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The 50 Most Useful English Proverbs You Should Learn Right Now
Have you ever had a day at work where people said the strangest things?
The cats out of the bag, a co-worker says at a staff meeting. But its no use crying over spilled milk. We can still
make a lot of progress today.
Ok guys, lets strike while the iron is hot, says your boss.
When you ask your boss what he means by that, he laughs.
Keep up the good work with your English, buddy. Rome wasnt built in a day.
Cats? Milk? Hot irons? Rome? Whats going on here? The answer is that your co-workers are using proverbs.
What Is a Proverb?
Proverbs are the traditional (historic) sayings of a country. 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 a countrys culture than any textbook. They show whats important to the group of
people, what is considered good behavior and what is bad behavior. Proverbs can also tell you the history of a place.
For example, proverbs from farming towns will use a lot of farming language, and fishing villages will talk about the
sea.
So to better understand this language, here are 50 of the top English proverbs, clearly explained just for you!
50 Useful Proverbs All English Speakers Should Know
1. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
The grass is always greener is a proverb that
teaches us its 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, which means that your friends
and other people think that 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.
2. Dont judge a book by its cover.
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 is probably a lot more to them than clothes suggest.
3. Strike while the iron is hot.
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 its 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.
4. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Or as its more commonly said, Too many cooks
in the kitchen. This is a well known experience
a lot people all trying to work in a kitchen around
a small table or stovetop will 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.
5. You cant have your cake and eat it
too.
If you eat your cake, you wont have it anymore,
will you? So you cant do both. This proverb is
about having two opposite desires, and how its
impossible to get both. Its meaning is similar to
the proverb, You cant have the best of both
worlds.
6. Many hands make light work.
If a lot of people carry a heavy object, it does not
feel heavy. That is the general meaning of this
proverb. If everyone works together to complete
somethinglike cleaning, painting or group
projectsthen each person has less to do. More
importantly, the job will be completed much more
quickly.
7. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When you are a visitor somewhere away from home, you should act like everyone else. It is polite to do so, and could
keep you from getting into trouble. This proverb is from 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, one
would behave like a Roman, no matter where you came from.
8. Dont cross the bridge until you come to it.
This proverb tells you not to worry so much! Problems will certainly come in the future. But what can be done about
that now? Its better to think about what you are doing right nowwithout worrying about the unknownand take care
of issues when they happen.
9. Honesty is the best policy.
Lying a lot can be difficult, because you might forget your lies. Soon enough, someone will find out you are lying.
Then, you are in trouble. Or even if no one ever finds out, you will feel guilty for not telling the truth. But if you are
honest and tell the truth, people will believe you and respect you. You will earn their trust and sleep well at night.
10. Practice makes perfect.
It would be amazing if the first time you picked up a guitar you 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 are a beginner. But if you stick with it, if you keep practicing, you can master anything.
11. Where theres a will, theres a way.
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 meansif you have the will to
meet the problems that are in front of you, there is a way to overcome them.
12. Look before you leap.
Dont rush into things! Make sure you know what is going to happen next. You would not 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 its a
good idea to jump from that cliff. So when making a big jump in life, make sure youve looked at the situation and
really understand it before you take a big action.
13. Beggars cant be choosers.
If someone gives you free things or offers to help you do something, you cant ask for a different color or choose the
perfect time in your schedule. When you receive free help or goods, you should accept what youre offeredyou cant
be picky (a chooser) because youre not paying!
14. Dont make a mountain out of an anthill.
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 is not very important when you
consider your entire life. So its important to stay calm and not get angry about tiny problems.
15. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
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.
16. The early bird catches the worm.
This proverb is a lot like the phrase first come, first served. It simply means that its usually best to be early. If you
arrive earlierwhether its to a clothing store, restaurant, conference, etc.you will have the best options to choose
from. If you come later, though, the best clothes could have sold out, the restaurant could be full and have a long
waiting time, etc.
17. Better late than never.
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 said about ending fights with people. Its better to apologize and make up years
later, than to never resolve your fight at all.
18. The cat is out of the bag.
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 sellers trick.
19. Two wrongs dont make a right.
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, dont be mean to them in
return because its not right to do so.
20. Always put your best foot forward.
When you are starting on a project or a journey, its 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. Thats why
this proverb is also used when meeting new people or for job interviews. Having a positive attitudeyour best foot
is the best way to make a good impression.
21. Rome wasnt built in a day.
Rome is a great city. However, it took many years to be completed. The builders did not rush to complete their work
and neither should you. If you wish to create something wonderful and long-lasting, you will have to spend more than
a day working on it. You will probably have to spend several days, weeks or even months to do a good job. Take your
time and do it right!
22. Its better to be safe than sorry.
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 youre not safe, the bad results can last a lifetime. So its best for you to be
careful, otherwise youll be sorry.
23. Dont bite the hand that feeds you.
This proverb warns against acting mean to those who provide for you or who do nice things for you. If you were to bite
the hand that gave you food, that hand probably wont come back to feed you again. Then what would you eat? So
you should be kind and thankful to those who care for you.
24. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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.
