100 FAMOUS ENGLISH PROVERBS WITH MEANING AND EXAMPLE

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

• Meaning: It’s better to have a small, certain advantage than to risk losing it by trying to attain something greater.
• Example: John was offered a job with a steady income, but he decided to wait for a higher-paying one. Well, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

• Meaning: The overall strength or effectiveness of a system depends on the strength of its individual components.
• Example: The team’s success relies on each member performing well; remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

A fool and his money are soon parted.

• Meaning: Someone who acts unwisely with their money will quickly lose it.
• Example: Jack spent all his savings on risky investments without proper research. Well, a fool and his money are soon parted.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

• Meaning: A true friend shows their loyalty and support during difficult times.
• Example: When Mary was going through a tough time, Sarah was there for her. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

A leopard cannot change its spots.

• Meaning: People cannot change their inherent nature or character.
• Example: Even after going through anger management, Mark couldn’t control his temper. Well, a leopard cannot change its spots.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

• Meaning: Saving money is equivalent to earning it.
• Example: By cutting unnecessary expenses, Lisa managed to save a significant amount. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

• Meaning: Visual representation can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.
• Example: The infographic summarized the research findings perfectly; indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

• Meaning: An active or constantly moving person avoids stagnation and problems.
• Example: Tom believes in changing jobs every few years; after all, a rolling stone gathers no moss.

A stitch in time saves nine.

• Meaning: Addressing a problem early prevents it from becoming larger and more difficult to solve.
• Example: Fixing a small leak in the roof now will save you from major repairs later; truly, a stitch in time saves nine.

A watched pot never boils.

• Meaning: Time seems to move slower when you’re eagerly waiting for something.
• Example: Staring at the clock won’t make the workday end faster; remember, a watched pot never boils.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

• Meaning: Being away from someone or something makes you appreciate it more.
• Example: After spending a year abroad, John realized that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Actions speak louder than words.

• Meaning: What someone does is more significant than what they say.
• Example: Instead of promising to help, she should actually do something. Actions speak louder than words.

All is fair in love and war.

• Meaning: In certain situations, any kind of behavior is acceptable or justified.
• Example: He felt justified in using unconventional tactics to win the competition because, after all, all is fair in love and war.

All that glitters is not gold.

• Meaning: Not everything that looks valuable or attractive is necessarily good or true.
• Example: The new employee seemed impressive, but her performance revealed otherwise. All that glitters is not gold.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

• Meaning: Regular healthy habits can prevent illnesses.
• Example: Jane believes in maintaining a balanced diet; she says an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

• Meaning: It’s better to take precautions to prevent problems than to deal with them after they occur.
• Example: Regular exercise is like an ounce of prevention for maintaining good health.

April showers bring May flowers.

• Meaning: Difficult or rainy times can lead to better things in the future.
• Example: Though the project faced challenges initially, now it’s thriving. April showers bring May flowers.

As you sow, so shall you reap.

• Meaning: The consequences of one’s actions will eventually catch up to them.
• Example: If you work hard and invest wisely, you will succeed – as you sow, so shall you reap.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

• Meaning: Perceptions of beauty vary from person to person.
• Example: Some find modern art fascinating, while others may not appreciate it; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Beggars can’t be choosers.

• Meaning: If you’re in a difficult situation and dependent on others, you shouldn’t be too selective.
• Example: When in need, you should accept any job offer. Remember, beggars can’t be choosers.

Better late than never.

• Meaning: It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
• Example: Even though Sarah arrived at the party after it started, she thought, “Better late than never.”

Better safe than sorry.

• Meaning: It’s wiser to be cautious and avoid risks than to regret taking chances later.
• Example: Michael decided to wear his helmet while biking. After all, better safe than sorry.

Birds of a feather flock together.

• Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
• Example: In high school, the athletes and sports enthusiasts often hung out together; birds of a feather flock together.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

• Meaning: Being clean and tidy is considered virtuous and brings one closer to a godly state.
• Example: Marie insisted on keeping her house spotless, believing in the saying that cleanliness is next to godliness.

Cross that bridge when you come to it.

• Meaning: Deal with a problem when it arises, not before.
• Example: When Jane worried about the upcoming exam, her friend advised her to cross that bridge when she comes to it.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

• Meaning: Do not harm or criticize those who help or support you.
• Example: Sarah should appreciate her boss; after all, she shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds her.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

• Meaning: Do not anticipate success or gains until they are realized.
• Example: Although the project is promising, Jim reminded his team not to count their chickens before they hatch.

