Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.
more than a lance.
The truth is in the wine. People speak more freely under the influence of
alcohol.
The way to a man's Feed a man well and he will love you.
heart is through his
stomach.
The wish is father to You think that something is true because you want it
the thought. to be so.
There is a black sheep There is always someone who doesn't behave or

in every flock. perform like the others.
There's many a slip We do not own something until we actually get it.
between the cup
and the lip.
There is a trick in every There is an established way of doing things.

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

old fool. sensibly.
There is safety in
Being in a crowd makes you feel more confident.
numbers.
(A) tidy house holds a If a house is always tidy, the owner (woman) has
bored woman. nothing but housework to occupy her time.
Time and tide wait for Delaying a decision will not prevent events from
no man. 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 It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one

forgive divine. should forgive them.
Too many cooks spoil If too many people are involved in something, it will
the broth. not be done properly.
Too much bed makes a When you sleep too much, you are not able to think
dull head. clearly.
(The) tongue wounds Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.
more than a lance.
A tree is known by its

A person is judged by their actions.
fruit.
Trust not a horse's heel A horse kicks from behind, a dog attacks with its
nor a dog's teeth.
tooth.
Truth has no answer. You cannot argue against facts or refute what is
true.
(The) truth is in the People speak more freely under the influence of
wine. alcohol.
Truth is stranger than Events in real life are often stranger than in fiction.
fiction.
Two wrongs don't It is wrong to harm someone because they have

make a right. harmed you.
U - V
Union is strength A group has more force than an individual.
Unwillingness easily A person who doesn't want to do something always

finds an excuse. finds a reason to avoid it.
Variety is the spice of Doing a lot of different things makes life more
life. interesting.
Virtue is its own You should not expect praise for acting in a correct
reward. or moral way.
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 If you wait anxiously for something to happen, it
boils. seems to take a long time.
(The) way to a man's Feed a man well and he will love you.
heart is through his
stomach.
What the eye doesn't

If a person doesn't know about something, it cannot
see, the heart doesn't
hurt them.
grieve over.
What a man says People speak more freely under the influence of
drunk, he thinks sober. alcohol.
What soberness
People are less discreet under the influence of
conceals, drunkenness
alcohol.
reveals.
When the cat's away, People sometimes misbehave when the person in
the mice play. authority, is absent.
When in Rome, do as You should adopt the customs of the people or

the Romans do. country you are visiting and behave in the same
way.
When poverty comes in When a couple loses everything, their relationship

the door, love goes out becomes difficult.
the window.
Where there's life As long as a person is breathing, there is hope for

there's hope. recovery.
Where there's a will If you are determined to do something, you will find
there's a way. a way to do it.
Who makes himself a Possible interpretation: an easily influenced person

sheep will be eaten by can be mislead.
the wolves.
(A) wise head keeps a

An intelligent person knows when to stay silent.
still tongue
Wisdom is better than It is preferable to use one's intelligence than one's

strength. physical strength.
(The) wish is father to You think that something is true because you want it
the thought. to be so.
(A) wonder lasts but The effects of an amazing or stirring event last only
nine days nine days; after that, life goes on as before.
Wonders will never Expresses surprise at an unexpected pleasure or

cease! event.
Worry often gives a

Worrying over small details can make them seem
small thing a big
worse.
shadow.
(Two) wrongs don't It is wrong to harm someone because they have

make a right. harmed you.
X – Y -
You are what you eat.
What you eat has an effect on your well-being.
You are never too old You can always learn something new, no matter how
to learn. old you are.
You can lead a horse to You can offer somebody an opportunity to do

water but you can't something but you can't force them to do it.
make it drink.
You can't teach an old A person who is used to doing things a certain way
dog new tricks. cannot change.
You never know what

you can do until Try first before deciding not to do something.
you try.
You scratch my back

You help me and I'll help you.
and I'll scratch yours.
(A) young idler, an old If you don't work, you won't have any money when
beggar. you're old.

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PROVERBS MASTER 2016

LIST OF PROVERBS WITH MEANINGS

A fool and his A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.

All good things If you are patient you will be rewarded.

An ounce of It is easier to prevent something from happening than to

Beauty is only skin A person's character is more important than their

(A) chain is no The strength of a group depends on each individual

(A) change is as A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a

Dead men tell no A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing

(The) devil looks Success comes to those who deserve it least.

Diamonds cut Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.

Diseases of the soul

Don't bark if you

Don't count your

Don't dig your grave

Don't judge a book

(A) drop of ink may A thought expressed in writing (perhaps published in a

(A) dry March, a wet

Every rose has its

Fair exchange is no Swapping two items of equal value is an honest deal.

Familiarity breeds Knowing someone very well can lead to a lack of

(A) fault confessed is Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.

Fine words butter no No amount of talking can replace action.

(The) first step is the

Fool me once, shame One should learn from one's mistakes.

Fools rush in where Inexperienced people become involved in situations

(A) friend to all is a Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of

Friendship is like Effort is necessary to keep a friendship alive.

Friendship is love A friend is more tolerant than a lover/partner/spouse?

Gardens are not Nothing is achieved without effort.

God helps those

Good and quickly A well-done job takes time.

(A) good beginning If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance

(A) good mind

(A) good name is A good reputation is better than a good appearance.

Good management Income can be lost if it is used carelessly.

Grief divided is If you share your grief, it will be easier to bear.

(A) handful of Patience is more precious than intelligence.

Handsome is what Behaviour is more important than appearance.

(A) happy heart is Happiness is better than wealth.

Haste makes waste If something is done too quickly, it may be done

(A) hedge between It is important to respect the privacy of others.

He has enough who

He who know Knowledge leads us to make choices.

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

(The best) helping

Honesty is the best It's always better to be honest.

However long the Bad things don't last forever.

If you want a friend, Friendship must be reciprocal.

Ignorance is bliss. Possible interpretation: what you do not know causes

It never rains but it Misfortune usually comes in large numbers.

Kill one to warn a

Kill not the goose that

Knowledge is power. It is easier to make progress or be successful if you

(A) lender nor Do not lend or borrow money.

(A) leopard cannot It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant person to

Let bygones be Let's forgive and forget past quarrels.

A son's character can be expected to resemble his

(A) loaded wagon

Consider possible consequences before taking

Losers weepers, If you lose something you lament, if you find

(A) loveless life is a

Man is the head of No comment!