Sayings (Proverbs)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. saying

This means that when people we love are not with us, we love them even more.

Accidents will happen. saying

said after an accident in order to make it seem less bad

There's no accounting for taste. saying

said when it is difficult to explain why different people like different things, especially things which you do not like

"I love working at weekends." "Well, there's no accounting for taste, is there!"

Actions speak louder than words. saying

said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. informal saying

said when you recognize that something is in a satisfactory state, and there is no reason to try to change it

All good things (must) come to an end. saying

said when you accept that even enjoyable experiences cannot last forever

It's been a fantastic couple of weeks but all good things must come to an end.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. saying

This means that eating an apple each day can help to keep you healthy.

The law is an ass. UK saying

said about a law that is so stupid that it should be changed or ended

Do bears shit in the woods? saying humorous or offensive

used to say that the answer to a question you have just been asked is obviously 'yes'

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. saying

said when you accept that you cannot be as successful as someone else without doing what they do although you do not approve or agree with it

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. saying

This means that not all people have the same opinions about what is attractive.

Beauty is only skin deep. saying

said to emphasize that a person's character is more important than how they look

You've made your bed and now you must lie in it. saying

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something they have done

Beggars can't be choosers. saying

said when you recognize that you must accept an offer or a situation because it is the only one available to you

I would have preferred a house of my own rather than sharing, but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.

Behind every great/successful man there stands a woman. saying

said to emphasize that men's success often depends on the work and support of their wives

Better late than never. saying

said when you think that it is better for someone or something to be late than never to arrive or to happen

Better safe than sorry. saying

said when you think it is best not to take risks even when it seems boring or difficult to be careful

Better the devil you know (than the devil you don't). UK saying

said when you think it is wiser to deal with someone familiar, although you do not like them, than to deal with someone who you do not know, who might be worse

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. saying

said to emphasize that the more important or powerful a person is, the more difficult it is for them when they lose their power or importance

The bird has flown. UK saying

said when the person you are looking for has gone away or escaped

A bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush). saying

said when you recognise that you should not risk losing something you already have by trying to get something you think might be better

Birds of a feather flock together. saying

said about people who have similar characters or interests, especially ones of which you disapprove, and who often spend time with each other

A bad workman blames his tools. UK saying

said when someone has blamed a mistake or failure on the things that they use for their work

In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. UK saying

said about a difficult situation in which someone with only a few skills is in a better position than those people who have none

Blondes have more fun. saying

said to express the common belief that men are more attracted to women with blonde hair and give them more attention

Blood is thicker than water. saying

said to emphasize that you believe that family connections are always more important than other types of relationships

Boys will be boys. saying

said to emphasize that people should not be surprised when boys or men act in a rough, noisy or selfish way because this is part of the male character

Man cannot live by bread alone. saying

used to say that people need not just food, but also poetry, art, music, etc. to live happily

You can't make bricks without straw. UK saying

used to say that you cannot make something without the necessary materials

Always a bridesmaid, never the bride. saying

said about someone who is never the most important person in a situation

I am not my brother's keeper. saying

used as a way of saying that you are not responsible for what someone else does or for what happens to them

The buck stops here. saying

said by someone who is responsible for making decisions and who will be blamed if things go wrong

Rome wasn't built in a day. saying

said to emphasize that you can not expect to do important things in a short period of time

(It's) business as usual. saying

said when things are continuing as they always do, despite a difficult situation

Business before pleasure. saying

said to emphasize that you believe work is more important than entertainment and enjoyment

While the cat's away, the mice will play. saying

said when the person who is in charge of a place is not there, and the people there behave badly

Plus ça change (plus c'est la même chose). saying

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Used when a change does not result in an improvement in a situation

What's the point in voting? Plus ça change...

A change is as good as a rest. UK saying

You can get as much good from changing the work you do as from having a rest.

Charity begins at home. saying

You should take care of your family and other people who live close to you before helping people who are living further away or in another country.