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

• Meaning: Do not waste time worrying about things that have already happened and cannot be changed.
• Example: Karen accidentally knocked over her coffee but decided not to cry over spilled milk and continued working.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

• Meaning: Do not form opinions based on appearances; things may be different from what they seem.
• Example: The old car looked shabby, but as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover; it ran perfectly.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

• Meaning: Do not risk everything on a single venture; diversify to reduce risk.
• Example: Instead of investing all his money in one stock, Mark followed the advice not to put all his eggs in one basket.

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

• Meaning: Complete tasks promptly rather than delaying them.
• Example: Sarah decided not to procrastinate on her assignments, following the principle of not putting off until tomorrow what you can do today.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

• Meaning: Do not discard something valuable while getting rid of something undesirable.
• Example: While critiquing a proposal, Jack reminded his team not to throw the baby out with the bathwater; there were good ideas worth keeping.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

• Meaning: Even in difficult or challenging situations, there is something positive to be found.
• Example: After losing his job, Tom found a new opportunity; every cloud has a silver lining.

Every dog has its day.

• Meaning: Everyone will have success or good fortune at some point.
• Example: Though she faced setbacks initially, Mary believed that every dog has its day and continued working hard.

Every man has his price.

• Meaning: Everyone can be influenced or bought if the offer is tempting enough.
• Example: The journalist discovered that even the most principled person has their price when offered a significant sum.

Every rose has its thorn.

• Meaning: Even beautiful things have their drawbacks or challenges.
• Example: While the vacation was amazing, the long flight was the thorn; every rose has its thorn.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

• Meaning: Foolish people often take risks without considering the potential consequences.
• Example: Without proper research, George invested in a risky business; well, fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fortune favors the bold.

• Meaning: Those who take risks or are adventurous are more likely to be successful.
• Example: Taking a chance on a new business venture paid off for Emily; fortune favors the bold.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

• Meaning: It’s more beneficial to teach someone a skill than to provide for them temporarily.
• Example: Instead of giving money, the organization focused on education, following the principle of “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

God helps those who help themselves.

• Meaning: Divine assistance is more likely to be received by those who make an effort to solve their own problems.
• Example: Instead of waiting for a miracle, Bill took action to improve his situation, believing that God helps those who help themselves.

Haste makes waste.

• Meaning: Acting too quickly can result in mistakes that take more time to fix.
• Example: James rushed to finish his project, but his haste made waste when he realized he overlooked important details.

He who hesitates is lost.

• Meaning: If you delay or hesitate, you may miss out on opportunities.
• Example: Sarah was unsure about accepting the job offer, but he who hesitates is lost, and the position was filled by someone else.

Honesty is the best policy.

• Meaning: It is always better to tell the truth.
• Example: Even though admitting the mistake was difficult, Emily believed that honesty is the best policy.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

• Meaning: If a criticism or description applies to you, accept it.
• Example: When her friend remarked about being overly competitive, Jane realized, “If the shoe fits, wear it.”

Ignorance is bliss.

• Meaning: Not knowing about a problem or issue can sometimes be more comfortable.
• Example: Before learning about the challenges ahead, Mark was content; ignorance is bliss.

It’s a piece of cake.

• Meaning: Something is very easy to do.
• Example: With her experience, fixing the computer issue was a piece of cake for Lisa.

It’s raining cats and dogs.

• Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
• Example: We planned a picnic, but suddenly it started raining cats and dogs, so we had to cancel.

Kill two birds with one stone.

• Meaning: Accomplish two tasks with a single effort.
• Example: While running errands, Mary decided to grocery shop near her workplace, killing two birds with one stone.

Let bygones be bygones.

• Meaning: Forget about past offenses or conflicts.
• Example: After their disagreement, they decided to let bygones be bygones and focus on rebuilding their friendship.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

• Meaning: Avoid stirring up old problems or conflicts.
• Example: The issue was resolved, so John decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring it up again.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

• Meaning: Focus on the present and enjoy the process rather than just the end result.
• Example: Instead of rushing to finish the project, Julie embraced the idea that life is a journey, not a destination.

Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

• Meaning: Unfortunate events or disasters are unlikely to happen in the same way to the same person.
• Example: After surviving a car accident, Tom believed lightning never strikes twice in the same place and became more cautious.

Look before you leap.

