essay with idioms and proverbs

Essay Idioms: Idioms for Argumentative Essay

Essay Idioms PDF! Below is the list of 50 idioms for argumentative essays, learn a very useful list of idioms for essays with meaning and examples. Download this list of idioms for the essay in an Infographic PDF.

Table of Contents

Essay Idioms in English

List of essay idioms.

Here are some more idioms that can be used in essays:

• A picture is worth a thousand words
• All’s fair in love and war
• Barking up the wrong tree
• Burning the midnight oil
• Cutting corners
• Devil’s advocate
• Don’t judge a book by its cover
• Every cloud has a silver lining
• Fit as a fiddle
• Get the ball rolling
• Hard to swallow
• In a nutshell
• Jump the gun
• Keep your chin up
• Let the cat out of the bag
• Make a long story short
• No pain, no gain
• On the same page
• Practice makes perfect
• Rain on someone’s parade
• Sink or swim
• Time flies when you’re having fun
• Variety is the spice of life
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do
• You can’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
• Actions speak louder than words
• All bark and no bite
• Beat around the bush
• Better late than never
• Bite the bullet
• Break a leg
• Burn bridges
• By the skin of your teeth
• Cry over spilt milk
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
• Elephant in the room
• Face the music
• Give the benefit of the doubt
• Hit the nail on the head
• Ignorance is bliss
• Jump through hoops
• Kill two birds with one stone
• Let sleeping dogs lie
• Misery loves company
• On thin ice
• Penny for your thoughts
• Put all your eggs in one basket
• Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Idioms For Essay Conclusion

Here are some idioms that can be used to conclude an essay:

• All things considered
• At the end of the day
• In conclusion
• To put it simply
• To wrap it up
• On the whole
• By and large
• To cut a long story short
• In the final analysis
• In the grand scheme of things
• In the long run
• Lastly but not least
• To draw a conclusion

Idioms for Argumentative Essay

Here are some idioms that can be used in an argumentative essay:

• To be up in arms about
• To play devil’s advocate
• To fight tooth and nail
• To be a double-edged sword
• To hit the nail on the head
• To be a hot-button issue
• To be a bone of contention
• To stir up a hornet’s nest
• To get to the heart of the matter
• To be in someone’s corner
• To have a dog in the fight
• To hold one’s ground
• To make a case for
• To put one’s foot down
• To stand one’s ground
• To throw down the gauntlet
• To turn the tables
• To weigh the pros and cons
• To see both sides of the coin
• To take a firm stance

Essay Idioms With Meaning and Example Sentences

Below is the list of essay idioms in English:

REST/SIT ON ONE’S LAURELS

Meaning: To be satisfied with one’s achievements

• He retired at the peak of his career and is resting on his laurels.

RISE TO THE OCCASION

Meaning: To be able to do what is required in a crisis

• We should be ready to rise to every occasion.

Meaning: An easy way

• There is no royal road to success.

RUN SHORT OF

Meaning: To be in insufficient supply

• We are running short of fuel.

SAFE AND SOUND

Meaning: Without suffering any loss

• They reached home safe and sound.

SAVE SOMETHING FOR A RAINY DAY

Meaning: Save something for a time of crisis

• Wise persons save something for a rainy day.

Meaning: Free from harm or penalty

• The court let him off scot-free.

SEE EYE TO EYE

Meaning: Agree fully

• Both the husband and the wife see eye to eye in this matter.

SEE HOW THE LAND LIES

Meaning: To find out about a situation

• Let me see how the land lies before we do anything.

SET / PUT IN MOTION

Meaning: To start a process

• Her anger set in motion the events that led to her downfall.

Meaning: To let someone free

• He opened the cage and set the birds free.

SET ONE’S FACE AGAINST

Meaning: To oppose

• Her father set his face Against her becoming an actress.

Meaning: In good order

• well-arranged, neat and clean)

SHOW THE WHITE FEATHER

Meaning: Show cowardice

• The brave never show the white feather in the battlefield.

SIT / BE ON THE FENCE

Meaning: To be neutral

• The judge should always sit on the fence.

Meaning: Polite talk about very unimportant matters

• I do not like to indulge in small talk.

SMELL A RAT

Meaning: To have the feeling that something is bad or wrong

• The thief smells a rat and ran away.

Meaning: A long way

• At is so far to go.

Meaning: As far as

• Try to avoid him, so far as I know him, he is not a good boy.

SOUR GRAPES

Meaning: Fake dislike for something one cannot have

• The poor man said that he did not need money, but that was just sour grapes.

SPEAK ONE’S MIND

Meaning: Express one’s views, feelings, and thoughts

• Everyone should be free to speak his mind

SPEAK VOLUMES

Meaning: To convey a great deal of meaning without using words

• She said nothing but her face spoke volumes.

SPICK AND SPAN

Meaning: Neat and clean, brand new

• She always keeps her house spick and span.

SPLIT HAIRS

Meaning: To make trivial distinctions

• Let us do not split hairs, I will do it as your wish.

SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE

Meaning: Spread rapidly

• The news of his success spread like wildfire.

STAND ON CEREMONY

Meaning: To behave in a formal way

• Please sit down and make yourself comfortable, do not stand on ceremony here.

STEAL A MARCH ON

Meaning: To gain an advantage

• Do not let him steal a march on you.

STORM IN A TEACUP

Meaning: A big clash on a small matter

• Do not worry about the two ladies quarreling, it is just a storm in a teacup.

STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT

Meaning: To do something at a proper moment

• Wise people always strike while the iron is hot.

SUIT SOMEBODY’S BOOK

Meaning: To fit well into someone’s plans

• We need a male teacher, he suits our book.

TAKE A FANCY TO

Meaning: Begin to love

• He has taken a fancy to that beautiful girl.

TAKE A LEAF FROM/OUT OF SOMEBODY’S BOOK

Meaning: To imitate, to follow someone’s example

• Our country should take a leaf from Japan’s book.

TAKE A LEAP IN THE DARK

Meaning: To do something without worrying about the results

• To start such a big business without experience is like to take leap in the dark.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMETHING/SOMEBODY

Meaning: To make use of something well

• We took full advantage of the hotel facilities.

TAKE CARE OF

Meaning: To look after

• I take good care of my car.

TAKE FRENCH LEAVE

Meaning: To take time away from your job without asking for permission

• Her boss was angry at her for taking French leave.

Meaning: Gather courage

• Do not get discouraged, just take heart to face the music.

TAKE IT ILL

Meaning: Get offended

• She will take it ill if you refuse to lend her problem.

TAKE ONE’S TIME

Meaning: To use as much time as you need without hurrying

• The judge took his time to decide the case.

TAKE PAINS TO DO SOMETHING/TAKE PAINS WITH/OVER SOMETHING

Meaning: Make a special effort to do something

• Elina takes great pains to do his work.

TAKE SOMETHING/SOMEBODY BY STORM

Meaning: To be very successful in a particular place or with a group of people

• This book has taken the students by storm.

TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT/TAKE ACCOUNT OF SOMETHING

Meaning: To consider particular facts while making a decision about something

• The government should take into account the pitiable condition of the poor.

TAKE THE BULL ‘BY THE HORNS

Meaning: To tackle the difficulties boldly

• Brave people always take the bull by the horns.

TAKE TO HEART

Meaning: Feel sad

• He took the death of his mother to heart.

TAKE TO ONE’S HEELS / SHOW A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS

Meaning: Run away

• Brave warriors never take to their heels from the battlefield.

TAKE TO TASK

Meaning: Rebuke

• The principal took the peon to task for his laziness.

TAKE WITH A GRAIN/PINCH OF SALT

Meaning: To receive with a little doubt

• Take his story with a grain of salt as he is a liar through and through.

Meaning: To talk about your work

• His habit of talking shop is boring for others.

THE MAN IN THE STREET

Meaning: An ordinary man

• The man in the street takes no interest in politics.

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT/WELCOME

Meaning: Great respect and honor given to the guests

• The minister was given a red-carpet welcome when he visited the city.

Must Learn: List of Interesting Idioms & Phrases

Idioms Used in Essays – Infographic

Download the PDF of this list of Idioms for Essays below:

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Last updated on April 20th, 2023 at 11:24 am

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — English Language — 50 Most Common English Idioms

50 Most Common English Idioms

• Categories: English Language Language Diversity

About this sample

Words: 1574 |

Published: Jan 21, 2020

Words: 1574 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

What are idioms?

• Add fuel to the flames
• Answer nature’s call
• Accidentally on purposeIt refers to when somebody does something deliberately and then pretends that it was an accident.
• Badger someone
• Balancing act
• Be ones best bet
• Bare your soul
• Binge drinking
• Biting the hand that feeds youIf you are so harsh to someone who a lot to you and they are kind to you then they can say you are biting the hand that feeds you.
• Breathing down someone’s neck
• Clinch a deal
• A done deal
• In black and white
• Gentleman’s agreement
• No strings attached
• With one voice
• Like the back of one’s handWhenever you have a complete knowledge of something it means you know it like the back of your hand.
• Back into shape
• Back on your feet
• Up in armsWhenever somebody is up in arms, they are so angry over something.
• Get off my back
• Bite someone’s head off
• Be in a black mood
• Blow a fuse
• Bone to pick with someone
• Come down to someone like a ton of bricks
• Dressed to kill
• Down at heel
• Face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
• Mutton dressed as a lamb
• Big fish in a small pond
• Bring to heel
• Bulldoze someone into doing something
• Call the shots
• Too many chiefs, not enough Indians
• Crack the whip
• Dancing to someone’s tune
• Drawing a line in the sand
• Force someone’s hand
• At all costs
• Having a bee in your bonnet
• Blood, sweat and tears
• Having something on your brain
• Explore all avenues
• Embarrassment of riches
• on the fence
• Horns of a dilemma
• Come to a bad end

Works Cited

• Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Idiom. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/idiom
• Chiu, Y.-L. (2017). The Use of Idioms in English Language Teaching. Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 9(2), 49–54.
• Crystal, D. (2008). A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Idiomsite. (n.d.). Idioms and Their Meanings. https://www.idiomsite.com/
• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Idiom. In Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiom
• Phan, H. (2020). A survey on the use of idioms in English language teaching in Vietnam. Journal of Language and Linguistics Studies, 16(1), 1–13.
• Prithviraj, B. (2017). The role of idioms in enhancing language learners’ language proficiency. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research, 4(2), 39–46.
• Seidl, J., & McMordie, W. (2010). English idioms exercises on phrasal verbs and idioms. Hueber.
• Tirkkonen-Condit, S., & Laukkanen, A.-M. (1996). Idioms in English: A corpus-based study of variation in current English usage. Walter de Gruyter.
• Wray, A. (2002). Formulaic language and the lexicon. Cambridge University Press.

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63 Proverbs in English with Meanings, Examples and Pronunciation

Have you ever had a day at work where people said the strangest things ?

“The cat’s out of the bag,” a co-worker says at a staff meeting. “But it’s no use crying over spilled milk. We can still make a lot of progress today.”

Cats? Milk? What’s going on here? The answer is that your co-worker is using proverbs.

Proverbs are the  traditional (historic) sayings of a country or group of people. They are short, clever sentences that usually offer life advice. Native English speakers often use them in conversation without even realizing it.

Proverbs can teach you more about English culture than any textbook. They show what’s important to the group of people, what is considered good behavior and what is bad behavior.

Below are 63 of the top English proverbs, clearly explained just for you!

1. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

2. don’t judge a book by its cover., 3. strike while the iron is hot., 4. too many cooks spoil the broth., 5. you can’t have your cake and eat it too., 6. many hands make light work., 7. when in rome, do as the romans do., 8. don’t cross the bridge until you come to it., 9. honesty is the best policy., 10. practice makes perfect., 11. where there’s a will, there’s a way., 12. look before you leap., 13. beggars can’t be choosers., 14. don’t make a mountain out of an anthill., 15. an apple a day keeps the doctor away., 16. the early bird catches the worm., 17. better late than never., 18. the cat is out of the bag., 19. two wrongs don’t make a right., 20. always put your best foot forward., 21. rome wasn’t built in a day., 22. it’s better to be safe than sorry., 23. don’t bite the hand that feeds you., 24. the squeaky wheel gets the grease., 25. don’t bite off more than you can chew., 26. you made your bed, now you have to lie in it., 27. actions speak louder than words., 28. it takes two to tango., 29. don’t count your chickens before they hatch., 30. it’s no use crying over spilled milk., 31. don’t put all your eggs in one basket., 32. people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones., 33. a rolling stone gathers no moss., 34. first things first., 35. still waters run deep., 36. if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it., 37. curiosity killed the cat., 38. learn to walk before you run., 39. money doesn’t grow on trees., 40. my hands are tied., 41. it’s the tip of the iceberg., 42. no news is good news., 43. out of sight, out of mind., 44. if you scratch my back, i’ll scratch yours., 45. ignorance is bliss., 46. easy come, easy go., 47. the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest., 48. every cloud has a silver lining., 49. you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs., 50. close, but no cigar., 51. there’s more than one way to skin a cat., 52. a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush., 53. never trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you., 54. paddle your own canoe., 55. bitter pills may have blessed effects., 56. it’s always darkest before the dawn., 57. people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones., 58. there are plenty more fish in the sea., 59. take it with a grain of salt., 60. from little acorns mighty oaks do grow., 61. you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink., 62. good things come to those who wait., 63. when life gives you lemons, make lemonade., and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

“The grass is always greener” is a proverb that says it’s not good to be  jealous (to want what other people have). It may seem like everyone around you has “greener grass,” meaning nicer cars, better jobs, etc.

But your neighbor probably thinks you have greener grass, too. It means that your friends and other people might think you have better looks, a happier family, etc. So, instead of thinking about what everyone else has, this proverb wants you to be thankful for what you have.

Sarah always thinks other schools are better. The grass is always greener on the other side , though.

Things are not always what they seem. This proverb teaches you not to make judgments about other people because of how they look or dress.

A book with a boring or plain cover could be amazing. The same is true with people. A person might look like an athlete or fool, but there’s probably a lot more to them than their clothes suggest.

I thought the movie would be boring, but my friend said not to judge a book by its cover .

This old expression comes from the days of  blacksmiths (people who work with metal). To shape the metal, the blacksmith would have to beat it with a hammer. Iron is easier to work with when it’s hot.

This proverb means you should take advantage of the moment. If an opportunity presents itself to you, take it! Take action because the chance may not come again.

If you want a discount, you should buy the shirt now. Strike while the iron is hot.

The more common form of this expression is “Too many cooks in the kitchen.” A lot people trying to work in a kitchen around a small table or stovetop will likely make a mess and ruin the food.

This proverb talks about the trouble of too many people trying to do the same thing at once.

I think there should only be two or three people working on this project. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

If you eat your cake, you won’t have it anymore, will you? So you can’t do both. This proverb is about having two opposite desires, and how it’s impossible to get both.

Its meaning is the opposite of the expression, “to have the best of both worlds.”

No, I’m not going to give you money when you spent what you had on games. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

If a lot of people carry a heavy object, it doesn’t feel heavy. That is the general meaning of this proverb.

If everyone works together to complete something—like cleaning, painting or group projects—then each person has less to do. More importantly, the job will be completed much more quickly.

Please help us with this project. Many hands make light work.

Sometimes, this proverb is shortened to just “when in Rome…” When you are a visitor somewhere away from home, you should act like everyone else. It’s polite to do so, and could keep you from getting into trouble.

This proverb refers to the ancient days of the Roman Empire when the capital city had visitors from all over the world. Cultures were very different between cities in those times. But while in Rome, people needed to behave like a Roman, no matter where they came from.

In Japan, bowing is polite, so when in Rome, do as the Romans do .

This proverb tells you not to worry so much! Problems will certainly come in the future. But what can be done about that now?

It’s better to think about what you’re doing right now—without worrying about the unknown—and take care of issues when they actually happen.

Don’t worry about the test next month when you still have to pass an exam tomorrow. You shouldn’t cross the bridge until you come to it .

