Common Proverbs in English

This is a collection of well-known English proverbs, also referred to as sayings. Proverbs offer valuable life lessons and advice. Every language and culture has its own set of proverbs, with many appearing in multiple languages. It’s crucial to use each word in a proverb correctly, as altering or omitting even a single word can change its meaning. This list of English proverbs includes definitions and examples, designed to enhance both your English vocabulary and cultural understanding.

What are Proverbs?

Proverbs are short, commonly known expressions or sayings that offer advice, share wisdom, or convey a general truth about life. They are often metaphorical and use simple, direct language to communicate complex ideas or cultural values. Proverbs are passed down through generations, and they reflect the beliefs, traditions, and experiences of a culture.

For example, the proverb “Actions speak louder than words” emphasizes that what people do is more important than what they say. Proverbs are widely used in everyday language and are found in many languages around the world, often carrying similar meanings across different cultures.

Proverbs vs. Idioms

Feature	Proverbs	Idioms
Definition	Short sayings that express a general truth, advice, or moral lesson.	Phrases or expressions with a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the words.
Meaning	Usually clear and directly understood from the words.	Figurative and not immediately clear from the individual words.
Example	“A stitch in time saves nine.” (Meaning: Address problems early to avoid bigger issues.)	“Kick the bucket.” (Meaning: To die.)
Purpose	To give advice, share wisdom, or convey a universal truth.	To express ideas in a colorful, indirect, or creative way.
Literal vs. Figurative	Often literal, with the meaning evident in the wording.	Figurative, with the meaning not related to the literal words.
Clarity	Generally straightforward and easily understood.	Requires understanding of cultural or contextual meanings.
Usage	Used to impart wisdom, moral lessons, or advice.	Used to add expressiveness and creativity to language.
Cultural Significance	Reflects cultural values and collective wisdom.	Unique to a language or culture, often non-translatable.
Example of Purpose	“Actions speak louder than words.” (Advice)	“Break the ice.” (To initiate conversation or ease tension)
Complexity	Simple and memorable, often easy to recall.	Can be complex and might require contextual knowledge to understand.

Types of Proverbs in English

Proverbs in English can be categorized based on their themes, usage, and the type of wisdom they convey.

Moral Proverbs

Description: These proverbs convey moral lessons or ethical principles.
Examples:
- “Honesty is the best policy.” (Emphasizes the importance of honesty.)
- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (The Golden Rule.)

Advisory Proverbs

Description: These proverbs offer practical advice on various aspects of life.
Examples:
- “A stitch in time saves nine.” (Encourages taking care of problems early.)
- “Look before you leap.” (Advises careful consideration before taking action.)

Warning Proverbs

Description: These proverbs caution against certain behaviors or actions.
Examples:
- “Curiosity killed the cat.” (Warns against unnecessary curiosity.)
- “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” (Warns against assuming outcomes too early.)

Cultural Proverbs

Description: These proverbs reflect cultural beliefs, traditions, or values.
Examples:
- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” (Advises adapting to the customs of the place you are in.)
- “The early bird catches the worm.” (Reflects the value placed on being early or proactive.)

Proverbs about Human Nature

Description: These proverbs deal with human behavior and characteristics.
Examples:
- “Actions speak louder than words.” (Emphasizes the importance of actions over words.)
- “A leopard cannot change its spots.” (Suggests that people cannot change their inherent nature.)

Proverbs about Experience

Description: These proverbs are based on life experiences and shared wisdom.
Examples:
- “Experience is the best teacher.” (Suggests that learning from experience is the most effective.)
- “Once bitten, twice shy.” (Indicates that a negative experience makes one cautious in the future.)

Proverbs about Time

Description: These proverbs relate to the concept of time and its management.
Examples:
- “Time and tide wait for no man.” (Highlights the unstoppable nature of time.)
- “Better late than never.” (Encourages completing a task even if it’s delayed.)