• Meaning: Consider the consequences before taking action.
• Example: Before accepting the job offer, Robert decided to look before he leaped, researching the company’s reputation.

Money doesn’t grow on trees.

• Meaning: Money is not easily obtained; it must be earned through hard work.
• Example: When the children requested expensive toys, their parents reminded them that money doesn’t grow on trees.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

• Meaning: When there is a need for something, people find a way to create or achieve it.
• Example: The limited resources in the kitchen inspired Mary to invent a new recipe; necessity is the mother of invention.

No news is good news.

• Meaning: The absence of information suggests that everything is fine.
• Example: Since she hadn’t heard from her friend in a while, Sarah assumed that no news is good news.

Once bitten, twice shy.

• Meaning: After a negative experience, one becomes more cautious.
• Example: After a failed investment, Jack became more careful with financial decisions; once bitten, twice shy.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

• Meaning: Moving from a bad situation to a worse one.
• Example: Leaving a stressful job only to join a more demanding one felt like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Practice makes perfect.

• Meaning: Repeated efforts improve one’s skills.
• Example: Learning to play the piano takes practice; practice makes perfect.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

• Meaning: Achieving something significant takes time and effort.
• Example: While working on the long-term project, Bill reminded his team that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Silence is golden.

• Meaning: It’s often better to remain silent than to speak, especially in certain situations.
• Example: During the heated argument, Mark remembered the saying that silence is golden and chose not to escalate the situation by responding angrily.

Slow and steady wins the race.

• Meaning: Consistent and deliberate progress is more effective than rushing.
• Example: Despite the pressure to finish quickly, Alex decided that slow and steady wins the race, focusing on producing quality work.

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

• Meaning: Disciplining children is necessary for their proper upbringing.
• Example: While some parents believe in gentle discipline, others adhere to the principle that sparing the rod would spoil the child, advocating for stricter measures.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

• Meaning: Children often resemble or inherit traits from their parents.
• Example: Seeing Jack’s musical talent, everyone agreed that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; his parents were both accomplished musicians.

The best things in life are free.

• Meaning: True happiness and valuable experiences are not necessarily obtained through material possessions.
• Example: Despite the allure of expensive gifts, Jenny believed in the philosophy that the best things in life are free, such as love, friendship, and laughter.

The early bird catches the worm.

• Meaning: Being proactive and starting early can lead to success.
• Example: Samantha always arrives at work early, believing that the early bird catches the worm, and manages to complete her tasks efficiently.

The end justifies the means.

• Meaning: Achieving a positive outcome excuses any questionable methods used to attain it.
• Example: In the pursuit of justice, some argue that the end justifies the means, even if it involves bending the rules.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

• Meaning: People tend to view others’ situations as better than their own.
• Example: Despite her successful career, Sarah often thought the grass is always greener on the other side, envying the seemingly carefree lives of her friends.

The more, the merrier.

• Meaning: More people or things make a situation more enjoyable.
• Example: When organizing the party, Mike believed that the more, the merrier, inviting friends and colleagues to create a lively atmosphere.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

• Meaning: Writing and communication have a more significant impact than physical force.
• Example: The journalist aimed to expose corruption, believing that the pen is mightier than the sword in bringing about social change.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

• Meaning: The real value or success of something can only be determined by trying or experiencing it.
• Example: Before recommending a new restaurant, Emily insisted on trying it herself, believing that the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

• Meaning: Those who speak up or complain are more likely to receive attention or assistance.
• Example: Knowing that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, Karen voiced her concerns about the project’s delays, leading to quicker resolution.

There’s no smoke without fire.

• Meaning: Rumors or accusations usually have some basis in truth.
• Example: Despite the denials, many believed there’s no smoke without fire and suspected some truth in the scandalous gossip.

There’s no time like the present.

• Meaning: Do not procrastinate; the best time to do something is now.
• Example: Instead of delaying the decision, Robert decided there’s no time like the present and submitted his resignation immediately.

There’s safety in numbers.

• Meaning: Being part of a group provides protection and security.
• Example: When hiking in the wilderness, Tim preferred to stick with others, as there’s safety in numbers against potential dangers.

Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

• Meaning: People who have flaws or vulnerabilities should not criticize others.
• Example: Knowing about her own past mistakes, Emily refrained from judging her colleague, remembering that those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Time heals all wounds.