Lying a lot can be difficult, because you might forget your lies. Soon enough, someone will find out that you’re lying. Then, you’re in trouble. And even if no one ever finds out, you’ll feel guilty for not telling the truth.

But if you’re honest and tell the truth, people will believe you and respect you. You’ll earn their trust and sleep well at night.

Even if you make a mistake, honesty is the best policy . Tell the truth.

It would be amazing if you picked up a guitar for the first time and could play it like a rock star. Or if the first time you got in a car, you could drive like a professional. Or if you could speak English perfectly after one lesson.

Everything is difficult when you’re a beginner. But if you stick with it and keep practicing, you can master anything.

You can get better at soccer by doing drills every day. Practice makes perfect.

This proverb is said to encourage people who want to give up. Sometimes, we face problems that seem impossible. But if you want it bad enough, nothing can stand in your way.

That is what this proverb means—if you have the will to meet the problems that are in front of you, there’s a way to overcome them.

Maria saved up half her earnings to go to college. She is proof that where there’s a will, there’s a way .

Don’t rush into things! Make sure you know what’s going to happen next. You wouldn’t jump off a cliff without first checking how far the ground is below or what there is to land on.

You should wait a few moments and make sure it’s a good idea to jump from that cliff. So, when making a big “jump” in life, make sure you’ve looked at the situation and really understood it before you take a big action.

When making important decisions, always look before you leap .

If someone gives you free things or offers to help you do something when you really need it, you can’t ask for a different color or choose the perfect time in your schedule.

When you receive help or goods and you don’t really have many other options, you should accept what you’re offered. You can’t be picky (a “chooser”) because you’re not paying!

It’s hard to book a good hotel during peak seasons. Beggars can’t be choosers.

People sometimes get very upset over small problems. This proverb reminds you to take a moment and see how important (or not important) the issue is.

Messing up your laundry or being late for work isn’t very important when you consider your entire life. So, it’s important to stay calm and not get angry about tiny problems.

Another version of this saying is the classic American proverb, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill .”

It’s just a small scratch, Dave. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.

An apple is full of Vitamin C, which keeps you healthy. However, the “apple” in this proverb means eating healthy in general.

If you eat well and your diet includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, there will be no need to visit the doctor.

My grandma believes that an apple a day keeps the doctor away . That’s why she always has a fresh batch of apples in the fridge.

This proverb is a lot like the phrase “First come, first served.” It simply means that it’s usually best to be early.

If you arrive earlier—whether it’s to a clothing store, restaurant, conference, etc.—you’ll have the best options to choose from. If you come later, though, the best clothes could’ve sold out, the restaurant could be full and have a long waiting time, etc.

Wake up early if you want to finish your homework. The early bird catches the worm , after all.

While being the early bird is the best, even latecomers may get something for coming. It would be a lot worse if they never came at all.

This proverb is often said about ending fights with people. It’s better to apologize and make up years later than to never resolve your fight at all.

You can still join the party, Kyle. You know what they say: Better late than never !

This proverb means that a secret has been told. It comes from the Middle Ages and was common advice given in the market.

You may have thought you purchased a tasty pig, but the seller put a simple cat in the bag instead. “To let the cat out of the bag” was to reveal the seller’s trick.

We were planning a surprise, but now the cat is out of the bag .

If somebody insults you or harms you (“a wrong”), doing the same to them (“two wrongs”) will not make everything okay.

It will most likely cause a back-and-forth fight without end. If somebody is mean to you, don’t be mean to them in return because it’s not right to be so.

He hit you, but hitting back won’t help. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

When you’re starting on a project or a journey, it’s best to start with a good attitude and a lot of energy.  First impressions (what people think about you when they meet you for the first time) can last for a long time.

That’s why this proverb is also used when meeting new people or for job interviews. Having a positive attitude—your “best foot”—is the best way to make a good impression.

In the job interview, remember to smile, be confident and always put your best foot forward .

Rome is a great city. However, it took many years to be completed. The builders didn’t rush to complete their work and neither should you.

If you wish to create something wonderful and long-lasting, you’ll have to spend more than a day working on it. You’ll probably have to spend several days, weeks or even months to do a good job. Take your time and do it right!

It’s okay that you don’t draw like an expert in the beginning. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Do everything possible to keep bad things from happening to you. It only takes a second to put on a seatbelt or to check that you locked the door.

But if you’re not safe, the bad results can last a lifetime. So, it’s better for you to be careful. Otherwise, you’ll be sorry.

Wear your helmet when biking. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This proverb warns against acting mean to those who provide for you or do nice things for you.

If you were to bite the hand that gave you food, that hand probably won’t come back to feed you again. Then what would you eat? So, you should be kind and thankful to those who care for you.

Even if you’re upset, be nice to your boss. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

If you have a problem but never talk about it, no one will help you. How could they? But if you tell someone, things will get better.

This proverb is about someone who complains a lot (the “squeaky wheel”) because they get more attention (“the grease”). For example, a child who cries a lot will get more attention from his mother than his silent brothers and sisters.

If you need help, speak up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

If you take a bite of food that’s too big, you won’t be able to chew! Plus, you could choke on all of that extra food.

It’s the same if you take on more work or responsibility than you can handle—you’ll have a difficult time. So, it’s best not to get involved in too many projects, because you won’t be able to focus and get them all done well.

Did you really just decide to write two papers in one night? I don’t think you should bite off more than you can chew .

No one likes sleeping in a poorly made bed. If you make your bed with the sheets all tangled and blankets facing the wrong way, you can’t switch with someone else. You have to sleep in that bed.

This proverb uses bed-making to describe any bad situation in which you may find yourself. You can’t trade places with anyone else. You must live with the results of your actions, so make good choices.

You didn’t study for the test, and will probably fail because of it. You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.

The Greek philosopher Plato once said that action is character. People aren’t defined by what they say because a lot of talk doesn’t mean anything. People are judged by the things they do. Your actions are more important than what you say.

Instead of promising to help, just help. Actions speak louder than words.

This proverb is often said during a fight in which one person is putting all of the blame on the other person, when both people were actually responsible.

Just as one person can’t  tango (a Spanish dance with two people) alone, two people are responsible for some situations, so you can’t just blame one person.

In a relationship, it takes two to tango .

This proverb warns against being too eager. Just because you have five eggs doesn’t mean you will have five chickens. It’s not a good idea to make plans based on  expectations (what you think will happen). Things may not happen like you thought they would and that could get you in trouble.

I know you’re excited about the job interview, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch .

Milk is easy to get. You may get in trouble for spilling the milk, but you shouldn’t cry because it isn’t a big deal. Also, crying won’t solve anything.

This proverb advises you to stay calm during such small problems. Don’t waste time worrying about little things that cannot be changed. Clean up the mess and go buy some more milk.

I accidentally broke my favorite mug, but it’s no use crying over spilled milk . I’ll just buy a new one.

Be careful! If you put all your goods in one bag or all your money in one stock, you’re taking a big risk. It’s smarter to spread your wealth around. That way, if one basket should break, you’re not left with nothing.

When it comes to investing in stocks, don’t put all your eggs in one basket .

“People in glass houses” means anyone who is sensitive about their failures. People like this shouldn’t insult others (shouldn’t “throw stones”), because the other person will likely turn around and insult you back.

And like glass, which is easy to break, your  self-esteem (what you think of yourself) will easily break into pieces.

You shouldn’t criticize others for their mistakes when you have your own flaws. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones .

Only a stone that’s in the same place for a long time will have moss growing on it. On the other hand, a stone on the move will remain bare.

The same is true with people. If you remain in one place for a long time, the signs of life—friends, family, objects and your local  reputation (what people think of you)—will grow on you. But if you always move from place to place, the opposite will happen.

Sarah loves to travel and try new things, because she believes that a rolling stone gathers no moss .

This proverb advises you to do things in the right order. Don’t skip over the more difficult or less enjoyable tasks to get to the easier, more fun ones.

For example, if you have an exam to study for the same night your friend is having a party, study for the exam first. The party would be more fun, but the exam is more important, so it should be done first.

First things first : Finish your chores before you start your homework.

“Still waters run deep” describes people who are quiet and calm. These people often have “deep,” interesting personalities. So even if someone doesn’t talk a lot, they could still be very thoughtful.

The proverb uses water to describe people. When the surface of a body of water is rough and fast, it usually means that it’s  shallow (not deep) and has rocks close to the surface, like in a river or stream. But water that is calm and still is often very deep, like in a lake.

John may seem quiet, but still waters run deep .

This phrase is used when someone is trying to change or “improve” a way of doing something that works perfectly well. Why change something that works? You could ruin everything! This proverb goes nicely with the expression “leave well enough alone.”

*Note: “Ain’t” is not correct English. It’s an informal way of saying “isn’t” or “is not.” This style of speaking is popular in the Southern states of the United States and in farming regions.

Our company has a general policy along the lines of “ if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “

This proverb is often used to stop someone from asking too many questions.

Curiosity (when you’re excited and eager to know something) can lead you into dangerous situations. Cats, who are naturally curious, often end up in trouble. They can get stuck up in trees or between walls.

My little sister opened the mysterious box even though she was told not to. Well, curiosity killed the cat .

Do things in the right order—from the simplest to the most complicated.

For example, don’t try to read a difficult English novel when you’re just starting to learn English . If you try to jump ahead, you’ll most likely fail—just like a child who tries to run before learning to walk will fall.

All things will come in time, but you must be patient and go through the proper process.

Before you study calculus, you’ll want to master algebra first. Learn to walk before you run .

This proverb is often said to people who waste their money on silly purchases.

Things that grow on trees, such as fruit or leaves, are considered  plentiful (enough, plenty) because they’ll grow back. If you eat an apple from a tree, more apples will continue to grow.

But money must be earned through hard work, and doesn’t “grow back” after you spend it. Once you spend money, it’s gone.

We can’t buy everything we want. Money doesn’t grow on trees , you know.

This phrase shouldn’t be taken literally. You say this proverb when you can’t do what you would like to do, especially when someone asks you to do something.

For example, let’s say you are in charge of an office and everyone (including you) wants to celebrate someone’s birthday. But your boss tells you it’s against the rules. You could tell your coworkers, “Sorry, my hands are tied.” You would like to have a birthday celebration with them, but you can’t.

I would love to help, but my hands are tied . I have too many assignments to complete.

Only a small amount of an iceberg can be seen above the surface of the water. Most of it lies below.

This proverb uses the iceberg to describe a situation where you are only beginning to understand the problem. The little signs that you can see are in fact part of a much larger problem.

The argument was just the tip of the iceberg . There are deeper issues that need to be addressed.

No information about a situation suggests that nothing bad has happened. This phrase is said by families waiting nervously for news of a father or son who has gone to war.

To receive news would mean hearing that your loved one has been killed, captured or hurt. Even though it’s difficult to know nothing about what’s happening, it’s still better than hearing bad news.

I haven’t heard from the job interview yet, but no news is good news , right?

If you can see something every day, your mind will think about it. This proverb is about the habit of forgetting things that are not nearby.

For example, if you want to stop eating chips and junk food, you could move them from the countertop and hide them in a cupboard. If you don’t see them, you won’t think to eat them. Out of sight, out of mind.

Since I moved to a new city, my old friends are out of sight, out of mind .

This proverb simply means that if you help me, I’ll help you, too. Usually, when you do a favor for someone, they do something for you in return. This can be  beneficial (helpful) to both people.

If you help me with my project, I’ll help you with yours. It’s a “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” situation.

Ignorance is when you don’t know or are unaware of something.  Bliss is pure joy and happiness. So, sometimes it feels better and you’re more comfortable when you don’t know about certain things—for example, events on the news.

Sometimes, not knowing the harsh reality can be better—as they say, ignorance is bliss .

Money, fame, love or anything that happens easily can be lost just as quickly. If you get a lot of money or suddenly become famous, you could lose that money or fame very quickly—since you didn’t work hard to earn it.

I found 20 dollars on the street, but I lost it later in the day. Well, easy come, easy go .

Forbidden  means it’s not allowed, so this phrase means that if something isn’t allowed, you often want it the most (it will “taste” the sweetest).

For example, let’s say you’re a kid whose parents don’t let you drink soda. You go to a friend’s house, and her parents ask if you want a soda. You say yes and really enjoy that soda because you never get to drink it at home.

Even though she was told not to eat the cookies, the forbidden fruit is always the sweetest , and she couldn’t resist.

People say this when things are going badly or when someone is sad. Clouds stand for bad situations. Every bad situation has some good parts to it—you just have to look for them.

This proverb is meant to help people feel better and keep going. It’s also where the name of the movie “Silver Linings Playbook” came from.

Even though I lost my job, I found a new opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining .

Speaking of movies, you can watch more of these proverbs in action through the language learning platform FluentU .

An omelet is a tasty dish and worth the effort to make. However, you must break some eggs to make it.

Sometimes, to get things done, you have to be pushy or break a few rules. You may even have to insult some people. So if you want to get a worthwhile project done or make changes, you can’t please everyone. Someone might be offended or hurt, so you have to decide if the price is worth it.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

In the old days, fairgrounds would give cigars as prizes for games. The phrase “close, but no cigar” means that you were close to succeeding in the game, but you didn’t win the cigar.

As a proverb, it means that even though you did your best or almost had it right, you weren’t able to meet your goal.

I was close to winning the race, but I came in second place. Close, but no cigar .

This proverb is saying that there’s more than one way to do or accomplish something.

For example, during your English learning journey, you’ve probably been told “this is the best way” or “this is the best resource,” but “the best” is really whatever personally works for you. You have to figure out the best way to skin the cat—figuratively, of course!

If your initial plan doesn’t work out, don’t worry. There’s more than one way to skin a cat .

Sometimes, we take for granted what we have, and also don’t realize what we have until it’s gone. This proverb claims that the most valuable thing you have is what you already have!

For example, let’s say you have $100. You could just put this $100 into your savings account, or you could take it to Las Vegas to try to turn it into $1000. But it’s likely that you’ll lose it. So, stick with the bird (that $100) in your hand.

I was considering a job offer from another city, but my current job is stable. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

This is saying that you don’t go looking for problems and making things more difficult for yourself.

You’ve probably noticed that the word “trouble” is repeated four times in this proverb—twice as verbs and twice as nouns.

In English, many words can be used as different parts of speech .

Don’t worry about things you can’t control. Never trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you.

This verb is saying that you should be independent and not rely on others so much. It’s possible to have more than one person paddle a canoe, but if you want to succeed in life, you need to learn to do it on your own.

Take charge of your own life and decisions; in other words, paddle your own canoe .

This proverb says that the  remedy or solution to a problem might not be pleasant, but the end result can be wonderful.

For example, exercise may not be fun while you’re doing it, but if you stick with it, you’ll be healthier.

The criticism was tough to hear, but it made me improve. Bitter pills may have blessed effects .

This proverb is a good reminder that darkness is always followed by light.

At some point during your English learning journey, you’ll likely encounter a phase (hopefully, a very short one) where you feel like you’ve hit a wall, you’re frustrated, you don’t feel like you’re progressing or you feel like you just want to give up.

This is the darkest moment!

But if you stick with it and keep practicing and putting in the effort, the dawn (i.e., you being fluent in English) will eventually come!

I know you feel terrible right now, but it’s always darkest before the dawn .

This proverb advises against being a hypocrite (someone whose words don’t match what they do, or vice versa).

For example, this proverb would apply to a classmate who’s being mean to someone because they didn’t know what a certain word meant in English, even though this classmate often makes a lot of mistakes in English.

Jenny criticized her friend’s cooking, but she forgot she burned dinner last week. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

This proverb is mainly used to offer  condolences (sympathy) to someone who has just broken up with their significant other. This proverb suggests that the heartbroken person shouldn’t worry too much because there are plenty of other potential partners out there.

This proverb might be incorporated into a conversation like this:

Your friend: Shelly just broke up with me. I’m going to be alone forever!

You: I’m so sorry she broke up with you. But you shouldn’t worry too much. There are plenty more fish in the sea .

Meaning: Don’t take something someone says or does too seriously.

