10 Example of Proverbs

1. A bad workman always blames his tools.

This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external
factors when they perform a task poorly.

Example: X: The turkey isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s
the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

2. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Things we already have are more valuable than what we hope to get.

Example: X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in
hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last
week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand
is worth two in the bush.

3. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

When people we love are not with us, we love them even more.

Example: When I was with her she always fought with me but now she cries for me on phone. I
think distance made her heart grow fonder.

4. A cat has nine lives.

Cat can survive seemingly fatal events.

Example: I haven’t seen him for several weeks, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone
knows a cat has nine lives.

5. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

One weak part will render the whole weak.

Example: No matter how confident the team is, it is as strong as its weakest link – its defence.
6. Actions speak louder than words.

Actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to
act on them and follow through.

Example: Julie always says she’ll donate to the school, and she never does, so I doubt she will
this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

7. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to improve it.

Example: After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his
baldness. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

8. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Foolish people do not know how to hold on to their money.

Example: She gave up her entire estate on the basis of a verbal promise. A fool and his money
are indeed easily parted.

9. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.

Example: I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next
week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of a thousand
miles begins with a single step.

10. All good things come to an end.

Good experiences eventually come to an end.

Example: I was so sad to graduate from college and separate from my friends, but I’ve to realize
that all good things come to an end.