Children should be seen and not heard. saying

said to emphasize that you think children should behave well and be quiet

Every cloud has a silver lining. saying

said to emphasize that every difficult or unpleasant situation has some advantage

Cold hands, warm heart. saying

said to someone with cold hands in order to stop them being embarrassed

Too many cooks spoil the broth. UK saying ( US Too many cooks spoil the soup. )

said when there are too many people doing the same piece of work at the same time, so that the final result will be spoiled

Too many cooks spoil the broth. UK saying ( US Too many cooks spoil the soup. )

said when there are too many people doing the same piece of work at the same time, so that the final result will be spoiled

That's the way the cookie crumbles. saying

said when something slightly unlucky has happened but it could not have been prevented and so must be accepted

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. saying

said to emphasize that you cannot depend on something happening before it has happened

The hand that rocks the cradle (rules the world). saying

said to emphasize that women have a strong influence on events through their children

Crime doesn't pay. saying

said to emphasize that you believe criminals are always punished for their crimes

Cross my heart (and hope to die). saying

said to show that what you have just said or promised is completely true or sincere

It's no use crying over spilt milk. saying

said to emphasize that it is not useful feeling sorry about something which has already happened

It's no use crying over spilt milk - he's spent all the money, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Curiosity killed the cat. saying

said to warn someone not to ask too many questions about something

The customer is always right. saying

said to emphasize that in business, it is very important not to disagree with a customer or make them angry

You should cut your coat according to your cloth. UK saying

said to emphasize that someone should do the best they can with the limited money they have

The darkest hour is just before the dawn. saying

said to emphasize that things often seem at their worst just before they get better

Dead men tell no tales. saying

People who are dead cannot tell secrets

I think they killed him because he knew too much. Dead men tell no tales.

There's none so deaf as those who will not hear. saying

said about someone who has been given advice which they have chosen to ignore, or who has been told something which they do not want to believe

The devil finds work for idle hands. saying

said to show that you believe people who have nothing to do are more likely to get into trouble or commit a crime

Never say die. saying

said to encourage people to keep trying

Discretion is the better part of valour. saying

said when you believe it is wise to be careful and avoid unnecessary risks

Do as you would be done by. saying

said to show that you believe in treating others as you would like them to treat you

What's done is done. saying

said when you cannot change something that has already happened

Every dog has its day. saying

said to emphasize that everyone is successful or happy at some time in their life

Give a dog a bad name. UK saying

said when someone has been accused of behaving badly in the past, with the result that people expect them to behave like that in the future

Let sleeping dogs lie. saying

said to warn someone that they should not talk about a bad situation that most people have forgotten about

Why keep a dog and bark yourself? UK saying

said when you want to know why someone would do something themselves when they already pay someone else to do that thing

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. saying

said to mean that it is very difficult to teach someone new skills or to change their habits or character

A drowning man will clutch at a straw. saying

said about someone who is in a very difficult situation, and who will take any available opportunity to improve it

The early bird catches the worm. saying

said to advise someone that they will win an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it

Early to bed and early to rise (makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise). saying

This means that someone who gets enough sleep and starts work early in the day will have a successful life.

The end justifies the means. saying

said about a situation in which the final aim is so important that any way of achieving it is acceptable

An Englishman's home is his castle. UK old-fashioned saying

used to show that English people believe that they should be able to control what happens in their own homes, and that no one else should tell them what to do there

To err is human (to forgive divine). saying

something that you say which means that it is natural for people to make mistakes and it is important to forgive people when they do

Hope springs eternal. saying

said when you are hopeful that something will happen although it seems unlikely

An eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth). saying

said to show that you believe if someone does something wrong, they should be punished by having the same thing done to them

Faint heart never won fair lady. old-fashioned saying

used to tell someone that they must make a lot of effort if they want to achieve something difficult

All's fair in love and war. saying

in love and war you do not have to obey the usual rules about reasonable behaviour

Faith can move mountains. saying

This means if someone's beliefs and confidence are strong enough, they can achieve something that is very difficult.