This proverb can be used when someone is telling you something that probably isn’t entirely true. In this case, you’d take what they say with a grain of salt.

We all know someone who always exaggerates or doesn’t tell the entire truth. These are the types of people whose words should be taken with a grain of salt.

When listening to gossip, it’s wise to take it with a grain of salt . Not everything may be true.

This American proverb reminds us that great people and accomplishments often come from  modest (simple) beginnings. This proverb can certainly be applied to your English language learning journey!

You might have started with little to no understanding of the English language. But from these humble beginnings, you can grow into a strong English speaker!

The fact that his multimillion dollar corporation started as a tiny store is proof that from little acorns mighty oaks do grow .

This strange proverb actually has nothing to do with horses.

It means that you can give someone something that they need (like water in this case), but there’s no way you can force them to use that something (or drink the water) until they’re ready to do it.

In other words, you can’t force someone to do something, even if it’s good for them.

For example, your parents can give you money to attend university, but they can’t make you actually go to class. That decision is totally up to you.

Don’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink .

Patience is valued in American culture, so this proverb tells you that waiting—although boring—can lead to great outcomes.

For example, let’s say you want to buy a new car. Well, it may take a while because you have to work and save your money. But after a year, you finally have the money and the model you wanted to buy is way better than last year’s model. So, the wait was worth it!

If you’re working hard and not seeing results right now, know that good things come to those who wait .

In American culture, “lemons” are often bad things. They’re sour and pretty much useless on their own. You’d much rather have a fresh strawberry or an orange.

So, when life gives you lemons (hardship), just squeeze those lemons into a glass, add a little sugar or water and have a delicious and refreshing drink. You’ve turned something bad into something great!

When life gives Kate lemons, she makes lemonade . For example, after losing her job, she decided to start her own business that’s now earning a lot of money.

English has many proverbs, and these are just the tip of the iceberg.

But you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Start with these useful English proverbs and sayings, and you’ll be using them yourself in no time!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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What Is an Idiom? (And How Does It Differ From a Proverb or an Adage?)

3-minute read

• 2nd November 2022

Idioms are very common in English. They are frequently used phrases or sentences that use figurative language to give a widely understood meaning. They are often found in speech and in creative writing, such as poetry, songwriting, and novels.

Idioms can be fun to use, and, if you’re learning English as a second language , learning to include idioms properly will help your speaking and writing flow like a native speaker’s.

Examples of Idioms

If you tell someone to break a leg, you’re wishing them good luck.

If something is a piece of cake, it’s easy.

This means that you’re in a risky situation that could quickly go wrong.

To do something at the 11th hour is to do something at the last moment.

If you twist someone’s arm, you convince them to do something.

This means that Henry is trying to do something that isn’t possible or realistic.

This phrase refers to a fact that is unusual and proves that there is a general rule, standard, or expectation that opposes it.

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If you say you couldn’t care less about something, it means that you don’t care about that thing.

Proverbs and idioms are not the same. Proverbs are short and well-known sayings that usually give a piece of wisdom, advice, or truth.

Examples of proverbs are:

This refers to someone who has gained skills in lots of different areas instead of becoming an expert in one area.

This means that people can’t change their character or personality.

Adages are similar to proverbs – and still different from idioms! – but they’re less commonly used in everyday life. Adages have often been around longer than proverbs, sometimes even for centuries, and are widely accepted to be true.

Examples of adages are:

This means that it’s better to be careful when doing something so that it doesn’t cause errors or problems in the future.

This means that getting to know someone well can cause you to lose respect for them because you see their bad traits.

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Idioms vs Proverbs vs Adages: What’s the difference and how do we use them correctly?

What distinguishes idioms from proverbs? These linguistic devices are both integral to the English language but they each serve different functions.

In this article, we will explore the topic of idioms vs proverbs and adages, helping you understand the similarities and differences. Of course, we’ll also share some examples of each one and discuss potential problems with using them so you can avoid any misunderstandings as you communicate in English.

What is the difference between idioms and proverbs?

The main difference between idioms and proverbs is that an idiom is a short phrase with its own meaning that cannot be understood from the definition of its individual words. A proverb is a well-known saying that typically imparts wisdom, advice, or a warning.

An idiom is an example of figurative language, as it has a non-literal meaning. For example, the idiom “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret, but it has nothing to do with cats or bags.

Proverbs sometimes have a figurative meaning and sometimes have a literal meaning. For example, “practice makes perfect” means that in order to perfect a skill, you must practice it. This is quite a straightforward meaning that you could probably work out without a dictionary definition.

On the other hand, “a stitch in time saves nine” means that addressing a problem early on will avoid bigger problems later. This proverb uses figurative language and would be difficult to understand by looking at the words alone.

In this way, there is some overlap between proverbs and idiomatic expressions.

So, to summarize the basic differences between idioms and proverbs:

Now, let’s quickly answer the question “What are idioms and proverbs?” in more detail before we look at some more examples and how to use them appropriately.

What is an idiom?

Idioms are phrases with figurative meanings. You cannot deduce the meaning of an idiom by looking at the literal definitions of its constituent words. This is what makes idioms different from ordinary, literal vocabulary .

Idioms add color and depth to the English language but can be confusing for non-native speakers. It’s difficult to make sense of an idiom without looking it up in a dictionary.

There are over 10,000 idioms used in the English language, and some scholars estimate there are more like 25,000. This can be a daunting prospect if you are an English learner!

Our full idioms guide explains what idioms are , different types, and how to use them.

Examples of idioms

Some examples of common idioms include:

Learning new idioms and understanding how to use them will give you a greater command of English.

However, it’s also important to remember that idioms should be used sparingly and appropriately . Overusing idioms can make your communication sound unnatural and forced. So, while it’s good to know these idioms, it’s equally important to use them judiciously.

Exploring idiom origins

When you look at the origin of idioms, you often learn something interesting about the culture and history of the country where they are used.

The idiom ‘pull someone’s leg,’ for example, has roots in the seedy underbelly of London, where tricksters would literally pull the legs of their victims to trip them up and rob them. This idiom has moved on from its historical context, and its current meaning is to tease or joke with someone, rather than to steal from them.

What is a proverb?

A proverb is a short, well-known saying that conveys some kind of advice, wisdom, warning, or moral truth . It generally relates to the way you should behave or live, and is based on common sense or practical experience.

There are thousands of proverbs in use in English. Hundreds of them date back to the time of King Solomon, around 900 BC, and can be found in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Others have come into use much more recently, but they all serve the same purpose of contributing wise ideas and thoughts.

Examples of proverbs

Here are some common examples of proverbs that you’ll hear in everyday English.

These proverbs serve as mini life lessons, offering wisdom and guidance for our daily lives. However, like idioms, proverbs should also be used appropriately, considering the context and the intended message.

Proverbs vs adages

Proverbs and adages are very similar in nature and these terms are often used synonymously.

However, the key difference is that adages express universal truths ; things that are already widely accepted. Proverbs commonly offer advice or state a thought-provoking observation about life.

The response to an adage is to agree with it, whereas the response to a proverb is to consider it thoughtfully and see how it could apply to you.

Don’t confuse adages with truth idioms , though!

Idioms vs proverbs

We have already mentioned some of the basic differences between idioms and proverbs, but there are some additional characteristics worth considering when comparing the two literary devices.

Expressive language vs wise wisdom

Proverbs and idioms serve different purposes in our language.

Idioms, with their figurative meanings, make our language more expressive. These short phrases often help us express ideas more concisely than we could with regular language.

For example, the idiom “bite the bullet” means “accept a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely” – so the idiom is a much neater way of expressing the same meaning (and it also has an interesting but gruesome origin from 18th-century wartime).

On the other hand, the idiom “in the blink of an eye” means “very quickly” – so it is not always the case that an idiom is shorter than its definition. However, in this case, the idiom offers a more poetic way of describing something that happens as fast as you can blink.

A proverb, meanwhile, is usually a short sentence that serves as a repository of wisdom, providing guidance and advice based on common sense or experience. It may also serve as a warning to others.

Figurative language vs literal meaning

Both idioms and proverbs make use of figurative language in some ways. Idioms are purely figurative, whereas proverbs can have a literal and a figurative meaning .

Let’s consider the proverb “It’s no use crying over spilled milk.” Taken literally, it expresses perfectly sound advice. If you spill some milk, there’s no point crying about it. However, to fully appreciate the meaning of this proverb, we must take a more figurative approach. It really means that you shouldn’t get upset about trivial things that cannot be undone.

Fixed phrases vs short sentences

We can also note differences in form and structure between idioms vs proverbs.

Idioms are considered a type of fixed phrase, and their words cannot be substituted or rearranged without changing their meaning or making them nonsensical . For example, if you were to try and say “spill the beans” as “spill a bean”, “drop the beans”, or “spill the peas,” it wouldn’t have the same meaning of revealing a secret.

Idioms can serve as verb phrases, adjective phrases, noun phrases, exclamations, and more.

Proverbs , on the other hand, are short sentences rather than phrases. They often use rhetorical devices like alliteration, parallelism, and repetition to enhance their memorability and impact.

Although proverbs usually follow fixed wording like idioms, there is a little more freedom to change the words but keep the same meaning.

For instance, “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched” could also be expressed as “Don’t count your chickens until they’ve hatched.” However, you can’t change this expression completely to “Don’t count your unhatched eggs.” The figurative meaning may be the same, but the expression is wrong.

If in doubt, don’t try to play around with the wording of proverbs or idioms. You may completely use the intended meaning.

How to use idioms and proverbs

In order to use proverbs and idioms effectively in speaking and writing, two things must occur:

• You understand the meaning of the expression and how to use it appropriately.
• Your audience understands the meaning of the expression.

In other words, idioms and proverbs will only enhance your communication if you use them correctly and the person you’re speaking to also understands them.

Let’s explore how to use proverbs and idioms in the correct context and avoid misunderstandings.

Using proverbs and idioms appropriately

We mentioned earlier that overuse of idioms and proverbs can make your language sound unnatural.

Additionally, some idioms are considered more casual and informal than others.

For example, if you want to talk about someone dying, “pass away” is a respectful and formal idiom whereas “kick the bucket” is an informal idiom that would not be appropriate in certain situations. We have an article about idioms for death that explores more expressions and when it’s appropriate to use them.

As you learn more idioms, you’ll find that some phrases that you hear chatting with friends might not be suitable for a business meeting, for example.

Challenges and misunderstandings in a digital world

The use of idioms and proverbs in the age of digital communication poses distinct challenges. Without the nuances of face-to-face interaction, idiomatic expressions can easily lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

When communicating with a non-native English speaker in writing you should be especially cautious about using proverbs and idioms, as you have no idea whether they are familiar with the phrases.

Even when speaking to a native English speaker, there are some distinctly British idioms and American idioms that may not be understood by someone from another part of the world.

Additionally, cultural nuances may mean that people associate different meanings with the sayings you use.

If you cannot be sure that the other person will understand idiomatic expressions, especially in writing, it is better to avoid using them altogether. The same general rule applies when considering idioms vs metaphors .

How to learn more idioms and proverbs

When learning English as a second language , make sure you incorporate proverbs and idioms as you learn new vocabulary .

One effective way to do this is through exposure to various sources such as:

• Everyday conversations

By encountering idioms and proverbs in different contexts, you can better understand their meanings and how to use them appropriately. Make sure you keep a record of the new sayings you learn, so you can practice using them in conversation.

We also have an extensive library of idioms about different topics here at Improving Your English, so feel free to browse some of our articles to start learning today or check our YouTube channel where we publish idioms daily.

Understanding idioms vs metaphors: What’s the difference and how should you use them?

Interesting head and hair idioms for you to use in English

Exploring English face idioms about eyes, ears, lips, nose, mouth & more

Walking and running idioms: Stride through these active sayings

Truth and lie idioms: Uncover deceptive and honest expressions in English

Success idioms: Explore expressions to celebrate a triumph or victory

Laugh idioms and sayings: Get ready for giggles galore

There is no doubt that idioms and proverbs make the English language richer in expression, even if they can be confusing to understand!

We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between idioms and proverbs, and you now feel more confident using them yourself.

Just keep in mind that it is not always appropriate to use lots of figurative sayings, especially when there is a chance your audience won’t understand them.

Is a proverb a type of idiom?

An idiom is a figurative expression that cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words, whereas a proverb is a short, well-known saying that typically imparts wisdom, advice, or truth.

Many proverbs are idiomatic in nature, whereas others have a more literal meaning.

How do you identify proverbs and idioms?

If a phrase conveys a moral or a piece of advice, it can be considered a proverb. Any other kind of phrase with a non-literal meaning is an idiom. This is the basic difference between idioms and proverbs.

Idioms can be hard to identify if you are not already familiar with them, since the words may appear to make no sense in the context of the sentence.

What is an adage vs proverb vs idiom?

An idiom is any kind of phrase that has a meaning different from what its individual words suggest. Proverbs and adages are well-known sayings that offer advice or wisdom about life. An adage states an accepted truth whereas a proverb gives you something to consider.

Are idioms and proverbs culture-specific?

Many idioms and proverbs are culture-specific, especially when it comes to different languages. You usually cannot translate idioms word-for-word from one language to another – they just won’t make sense.

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100+ Interesting Idioms for Essays writing – Pro Idioms

Interesting Idioms for Essays writing!

Here is the list of useful idioms related to essays writing in English and paragraphs writing, must go through all of these idioms and memorize these useful idioms list, you can also save this idiom list for your later use.

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Interesting idioms for Essays

Idioms for essay writing.

Also Check: Important idioms for CSS

Also Check: Interesting Stories in English to Read

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50 Most Common English Idioms and Phrases (With Examples)

You are looking to take your English skills to another level?

English idioms and phrases are the way to do it.

By combining words that have completely different individual meanings, we get idioms.

English idioms are extremely common in everyday conversation and, therefore, essential for language progression.

"An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning..."

Learning new words is not sufficient to become a fluent English speaker but idioms and proverbs can truly boost your knowledge.

In the following lines, you will find some of the most common English idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. A hard nut to crack

Explanation: usually a person who is very difficult to deal with

Example: I gave my best to be friendly with her, but she is simply a hard nut to crack.

2. All ears

Explanation: very concentrated or keen to listen to the other person who has your full attention.

Example: Children are all ears when the teacher tells them fairytales.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words

Explanation: It’s better to show than to tell; illustration conveys a stronger message than words.

Example: Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl represents how a picture is worth a thousand words. 

4. A piece of cake

Explanation: something easily done, simple task, or work.

Example: Anne said the test would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake. I’ll pass with no problem at all.

5. Better late than never

Explanation: It’s better to arrive late than not to come at all.

Example: We’ve been waiting for you for three hours, but better late than never. 

6. Born with a silver spoon in mouth

Explanation: Someone who is born in a very wealthy family.

Example: He does not need this job as much as I do; he is born with a silver spoon in his mouth. 

7. Bread and butter

Explanation: earnings of a person; indicate when a person earns for a living.

Example: You have to earn your own bread and butter. 

8. Break the ice

Explanation: to try to become friends with someone; to make a start of something.

Example: It’s always easiest to break the ice after I’ve had a few drinks.

9. Break a leg

Explanation: Good luck, best wishes.

Example: You have a test tomorrow? Break a leg!

10. Can judge a book by its cover

Explanation: you can’t judge something just by its appearance.

Example: The candidate doesn’t look very promising, but you can't judge a book by its cover. 

11. Chasing rainbows

Explanation: to follow your dreams, trying to do something that can’t be achieved.

Example: I understand you want to be a famous singer, but don’t chase rainbows. You are not a good singer!

12. Cool as a cucumber

Explanation: to be very calm and relaxed

13. Costs an arm and a leg

Explanation: when something costs too much money, it’s way too expensive.

Example: The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg. 

14. Cry over spilled milk

Explanation: to be upset about something that is already done or a mistake that can’t be changed.

Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk. It was a bad investment. 

15. Draw a longbow

Explanation: to exaggerate, to lie.

Example: Anne is drawing a longbow. Do you believe her at all?

