Thirty most popular interesting proverbs...Graham
Feb 23, 2023 06:38:33 #
1. Many hands make light work
When many people work together to accomplish a difficult task, it doesn’t seem so difficult. That is the general meaning of this proverb. In other words, if people work together, the work is easier and is completed more quickly.
2. Strike while the iron is hot
This proverb means that you should take advantage of a favorable situation before it changes.
3. Honesty is the best policy
It is best to always be honest and tell the truth. By doing so, you will win the trust and respect of others.
4. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Other people’s lives always seem better, happier, and more successful than yours, even if your life is going well.
5. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Don’t form an opinion or make a judgment about someone or something based on its outward appearance.
6. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Since apples are rich in vitamin C – which is vital to our health – this proverb means that proper nutrition contributes to good health and fewer visits to the doctor. In this proverb, apples are a symbol of healthy foods and proper nutrition.
7. Better late than never
It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
8. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Don’t treat badly the person or people on whom you depend on, or who take care of you in some way.
9. Rome wasn’t built in a day
Time is needed to do great or important things.
10. Actions speak louder than words
A person’s true character can be seen by what he does, not by what he says. A person can talk as much as he wants, but he may not actually do anything to back up his words.
11. It’s no use crying over spilled milk
Don’t waste time crying or complaining about something bad that has happened that cannot be changed
12. Still waters run deep
This is said about a person who tends to be quiet and does not say much. Such a person often has a “deep,” interesting personality.
13. Curiosity killed the cat
You could be harmed by being too curious about or too interested in something that doesn’t concern you.
14. My hands are tied
This saying is not to be taken literally. It has a different meaning. It means that a person is unable to change things or render help in a given situation.
15. Out of sight, out of mind
When you don’t see or hear about something, you tend to forget about it.
16. Easy come, easy go
This means that money is easily earned and just as easily spent or lost (on gambling, for example).
17. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs
It is impossible to do something good or accomplish an important task without encountering some problems or making some sacrifices.
18. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest
Things that are prohibited seem very attractive or desirable.
19. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
If you do something to help me, I will do something to help you.
20. It’s the tip of the iceberg
As everyone knows, only a small part of an iceberg is visible above the water. The rest is underwater.
This proverb is used to describe a situation when we are in the process of trying to do something, and we encounter a difficulty or problem in connection with it. The saying means that the present problem is not the most difficult part of the entire process; many more – and probably more difficult – problems lie ahead.
21. Learn to walk before you run
Learn basic skills before you attempt to do something more difficult. For example, don’t start to learn English with difficult subjects such as articles or gerunds. Start with easier material, slowly increase your knowledge, and gradually work toward studying more difficult topics.
22. First things first
The most important things should be done before everything else.
23. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Don’t take on more work or responsibility than you can handle at one time.
24. It’s better to be safe than sorry
Be careful and exercise caution – even if it seems unnecessary and it takes longer to complete something – and you will avoid potential problems that could arise later.
25. The early bird catches the worm
If you arrive early or do something before other people do it, you have a greater chance of succeeding.
26. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill (or molehill)
Don’t make a minor problem or difficulty into a major one; don’t exaggerate the significance of a small problem.
27. Where there’s a will, there’s a way
If your desire to accomplish something is strong enough, you will find a way to do it.
28. Always put your best foot forward
The meaning of this proverb is that you should always try your best to make a good impression on others; show your best traits and qualities.
29. The squeaky wheel gets the grease
The person who complains the most or is most vocal about something that he needs is usually the one that receives help or attention
30. A rolling stone gathers no moss
The last proverb on our list has two meanings: 1) a person who is always moving – never living in one place very long – cannot be successful or make a lot of money, and 2) a busy person will not become stagnant but will remain creative and productive.
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Honorable Mention: 6 of Our Favorite Lesser-Known Proverbs
Here are a few slightly lesser popular but equally awesome proverbs:
1. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
This proverb means that you should follow the local customs of whichever place you happen to be (even if it seems odd or unsavory).
2. Birds of a feather flock together
This proverb refers to people who have similar, overlapping interests, and how they often tend to be friendly or may be found together.