Proverbs about Wealth and Poverty

Description: These proverbs discuss the nature of wealth, poverty, and material possessions.
Examples:
- “Money can’t buy happiness.” (Indicates that wealth does not guarantee contentment.)
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.” (Encourages saving money.)

Proverbs about Relationships

Description: These proverbs focus on interpersonal relationships, including family and friends.
Examples:
- “Blood is thicker than water.” (Emphasizes the importance of family bonds.)
- “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (Highlights the value of true friendship.)

Proverbs about Health

Description: These proverbs deal with health and well-being.
Examples:
- “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” (Suggests that good habits lead to good health.)
- “Health is wealth.” (Stresses that good health is more valuable than material wealth.)

Common Proverbs in English With Meaning and Examples

A bad workman blames his tools.

Meaning: People often blame their equipment or circumstances for their own poor performance.
Example: When Tom missed the deadline, he said it was because his computer was slow. A bad workman blames his tools.

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

Meaning: It’s better to have a small but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one.
Example: I think I’ll stay with my current job rather than gamble on a new one. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Meaning: The strength of a group depends on the weakest member.
Example: The team failed because one member didn’t do their job. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

A change is as good as a rest.

Meaning: A change in routine can be as refreshing as taking a break.
Example: After working on the same project for months, switching to a new task felt great. A change is as good as a rest.

A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

Meaning: A desperate person will try anything to save themselves.
Example: He tried to bribe the officer, but it was no use. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Meaning: Foolish people spend their money carelessly.
Example: He bought a car he couldn’t afford and lost it. A fool and his money are soon parted.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Meaning: A true friend helps you when you’re in trouble.
Example: When I was sick, she took care of me. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

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

Meaning: Even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point.
Example: Don’t be overwhelmed by the task ahead. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

A leopard cannot change its spots.

Meaning: People cannot change their inherent nature.
Example: He’s always been dishonest, and I doubt he’ll change. A leopard cannot change its spots.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Meaning: Having a small amount of knowledge can cause people to make poor decisions.
Example: He read a few articles on investing and thought he was an expert. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

A penny for your thoughts.

Meaning: A way of asking someone what they’re thinking.
Example: You look deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Meaning: Saving money is as important as earning it.
Example: I avoid unnecessary expenses because a penny saved is a penny earned.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Meaning: A visual image can convey a complex idea more effectively than words.
Example: The graph explained the data perfectly. A picture is worth a thousand words.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Meaning: A person who doesn’t settle in one place will not accumulate responsibilities or commitments.
Example: He keeps moving from job to job and city to city. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Meaning: Fixing a problem early prevents it from becoming worse.
Example: I fixed the leak when it was small. A stitch in time saves nine.

A watched pot never boils.

Meaning: Time seems to go slower when you are waiting for something to happen.
Example: Stop checking your phone every minute. 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 being away at college, she realized how much she missed her family. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Actions speak louder than words.

Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: He apologized, but his actions speak louder than words.

All good things must come to an end.

Meaning: Everything positive eventually ends.
Example: The vacation was great, but all good things must come to an end.

All is fair in love and war.

Meaning: In extreme situations, people can be expected to act in extreme ways.
Example: They both lied to win the contest. All is fair in love and war.

All roads lead to Rome.

Meaning: There are many different ways to reach the same goal.
Example: Whether you study hard or learn from experience, all roads lead to Rome.

All that glitters is not gold.

Meaning: Not everything that looks good on the outside is valuable or true.
Example: The deal sounded great, but all that glitters is not gold.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Meaning: Without time off from work, a person becomes bored and boring.
Example: You need a break. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Meaning: Eating healthy foods keeps you healthy.
Example: I always have fruit with my lunch. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Meaning: It’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them later.
Example: Get your flu shot now, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Meaning: What one person finds beautiful, another may not.
Example: He loved the painting, but I didn’t. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Beggars can’t be choosers.

Meaning: When you need something, you can’t be picky about how you get it.
Example: I wanted a blue shirt, but they only had red. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Better late than never.

Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: He finally apologized, better late than never.

Better safe than sorry.

Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than to take a risk and regret it later.
Example: I always wear my seatbelt. Better safe than sorry.

Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

Meaning: It’s better to deal with a difficult person or situation you know than with a new one that could be worse.
Example: I’ll stay at my current job. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to group together.
Example: All the artists sat together at lunch. Birds of a feather flock together.

Blood is thicker than water.

Meaning: Family relationships are stronger than other relationships.
Example: He chose to help his brother over his friend. Blood is thicker than water.

Brevity is the soul of wit.

Meaning: The best communication is simple and concise.
Example: His speech was short but effective. Brevity is the soul of wit.

Charity begins at home.

Meaning: You should take care of your family and close friends before helping others.
Example: He donated to charity but forgot his family needed help. Charity begins at home.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

Meaning: Keeping yourself and your surroundings clean is important.
Example: She keeps her house spotless. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

Clothes make the man.

Meaning: People are judged based on their appearance.
Example: He dressed up for the interview because clothes make the man.

Cold hands, warm heart.

Meaning: A person with a cool exterior can have a kind and loving nature.
Example: She seems distant, but cold hands, warm heart.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Meaning: Being too curious can lead to trouble.
Example: He kept asking questions until he got in trouble. Curiosity killed the cat.

Dead men tell no tales.

Meaning: Dead people can’t reveal secrets.
Example: They kept quiet about the crime because dead men tell no tales.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Meaning: Don’t act against those who help you.
Example: He criticized his boss, but he shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds him.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Meaning: Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example: She planned her spending before she got the job. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.

Meaning: Don’t worry about problems until they happen.
Example: He worried about everything that might go wrong. Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.

Don’t cry over spilt milk.

Meaning: Don’t waste time worrying about things that can’t be changed.
Example: The mistake is made, let’s move on. Don’t cry over spilt milk.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based on appearance.
Example: She looks unfriendly, but don’t judge a book by its cover.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Meaning: Don’t risk everything on one plan or idea.
Example: He invested all his money in one stock. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

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

Meaning: Don’t procrastinate; do what needs to be done now.
Example: He finished his work early because he doesn’t put off until tomorrow what he can do today.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Meaning: Don’t discard something valuable in your haste to get rid of something undesirable.
Example: They restructured the company but kept the best employees. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

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

Meaning: Good sleep habits lead to success.
Example: He wakes up at 5 AM every day. Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Easy come, easy go.

Meaning: Things that are easily obtained can be easily lost.
Example: He won money gambling but lost it all. Easy come, easy go.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Meaning: Every bad situation has a positive aspect.
Example: He lost his job but found a better one. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Every dog has its day.

Meaning: Everyone gets a chance to succeed at some point.
Example: She finally got her promotion. Every dog has its day.

Every rose has its thorn.

Meaning: Every good thing has a downside.
Example: The job is great, but the commute is long. Every rose has its thorn.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Meaning: Knowing someone too well can lead to disrespect.
Example: They were best friends, but now they argue all the time. Familiarity breeds contempt.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Meaning: Inexperienced people tend to do things that wiser people avoid.
Example: He invested in a risky business without thinking. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fortune favors the bold.

Meaning: People who take risks often succeed.
Example: He started his own business and became successful. 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: Helping someone learn to do something is more valuable than doing it for them.
Example: Instead of doing his homework, I showed him how to do it. Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

Good things come to those who wait.

Meaning: Patience often leads to positive results.
Example: She waited years for the right opportunity, and it finally came. Good things come to those who wait.

Great minds think alike.

Meaning: Smart people often have the same ideas.
Example: We both had the same solution. Great minds think alike.

Haste makes waste.

Meaning: Doing something too quickly can lead to mistakes.
Example: He rushed his work and had to redo it. Haste makes waste.

He who laughs last, laughs longest.

Meaning: The final winner will have the most satisfaction.
Example: He lost the early rounds but won the final match. He who laughs last, laughs longest.