Familiarity breeds contempt. saying

said about someone you know very well and have stopped respecting because you have seen all their bad qualities

He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. saying

used to say that it can be a good and acceptable decision to leave a difficult situation

Finders keepers (losers weepers). saying

said by a child who has found an object to the child who has lost it, to show that they intend to keep it

If the cap fits, (wear it). UK saying ( US If the shoe fits, (wear it). )

said to tell someone that if they are guilty of bad behaviour, they should accept criticism

If the cap fits, (wear it). UK saying ( US If the shoe fits, (wear it). )

said to tell someone that if they are guilty of bad behaviour, they should accept criticism

Flattery will get you nowhere. humorous saying

used to tell someone that their praise will not persuade you to do anything you do not want to do

Forewarned is forearmed. saying

said to mean that if you know about something before it happens, you can be prepared for it

There's no such thing as a free lunch. saying

said to emphasize that you cannot get something for nothing

"I get to travel with my job but the downside is I have to give talks." "Well, there's no such thing as a free lunch."

A friend in need (is a friend indeed). saying

This means that a friend who helps you when you really need help is a true friend.

What are friends for? ( also That's what friends are for. ) saying

said to a friend who has thanked you for doing something special for them

What are friends for? ( also That's what friends are for. ) saying

said to a friend who has thanked you for doing something special for them

With friends like you, who needs enemies? humorous saying

said to or about someone who says he or she is your friend but who is treating you very badly

Out of the frying pan into the fire. saying

said when you move from a bad or difficult situation to one which is worse

It's a funny old world. UK saying

said when someone has told you something that is strange or surprising

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. saying

This means that you should not criticize other people for bad qualities in their character that you have yourself.

All that glitters is not gold. saying

said about something that seems to be good on the surface, but might not be when you look at it more closely

God helps those who help themselves. saying

said to show you believe that if you make an effort to achieve something, you will be successful

Those whom the gods love die young. literary saying

sometimes said when someone has died young

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. saying

said to emphasize that when conditions become difficult, strong people take action

Be good, and if you can't be good, be careful. humorous saying

said to someone to tell them to enjoy themselves at an event or during an activity, but to be sensible, too

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. mainly humorous saying

said to mean that you will do whatever you have to do, even if it is difficult or dangerous

There but for the grace of God (go I). saying

said when something bad that has happened to someone else could have happened to you

The grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence). saying

something that you say which means that other people always seem to be in a better situation than you, although they may not be

I sometimes think I'd be happier teaching in Spain. Oh well, the grass is always greener on the other side!

You might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb. UK saying

said to mean that because the punishment for a bad action and an even worse one will be the same, you have no reason not to do the worse one

More haste less speed. UK saying

said to mean that if you try to do things too quickly, it will take you longer in the end

Down the hatch! informal saying

said before swallowing a drink, especially an alcoholic one

A good time was had by all. saying

said to mean that everyone enjoyed themselves

Make hay while the sun shines. saying

said to mean that you should make good use of an opportunity while it lasts

Heads I win, tails you lose. humorous saying

said about a situation in which you will win whatever happens

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. saying

used as a way to tell someone that they should either stop complaining about a difficult or unpleasant activity, or stop doing it

Here today, gone tomorrow. saying

said about something which lasts only a short time

A lot of new Internet companies are here today and gone tomorrow.

Don't hide your light under a bushel. saying

said to advise someone not to keep their good qualities and abilities secret from other people

Honesty is the best policy. saying

said to advise someone that it is better to tell the truth than to lie

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. saying

said to emphasize that you can make it easy for someone to do something, but you cannot force them to do it

Ignorance is bliss. saying

said to emphasize that sometimes it is better for you if you do not know all the facts about a situation

It's an ill wind (that blows nobody any good). saying

said to show that even a very bad situation must have some good results

Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile. saying

said about someone who has been given a small amount of power or freedom to do something, and then has tried to get a lot more

Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. saying

said about someone who is able to do many things, but is not an expert in any of them

Many a true word is spoken in jest. saying

said about humorous remarks which contain serious or true statements

You can't judge a book by its cover. saying

said to show that you cannot know what something or someone is like by looking only at their appearance

It's just one of those things. saying

said about an event or situation that you cannot explain, or do not like but cannot change

You could have knocked me down/over with a feather. saying

said when you are extremely surprised

He who laughs last, laughs longest/best. saying

said to emphasize that the person who has control of a situation in the end is most successful, even if other people had seemed originally to have an advantage

Laughter is the best medicine. saying

said to mean that trying to be happy is a good way to stop worrying

There's one law for the rich and another for the poor. saying

said when a rich person has not been punished for something that a poor person would be punished for

Least said soonest mended. UK saying

This means a bad situation can be quickly forgotten if people stop talking about it.