3. A stitch in time saves nine
This proverb is referring to procrastination: it means that getting your work done ahead of time, or completing some simple task earlier rather than later, will save you effort down the road.
4. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
This proverb refers to the fact that everyone sees beauty differently, and what is ugly to one person may be beautiful to another.
5. Those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
This proverb refers to hypocrisy: it means that you should not accuse someone of a charge that you yourself are guilty of.
6. Absence makes the heart grow fonder
This proverb means that you tend to have a fonder memory and feeling about someone or something after they have been gone for a period.
The Difference between Idioms and Proverbs in English
Idioms are expressions that have a different meaning from the words used. You must have heard or learned an idiom before to understand it. Proverbs, however, are brief, well-known sayings that share life advice or beliefs that are common knowledge.
So that you don’t confuse proverbs with idiomatic expressions, take a look at the following video.
When many people work together to accomplish a difficult task, it doesn’t seem so difficult. That is the general meaning of this proverb. In other words, if people work together, the work is easier and is completed more quickly.
2. Strike while the iron is hot
This proverb means that you should take advantage of a favorable situation before it changes.
3. Honesty is the best policy
It is best to always be honest and tell the truth. By doing so, you will win the trust and respect of others.
4. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Other people’s lives always seem better, happier, and more successful than yours, even if your life is going well.
5. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Don’t form an opinion or make a judgment about someone or something based on its outward appearance.
6. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Since apples are rich in vitamin C – which is vital to our health – this proverb means that proper nutrition contributes to good health and fewer visits to the doctor. In this proverb, apples are a symbol of healthy foods and proper nutrition.
7. Better late than never
It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
8. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Don’t treat badly the person or people on whom you depend on, or who take care of you in some way.
9. Rome wasn’t built in a day
Time is needed to do great or important things.
10. Actions speak louder than words
A person’s true character can be seen by what he does, not by what he says. A person can talk as much as he wants, but he may not actually do anything to back up his words.
11. It’s no use crying over spilled milk
Don’t waste time crying or complaining about something bad that has happened that cannot be changed
12. Still waters run deep
This is said about a person who tends to be quiet and does not say much. Such a person often has a “deep,” interesting personality.
13. Curiosity killed the cat
You could be harmed by being too curious about or too interested in something that doesn’t concern you.
14. My hands are tied
This saying is not to be taken literally. It has a different meaning. It means that a person is unable to change things or render help in a given situation.
15. Out of sight, out of mind
When you don’t see or hear about something, you tend to forget about it.
16. Easy come, easy go
This means that money is easily earned and just as easily spent or lost (on gambling, for example).
17. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs
It is impossible to do something good or accomplish an important task without encountering some problems or making some sacrifices.
18. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest
Things that are prohibited seem very attractive or desirable.
19. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
If you do something to help me, I will do something to help you.
20. It’s the tip of the iceberg
As everyone knows, only a small part of an iceberg is visible above the water. The rest is underwater.
This proverb is used to describe a situation when we are in the process of trying to do something, and we encounter a difficulty or problem in connection with it. The saying means that the present problem is not the most difficult part of the entire process; many more – and probably more difficult – problems lie ahead.
21. Learn to walk before you run
Learn basic skills before you attempt to do something more difficult. For example, don’t start to learn English with difficult subjects such as articles or gerunds. Start with easier material, slowly increase your knowledge, and gradually work toward studying more difficult topics.
22. First things first
The most important things should be done before everything else.
23. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Don’t take on more work or responsibility than you can handle at one time.
24. It’s better to be safe than sorry
Be careful and exercise caution – even if it seems unnecessary and it takes longer to complete something – and you will avoid potential problems that could arise later.
25. The early bird catches the worm
If you arrive early or do something before other people do it, you have a greater chance of succeeding.
26. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill (or molehill)
Don’t make a minor problem or difficulty into a major one; don’t exaggerate the significance of a small problem.
27. Where there’s a will, there’s a way
If your desire to accomplish something is strong enough, you will find a way to do it.
28. Always put your best foot forward
The meaning of this proverb is that you should always try your best to make a good impression on others; show your best traits and qualities.