25. Dont bite off more than you can chew.
If you take a bite of food thats too big, you wont be able to chew! Plus you could choke on all of that extra food. Its
the same if you take on more work or responsibility than you can handleyou will have a difficult time. So its best not
to get involved in too many projects, because you wont be able to focus and get them all done well.
26. You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.
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 cant 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 cant trade places with anyone else. You must live with
the results of your actions, so make good choices.
27. Actions speak louder than words.
The Greek philosopher Plato once said that action is character. People are not defined by what they say because a lot
of talk does not mean anything. People are judged by the things they do. Your actions are more important than what
you say.
28. It takes two to tango.
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 cant tango (a Spanish dance with two people) alone, two
people are responsible for some situations, so you cant just blame one person.
29. Dont count your chickens before they hatch.
This proverb warns against being too eager. Just because you have five eggs, does not mean you will have five
chickens. It is not a good idea to make plans based on expectations (what you think will happen). Wait for all things to
come true before building up your dreams. Or worse, your promises. Things may not happen like you thought they
would and that could get you in trouble.
30. Its no use crying over spilled milk.
Milk is easy to get. You may get in trouble for spilling the milk, you shouldnt cry because it isnt a big deal. Also, crying
wont solve anything. This proverb advises you to stay calm during such small problems. Dont waste time worrying
about little things that cannot be changed. Clean up the mess and go buy some more milk.
31. Dont put all your eggs in one basket.
Be careful! If you put all your goods in one bag or all your money in one stock, you are taking a big risk. It is
smarter to spread your wealth around. That way if one basket should break, youre not left with nothing.
32. People in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.
People in glass houses means anyone who is sensitive about their failures. People like this should not insult others
(should not throw stones) because most likely the other person will 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.
33. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Only a stone that is in the same place for a long time will have moss growing on it. 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 lifefriends, family, objects
and your local reputation (what people think of you)will grow on you. But not if you always move from place to place.
34. First things first.
This proverb advises you to do things in the right order. Do not skip over the more difficult or less enjoyable tasks in
order 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.
35. Still waters run deep.
Still waters run deep describes people who are quiet and calm. These people often have deep, interesting
personalities. So even if someone doesnt 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 is 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.
36. If it aint* broke, dont fix it.
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 proverb leave
well enough alone.
*Note: Aint is not correct English. Its an informal way of saying isnt or is not. This style of speaking is popular in
the Southern states of the United States and in farming regions.
37. Curiosity killed the cat.
This proverb is often used to stop someone from asking too many questions. Curiosity (when youre excited and
eager to know something) can lead you into dangerous situations. Cats, who are naturally curious, often end up in
trouble. They get stuck up in trees or between walls.
38. Learn to walk before you run.
Do things in the right order, from simple to more complicated. For example, do not try to read a difficult English novel
when youre just starting to learn English. If you try to jump ahead, you will most likely failjust 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.
39. Money doesnt grow on trees.
Things that grow on trees, such as fruit or leaves, are considered plentiful (enough, plenty) because they will 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 doesnt grow back after you spend it. Once you spend money, its gone. This proverb is often said to
people who waste their money on silly purchases.
40. My hands are tied.
This phrase should not be taken literally. You say this proverb when you cant do what you would like to do. For
example, say you are in charge of an office and everyone (including you) wants to celebrate someones birthday. But
your boss tells you its 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 cant.
41. Its the tip of the iceberg.
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.
42. No news is good news.
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 its difficult to know nothing about whats happening, its still better
than hearing bad news.
43. Out of sight, out of mind.
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
counter top and hide them in a cupboard. If you dont see them, you wont think to eat them. Out of sight, out of mind.
44. If you scratch my back, Ill scratch yours.
This proverb simply means that if you help me, Ill 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.
45. Ignorance is bliss.
Ignorance is when you dont know or are unaware of something. Bliss is pure joy and happiness. So sometimes it
feels better and youre more comfortable when you dont know about certain things. For example, if I tell you this
factthat from 2000-2012, 2.3 million square kilometers of forests were cut down around the world (which is size of
all the states east of the Mississippi River)you could feel sad and hopeless for the environment. But if I hadnt told
you that fact, you would feel happier.
46. Easy come, easy go.
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 quicklysince you didnt work hard to earn it.
47. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.
Forbidden means its not allowed, so this phrase means that if something isnt allowed, you often want it the most (it
will taste the sweetest). For example, lets say youre a kid whose parents dont let you drink soda. You go to a
friends 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.
48. Every cloud has a silver lining.
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 ityou just have to look for them. The proverb is meant to help people feel better
and keep going. Its also where the name of the movie Silver Linings Playbook came from.
49. You cant make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
Sometimes, to get things done, you have to be pushy or break a few rules. You may even have to insult some people.
An omelet is a tasty dish and worth the effort to make. However, you must break some eggs to make it. So if you want
to get a worthwhile project done or make changes, you cant please everyone. Someone might be offended or hurt, so
you have to decide if the price is worth it.
50. Close but no cigar.
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 didnt win the cigar. As a proverb it means that even though you did
your best or almost had it right, you werent completely correct.
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