A leopard can't/doesn't change its spots. saying

something you say which means a person's character, especially if it is bad, will not change, even if they pretend it does

Lightning never strikes twice (in the same place). saying

said to show that it is unlikely that something bad or unusual will happen to the same person twice

Half a loaf is better than none. old-fashioned saying

said about a situation in which you must accept less than you wanted

Long time no see. saying

said when you meet someone who you haven't seen for a long period of time

Never look a gift horse in the mouth. saying

said to advise someone not to refuse something good that is being offered

If looks could kill. saying

said when you see someone look very angrily at someone else

One man's loss is another man's gain. saying

said when someone gets an advantage from someone else's bad luck

Love me, love my dog. humorous saying

said to warn someone that if they want to be in a relationship with you, they must be willing to accept everything about you

Tell that/it to the Marines! US saying

said when you do not believe something

Marry in haste, repent at leisure. saying

This means that if you marry someone without knowing them well, later you will feel sorry that you married them.

One man's meat is another man's poison. saying

said to emphasize that people like different things

Don't shoot the messenger. saying

said to warn someone not to be angry with the person who tells them something bad

Moderation in all things. saying

said to advise someone that it is best not to have or do too much or too little of anything

Money doesn't grow on trees. saying

said to warn someone that they have to be careful how much money they spend, because there is only a limited amount

"Mum, I'd like a new bike." "I'll have to think about it - money doesn't grow on trees, you know!"

Money talks. saying

said about people or organizations that are rich, and can therefore get or do what they want

You pays your money and you takes your chance/choice. informal humorous saying

said to someone who must decide between different things and accept the results of their decision

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings. literary saying

said when a child says something that surprises you because it shows an adult's understanding

Where there's muck there's brass. UK saying

said to mean that a lot of money can be made from business activities which are dirty or unpleasant

Mud sticks. UK saying

said to mean that people are likely to believe something bad that is said about someone, even if it is not true

Mum's the word. saying old-fashioned

said when you tell someone, or agree with someone, to keep something a secret

"I'm not telling people generally yet." "OK, mum's the word!"

Necessity is the mother of invention. saying

an expression which means that if you really need to do something, you will think of a way of doing it

Never the twain shall meet. saying

said when two things or people are completely different, unsuitable for each other, or are unable to agree

A new broom sweeps clean. UK saying

said when someone new takes control of an organization and makes many changes

No news is good news. saying

said to make someone feel less worried when they have not received information about someone or something, because if something bad had happened, they would have been told about it

We haven't heard anything from the hospital today, but I suppose no news is good news.

A nod's as good as a wink. saying

used to say that only a slight sign is needed for you to understand clearly what is meant by something or what is happening in a situation

It's now or never. saying

said when you must do something immediately, especially because you will not get another chance

Now you're talking. saying

said when someone makes a suggestion or offer that is better than one that they have already made

There's nowt so queer as folk. UK informal saying

said to emphasize that people sometimes behave in a very strange way

Tall/Great oaks from little acorns grow. saying

said about organizations or plans which start off very small or simple and become extremely large or successful

You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. saying

said about a situation in which it is hard to achieve something important without causing unpleasant effects

Once bitten, twice shy. saying

said when you are frightened to do something again because you had an unpleasant experience doing it the first time

It isn't over until the fat lady sings. saying

used for saying that it is still possible for a situation to change

Good things come in small packages. saying

said to emphasize that something does not need to be big in order to be good

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me. humorous saying

said when you recognise that you generally worry too much about people trying to harm you, but believe that in this particular situation people really are trying to harm you

He who pays the piper calls the tune. saying

said to emphasize that the person who is paying someone to do something can decide how it should be done

You pays your money and you takes your choice/chance. informal saying

You are responsible for your decisions and cannot blame anyone else when what you have chosen is not successful.

The pen is mightier than the sword. saying

said to emphasize that thinking and writing have more influence on people and events than the use of force or violence

Every picture tells a story. saying

said when what has really happened in a situation is clear because of the way that someone or something looks

Pigs might fly. humorous saying

said when you think that there is no chance at all of something happening

"I'll have finished it by tomorrow." "And pigs might fly!"

pile it high and sell it cheap mainly UK saying

said when a shop sells large amounts of a product at cheap prices

A place for everything and everything in its place. saying

This means that the best way to stay tidy and well organized is to keep things in their correct positions.