Honesty is the best policy.

Meaning: It’s always better to tell the truth.
Example: He admitted his mistake because honesty is the best policy.

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Meaning: Be optimistic but also ready for challenges.
Example: We planned the event carefully but had a backup plan. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Meaning: Don’t try to improve something that already works well.
Example: The old system is working fine. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Meaning: If a criticism applies to you, accept it.
Example: He took the comment personally. If the shoe fits, wear it.

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

Meaning: If you can’t handle pressure, leave the situation.
Example: He complained about the workload. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Ignorance is bliss.

Meaning: Sometimes it’s better not to know the unpleasant truth.
Example: She didn’t know the risks and was happy. Ignorance is bliss.

In for a penny, in for a pound.

Meaning: Once you’re involved, it’s best to fully commit.
Example: They started the project and couldn’t back out. In for a penny, in for a pound.

It takes two to tango.

Meaning: Both people involved in a situation are responsible.
Example: They both contributed to the argument. It takes two to tango.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Meaning: Stay aware of your enemies’ actions by keeping them close.
Example: He stayed in contact with his competitors. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Kill two birds with one stone.

Meaning: Achieve two goals with one action.
Example: He combined his trip with a business meeting. Kill two birds with one stone.

Laughter is the best medicine.

Meaning: Being cheerful and laughing can help improve health.
Example: We watched a comedy to cheer up. Laughter is the best medicine.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Meaning: Don’t disturb a situation that is currently calm.
Example: They decided not to bring up the past issue. Let sleeping dogs lie.

Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

Meaning: Unlikely events don’t usually happen again in the same way.
Example: After winning the lottery, he didn’t expect to win again. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

Look before you leap.

Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
Example: He considered all the risks before investing. Look before you leap.

Make hay while the sun shines.

Meaning: Take advantage of opportunities while they last.
Example: He worked overtime when business was good. Make hay while the sun shines.

Money can’t buy happiness.

Meaning: Wealth doesn’t guarantee contentment.
Example: He was rich but lonely. Money can’t buy happiness.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Meaning: When people really need something, they will find a way to get it.
Example: He created a tool to solve a problem at work. Necessity is the mother of invention.

No pain, no gain.

Meaning: You have to work hard to achieve success.
Example: He trained for hours every day. No pain, no gain.

No use crying over spilt milk.

Meaning: There’s no point in regretting something that can’t be changed.
Example: She missed the train but didn’t worry about it. No use crying over spilt milk.

One good turn deserves another.

Meaning: A kind act should be repaid with another kind act.
Example: She helped him move, so he helped her with her project. One good turn deserves another.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Meaning: When something or someone is not seen, they are easily forgotten.
Example: After the project ended, they stopped talking. Out of sight, out of mind.

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

Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you have similar weaknesses.
Example: He complained about her mistakes but made similar ones. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Practice makes perfect.

Meaning: Regular practice leads to improvement.
Example: He practiced daily and became an expert. Practice makes perfect.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Meaning: Great things take time to achieve.
Example: It took years to complete the project. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Meaning: Consistent effort leads to success.
Example: She worked steadily and finished first. Slow and steady wins the race.

The early bird catches the worm.

Meaning: Those who start early have an advantage.
Example: He arrived early and got the best seats. The early bird catches the worm.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Meaning: People tend to think others have it better than they do.
Example: She envied her friend’s job, but it’s not as easy as it looks. The grass is always greener on the other side.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Meaning: Writing is more powerful than violence.
Example: He used his influence in the media to create change. The pen is mightier than the sword.

There’s no place like home.

Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and special place.
Example: After traveling, he was glad to be back. There’s no place like home.

Time flies when you’re having fun.

Meaning: Time seems to pass quickly when you enjoy yourself.
Example: The vacation ended too soon. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Time heals all wounds.

Meaning: Emotional pain lessens over time.
Example: She felt better after a few months. Time heals all wounds.

To err is human, to forgive is divine.

Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes, but forgiveness is a noble act.
Example: She forgave him for his mistake. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

Two heads are better than one.

Meaning: It’s easier to solve a problem when more people work together.
Example: They solved the problem quickly as a team. Two heads are better than one.

Variety is the spice of life.

Meaning: Diversity makes life more interesting.
Example: He tried new foods every week. Variety is the spice of life.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Meaning: Follow local customs when you’re in a different place.
Example: He followed the local traditions on his trip. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Meaning: If there’s a sign of a problem, there probably is one.
Example: Rumors of layoffs had been circulating, and indeed, layoffs happened. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

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

Meaning: You can’t enjoy two desirable but incompatible things at once.
Example: He wanted the promotion but also more free time. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone.
Example: The restaurant looked small, but the food was amazing. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Meaning: You have to sacrifice something to achieve something great.
Example: The project required long hours, but it was worth it. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Meaning: Don’t procrastinate; complete tasks as soon as possible.
Example: He finished his assignment right away because he believes in never putting off till tomorrow what you can do today.

No man is an island.

Meaning: Everyone needs help and support from others.
Example: He realized that no man is an island and asked his friends for assistance.

No news is good news.

Meaning: If there’s no information, it usually means everything is fine.
Example: I haven’t heard from them, but no news is good news.

No pain, no gain.

Meaning: You have to work hard or suffer to achieve something.
Example: She trains hard every day because she believes in no pain, no gain.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Meaning: You can’t achieve anything if you don’t take risks.
Example: He invested in the startup because he believes that nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Old habits die hard.

Meaning: It’s difficult to stop doing something you’ve been doing for a long time.
Example: He still wakes up early even after retirement; old habits die hard.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Meaning: After having a bad experience, you’re less likely to do something similar.
Example: She was once bitten, twice shy about investing after losing money.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Meaning: Something worthless to one person might be valuable to another.
Example: She loves finding old furniture because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Opportunity knocks but once.

Meaning: Take advantage of opportunities when they arise; they may not come again.
Example: He accepted the job offer immediately because opportunity knocks but once.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Meaning: People or things that are not visible are easily forgotten.
Example: He rarely thinks about his old home; out of sight, out of mind.

Patience is a virtue.

Meaning: Being patient is an admirable quality.
Example: She waited calmly because patience is a virtue.

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

Meaning: Don’t criticize others when you have similar faults.
Example: He refrained from making comments because people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Practice makes perfect.

Meaning: Consistent practice leads to improvement.
Example: He practices the piano every day because practice makes perfect.

Prevention is better than cure.

Meaning: It’s better to avoid problems than to fix them later.
Example: She gets regular check-ups because she believes prevention is better than cure.

Pride comes before a fall.

Meaning: Arrogance often leads to failure.
Example: He lost the game because he was overconfident; pride comes before a fall.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Meaning: Great things take time to achieve.
Example: The project took months to complete, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Meaning: Consistent, steady effort leads to success.
Example: She worked steadily and won the competition; slow and steady wins the race.

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Meaning: Without discipline, children will grow up spoiled.
Example: He believes in discipline because spare the rod and spoil the child.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Meaning: Be gentle but prepared to use force if necessary.
Example: He negotiated calmly but was ready to take action; speak softly and carry a big stick.

Still waters run deep.

Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts or complex personalities.
Example: He may not talk much, but still waters run deep.

Strike while the iron is hot.

Meaning: Take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Example: He made his move in the market because he believes in striking while the iron is hot.

Talk is cheap.

Meaning: It’s easier to say things than to actually do them.
Example: She didn’t believe his promises because talk is cheap.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in behavior or characteristics.
Example: He’s just like his father; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

The best defense is a good offense.

Meaning: Proactive actions are often the best way to protect oneself.
Example: He attacked first because the best defense is a good offense.

The early bird catches the worm.