• Meaning: The passage of time helps to alleviate emotional pain or distress.
• Example: After a difficult breakup, Mark found solace in the belief that time heals all wounds and gradually moved on with his life.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

• Meaning: When too many people are involved in a task, it may lead to confusion and inefficiency.
• Example: The project became a mess with everyone offering conflicting opinions; it was a case of too many cooks spoil the broth.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

• Meaning: Responding to a wrongdoing with another wrongdoing doesn’t solve the problem.
• Example: Despite feeling wronged, Lisa chose not to seek revenge, understanding that two wrongs don’t make a right.

Variety is the spice of life.

• Meaning: Having a variety of experiences makes life more interesting and enjoyable.
• Example: Traveling to different countries and trying diverse cuisines, James embraced the idea that variety is the spice of life.

Waste not, want not.

• Meaning: If you don’t waste things, you’re less likely to be in need.
• Example: Sally always finishes her meals, remembering the proverb “waste not, want not” that her grandmother taught her.

What goes around comes around.

• Meaning: The consequences of one’s actions will eventually catch up with them.
• Example: Mark cheated on his exams, but what goes around comes around, and he failed his next important test.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

• Meaning: Adapt to the customs and behavior of the place you are in.
• Example: Traveling to Japan, Maria decided to bow when greeting people, following the principle “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

When the cat’s away, the mice will play.

• Meaning: People will take advantage of the absence of authority to do as they please.
• Example: The manager went on vacation, and, true to the saying, when the cat’s away, the mice will play, and the employees relaxed a bit.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

• Meaning: In challenging situations, strong individuals take action.
• Example: Instead of giving up during tough times, Sarah reminded herself that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and she worked harder to overcome obstacles.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

• Meaning: If there are signs of a problem, there is likely a real issue.
• Example: Hearing rumors about layoffs at work, Tom believed that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and started preparing for potential changes.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

• Meaning: You cannot both consume something and keep it.
• Example: James wanted a promotion without putting in extra effort, but his manager reminded him that he can’t have his cake and eat it too.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

• Meaning: Achieving something significant often involves sacrifices or challenges.
• Example: Starting a business may require financial risks and hard work; after all, you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

You reap what you sow.

• Meaning: Your actions will have consequences, either positive or negative.
• Example: Investing time in learning pays off in the long run; it’s a case of you reap what you sow.

You’re a chip off the old block.

• Meaning: You resemble one of your parents in character or behavior.
• Example: Everyone noticed that the son’s passion for music mirrored his father’s; indeed, he’s a chip off the old block.

You’re cutting off your nose to spite your face.

• Meaning: Making a decision that harms oneself in an attempt to hurt others.
• Example: Quitting a job out of anger with a colleague might mean losing great opportunities; it’s like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

You’re in the same boat.

• Meaning: Facing the same challenges or circumstances.
• Example: Both students struggled with the difficult exam, realizing they were in the same boat and decided to study together.

You’re on a wild goose chase.

• Meaning: Pursuing a hopeless or futile endeavor.
• Example: Trying to find a rare book in the local library turned out to be a wild goose chase; it was no longer available.

You’re playing with fire.

• Meaning: Engaging in a dangerous or risky activity.
• Example: Ignoring safety precautions when handling chemicals in the lab, John was warned that he’s playing with fire and risking harm.

You’re pulling my leg.

• Meaning: Teasing or joking with someone.
• Example: When Mary claimed she saw a unicorn in the backyard, her friends thought she was pulling their legs; it seemed too unbelievable.

You’re skating on thin ice.

• Meaning: Taking risks that could lead to trouble or failure.
• Example: Ignoring the company’s policies, Tim continued with his unauthorized project, unaware that he’s skating on thin ice with potential consequences.

You’re the apple of my eye.

• Meaning: Someone or something cherished above all others.
• Example: Holding his newborn daughter, John whispered, “You’re the apple of my eye,” expressing his deep love for her.

You’re throwing caution to the wind.

• Meaning: Acting recklessly without considering the potential consequences.
• Example: Going on a spontaneous road trip without a plan, Sarah was accused of throwing caution to the wind.

You’re treading on thin ice.

• Meaning: Engaging in risky behavior that may lead to trouble.
• Example: Speaking critically about the boss in an open meeting, Tom was told he’s treading on thin ice with his career.

You’re up a creek without a paddle.

• Meaning: Facing a difficult situation without any means of escape or help.
• Example: Forgetting his presentation notes on the day of the important meeting, Peter realized he was up a creek without a paddle and had to improvise.