Practice makes perfect. saying

said to encourage someone to continue to do something many times, so that they will learn to do it very well

Pride comes/goes before a fall. saying

said to emphasize that if you are too confident about your abilities, something bad will happen which shows that you are not as good as you think

The proof of the pudding (is in the eating). saying

said to mean that you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used or experienced it

Any publicity is good publicity. ( also There's no such thing as bad publicity. ) saying

said to emphasize that it is better that something receives bad publicity than no publicity at all

Any publicity is good publicity. ( also There's no such thing as bad publicity. ) saying

said to emphasize that it is better that something receives bad publicity than no publicity at all

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

said to emphasize that you should not delay doing something if you can do it immediately

Ready, steady, go! UK saying

said at the start of a race, especially one for children

Revenge is sweet. saying

said when you feel satisfaction from harming someone who has harmed you

All roads lead to Rome. saying

said to mean that all the methods of doing something will achieve the same result in the end

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. saying

said to emphasize that you must not simply intend to behave well but you must act according to your intentions, because you will have problems or be punished if you do not

a rolling stone (gathers no moss) old-fashioned saying

said to mean that a person who is always travelling and changing jobs has the advantage of having no responsibilities, but also has disadvantages such as having no permanent place to live

Hal was a bit of a rolling stone before he married and settled down.

There's no/not enough room to swing a cat. saying

said about a place or space that is very small

Rules are made to be broken. saying

used to say that it is good and acceptable to not obey a rule

safety first saying

said to mean that it is best to avoid any unnecessary risks and to act so that you stay safe

There's safety in numbers. saying

said to emphasize that being part of a group makes you less likely to be harmed

the sands of time are running out literary saying

used to say that there is not much time left to do something

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit/humour. saying

said to mean that sarcasm is very unkind

What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. old-fashioned saying

said to emphasize that if one person is allowed to do something or to behave in a particular way, then another person must be allowed to do that thing or behave in that way, too

Seeing is believing. saying

said to mean that if you see something yourself, you will believe it to exist or be true, despite the fact that it is extremely unusual or unexpected

"I never thought Simon would get out of bed before lunchtime on a Saturday, but seeing is believing!"

What you see is what you get. saying

said to show that there is nothing hidden

Unto thine own self be true. saying

This means that you should only do what you think is right.

A problem shared is a problem halved. saying

used to say that if you tell someone about a problem, it is easier to deal with

The show must go on. saying

said to encourage someone to continue with what they are doing, even if they are experiencing difficulties

Out of sight, out of mind. saying

said to emphasize that when something or someone cannot be seen, it is easy to forget them

Silence is golden. saying

said to mean it is often better to say nothing

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. saying

used to mean that you can't make something good out of something that is naturally bad

six of one and half a dozen of the other informal saying

said when you think that neither of two choices is better than the other

"Shall we go by car or train?" "I don't know, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other."

There's many a slip twixt cup and lip. saying

said to emphasize that many bad things might happen before something is finished

It's a small world. saying

said to show your surprise that people or events in different places are connected

So you know my old science teacher! Well, it's certainly a small world, isn't it?

There's no smoke without fire. UK saying ( US Where there's smoke, there's fire. )

If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it

She says the accusations are not true, but there's no smoke without fire.

There's no smoke without fire. UK saying ( US Where there's smoke, there's fire. )

If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it

She says the accusations are not true, but there's no smoke without fire.

It takes all sorts (to make a world). saying

said to emphasize that people have different characters, opinions and abilities, and that you should accept this

As ye sow, so shall ye reap. literary saying

used to mean that the way you behave in life will affect the treatment you will receive from others

Spare the rod and spoil the child. old-fashioned saying

said to mean that if you do not punish a child when it does something wrong, it will not learn what is right

Speak when you're spoken to! saying

said to a child to tell them not to speak if no one speaks to them first

N O spells no. saying

used as a reply to a request, to emphasize that when you said no previously you really meant it