Meaning: Those who start early have an advantage.
Example: She always arrives early to get the best deals; the early bird catches the worm.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Meaning: People often think others have it better than they do.
Example: He thought his friend’s job was better, but the grass is always greener on the other side.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Meaning: Writing and communication are more effective than violence.
Example: He used his words to influence change; the pen is mightier than the sword.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Meaning: The true value of something is only known when it’s tested.
Example: She tried the new recipe because the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Meaning: Good intentions can lead to bad outcomes if not properly executed.
Example: His plan failed despite his good intentions; the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Meaning: The most noticeable problems get the most attention.
Example: She complained until they fixed it; the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Meaning: There are many opportunities or people available.
Example: After his breakup, he reminded himself that there are plenty of fish in the sea.

There is no honor among thieves.

Meaning: People who are dishonest don’t trust each other.
Example: The partners betrayed each other because there is no honor among thieves.

There is no place like home.

Meaning: Home is the most comfortable and special place.
Example: After traveling, he realized there’s no place like home.

There’s a method to the madness.

Meaning: There’s a reason for someone’s seemingly strange behavior.
Example: His chaotic work style confused others, but there’s a method to his madness.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Meaning: Everything has a cost, even if it’s not obvious.
Example: He was cautious about the offer because there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Time and tide wait for no man.

Meaning: Time moves on and doesn’t wait for anyone.
Example: She hurried to finish because time and tide wait for no man.

Time flies when you’re having fun.

Meaning: Time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying yourself.
Example: The vacation ended too soon; time flies when you’re having fun.

To each his own.

Meaning: Everyone has their own preferences and tastes.
Example: He didn’t like the movie, but to each his own.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Meaning: Too many people involved in a task can ruin it.
Example: The project failed because there were too many opinions; too many cooks spoil the broth.

Two heads are better than one.

Meaning: It’s easier to solve a problem with more people.
Example: They worked together to solve the problem because two heads are better than one.

Variety is the spice of life.

Meaning: Different experiences and activities make life more enjoyable.
Example: He tries new foods every week because variety is the spice of life.

What goes around comes around.

Meaning: Your actions, good or bad, will have consequences.
Example: He was kind to others, believing that what goes around comes around.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Meaning: Follow the customs of the place you’re in.
Example: He adapted to local customs during his travels; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Meaning: Rumors or suspicions usually have some truth behind them.
Example: The rumors may be true; where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Meaning: If you’re determined, you can find a way to achieve your goal.
Example: He solved the problem because he knew where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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

Meaning: You can offer someone help, but you can’t force them to accept it.
Example: She offered advice, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.

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

Meaning: You can’t have everything; you must make a choice.
Example: He wanted both jobs, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Meaning: Don’t judge something based on its appearance.
Example: She seemed unfriendly, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Meaning: It’s difficult to change someone’s habits or ways.
Example: He resisted learning the new system; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

You reap what you sow.

Meaning: Your actions, good or bad, will come back to you.
Example: He worked hard and was rewarded; you reap what you sow.

All’s well that ends well.

Meaning: A difficult situation is worth it if the outcome is positive.
Example: The project had issues, but all’s well that ends well.

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

Meaning: Don’t waste time worrying about things that can’t be changed.
Example: She moved on quickly because there’s no use crying over spilled milk.

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

Meaning: Good habits lead to success.
Example: He follows this proverb, believing that early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

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

Meaning: Keep trying until you succeed.
Example: He failed the first time, but if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

Meaning: Unexpected events often disrupt plans.
Example: She had to cancel her trip, but life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

Money can’t buy happiness.

Meaning: Material wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness.
Example: He realized that money can’t buy happiness after achieving financial success.

The proof is in the pudding.

Meaning: The real value or quality of something is revealed when it’s put to use.
Example: His idea seemed great, but the proof is in the pudding.

What goes around comes around.

Meaning: Your actions, good or bad, will come back to you.
Example: She was generous to others, knowing that what goes around comes around.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

Meaning: You can offer someone help, but you can’t force them to accept it.
Example: He gave his friend advice, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.