29. The squeaky wheel gets the grease
The person who complains the most or is most vocal about something that he needs is usually the one that receives help or attention
30. A rolling stone gathers no moss
The last proverb on our list has two meanings: 1) a person who is always moving – never living in one place very long – cannot be successful or make a lot of money, and 2) a busy person will not become stagnant but will remain creative and productive.
--------------
Honorable Mention: 6 of Our Favorite Lesser-Known Proverbs
Here are a few slightly lesser popular but equally awesome proverbs:
1. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
This proverb means that you should follow the local customs of whichever place you happen to be (even if it seems odd or unsavory).
2. Birds of a feather flock together
This proverb refers to people who have similar, overlapping interests, and how they often tend to be friendly or may be found together.
3. A stitch in time saves nine
This proverb is referring to procrastination: it means that getting your work done ahead of time, or completing some simple task earlier rather than later, will save you effort down the road.
4. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
This proverb refers to the fact that everyone sees beauty differently, and what is ugly to one person may be beautiful to another.
5. Those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
This proverb refers to hypocrisy: it means that you should not accuse someone of a charge that you yourself are guilty of.
6. Absence makes the heart grow fonder
This proverb means that you tend to have a fonder memory and feeling about someone or something after they have been gone for a period.
The Difference between Idioms and Proverbs in English
Idioms are expressions that have a different meaning from the words used. You must have heard or learned an idiom before to understand it. Proverbs, however, are brief, well-known sayings that share life advice or beliefs that are common knowledge.
So that you don’t confuse proverbs with idiomatic expressions, take a look at the following video.
Feb 23, 2023 07:32:07 #
I guess you didn’t include “Leave no stone unturned” so we wouldn’t keep looking for the video?😳
Feb 23, 2023 07:54:37 #
Feb 23, 2023 07:56:25 #
Feb 23, 2023 08:03:39 #
Feb 23, 2023 08:22:34 #
My mother, born in Scotland, had a few that you never hear anymore. Here are two I can think of:
1. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Meaning: When you make a commitment you have to see it through to the end.
2. Put a beggar on horseback and he'll ride to town.
Meaning: A moocher will take the maximum advantage of your generosity.
1. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Meaning: When you make a commitment you have to see it through to the end.
2. Put a beggar on horseback and he'll ride to town.
Meaning: A moocher will take the maximum advantage of your generosity.
Feb 23, 2023 08:28:43 #
FreddB wrote:
It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission
Isn't it the other way round?
Feb 23, 2023 09:04:22 #
bw79st wrote:
Isn't it the other way round?
One might think so but it means it’s better to act decisively and apologize for it later than to seek approval to act and risk delay, objections, etc.
Feb 24, 2023 07:30:26 #
Feb 24, 2023 10:05:05 #
sgt hop
Loc: baltimore md,now in salisbury md
Dannj wrote:
One might think so but it means it’s better to act decisively and apologize for it later than to seek approval to act and risk delay, objections, etc.
correct.....been there
Feb 24, 2023 10:53:39 #
When I was in the 7th grade I joined the school band (clarinet) and we had an older gentleman as a band leader/teacher who was well respected in the community. In addition to being the leader of the Humes High School band (the school Elvis went to), he also conducted the Memphis Youth Band in the summer. That was sixty years ago and there are two sayings he voiced often that I still remember: " A person's true worth is what he does when his boss's back is turned". He would say this when leaving the band room and he told us to work on our scales. I think he didn't want to hear all the screeching and moaning coming from our instruments! His other saying I still remember was: "The proof of the pudding, is the eating thereof". He would explain why we had to practice, practice, practice until we had the right sound -- then we could be sure our public performance was worth seeing.
Feb 24, 2023 17:24:59 #
Feb 24, 2023 18:10:46 #
josquin1
Loc: Massachusetts
Bridges wrote:
When I was in the 7th grade I joined the school ba... (show quote)
Don't you mean "worth hearing"?
Feb 24, 2023 18:35:03 #
Feb 24, 2023 18:57:56 #
josquin1 wrote:
Don't you mean "worth hearing"?
Not sure a band made up of a bunch of high schoolers is something a lot of people would go out of their way to hear but friends and family definitely enjoy seeing them perform!
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