16. Easier said than done

Explanation: not as easy to do as it seems harder than you think.

Example: It's a lot tougher than that. It's one of those things that are easier said than done.

17. Eat like a bird

Explanation: to eat very little.

Example: Look at you! You have to eat more. You are eating like a bird. 

18. Feeling under the weather

Explanation: to feel ill, sick, having a hangover.

Example: I have my final test, but I’m feeling under the weather. I think I have a fever. 

19. Find your feet

Explanation: become confident in what you are doing, or familiar with some new situation or experience.

Example: I'm new to this city, so I'm still finding my feet. 

20. Food for thought

Explanation: an idea to think about; think about things that can arise from an event or situation.

Example: My daughter has given me some food for thought about how she organizes her toys.

21. Forty winks

Explanation: sleep a while mainly during the day; take a nap.

Example: My dad always likes to catch forty winks after lunch. 

22. Give a shot

Explanation: to try something you are not quite familiar with.

Example: I’m not prepared for my exam today. I will give it a shot. 

23. Go cold turkey

Explanation: to suddenly stop or quit some bad or addictive behavior, like stop smoking.

Example: He had been trying to quit smoking for a year but couldn't, so he decided to go cold turkey. 

24. Hit the hay/sack

Explanation: when someone is really tired and wants to go to sleep.

Example: Sorry guys, I have to hit the hay now!

25. Hold one’s peace.

Explanation: be silent.

Example: Just hold your peace if you don’t have anything smart to say.

26. It’s not rocket science

Explanation: It’s not difficult; it’s not complicated.

Example: Driving a car isn’t rocket science. I don’t understand why people don’t drive better.

27. Keep your chin up

Explanation: be brave and courageous in a tough situation.

Example: Don't let the difficulties intimidate you; keep your chin up. 

28. Kill two birds with one stone.

Explanation: accomplish two different things, jobs, or actions; solve problems at the same time.

Example: Cycling to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money and gives you some exercise.  

29. Lose your marbles

Explanation: to go crazy, insane.

Example: I’ve been so bad lately that I thought I’m losing my marbles.

30. Make ends meet.

Explanation: make enough money to survive, to manage expenses.

Example: We need to start saving money in order to make ends meet. 

31. Make a long story short

Explanation: Tell something briefly.

Example: To make a long story short, I had a wonderful time during my vacation.

32. Never in a million years

Explanation: Absolutely never.

Example: Never in a million years would I think to fall in love with him.

33. On cloud nine

Explanation: to be extremely happy or cheerful.

Example: Susan is on cloud nine since she got married.

34. Once in a blue moon

Explanation: something happens very rarely, once after a very long time.

Example: I don’t know why she bought that music system. She uses it once in a blue moon.

35. Out of the woods

Explanation: the hardest part of something is over, but the situation isn’t still good.

Example: The surgery went well, but he’s not out of the woods yet.

36. Penny for your thoughts

Explanation: a way of asking someone else’s thoughts.

Example: You seem so serious. A penny for your thoughts.

Don't forget to work on learning new English words every day, not just idioms. 

37. Pull someone’s leg

Explanation: To joke with someone, to trick someone in a humorous way

Example: I think he was just pulling your leg when he said you’ve fallen in the exam.

38. Rain cats and dogs

Explanation: rain heavily, tremendously.

Example: It’s raining cats and dogs when the Monsoon comes.

39. Speak of the devil

Explanation: The person we were talking about showed up.

Example: Did you hear what happened to Anne yesterday? Oh, speak of the devil, there she is.

40. Square peg in a round hole

Explanation: When a person doesn’t fit into society when you find in a surrounding that doesn’t suit you.

Example: That lifestyle really doesn't suit Sally at all; she's like a square peg in a round hole. 

41. Takes two to tango.

Explanation: Specific actions can’t be performed alone; it takes two persons to participate; both persons are responsible for an action.

Example: If you want to play that game, you need a partner who plays with you. It takes two to tango. 

42. That’s the last straw

Explanation: Someone’s patience has run out, to be the latest in a sequence of unpleasant things that can’t be accepted.

Example: I’m not going to wait for the last straw. I’ll do something about the problem much sooner than you.

43. To cut corners

Explanation: to do something in an easy and very cheap way; to reduce time, money, expenses.

Example: My mom often had to cut corners when we were kids to feed all of us.

44. To go Dutch

Explanation: When everyone pays his bill.

Example: Last night we had a date, but we went Dutch because I’ve paid for my coffee and he paid his.

45. To have sticky fingers

Explanation: to be a thief.

Example: The manager fired his employee because he had sticky fingers. He stole 100$.

46. To sit tight

Explanation: wait patiently and take no action; stay where you are.

Example: Just relax and sit tight; we'll solve the problem for you.

47. Up in the air

Explanation: unresolved, undecided about something; full of doubt.

Example: I am not sure what the plans are. Everything was up in the air when I last spoke to him about it. 

48. What goes around, comes around.

Explanation: how you treat and behave to others will eventually come to you, too.

Example: All of his life, he treated his family with no respect, and now his son is doing the same to him. What goes around, comes around.

49. When pigs fly

Explanation: something that will never happen or highly unlikely to happen.

Example: He plans to clean his house every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly. 

50. Zip your lip

Explanation: To remain a secret or silent.

Example: I’ll tell you a secret about Marry, but zip your lip about it!

Practice makes perfect

To learn English idioms better, we’ve prepared some exercises that will help you test your knowledge.

Don’t be shy. Try and find out.

Please note that you will not need all listed idioms in the following exercises, so focus and pay attention.

I can’t wait to see you on premiere tomorrow night! __________________ !

I can’t believe that was our test. I think it was easier than some of our homework! It was a ______.

They were discussing the girl who was his new crush when she walked in. ____________________. 

The earthquakes hits _________________ in this part of the earth, we never felt it. 

He showed up for the wedding when they were already cutting the cake. __________________, I suppose. 

To_______________________________, he still stays in the apartment but now it is owned by someone else. 

You can't be serious about that! Stop ___________________. 

Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl - represents how ________________________. 

I am really tired after all that exercise. I am going to_______________. 

John asked Sarah whether she would go to the movies with him. Sarah replied that would happen __________________. 

It is sad to see that people always wait until ________________before they start to take any action in this country. 

It’s not right to blame only the other woman for his adulterous affair -__________________. 

I have never eaten Mexican food, but I will ______________ .

She has just returned from her vacation, but is feeling _______________and has a sore throat and running nose.

I have to go to the bank, and on the way back, I'll pick up the groceries also, ____________________. 

He really wants to go to that event. He's willing to pay __________________ for it. 

When drug addicts go ___________________ they experience a period of extreme suffering.

He has never worked hard for anything because he was________________________. His parents brought everything to him instead. 

Shall we _____________? No, not this time I’m paying the bill.

Peter is still new in his job; give him some time to ______________.

9, B. 4, C. 39, D. 34, E. 5, F. 31. G. 37, H. 3, I. 49, J. 42, K. 41, L. 22, M. 18, N. 28, O. 13, P. 23, Q. 6, R. 6, S. 44, T. 19.

Is it necessary to use idioms while speaking English?

Idioms make your vocabulary wider and show that you have a deep knowledge of the language.

Is it possible to understand the meaning of the idiom without a dictionary?

If you have a context, you may grasp the meaning, but most of the idioms should be checked in the dictionary.

Do native speakers frequently use idioms?

There are many idioms that are well known and frequently used among the native speakers, but some of them become old and rarely used.

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50 Meaningful Proverbs to Wow Your Teacher

• Primary School Composition Writing

Parents and teachers are always telling you “honesty is the best policy” and “practice makes perfect”. But what are these phrases and how do all the adults know them?

These phrases are called proverbs. They are short statements of universal truths. Proverbs are pearls of wisdom and by using them, you can show that your characters have really learned their lessons. They give variation to dialogue, and they can be used in the introduction or conclusion of your compositions.

But before you read on, you might want to download this Free-Ebook on 88 meaningful proverbs that your child can use to wow the teacher!

• Simple & Easy-to-use
• Minimal Memory Work
• Examples provided
• Learn the meaning of these proverbs!

By the way, here’s a Free Online Lesson I carried out on How to Use Proverbs recently…

(It is a 1.5hr lesson, with the last 0.5hr spent answering questions from parents.)

In the above free online lesson, your child will learn:

– What are proverbs?

– How to use proverbs effectively

– How to avoid common mistakes when using proverbs

At the end of the lesson, your child will get some hands-on practice on how to use proverbs in a sentence.

255 students attended this free lesson, hence the chat box was out of control.

In our paid classes, however, we limit each virtual class to about 50 students, to make the chatbox controllable, and to ensure everyone has a chance to have their queries answered.

Here are 50 proverbs that you can use for your compositions!

1. A bad workman always blames his tools

Someone who fails at a task and blames his tools does not have the ability to carry out the task in the first place.

Example: Frustrated, Ting Ting threw her bike to the ground and insisted, “I can’t ride it because it is broken!” Her father shook his head. “A bad workman always blames his tools,” he said. “Let’s try that again.”

2. A barking dog never bites

Someone who acts intimidating by being loud is not actually a dangerous person.

Example: The vegetable seller shrank in fear when the customer raised her voice. She demanded, “Don’t be stingy. Give me a discount!” Shaking my head in disapproval, I encouraged the seller. “A barking dog never bites. Don’t be afraid of her.”

3. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Being separated from someone or something for a long time makes you appreciate them even more.

Example: My mother had been in Thailand for two weeks now. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I missed her and her cooking.

4. Actions speak louder than words

A better way of showing your sincerity is doing what you promise rather than just saying you promise to do it.

Example: Jack promised he would not push Tom around again. But actions speak louder than words, we had to wait and see if Jack would keep his promise.

5. A friend in need is a friend indeed

This proverb is used to explain that the people who help you when you are in need are your true friends.

Example: After I lost the race, Mary continued to support me even though everyone else called me names. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

6. A leopard never changes its spots

It is not possible for a person to change their habits or personality.

Example: Even after being reprimanded for bullying Tom, Jack simply switched his target to Walter. A leopard never changes its spots.

7. All good things must come to an end

Everything will come to an end, even good things do not last forever.

Example: I had the time of my life at the birthday party. But all good things must come to an end, and it was time for us to go home.

8. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

If all someone does is work, they will grow bored and become boring.

Example: Jenny was a very hard-working girl, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, she would soon grow tired of studying all the time.

9. All’s well that ends well

As long as there is a good ending, the problems encountered along the way are not important.

Example: Finishing this mural was tough, but all’s well that ends well.

10. A penny saved is a penny earned

This proverb is commonly used when advising people to save their money.

Example: On the way home from school, I found a dollar on the floor. I picked it up happily and said to myself, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

11. A picture is worth a thousand words

A picture or image expresses meaning more effectively than words.

Example: Johnny did not need to explain how grateful he was for his parents. From the painting he did of his family, we could tell just how much he loves them. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

12. An empty vessel makes the most noise

The person who is the most foolish is also the noisiest.

Example: Harry is the most talkative student in the class, but you know what they say: “An empty vessel makes the most noise.” He is also known for his poor grades.

13. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

A person who has harmed another person should receive a punishment that is equal to the harm the victim has suffered. This proverb is commonly used as an excuse for revenge or to teach people to treat others like how they want to be treated.

Example: I accidentally hit Jack with my elbow. I wanted to apologise but Jack was fuming. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You hit me, so I am going to hit you back!”

14. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop

A lazy person who wastes their time being unproductive is more likely to think of bad things.

Example: “Can you stop lazing around and start on your homework?” my mother nagged. “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop!”

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

If you want to finish a task, you must start on it first.

Example: It would take me an extremely long time to complete my project, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

16. A stitch in time saves nine

It is better to fix a problem now than later so that the problem will not worsen.

Example: I wanted to fix the shaky ladder later but I remembered the saying “a stitch in time saves nine”. I should deal it with now, or someone might get hurt if they used it.

17. Beggars can’t be choosers

You should not complain when something you need is given to you, even when the thing given is not what you wanted.

Example: “Just eat your chicken rice without the chilli,” my mother snapped. “Beggars can’t be choosers!”

18. The best-laid plans go astray

Even if you have prepared everything, plans might not go the way you want them to.

Example: Soon, we realised we were lost despite following the map. The best-laid plans go astray, we needed to adapt if we wanted to survive the night.

19. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

People have different definitions of what is beautiful or attractive.

Example: I did not find the puppy very cute, but Sarah kept cooing over it. I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

20. Beauty is only skin-deep

Someone who is good-looking is not necessarily good-natured too.

Example: I learned that beauty is only skin-deep. I was overweight, but I was also hard-working and respectful to my elders, and those qualities are more important than looks.

21. Better late than never

It is better for someone or something to be overdue instead of never turning up.

Example: Jessica had a bad habit of being late, and she would always give the excuse “better late than never”.

22. The best things in life are free

The things that are truly important usually do not cost any money.

Example: I realised that the best things in life are free. Even though we cannot afford to have a fancy lifestyle, my family is still happy because we have one another.

23. Birds of a feather flock together

Similar people are drawn to each other.

Example: Judy and Sam are both big bullies and they are best friends. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.

24. Clothes do not make the man

Similar to “beauty is only skin-deep”, “clothes do not make the man” is used to explain that what we wear or look like do not determine who we are as a person.

Example: Finn, the homeless man, wore the same tattered shirt everyday but clothes do not make the man. He was kind and friendly to everyone, even animals.

25. Curiosity killed the cat

Being too curious may be harmful. This proverb is usually used to advise people to mind their own business.

Example: Curiosity killed the cat, I should not have eavesdropped on my parents’ conversation. Now they were going to punish me for it.

26. Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Do not take on responsibilities that are too difficult for you.

Example: I learnt that we should not bite off more than we can chew. I should have given up some of my commitments.

27. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

You should not be ungrateful towards the person who has given you something.

Example: I decided to accept the cake even though I did not like chocolate. After all, we should not bite the hand that feeds us.

28. Don’t judge a book by its cover

We should not decide what someone’s character is like by how they look. This proverb can be applied to things as well.

Example: The cake was misshapen, but do not judge a book by its cover! It was actually delicious.

29. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

This proverb is used to discourage people from putting all their efforts and resources into one thing, as they might lose everything if it turns out to be unsuccessful.

Example: We should always have a back-up plan and never put all our eggs in one basket.

30. The early bird catches the worm

It is good to be earlier than everyone else as you will have an advantage.

Example: As I was the first to come down for breakfast, my mother gave me the biggest portion. Indeed, the early bird catches the worm.

31. Every dog has his day

Even the most unfortunate person will find success one day. This proverb can be used to comfort someone who had a bad day.

Example: Nothing went right today, but I did not let it get me down. Every dog has his day, and tomorrow would be better.

32. Every cloud has a silver lining

Even misfortune can lead to good things. This proverb is normally used to encourage people who are going through a hard time or experienced failure.

Example: Even though I did not win the writing competition, one of the judges liked my story so much, he wanted to publish it. Every cloud has a silver lining.

33. Fortune favours the brave/bold

People who take risks are more likely to be rewarded than people who stick to what is safe.

Example: Fortune favours the bold, we should not be afraid to try new things.

34. Good things come to those who wait

Patience is often rewarded.

Example: The food took a long time to arrive, but it was one of the most delicious meals I ever had. Good things come to those who wait.

35. Honesty is the best policy

You should always tell the truth.

Example: I learnt that honesty is the best policy. If I had told my parents the truth at the beginning, nobody would have gotten hurt.

36. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again

You should never give up.

Example: Even after falling off the bike a hundred times, I would pick myself up. If at first you do not succeed, try and try again.

37. If you can’t beat them, join them

If you cannot be better than someone else no matter how hard you try, then you should befriend or work with them instead.

Example: After weeks of training, I still could not surpass Owen’s speed. Well, if you cannot beat them, join them. Eventually, I decided the best way to improve my stamina was to ask Owen for help.

38. If you play with fire, you will get burned

If you do something dangerous, you will get hurt. This proverb is usually used to discourage people from doing things that will put them in danger.

