English Proverbs & Sayings

 

A bad excuse is better than none.	Always give an excuse, even if it's a poor one.
A bad penny always turns up.	An unwanted or disreputable person constantly comes back.
A bad tree does not yield good apples.	A bad parent does not raise good children.
A bad workman blames his tools.	Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.
A barking dog seldom bites.	Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries them out.
A bird in hand is worth two in a bush.	It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by searching for something better.
A black plum is as sweet as a white.	People should not be judged by their appearance.
A book holds a house of gold.	There is a wealth of knowledge in books.
A broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound.	Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as before.
A burden of one's own choice is not felt.	Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.
A burnt child dreads the fire.	A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.
A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor.	A person shows their competence or ability when difficulties arise.
A cat has nine lives.	1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury. 2) Nine lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.	The strength of a group depends on each individual member.
A change is as good as a rest.	A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a holiday.
A constant guest is never welcome.	If you come to visit too often, your host will be less pleased to see you.
A danger foreseen is half avoided.	If you are prepared to face a problem or difficulty, it will be easier to deal with.
A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy.	Times goes by very quickly when you are happy and very slowly when you are sad.
A drop of ink may make a million think.	A thought expressed in writing (perhaps published in a newspaper) can influence a large number of people.
A dry March, a wet April and a cool May fill barn and cellar and bring much hay.	Harvest predictions are made according to the weather.
A fault confessed is half redressed.	Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
A flower blooms more than once.	If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself of it another time.
A fly will not get into a closed mouth. A closed mouth catches no flies.	If you learn when to keep silent you will avoid trouble.
A fool and his money are (soon) easily parted.	A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.
A fool at forty is a fool forever.	If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.	Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.
A friend to all is a friend to none.	Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them feel special.
A friend's eye is a good mirror.	A real friend will tell you the truth.
A good beginning makes a good end.	If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be well done.
A good conscience is a soft pillow.	You sleep well when you have nothing to be guilty about.
A good example is the best sermon.	Giving a good example is better than giving advice.
A good mind possesses a kingdom.	Intellectual assets are more valuable than material ones.
A good name is better than a good face.	A good reputation is better than a good appearance.
A growing youth has a wolf in his belly.	Young boys eat a lot / are often hungry.
A guilty conscience needs no accuser.	If you know that you have done something wrong, you don't need anyone to tell you that you're guilty.
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.	Patience is more precious than intelligence.
A happy heart is better than a full purse.	Happiness is better than wealth.
A heavy purse gives to a light heart.	When you have money you feel more cheerful and secure.
A hedge between keeps friendship green.	It is important to respect the privacy of others.
A hungry belly has no ears.	A hungry person is totally concentrated on their need for food and nothing else interests them.
A hungry wolf is fixed to no place.	A desperate person will go from place to place when they need to satisfy their needs.