Example: “Farah, get down from there! If you play with fire, you will get burned!” my mother warned.

39. It’s better to be safe than sorry

It is better to avoid taking risks than lose everything or get hurt after.

Example: I knew the ladder was shaky, so I decided to find another way to reach the top shelf. It is better to be safe than sorry.

40. It takes two to tango / It takes two hands to clap

Because two things or people were required for something to happen, both people should be at fault if it went wrong.

Example: Ben might have started the fight, but Jeffrey fought back. It takes two hands to clap, and both boys should be punished.

41. Knowledge is power

This proverb is used to encourage people to keep learning.

Example: Learning taekwondo might seem useless, but knowledge is power. One day, I could use it to protect someone in need.

42. Laughter is the best medicine

Laughing helps us get through sad times.

Example: I was feeling down because I failed my Maths test, but my friends cheered me up with their silly jokes. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

43. Lightning never strikes the same place twice

An unusual event rarely happens twice.

Example: Lightning never strikes the same place twice. If a wonderful opportunity opened up for you, you should take it.

44. Look before you leap

You should consider all the possible results before doing something.

Example: I wanted to climb over the fence to retrieve our frisbee but Joe stopped me. He advised, “You should look before you leap. Are you sure you want to trespass?”

45. Many hands make light work

Work is easier to complete if more people are working together.

Example: After putting our differences aside, we realised that many hands make light work.

46. Money doesn’t grow on trees

Money is not easily acquired. This proverb can be used to advise people to be careful with how they spend their money.

Example: I begged my mother to buy the remote-control car for me. She scolded, “Do you think money grows on trees? It’s too expensive!”

47. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

You should finish your tasks as soon as you can, rather than leave it to later.

Example: I decided to finish my homework instead of playing soccer with the boys. After all, we should never put off until tomorrow what we can do today.

48. No man is an island

People cannot survive on their own, we need to rely on one another in order to live.

Example: No man is an island, we should rely on others in times of need.

49. No pain, no gain

To achieve something, we need to work hard.

Example: Just as I felt like giving up, my coach encouraged me, “No pain, no gain.”

50. No use crying over spilt milk

There is no point in dwelling over things that have already happened.

Example: My baby cousin had broken all the plates! But there is no use crying over spilt milk, I had to think of a way to fix this before my parents came home.

See more related articles and information on Writing Samurai:

• Writing Good Compositions For Primary School
• Model Compositions Examples
• Top Exam Smart Tips for English Comprehension
• List of Awesome Idioms for Composition Writing

Want to learn more proverbs to boost your vocabulary?

Check out our Free Ebook of 88 Meaningful Proverbs to Wow Your Teacher !

Click the download button below!

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A Guide to Using Idioms and Proverbs in an Essay

I bet you are wondering about this. Can a person make use of proverbs and idioms in an essay? Well, this is a loaded question. In academic writing, one tends to not use idioms or proverbs or any other phrases that are considered to be “informal”. However, this does not mean that we can’t use these types of phrases in our writing at all. On the contrary, a good essay writer  knows how to ensure that these phrases can be used efficiently. Without making the writing unprofessional of course. This is best done in comprehension writing. In fact, there are many ways in which we can use idioms and proverbs when it comes to comprehension.

The best way to make use of an idiom or proverb is to use it in the introduction. And that too in the first line. We are always told to start with a catchy introduction. So, what’s better than an idiom? For instance, if you are writing an essay about choice, you can start it off by saying, “Beggars can’t be choosers”. This way you will get an interesting intro while you will be able to use idioms as well. You can also use phrases like these in dialogues. Incomprehension or story-telling, dialogues tend to play a key role. And when you are including dialogues, you can include anything. You won’t even have to wonder things like “ write my essay ?” You will be able to make it interesting with the use of a few key phrases. 

If you can’t possibly use an idiom or a proverb anywhere else then just use it in the conclusion. Also, if you really want to write a conclusion that strikes the heart of all your readers alike then you can use idioms or proverbs to leave your audience speechless. For instance, you can say that the early bird catches the worm to write my paper  and motivate your readers to get started on their essays early on. The key to using such uncommon phrases is that you have to use the simplest of them all. So, if you use phrases like “actions speak louder than words” or “don’t judge a book by its cover”, then they will be far more acceptable in writing. Why? Because these phrases are so commonly used that they have become a part of everyday conversation. So, if you do use them once in a while, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

This is a great technique as it helps to create a better story. Particularly, if you are writing fiction then you will need to add a bit of imagery to the  essay writing service  and the text to keep things less bland. Hence, the use of an idiom or a proverb would only be beneficial here as you can depict many emotions via a few simple and straightforward words. With the language. The use of phrases, such as proverbs or idioms, tends to convince your reader that you are very familiar with the language in which you write. This can prove to be beneficial for you, particularly if English is not your first tongue. You can make use of proverbs or idioms so that your words and your language seem more authentic and organic. This will also eliminate the need for in-depth research to a certain degree.

There is no doubt in the fact that sometimes your writing, particularly academic writing, can become a bit boring. Even if you are not working on an academic article and even when you are writing fiction, unless you work for a paper writing service , there is no way your writing is always amazing. Nonetheless, it can be made interesting with a little help. Use idioms or proverbs to add a little bit of spice to your writing. A friend of mine once said that she uses proverbs to add a bit of “color” to her writing. I didn't really understand her until I started writing myself and found myself at a loss of how to explain myself. Writing stuff like “he was as brave as a lion” was certainly not gonna earn me points in English class. So, I turned to proverbs and idioms.

So, here is how you can be helped by the use of these phrases. But I get it if you are still confused. Don't worry if you are because I have the perfect solution for your essaywriter.college . Those paper writing services that I mentioned earlier? Yeah, they come quite handy if you don’t know the whats and hows of writing.

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30 Proverbs and Idioms

Welcome to our blog post about proverbs and idioms! If you’re a native English speaker, you’ve likely heard many of these phrases before and might even use them in your everyday language. 

But for those who are learning English as a second language, these idioms and proverbs can be confusing and hard to understand. 

In this post, we will define what proverbs and idioms are and give examples of each. 

We’ll also discuss the origins of some popular proverbs and idioms and explain why they are still used today. 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of these interesting and unique parts of the English language.

Proverbs and Idioms

• “Actions speak louder than words” – This means that what someone does is more important than what they say.
• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” – This means that eating healthy can prevent illness.
• “Break a leg” – This is a way of wishing someone luck, especially before a performance.
• “Curiosity killed the cat” – This means that being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble.
• “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – This means to not rely on a single thing or plan, as it could fail.
• “Easy come, easy go” – This means that something that is gained easily can also be lost easily.
• “From rags to riches” – This means to go from being poor to becoming very wealthy.
• “Let the cat out of the bag” – This means to reveal a secret.
• “On cloud nine” – This means to be very happy.
• “Paint the town red” – This means to have a wild and fun time.
• “The ball is in your court” – This means that it is now someone else’s turn to make a decision or take action.
• “The early bird catches the worm” – This means that those who start early are more likely to succeed.
• “The elephant in the room” – This means an issue that is not being discussed but is clearly present.
• “The whole nine yards” – This means everything, the full amount.
• “Time is money” – This means that time is valuable and should not be wasted.
• “Barking up the wrong tree” – This means to be pursuing the wrong thing or person.
• “Bite the bullet” – This means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
• “Cost an arm and a leg” – This means to be very expensive.
• “Cry over spilt milk” – This means to worry or complain about something that cannot be changed.
• “Cut to the chase” – This means to get to the point without wasting time.
• “Get cold feet” – This means to become nervous or uncertain about something.
• “Give the cold shoulder” – This means to ignore or be rude to someone.
• “Go the extra mile” – This means to put in extra effort or work.
• “Hang in there” – This means to keep going or persevere in a difficult situation.
• “Hit the nail on the head” – This means to do or say something that is exactly right.
• “In the same boat” – This means to be in the same difficult situation as someone else.
• “It’s not rocket science” – This means that something is not very difficult to understand.
• “Jumping the gun” – This means to act too quickly or prematurely.
• “Kill two birds with one stone” – This means to accomplish two things at the same time.
• “Make a mountain out of a molehill” – This means to make a small problem seem larger than it is.

In conclusion, proverbs and idioms are an integral part of the English language and can add depth and personality to our communication. 

They can be confusing for non-native speakers, but with a little explanation and practice, they can be mastered. 

These phrases can also offer insight into different cultures and provide a window into the way people thought and communicated in the past. 

We hope that this post has helped to demystify proverbs and idioms for you and that you’ll be able to use these phrases with confidence in your own communication. 

Thanks for reading!

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Essay on important and famous Proverb

Table of Contents

Proverb is a simple and factual saying said by the experienced and great personalities of any country over any subject. Proverbs are generally prove the real facts in the life. All the proverbs said are generally express truth or advice based on the common sense. Proverbs said by the personalities become the practical experiences of the humanity.

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Proverbs may be over discipline, health, ethics, time, education, cleanliness, hygiene, diseases, honesty, knowledge, etc. Here we have provided variety of essay on proverbs said by the famous personalities all over the world. Students can be assigned in their schools or colleges to discuss meaning, prove the fact or write some paragraphs or full essay on any proverb given by the teacher or examiner. You can select any proverb essay given below under different words limit.

What is Proverbs?

An English proverb is a short, wise saying that people use to give advice or share a truth about life. These sayings are so common that native English speakers might use them in conversations without even realizing it.

Proverbs can make it easier to explain things. For example, instead of saying, “We need to talk to the client before any other company does to be successful,” someone can simply say, “the early bird catches the worm.” Everyone will understand what they mean. Proverbs use familiar words to convey a message that everyone knows.

Proverbs are often used to make a point or share wisdom. They are different from regular speech because they use metaphors or symbols. Some proverbs are tied to specific cultures or places, but most are known and used by people from all around the world, and they get passed down from one generation to the next.

Surprisingly, some of the oldest proverbs were written by the Sumerians about 4,000 years ago. Researchers found tablets with over a thousand of these Sumerian sayings. When they translated them, they realized how timeless and universal these bits of wisdom are, showing that proverbs connect people across different times and places.

And just to be clear, English proverbs are not the same as the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.

Popular Proverbs in English for Students

• Many hands make light work: When lots of folks work together on a tough job, it doesn’t feel as tough. This saying means that when people collaborate, the work becomes simpler and gets done faster.

Strike while the iron is hot: This saying suggests that you should make the most of a good opportunity before it goes away or turns into something less favorable.

Honesty is the best policy: The right thing to do is to be truthful and honest. When you do this, people will trust and respect you.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence: People often think that others have happier and more successful lives than their own, even when things are going well for them.

Don’t judge a book by its cover: Try not to decide what you think about someone or something just by how it looks on the outside.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away: This saying suggests that eating healthy, like apples, with lots of vitamin C, helps keep us healthy and reduces trips to the doctor. In this English saying, apples represent good, nutritious food.

Better late than never: It’s often better to do something later than to never do it.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you: Don’t mistreat the person or people you rely on or who look after you in any manner

Rome wasn’t built in a day: Great or important things require a certain amount of time to be accomplished.

Actions speak louder than words: You can judge someone’s real character by their actions, not just their words. People can talk a lot, but they might not actually do what they say.

Related Information

• Essay on Practice makes a Man Perfect for Students
• Essay on Where there is a will there is a way for students

Essay on important and famous Proverb FAQs

What is a proverb in an essay.

A proverb in an essay is a short, wise saying that imparts valuable advice or wisdom in a concise and memorable way.

How do you write a proverb in an essay?

To include a proverb in an essay, you can introduce it with a relevant context and use quotation marks, followed by an explanation of its relevance to your essay's topic.

What's a famous proverb?

A famous proverb is 'Actions speak louder than words,' which means that what people do is more important than what they say.

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200+ Common Proverbs in English [with Meaning and Example]

• Figurative Language
• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

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Proverbs and sayings are popular nuggets of wisdom, often in circulation for centuries and even millenniums. This post covers more than 200 common proverbs, each of which is followed by meaning and use in an example sentence.

If you’re looking for more proverbs and sayings, you can find plenty of them in the resource below. It contains proverbs on topics such as life, family, friends, love, health, happiness, money, hard work, time, time management, teamwork, leadership, business, education & learning, and more.

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 food 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.

Certainty of having something in hand is better than mere probability of having even more things.

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 heart grow fonder.

When we’re away from loved ones, we long for their company more than in normal times.

Example : When I was with him, he always fought with me, but now he cries for me on phone. I think distance made his heart grow fonder.

4. A cat has nine lives.

Cat can survive seemingly fatal events.

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

5. Action speaks louder than words.

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

Example : The interviewee had an impressive resume, but he struggled to perform the task given during the interview. Actions speak louder than words, don’t they?

6. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.

A rare, precious opportunity that comes with some problems is better than a regular opportunity that seems to be perfect.

Example : I would advise you to work in a market that is growing fast than in a mature market. The former has its own problems, but that’s where you grow fast in your career. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.

7. A drowning man will clutch a straw.

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

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

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8. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Fools lose money because of their foolish conduct.

Example : He shared his credit card details on a phishing call and lost more than $10,000. A fool and his money are indeed parted sooner or later.

9. After victory, tighten your helmet chord.

There is no room for complacency. Get down to work after a victory. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, calls it Day 0 mentality.

Example : Our Company has won a major deal worth $600 M, but we can’t relax as many more deals are up for grabs, with the competition gnawing at our heels. After the victory, it’s time to tighten our helmet chord.

10. A good listener is a silent flatterer.

Human beings have an innate desire to be listened, but only few are good listeners. So, if you listen to someone attentively, you’ll flatter them.

Example : One of the reasons I could build such a network of friends is my ability to listen (more than speak) to people. A good listener is a silent flatterer, after all.

11. A goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

Foul, inconsiderate words can cause more pain than a physical attack.

Example : Even when you’re angry, convey your point politely because a goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

12. A happy heart is better than a full purse.

What’s the use of money if you’re unhappy despite loads of it? Happiness is better than plenty. A 2010 study at Princeton University points that happiness increases with money but only till basic needs are met. After that, money matters much less.

Example : My cousin is a multi-millionaire, but he is super-busy and stressed, with little time to spend time with his family. I guess a happy heart is better than a full purse.

13. A jack of all trades is master of none.

A person with some knowledge of several fields (jack of all trades) can’t be a master in any of them.

Example : You’ve hopped from marketing to sales to business development in your organization. That’s too many. A Jack of all trades is master of none.

14. 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 thousand miles begins with a single step.

15. A lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit.

In disputes, it’s better to compromise and get only part of the potential outcome than to contest an expensive lawsuit for years, with no guarantee on the outcome.

Example : We often see two parties, especially companies, arrive at a compromise than contest the case in courts. They clearly understand that a lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit.

16. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.

People can’t change their innate character, especially bad.

Example : X: Do you think he’ll stop copying after being caught and penalized? Y: I don’t think so. A leopard can’t change its spots.

17. All is fair in love and war.

One can break the rules of fair play under extenuating circumstances.

Example : In the face of cutthroat competition, some companies adopt unfair practices. To them, it seems all is fair in love and war.

18. All is well that ends well.

As long as the outcome is good, problems on the way don’t matter.

Example : I’m glad you finally got here, even though your car had a flat tire on the way. All’s well that ends well.

19. All lay loads on a willing horse.

A person who says ‘yes’, even if hesitatingly, to any work given to him will soon find himself overloaded with work.

Example : When I joined the company two years back, I was too polite to say ‘no’ to work people asked me to do, and soon I was buried under work. All lay loads on a willing horse.

20. All that glitters is not gold.

Things that look good outwardly may not be as valuable or good.

Example : X: I want to be a movie star when I grow up. Y: Film industry looks good from outside, but it has its own problems. Remember, all that glitters is not gold.

21. Among the blind, one-eyed man is king.

An incapable person can gain powerful position if others in the fray are even more incapable.

Example : Despite his obvious lack of exposure and skills, he became head of the department because he is one-eyed among the blind.

22. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Eating an apple a day will keep you healthy.

Example : Switch from chips to apples for your snack because an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

23. An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.

This proverb exemplifies importance of leadership. A strong army (lions) led by a weak leader (sheep) can lose to a weak army (sheep) led by a strong leader (lion).

Example : The next CEO hasn’t held any leadership position in a large organization. I hope the board doesn’t regret its decision because an army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.

24. An empty vessel makes much noise.

Fools and persons with shallow knowledge often talk a lot.

Example : He has only superficial understanding of the subject but talked the most in the meeting, without adding any value. Empty vessel makes much noise.

25. An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening.

People are generally more productive in the morning: first, they’re fresh after night’s sleep; second, there are fewer distractions in the morning.

Example : I get up at 6:00 AM and get so much work done by the time I leave for office. I’m a living example of the dictum that an hour in the morning is worth two in the evening.

26. An idle brain is devil’s workshop.

If you’ve nothing to do, you’ll likely think of mischief.

Example : The kids should be kept busy during the summer break. Otherwise, you know an idle brain is devil’s workshop.

27. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

A little precaution before a crisis is better than lot of firefighting afterwards.

Example : Get the vaccination on priority. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

28. A picture is worth a thousand words.

It is easier to explain something through a picture than through words.

Example : It is easier to learn biology through pictures than through reams of text. A picture is worth a thousand words.

29. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

A person who is constantly changing his job and relationships won’t have depth in any of them and would be unfulfilled.

Example : You’re now in your third industry in the last eight years, which doesn’t make you an expert in any of them. Remember, a rolling stone gathers no moss.

30. A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is for.

Get out of your comfort zone to grow and fulfill your potential.

Example : I think your fears are unfounded. You should travel to Italy for the Model UN. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Remember, a ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

31. Ask no questions and hear no lies.

Don’t ask questions which people can’t or don’t want to answer. If you ask such questions, you’ll hear only lies.

Example : When I asked my neighbour why he comes early from office on some days, he, in a wishy-washy tone, said that on such occasions he finishes his work early. Before asking this question, I should have remembered: Ask no questions and hear no lies.

32. A stitch in time saves nine.

It’s better to deal with problems immediately than wait, by when they worsen and become much bigger.

Example : Because we anticipated and responded to the possible change in Facebook algorithm, the referral traffic to our website dropped much less than what happened to some of our competitors. A stitch in time saves nine.

33. As you sow, so you shall reap.

Your actions – good or bad – determine what you get.

Example : You’re entangled in few cases of fraud because of your illegal get-rich-quick methods. You should have known as you sow, so you shall reap.

34. A thing begun is half done.

A good beginning makes it easier to accomplish rest of the project.

Example : He has already taken the first set in the match, and he should win the match from here. Well begun is half done, after all.

35. A tree is known by its fruit.

Like a tree is known by the fruit it bears, people are known by their character and actions (and not by their appearance).

Example : I see that you avoid him just because he isn’t good looking. Remember, a tree is known by its fruit.

36. Barking dogs seldom bite.

People who appear threatening rarely do harm.

Example : X: I’m really scared to report delay in the project to my temperamental boss. Y: I don’t think you should worry too much about it. Barking dogs seldom bite.

37. Beauty is in the eye of beholder.

What may seem beautiful to one person may not seem to another.

Example : You may not like the curves of my new car, but then beauty is in the eye of beholder.

38. Beauty is only skin deep.

A person’s character, intellect, and other inner qualities are more important than his/her physical appearance.

Example : The actress behaved so rudely with the driver – beauty is skin deep, after all.

39. Beggars can’t be choosers.

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.

Example : X: I borrowed this jacket from my friend, but it’s not one of his nice ones. Y: Well, beggars can’t be choosers.

40. Begin to weave and God will give the thread.

When taking up a task that has no playbook to follow, we plan a lot and think a lot but don’t act. In such pursuits, you can’t foresee everything in advance and lot of assumptions will come to naught. What’s required is action. Plan, but act. Often, new paths open as you move forward.

Example : The path to develop human colony on Mars is challenging, but people have already started work on it. Hopefully, things will move forward. If you begin to weave, God will give the thread.

41. Be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

Choose things or people after diligence, but once you choose, stick for long.

Example : Don’t be hasty in picking friends, but once you make friends with someone, don’t change him/her fast. You should be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

42. Best things in life are free.

Most valuable things are often free.

Example : I feel so rejuvenated in clean air, sparkling water, and beautiful nature of the mountains. Often times, best things in life are free.

43. Better late than never.

It is better to get something (you desire) late than get it never.

Example : I’m attending graduate school at 35, but I guess it’s better late than never.

44. Better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.

Health is more important than money.

Example : The pharma tycoon has been in and out of hospital for the past two months because of kidney ailment. It’s better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick.

45. Birds of a feather flock together.

People with similar nature seek out each other’s company.

Example : You usually hang out with people with background similar to yours. Birds of a feather flock together, after all.

46. Blood is thicker than water.

Relationships with family is stronger than other relationships.

Example : My friends invited me for the picnic on Sunday, but I have to go to my cousin’s birthday instead. Blood is thicker than water, isn’t it?

47. Clothes do not make a man.

A person’s character can’t be judged by his/her clothing and outward appearance.

Example : X: I can’t believe he has been charged for insider trading. He always seemed so professional and impeccable. Y: Well, clothes don’t make a man.

48. Cowards die many times before their death.

Cowards suffer the feared effects of death many times in their lives.

Example : X: He is constantly worried about losing his job, and I don’t think he’ll pursue his true interests. Y: He exemplifies the saying ‘cowards die many times before their deaths’.

49. Cross the stream where it is shallowest.

Do things in the easiest possible way.

Example : Let’s cross the stream at its shallowest and start promoting our product on YouTube, where we already have some following.

50. Curiosity killed the cat.

Enquiring into others’ work can be dangerous. One should mind own business.

Example : I know curiosity killed the cat, but I can’t stop investigating until I know where the donations are actually going.

51. Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.

The consequence of wrongdoings always catches up with the wrongdoer.

Example : Politicians can fool some people some of the time, but in the end, chickens come home to roost when votes are counted.

52. Different strokes for different folks.

Different people have different needs and wants, and we should be respectful to them.

Example : Because people differ in their tastes and habits, I try to provide different strokes for different folks when I invite my friends to my place.

53. Discretion is the better part of valor.

It is wise to be careful and not show unnecessary bravery.

Example : Son: Can I go for this mountaineering expedition? Father: No. Son: But my friends will say I’m a chicken if I don’t go! Father: Discretion is the better part of valor, and I’d rather have them call you chicken than risk your life.

54. Do as you would be done by.

Treat others like the way you would like to be treated. Some people, for example, ingratiate themselves with the powerful but treat less powerful with contempt. Don’t be like them.

Example : You shouldn’t have been rude to him. How would you feel if someone behaves the same way to you? You should do as you would be done by.

55. Doctors make the worst patients.

It’s difficult to advice a person on a matter in which he is an expert. This is because he thinks that he already knows the best about what to do.

Example : When I tried to advice my friend on how to increase revenue from his gas station, he argued why my suggestions wouldn’t work. He was clearly jumping the gun and not open to ideas. Doctors make the worst patients.

56. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Don’t act badly toward the person who has helped you or from whom you derive some benefits, for you may lose those benefits in future.

Example : Don’t bite the hand that feeds you by talking ill of your mentor for such a small thing. If he distances from you or talk bad about you, it can hurt you bad.

57. Don’t carry coals to Newcastle.

In the past, Newcastle was known for its coal mines. Coal was mined here and taken to other parts of England. So, if you carry coal to Newcastle, you’re doing unnecessary work.

Example : When asked in the interview how you can make difference in your role, stay clear of the topic of SEO. They’re already industry leader in it, and you shouldn’t carry coals to Newcastle.

58. Don’t cast pearls before swine.

Don’t offer something valuable to someone who doesn’t value it.

Example : To serve them French cuisine is like casting pearls before swine.

59. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Don’t make plans based on future events that may not happen.

Example : You’re preparing for election campaign when you have not yet been nominated. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

60. Don’t cross the bridge till you come to it.

Deal with a situation when it happens and not unnecessarily worry about it in advance.

Example : I know you’re worried about the mortgage payment due in January, but don’t cross the bridge till you come to it.

61. Don’t empty the water jar until the rain falls.

Don’t quit something, say a job, before securing its replacement.

Example : After getting an average review in his annual performance appraisal, my friend left the organization without landing another job, and then he struggled to get another for several months. Don’t empty the water jar until the rain falls.

62. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Just like you can’t form an opinion of a book just by looking at its cover, you can’t form an opinion about someone (or something) from their outward appearance.

Example : He seems a bit jerk to me, but, hey, you never know. He may be good. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

63. Don’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

If you kill a goose that lays golden eggs, you destroy something that makes lot of money for you.

Example : Tourists come to this city mainly to see this monument. By opening it to commercial use, the city council may kill the goose that lays golden eggs.

64. Don’t open a shop unless you know how to smile.

It’s difficult to attract customers without a pleasant persona.

Example : Since my friend has a neutral, if not cold, demeanour, I advised him not to open a shop unless he learns how to smile.

65. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Don’t put all your effort into a single course of action, venture, investment, goal, or the like, because if it doesn’t work, you lose everything.

Example : Almost entire revenue of the company comes from Facebook. If Facebook tweaks its policies in future, the company may sink. They shouldn’t put all their eggs in the same basket.

66. Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm.

Everything calm and peaceful doesn’t mean there are no dangers around.

Example : Even though the industry looks stable with predictable market share and revenue, there are always obscure start-ups which may threaten your company in future. Don’t think there are no crocodiles because the water is calm.

67. Don’t throw the baby with the bathwater.

Don’t discard something valuable while getting rid of something worthless.

Example : Let’s not throw the baby with the bathwater by scrapping the project for a subpart not planned well.

68. Eagles don’t catch flies.

Eagles catch bigger prey than flies, don’t they? Don’t take trivial matters to senior leaders in your organization. You have to resolve them, not they.

Example : You shouldn’t call the AVP for such small disruption in the supply chain. Resolve it yourself. Eagles, after all, don’t catch flies.

69. Early bird catches the worm.

One who starts early on the work has higher chance of success.

Example : I’ve come early for the season-ending sale so that I can choose from a wider selection and get a better piece. Early bird catches the worm, after all.

70. Empty bags can’t stand upright.

A poor or hungry person cannot discharge his duties well.

Example : You can’t expect poor people to fight for climate change, because empty bags can’t stand upright. They need to first fulfill their basic needs.

71. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Bad times will eventually give way to better times. (The presence of silver lining means that the sun is behind the cloud and will eventually emerge.)

Example : I know your business has suffered few setbacks this season. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining.

72. Every dog has his day.

Even the unluckiest or the most unfortunate will taste success at some point.

Example : Are you surprised that John, the laggard, has got 92 percent marks in math? Well, every dog has his day.

73. Every horse thinks its own pack is heaviest.

We think that we work the hardest. This is also called responsibility bias: People tend to overvalue their own contributions and undervalue contributions of others.

Example : X: You’re questioning my contribution! I’m the one who has worked the hardest on this project. I haven’t taken a day’s leave in six months. Y: Every horse thinks its own pack heaviest.

74. Every tub must stand on its own bottom.

We can’t hide incompetency behind teamwork. Everyone has to justify their expense.

Example : The manager has singled out my team member for unsatisfactory work in the current project. Message was clear: Every tub must stand on its own bottom.

75. Fall seven times; stand up eight.

Be resilient and try despite failures. That’s how you succeed.

Example : Abraham Lincoln lost so many elections, but he kept trying. Eventually he became the President of United States. It’s rightly said: Fall seven times; stand up eight.

76. Familiarity breeds contempt.

If you know a situation, person, or thing well, you start taking them for granted and stop respecting them.

Example : The reason for many breakups and disasters can be traced to contempt bred by familiarity.

77. Faults are thick where love is thin.

If the love is shallow, people will find faults in each other.

Example : We occasionally overhear accusations and counter-accusations coming from the neighboring family. Faults are thick where love is thin.

78. Fine feathers make fine birds.

Like birds with colorful feathers look attractive, people in fine clothes look appealing. However, don’t get swayed by external appearance when making friends.

Example : X: The person I’ve just been introduced to, no doubt, looks attractive.

Y: Why wouldn’t he? Fine feathers make fine birds, after all. But you shouldn’t go by attractiveness when making friends.

79. Flattery, like perfume, should be smelled but not swallowed.

Enjoy the flattery you receive, but don’t believe it because people often flatter to meet their own selfish interests.

Example : I know he was all praise for your business acumen, but don’t take his words literally as this guy needs business from us. Flattery, like perfume, should be smelled but not swallowed.

80. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fools or inexperienced persons get involved in situations or pursue goals without much thought. In contrast, wise think through such situations or goals.

Example : He sent an angry email without going into the background of the matter – fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

81. Fortune favors the brave.

If you carry out your plans boldly, luck is more likely to favor you.

Example : I know you’re hesitant to accept the overseas position in your company because ground realities there are different from what you’ve faced so far, but remember fortune favors the brave.

82. For want of a nail the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.

An insignificant nail resulted in the loss of the rider. Small things can have huge implications. So, don’t ignore nuances and minute details. They’re the ones that stand people out.

Example : Because of malfunction in a tiny component, the entire batch of 120,000 air conditioners had to be recalled. For want of a nail the shoe is lost… the rider is lost.

83. Get out while the going (getting) is good.

Get out of a situation while it’s still easy to leave on good terms.

Example : With the stock market at an all-time high and further upside looking difficult, we decided to sell our shares and get out while the going was good.

84. God helps those who help themselves.

God helps those who make sincere effort.

Example : You’ve to take the bull by horns and try getting a new job. God helps those who help themselves.

85. Good bargains empty the purse.

Good bargains can be tempting and entice people into buying more than required, most of which can even go unused.

Example : I bought three trousers and four shirts for 30 percent discount, even though I don’t need them. Good bargains indeed empty the purse.

86. Good swimmers are often drowned.

Overconfidence can doom even the competent.

Example : Kodak overlooked the prospect of digital photographs replacing its camera films. As a result, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2012 after more than 120 years in existence. Good swimmers are often drowned.

87. Good things come to those who wait.

Patience is often rewarded.

Example : The best investors in the world have made their fortunes by investing for the long term. Good things come to those who wait.

88. Good wine needs no bush.

A good product doesn’t need promotion; it spreads through word of mouth.

Example : Stripe, a financial services firm, grew mainly through word of mouth. Good wine needs no bush.

89. Grief divided is made lighter.

If you share your grief, it’ll get easier to bear.

Example : You shouldn’t hold back the news of financial loss you’ve incurred in your business. Grief divided is made lighter.

90. Half a loaf is better than none.

We should thank for what we get even though it’s less than what we had hoped for.

Example : I applied to six colleges and got admission in my second choice. Not ideal but it could have been worse. Half a loaf is better than no bread.

91. Home is where the heart is.

Don’t you feel relieved on reaching home after you’ve been away for few days? No matter where you visit, you’ll long to return to your home and family.

Example : I’ve been out of the town on work for only three days now, and I’m already longing to get back home. I guess, home is where the heart is.

92. Honesty is the best policy.

It’s always better to be truthful and honest, even if the opposite may get you short-term benefits.

Example : I think you should just explain what happened, rather than trying to cover your tracks. Honesty is the best policy, after all.

93. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Be optimistic, but be prepared for a scenario where things can go wrong.

Example : We’re hoping to raise capital from investors, but it may not come so soon. Therefore, it’s imperative to look for alternatives as well. Let’s hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

94. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

If things were to happen by just wishing them, even the poorest will have everything they want.

Example : X: I want to be in a job that would pay me a million dollars a year. Y: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Stop fooling yourself and work hard towards your goal.

95. If you are patient in a moment of anger, you will escape hundred days of sorrow.

Actions and decisions taken in moments of anger aren’t the best. They can bring great misery. Wait for your anger to pass and then act or decide.

Example : The customer representative was upset at the illegitimate demand of the customer, but he remained calm and patient because he knew that if you are patient… sorrow.

96. If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.

Something cheap will be of suspect quality and will trouble you later in the form of higher maintenance and/or poor performance.

Example : I bought the air conditioner at quite an attractive price, but it’s running a high electricity bill because it’s not very efficient. Moreover, it requires more maintenance. If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.

97. If you can’t beat them, join them.

If you can’t beat your opponent, then work alongside them for mutual benefit.

Example : ABC Pvt. Ltd. has struck partnership with its competitor after it failed to gain market share. If you can’t beat them, join them.

98. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.

If you do something dangerous or adventurous, you may get harmed.

Example : Enacting the stunts of movie superheroes in real life is playing with fire. You may get burned.

99. If you want peace, prepare for war.

If you utilize the peace time to get better at war, your adversaries will hesitate in waging a war on you, and hence the time of peace will stretch.

Example : We’re in a competitive industry. Therefore, we should use this time of high growth and less competition (time of peace, in other words) to shore up capital, diversify, invest in revenue streams of future, and hire good talent. If you want peace, prepare for war.

100. If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Working with others may be somewhat slow compared to solo work, but you’ll need to collaborate if you want long-term success because you can’t do everything yourself.

Example : If you want to grow your business and sustain it over the long term, build a team. If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

101. Ignorance is bliss.

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. This proverb, however, is often used in the opposite way – ignorance is not bliss.

Example : I didn’t know that the neighbor next door was involved in criminal activities. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

102. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Words of flattery may not be sincere. But action (imitation) is sincere. Who wouldn’t be flattered if someone imitates them in some way?

Example : In the conference, the Twitter influencer with more than a million followers was told by a follower that he has amassed more than 20,000 followers by following influencer’s advice. The influencer was extremely happy to hear that. Imitation, after all, is the sincerest form of flattery.

103. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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.

104. It’s better to lose the battle and win the war.

It’s fine to lose small things if it helps you win the big pie.

Example : I climbed down from my position before the friendly argument could heat up, and we all parted amicably. It’s better to lose the battle and win the war.

105. It is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general.

Leaders are not easy to find. Retain them at whatever price it takes if you’ve them.

Example : The Vice President was all set to leave Google and lead Twitter, but Google somehow convinced him not to leave as it knew that it’s easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general.

106. It’s never too late to mend.

It’s never too late to change course or make amends for a past mistake. Don’t let your ego come in between.

Example : I think it was your fault, and you should be the one to say sorry and make up with your estranged brother. It’s never too late to mend.

107. It is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

People shouldn’t be subjected to discomfort beyond tolerance.

Example : The government raised taxes last year and shouldn’t raise them again. It is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

108. It takes a village to raise a child.

It takes an entire community to raise children in safe and nourishing environment.

Example : Lionesses in a pride take care of cubs of other lionesses. Doesn’t it take a village to raise a child?

109. It takes two to make a quarrel.

Without involvement of at least two persons, a quarrel won’t happen. So, if one of the two persons decide, a quarrel won’t happen.

Example : X: Why are you so quarrelsome? Y: I’m not the only person involved. It takes two to make a quarrel.

110. It takes two to tango.

Where two parties are involved in a situation, fault usually lies with both if things go wrong. Rarely can one party be blamed entirely.

Example : This deal won’t go through unless you too are willing to compromise. It takes two to tango, after all.

111. Justice delayed is justice denied.

In many countries, wheels of justice move so slow that sometimes it takes decades to pronounce a judgment. This causes suffering in terms of time and money wasted and the long wait for justice.

Example : Verdict in the landgrab case has come after twelve long years. To contest the case, the victim had to sell off his land. Justice delayed is justice denied.

112. Kind words will unlock an iron door.

If you talk politely, people are more amenable to your suggestions and ask.

Example : The government officer was quite cold to my father but did the job when I made a polite request. Kind words can unlock an iron door.

113. Kings have long arms.

Governments have far-reaching powers.

Example : After committing the fraud, the tycoon fled to another country, but the government pulled all levers to get him extradited. Kings indeed have long arms.

114. Laughter is the best medicine.

Laughter reduces stress and improves immunity, leading to better health.

Example : I think the best thing for you right now would be to spend some time with people you can joke around with. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.

115. Learn to walk before you run.

Learn basic skills first before venturing into complex things.

Example : X: I want to submit my first article to Fortune magazine for publication. Y: I think you should aim for smaller publications to start with. You should learn to walk before you run.

116. Least said, soonest mended.

When you fall out with someone, restrain yourself from using foul, upsetting language. Words can leave a lasting impression and make it difficult to reconcile.

Example : When the argument heated up with my friend, I deescalated the matter, excused myself, and walked away. Least said, soonest mended.

117. Lend your money and lose your friend.

Lending money to a friend can lead to souring of friendship. If you ask to repay, he may feel offended, and if he fails to repay, you’ll be offended.

Example : I don’t like calling up Tom any longer for regular chitchats after he failed to return the money I lent three months back. Lend your money and lose your friend, I guess.

118. Let sleeping dogs lie.

Don’t talk about a bad situation people have forgotten and that could unnecessarily create problem in the present.

Example : X: Should I ask the professor if he is upset about my late submission of the assignment? Y: If he hasn’t said anything, then don’t bring forth the topic – let sleeping dogs lie.

119. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

Misfortune does not occur twice in the same way to the same person.

Example : X: I don’t want to take this route, because I was robbed the last time I travelled on this route. Y: Don’t worry, lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

120. Like people, like priest.

Quality of people is a good indicator of the quality of their leader. We expect our bureaucracy, politicians, and other leaders to be impeccable. But they don’t descend from heavens. They come from the very people they represent, and hence their quality will be reflective of the quality of people.

Example : As a society, we’re becoming more and more insensitive, self-centered, and apathetic on matters of public importance. Little wonder, our leaders too aren’t first rate. Like people, like priest.

121. Long absent, soon forgotten.

If you haven’t met or spoken to a friend or relative in long time, he’ll be forgotten. Such friendships eventually wither away or may just remain a distant acquaintance.

Example : I haven’t spoken to my college friend in years, and now I don’t even like to make the call. I guess I’ve moved on. Long absent, soon forgotten.

122. Look before you leap.

Consider all consequences before taking an action, especially when you can’t retract.

Example : X: I’m planning to pursue an MBA. Y: It’s an expensive degree and, moreover, you’ll be out of work for two years. I would say look before you leap.

123. Love me, love my dog.

If you love someone, then you should love them as they come with their qualities, shortcomings, friends, family, and so on.

Example : If you love her, then you should love her family and friends as well. Love me, love my dog. Isn’t it?

124. Make hay while the sun shines.

Make the most of favorable conditions till they last.

Example : I got plenty of referral traffic to my website from Facebook in its initial years. I made hay while the sun shone. Later on, they changed their algorithm, after which the referral traffic dried.

125. Make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you.

If you’re a yes-man and often talk sweet language to please others, people won’t respect you.

Example : X: This guy tries to keep everyone in good humor and will change his stand just for that. Y: True. That’s why people treat him with contempt. Make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you.

126. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Spend money carefully because it’s limited. You can’t grow it on trees and replenish.

Example : I’m surprised that you spent your entire month’s salary on a frivolous gadget. Well, money doesn’t grow on trees.

127. Money talks.

Money gives one power and influence.

Example : I don’t have access to many people like he has, after all he is a scion of a rich family. Money talks, you know.

128. More die of food than famine.

More people die because of excess indulgence in food and eating unhealthy than because of shortage of food.

Example : You shouldn’t eat unhealthy snacks so regularly. Remember, more die of food than famine.

129. Murder will out.

Secrets rarely remain secret. They’ll eventually come out and be known to all.

Example : I tried my best to not let my organization know that I’m searching for another job, but, to my embarrassment, one of my teammates has come to know. It’s rightly said murder will out.

130. Necessity is the mother of invention.

A need or problem forces people to come up with innovative solutions.

Example : In some parts of the world, farmers use washing machine to clean potatoes. Necessity, after all, is the mother of invention.

131. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

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.

132. Never test the depth of water with both feet.

If you’re testing the depth of water with both feet down, you risk being drowned if the water turns out to be deep. But if you test with one foot, you can pull away. The proverb means that before going whole hog into something unknown, assess the risk well.

Example : Before investing such large sum in crypto and taking a hit, I should’ve first invested a small amount or talked to experts. One should never test the depth of water with both feet.

133. Night brings counsel.

If you have a difficult problem to solve or an important decision to make, a good night’s sleep will work wonders.

Example : Thinking over and over again about the problem isn’t leading to a solution. Why don’t you just sleep over the problem? Sometimes, night brings counsel.

134. No gain without pain.

To succeed in one’s pursuits, it is necessary to work hard and sacrifice pleasures.

Example : You’ve to drastically reduce the time you spend on video games and TV if you want to get admission in a good college. No gain without pain.

135. No news is good news.

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.

136. Oaks may fall when reeds stand the storm.

Those who are flexible and relatively insignificant can survive a crisis that brings down powerful who are unable or unwilling to adapt.

Example : In mass extinction events such as the one in which dinosaurs became extinct, large animals, which need plenty of food, go extinct first. Oaks may fall when reeds stand the storm.

137. Once bitten twice shy.

A person won’t do something a second time because he/she had 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.

138. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

What may seem to be junk to one person maybe valuable to another.

Example : I sold my 6-year-old laptop for little amount, but I’m sure the buyer will make hefty profit on it by refurbishing and selling it to someone else. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, after all.

139. Pen is mightier than sword.

Thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than use of force.

Example : After the mass killings at the newspaper office, there is a protest which is happening in the city declaring support to the paper, proving that pen is mightier than sword.

140. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones at others.

People who have some shortcomings shouldn’t criticize others for having the same shortcomings.

Example : The main political party in the opposition has blamed the ruling party for giving tickets to people with dubious background in the upcoming elections. But the big question is that are they themselves clean on this count? People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones at others.

141. Persuasion is better than force.

You can achieve better results through persuasion than through coercion.

Example : After many futile attempts by the government, farmers finally agreed to acquisition of their land on the promise of economic development of the area. That’s why it is said persuasion is better than force.

142. Politeness costs little but yields much.

Speaking politely costs no more than speaking rudely, but it can yield much more by making friends.

Example : All things equal, few deals went my way – and not my competitor’s – because of my polite and pleasant demeanour. Politeness costs little but yields much.

143. Practice makes perfect.

Doing something over and over makes one better at it.

Example : You can’t expect to master guitar in two months. You’ve to keep at it for several months, as practice makes perfect.

144. Practice what you preach.

Behave the way you encourage others to behave.

Example : You keep telling us to go for a jog in the morning, but I wish you practice what you preach.

145. Rich man’s joke is always funny.

People agree with and flatter rich people to be in good books with them.

Example : The rich kid in my college was always surrounded by classmates who were overzealous to flatter him and keep him in good humor. A rich man’s joke is always funny.

146. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Important work takes time to complete.

Example : You can’t expect her to finish such a complex project in a week. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

147. Shrouds have no pockets.

We arrived in this world without anything, and we’ll leave without anything.

Example : What will you do with all the money you’re accumulating at the cost of a peaceful, happy life? As far as I know, shrouds have no pockets.

148. Silence is half consent.

If you don’t object to what someone says or does, you may be assumed to agree to some extent.

Example : He didn’t say anything to my proposal of going for a picnic on the weekend. I believe he is not saying ‘no’. Silence is half consent.

149. Slow and steady wins the race.

Slow and consistent work leads to better chance of success than quick work in spurts.

Example : X: I’ve built a strong vocabulary by learning a word a day for the last three years. Y: Mine has been much less, even though I’ve had days when I polished off ten words. I guess slow and steady wins the race.

150. Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

If you work only on regular projects, you won’t be challenged and hence not become better at what you do. So, volunteer into few challenging projects as well.

Example : In my new project, I’m leading the team that will launch a new product, an experience, I believe, will provide a steep learning curve. After all, smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

151. Still water runs deep.

If a person doesn’t speak much, it doesn’t mean they lack depth or are uninteresting.

Example : She may not talk much, but she is one of the smartest persons in the organization. Still water runs deep.

152. Strike while the iron is hot.

Take advantage of an opportunity before it extinguishes.

Example : I thought over the job offer way too long. Now it has been offered to someone else. I should have struck while the iron was hot.

153. The course of true love never did run smooth.

True love goes through ups and downs.

Example : Romeo and Juliet went through lot of trials and tribulations in their love. The course of true love, it seems, never did run smooth.

154. The family that (eats) prays together stays together.

The family that gets together regularly to pray or eat is more close-knit than the family that doesn’t.

Example : Our grandfather ensured that all family members come together, howsoever busy they may be, at least once a week for dinner, which likely was the reason why our family was so close-knit. The family that (eats) prays together stays together.

155. The grass is greener on the other side of fence.

People are never satisfied with their own situation; they always think others have it better.

Example : X: When I see him post all those travel pictures on Instagram, I feel he has the perfect life. Y: It’s usually not like that in real life. I’m sure he too has his share of problems. I see your thought as grass being greener on the other side of the fence.

156. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

The harder you work, the more ideas and chances you may make for yourself.

Example : Many think he got lucky in getting that fat contract, but few know he had been pursuing dozens of such contracts for several weeks – the harder you work, the luckier you get.

157. The higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail.

The higher an incompetent person rises in an organization, the more his incompetence is exposed.

Example : After the recent promotion, the official, who somehow rose in ranks despite lack of merit, now headed a much larger department. As a result, his incompetence was now exposed to far more people. The higher the monkey climbs the more he shows his tail.

158. The highest branch is not the safest roost.

Those in the highest positions can be vulnerable as many aspire to replace them. Second, if the person is replaced, it’s not easy to find a similar position because of paucity of roles at the top.

Example : In earlier times, kings used to be on their guard all the time, suspicious of plots to overthrow them. The highest branch is not the safest roost, after all.

159. The longest way around is the shortest way home.

If you want to achieve the desired quality, work diligently and carefully and not cut corners.

Example : The earlier software contractor wrote a bloated, shoddy code that now needs to be rewritten. It should have been done more thoughtfully. The longest way around is the shortest way home.

160. The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

If you deviate from the norm, you’ll face resistance, even hostile reaction in extreme case.

Example : In government, where rule-based work is norm, the nail that sticks out usually gets hammered down.

161. The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

There rarely are completely free offers; they come attached with hooks. So, beware of such offers.

Example : The film actor got a 4-day stay at heavy discount at a premium hotel in Maldives, but later they used her pictures to promote the hotel. The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

162. The proof of pudding is in eating.

You can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it.

Example : X: Marketers have claimed that this weight loss diet produces strong results in just two months. Y: Well, I’ll reserve my opinion till I’ve tried it myself. After all, proof of pudding is in the eating.

163. There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.

We all want peace and happiness in life, and there are multiple ways of achieving this goal. However, many get so tunnel-focused that they fail to see paths other than their current job, which may ironically be hurting their pursuit of happiness. So, once in a while, take a step back and reflect.

Example : You’re overworked and stressed in your current job. I would suggest you explore other options, for there are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.

164. There are more ways than one to skin a cat.

There is more than one way to reach the same goal.

Example : We can get around that by renting instead of buying the delivery van – there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

165. There is no time like the present.

The best time to do something is right now. So, act now.

Example : Don’t wait until New Year to change your bad habits. There’s no time like the present.

166. There is truth in wine.

People when drunk speak truth, often unwittingly.

Example : I got to know quite a few secrets last night from my friend Tom after he got drunk. There certainly is truth in wine.

167. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Good intention doesn’t not matter if a person’s actions lead to bad outcomes.

Example : X: Well, I was only trying to be helpful by mixing those two acids. Y: But it exploded! Well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

168. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

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.

169. The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet tall.

We should avoid foul, inconsiderate language because it can leave lasting scars and dent relationships forever.

Example : The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high. It did in my case as I lost my friend forever when, in a fit of anger, I used quite harsh language with him, even dragging his friends and family.

170. Time and tide wait for no man.

You’ve no control over passage of time; it’ll keep slipping. So don’t procrastinate, don’t delay things.

Example : We need to decide fast about buying the property at this price. Time and tide wait for no man.

171. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

Many take up a job or project they later hate, wasting precious years. This can be avoided if you ask few who’ve undertaken the same job or project about their experience.

Example : I could’ve made a more informed career choice if I had asked few senior software engineers the nuts & bolts of the job at various stages of the career. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

172. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

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 action items. I’ve no doubt that too many cooks spoil the broth.

173. Two heads are better than one.

Two persons have a better chance to solve a problem than one.

Example : More startups have two cofounders than one. That’s because they very well understand that two heads are better than one.

174. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

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 rumor about him – two wrongs don’t make a right.

175. What can you expect from a pig but a grunt?

What can you expect from a bad character but foul and rough language?

Example : X: My neighbour quarreled with me and used abusive language over such a small issue. Y: What can you expect from a pig but a grunt?

176. When a twig grows hard, it is difficult to twist it.

A person can be moulded when young but not when he has grown up. So, one should inculcate good values in children while they’re still young.

Example : Your son doesn’t take responsibility when he fails at something. You must take corrective action now, for when a twig grows hard, it is difficult to twist it.

177. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of local people.

Example : I don’t love cotton candy, but we are at a carnival. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

178. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

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.

179. Where there’s will, there’s way.

If you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want, even if it is difficult.

Example : He had little resources to start his business, but he eventually did through a small opening – blog. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

180. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

If there are rumors or signs that something is true, there must be some truth in it.

Example : X: Do you believe those rumors about the mayor? Y: Well, you know what they say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

181. While the cat is away, the mice will play.

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.

182. Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?

Why take the trouble of investing in a cow and then maintaining it when you can simply buy milk far cheaply? You should avoid buying unnecessary assets when you can do with far cheaper options.

Example : Why buy a vehicle when we can get one on rent? Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap?

183. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?

Sometimes, you have employees for specific job, but someone else ends up doing that job. That’s a waste.

Example : The company has hired a designer to bring uniformity and quality in design, but some of the divisions are still designing their own stuff. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?

184. Words must be weighed, not counted.

Word count doesn’t matter. What matters is how effective they’re.

Example : Your report is quite voluminous, and it contains lot of superfluous stuff. Kindly revise it. Words must be weighed, not counted.

185. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

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.

186. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

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.

187. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

If you have your cake and eat it too, you get two things that are normally impossible to get simultaneously.

Example : If you want more local services, you can’t expect to pay less tax. Well, you can’t have your cake and eat it.

188. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

It is hard to achieve something important without causing unpleasant effects.

Example : If I don’t slash salaries, the company is going to go bankrupt. It’\’s unfortunate, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

189. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

People who have long been used to doing things in a particular way will not abandon their habits to learn something new.

Example : I bet you can’t get him to wake at 5 AM and go out for a walk. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

190. You do not fatten a pig by weighing it.

This proverb is quoted by opponents of too much testing. Weighing a pig won’t fatten it. Altering its diet would. Similarly, testing kids in school multiple times won’t improve their performance in a particular subject. What’s required is an elaborate system to work on students’ weak areas.

Example : Most private coaching centres for entrance exams hold not only regular tests but also elaborate doubt-clearing sessions. They clearly understand that you can’t fatten a pig by only weighing it.

191. You show me the man, and I’ll show you the rule.

Rules change depending on how powerful the person likely to be affected by the rules is.

Example : X: He has been treated leniently by the police. Y: That’s why they say – you show me the man and I’ll show you the rule.

192. Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood.

Like hunger forces the wolf out of the wood to seek food elsewhere, necessity forces poor to take up unpleasant tasks, sometimes in violation of law.

Example : With growing income disparities in the society, government must strengthen its skilling program for the unemployed and improve welfare programs for the poor. Otherwise, hunger will drive the wolf out of the wood.

193. A house divided cannot stand.

Prosperity and success come when a country, society, institution, or family stand united on issues and work together.

Example : Opposition parties are opposing the government even on the issue of national security, where we must stand united. A house divided cannot stand.

194. Until the lions produce their own historian, the story of the hunt will glorify only the hunter.

History is written by the victors, and they, naturally, glorify themselves.

Example : Tom: Some of the portrayals in history are overly rosy and superhuman, and some are downright villainous.

Jerry: Until the lions produce their own historian, the story of the hunt will glorify only the hunter.

195. The fish always stinks from the head downwards.

A dead fish starts rotting from head downwards. Similarly, in any organization or country, the rot sets in from the top. If the leadership is defunct, corrupt, and self-centred, implications will soon spread to the entire organization.

Example : Who can forget scandals at Enron and Satyam Computers where misdemeanours of their leaders sank the companies? The fish always stinks from the head downwards.

196. If every man would sweep his own doorsteps, the city would soon be clean.

For community work, everyone should take responsibility and contribute whatever little they can. Small contributions by many can accomplish mammoth tasks such as cleaning an entire city.

Example : The people came together to raise funds for the community centre. If every man would sweep his own doorsteps, the city would soon be clean.

197. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Teaching fishing, a skill, is far more important than merely handing doles (fish, here) to people. It serves an important reminder to our educational institutions, especially higher education, where majority of graduates are churned out without marketable skills. Most animals, in contrast, teach only the most essential skills – finding food and escaping predators – to their young ones. Nothing superfluous there.

Example : Skilling is better than giving subsidies to poor. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

198. Corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned.

Protesting against a government or a large organization is unlike protesting against individuals. An organization can use its deep pockets and power to take you on for decades together, and it wouldn’t bother anyone in that organization because individuals there don’t suffer financially or otherwise. In contrast, the protesters suffer individually. That’s why it’s not easy for individuals to slug it out against organizations and governments.

Example : Some countries impose economic sanctions not just against dictatorial regimes and rogue organizations but also against individuals there, which pinches the key orchestrators. The sanctioning countries know very well that corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned.

199. When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.

A Native American proverb. It’s paramount to save the environment. We’re already seeing the adverse effect, which seem to intensify every year, of untold exploitation of nature.

Example : Government has approved another power project in an ecologically sensitive region. When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.

200. One law for the rich and another for the poor.

The law is same for both, but the rich, through their abundant resources, can get favourable decisions by influencing decision makers, hiring the best lawyers, and delaying the case if it suits them, among several measures at their command.

Example : The hotelier’s son went scot-free in the highly publicized hit-and-run case. After all, there is one law for the rich and another for the poor.

201. New lords, new laws.

New governments have their own agendas.

Example : The new government has raised taxes on the rich. New lords, new laws.

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

27 Comments

I love this. Some I agree with, some I don’t, but proverbs are something that have been around through ages. I liked easy-flowing descriptions of the proverbs.

Hi, I could be wrong here, but I thought blood is thicker than water was originally derived from ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb’, meaning friendship is stronger than family bonds. Thanks.

I really enjoyed reading and learning these proverbs. I appreciate your hard work to make this page. Thank you, Emilly, UK

Does anyone know any proverb/quote around the idea of making two trips (to the car) instead of one? The idea is not to try and save time by carrying too much at once? My GGMa had a saying and I cannot recall it. Any help appreciated.

This was very helpful, but I still need the meanings of the following proverbs: 1. Speech is silver, silence is golden 2. A miss is as good as a mile

The bow street runners used to ride. It took a mile to load a rifle so, a miss is as good as a mile!

It’s my best learning experience ever; honestly it’s my favourite. I wish I could have it in a pdf. I would really be so grateful. I appreciate it.

Great help for my father who has dementia.

Wow! Am a teacher and have found the proverbs so usefel and helpful in consideration that most books don’t address them quite fully.. Thanks for the Madeline examples

This is awesome! I’d like to share one my grandmother would say. “You don’t have to eat the whole hog to know you’re eating pork.”

Hi what’s the meaning and example of 1. The owl thinks her own young fairest 2. If fools went not to market, bad wares would 3. The peacock has fair feathers, but foul feet

Nice proverbs. I have our local proverb from South Sudan: A man is man no man can make man a man.

Great but most of them are not proverbs that kids can understand, like my daughter (5-year-old) said that if she and her friend were having a race did she just have to walk. She thought that slow really wins the race.

Does anyone Know what “queer as a bottle of chips ” means or comes from?

As an aspiring English writer whose mother language is not English, definitions of proverbs are sometimes hard to understand. This post really helped me a lot!

Also missing: You can’t make a silk purse from a pigs ear.

I learnt few proverbs that I can use in my essays. A big thank you to Lemon Grad. I hope you will be covering more things on English.

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. The squeaky wheel get the grease. What’s that have to do with the price of eggs in China. No good deed goes unpunished

Thank you for your 150 proverbs and their meanings. It helped my daughter to complete her english project. Thanks a lot ??????

Thank you for helping me score high in my national examination!!!

Thanks so much ?..I’ve just finished writing my term paper and the proverbs have been of great help.

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm you will never enjoy the sunshine.

Enjoy the current moments even if they are small rather than waiting for big events to take place in your life.

please email me meanings of proverbs down below

1- It never rains but pours

2- Still waters run deep

3- To carry water in a sieve

Hello, I think these could be the meaning you have asking for. I hope it helps you It never rains but pours. This means that misfortune never comes alone. Still waters run deep: Appearences are deceptive

Sorry, I’ve forgot the 3rd one To carry water in a sieve means work for nothing, doing a useless job

I was looking for an English version of a Danish proverb stating that “when the manger is empty, the horses bite one another”. Do you have a good match?

Admiring the hard work you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material.

Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

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Word of the day

Word of the Day: inexorably

This word has appeared in 49 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?

By The Learning Network

inexorably \ ɪˈnɛksərəbli \ adverb

: in a manner that is not open to change or persuasion

Listen to the pronunciation.

The word inexorably has appeared in 49 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Aug. 8 in “ Repeat After Her: There Is No Dance Without Dance Education ” by Brian Seibert:

In dance education circles, her first name is enough. Everyone knows Jody. They call her the doyenne of dance, the godmother. They speak of her as the No. 1 cheerleader, the most tireless and tenacious champion, the general. … “She’s a force of nature,” said David C. Banks, the New York City schools chancellor. He has been at the job for 20 months — months filled with calls, emails and texts from Arnhold, with meetings and joint visits to schools. “We all know the arts are a good thing,” he said. “She is the voice in your ear that will not let you forget how important they are.” (He also called her “a sweetheart.”) Even in interviews, Arnhold educates, buttonholes, lobbies for her cause — graciously but inexorably . She repeats her sayings, like “There is no dance without dance education.” She means, in part, that the next great dancers and choreographers might now be in a kindergarten class in Brooklyn, in need of exposure. She also means that the future dance audience is there.

Daily Word Challenge

Can you correctly use the word inexorably in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how inexorably can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com . You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes .

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com . Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary . See every Word of the Day in this column .

60 Best Easter Quotes and Sayings to Celebrate Renewal in 2024

Share these easter quotes with everyone in your life.

S pring is in the air, which means Easter is just around the corner (and Palm Sunday  too!). Easter is a religious holiday that includes a bunch of Easter traditions the whole family can enjoy, like getting in on fun Easter egg hunts and opening Easter baskets filled with delicious candy. And for many, the holiday welcomes a season of great faith, renewed inspiration and joyous optimism. So how do you express your gratitude during this uplifting time of year? One great way is to share these Easter quotes with loved ones, whether you read them aloud at Easter brunch or write them as heartfelt Easter wishes in your cards.

Ahead, you'll find a mix of "Happy Easter" quotes that will help you capture the meaning of the holiday. They're sure to make you think, reflect and, in some cases, chuckle! Read on and share your favorites.

Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter for more quotes, holiday tips, fun facts, humor, cleaning, travel and tech all week long.

Inspirational Easter quotes

1. "The great gift of Easter is hope ." — Basil C. Hume

2. "For I remember Easter morn, and life and love and peace are all new born." — Alice Freeman Palmer

3. "Easter is the one morning in all of history where the dawn came twice; once on the eastern horizon and again in eternity." — Craig D. Lounsbrough

4. "The Easter egg symbolizes our ability to break out of the hardened, protective shell we’ve surrounded ourselves with." — Siobhan Shaw

5. "Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal and new life." — Janine di Giovanni

6. "Easter is very important to me. It’s a second chance." — Reba McEntire

7. "Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there." — Clarence W. Hall

8. "The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies." — Kate McGahan

9. "That is one good thing about this world; there are always sure to be more springs." — L.M. Montgomery

10. " Spring is the time of plans and projects." — Leo Tolstoy

11. "A flower blossoms for its own joy." — Oscar Wilde

12. "Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life." — S.D. Gordon

13. "Where flowers bloom so does hope." —

Lady Bird Johnson

14. "'Twas Easter Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

15. "Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life ." — Craig D. Lounsbrough

16. "Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is." — Jessica Harrelson

17. "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." — Robert Flatt

18. "There are always flowers for those who want to see them." — Henri Matisse

19. "A rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us to become new creatures." — James E. Faust

20. "April hath put a spirit of youth in everything." — William Shakespeare

Religious Easter quotes

21. "Look at the cross and you will know what one soul means to Jesus." — Mother Teresa

22. "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." — Martin Luther

23. "Christ has not only spoken to us by his life but has also spoken for us by his death." — Soren Kierkegaard

24. "The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to do three things. He came to have my past forgiven, you get a purpose for living and a home in Heaven." — Rick Warren

25. "Christ the Lord is risen. Our joy that hath no end." — John of Damascus 

26. "Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." — Pope John Paul II

27. "Here is the amazing thing about Easter . The Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this: that Christ in the dying moments on the cross gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible." — T.D. Jakes

28. "Christ the Lord is risen today, sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; sing, ye heavens, and Earth reply." — Charles Wesley

29. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man." — 1 Corinthians 15:21

30. "They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus." — Luke 24:2–3

31. "Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday." — Fulton J. Sheen

32. "On Easter Day, the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer." — Douglas Horton

33. "He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world." — 1 John 2:2

34. "I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun—not because I can see it, but by it, I can see everything else." — C.S. Lewis

35. "We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence." — Pope Francis

36. "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." — Matthew 28:5–6

37. "Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and to take up His Cross." — William Barclay

38. "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." — Saint Augustine

39. "Jesus said to her 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'" — John 11:25

40. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17

41. "Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world." — Virgil A. Kraft

42. "Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing." — Albert Lighton

43. "The resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it, our faith is meaningless." — Joseph B. Wirthlin

44. "Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." — Charles M. Crowe

45. "Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with our resurrection." — Watchman Nee

Funny Easter quotes

46. "I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny , the Tooth Fairy and true love. Don't even try to tell me different." — Dolly Parton

47. "Egg hunts are proof that your children can find things when they really want to." — Unknown

48. "A true friend is someone who thinks you’re a good egg, even if you’re cracked." — Bernard Meltzer

49. "Good idea: finding the Easter eggs on Easter. Bad idea: finding the Easter eggs on Christmas." — Jack Handey

50. " Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe filled with slush." — Doug Larson

51. "Easter is the only time when it’s perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket." — Evan Esar

52. "Is the Easter Bunny a space alien trying to trick us into implanting us with his eggs? Because I will so swear off chocolate right now." — Thomm Quackenbush, Artificial Gods

53. "The Easter Bunny ate all of the carrots that we left for him. What a pig." — Steve Carell 

54. "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!" —Charles M. Schulz

55. "There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate." — Linda Grayson

56. "You know what I'm doing for Easter? I'm gonna be hanging with my Peeps." — Jay Leno

57. "Those have a short Lent who owe money to be paid at Easter." — Benjamin Franklin

58. "My mom used to say that Greek Easter was later because then you get stuff cheaper." — Amy Sedaris

59. "I lied on my Weight Watchers list. I put down that I had three eggs ... but they were Cadbury chocolate eggs." — Caroline Rhea

60. "They have Easter egg hunts in Philadelphia, and if the kids don't find the eggs, they get booed." — Bob Uecker

Additional reporting by Chloë Nannestad.

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