Famous Proverbs

1] The mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken

2] Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance

3] Give a fool (or a thief) enough rope and he will hang himself

4] What may be done at any time is done at no time

5] Art improves Nature

6] Custom takes the taste from the most savoury dishes

7] He who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom

8] There’s a black sheep in every flock

9] Adversity is the touchstone of friendship

10] No news is good news

11] He that has an ill name is half hanged

12] Naturally the same beans from the same bin.

13] Of evil manners, spring good laws

14] If you would know the value of a ducat, try to borrow one

15] He who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom

16] Moderation in all things

17] Never spur a willing horse

18] The eye is bigger than the belly

19] A little help is worth a deal of pity

20] Fair is he that comes, but fairer is he that brings.

21] Every lot is to be overcome by endurance

22] What must be must be

23] Goodness is better than beauty

24] You may know by a handful the whole sack

25] A chain is no stronger than its weakest link

26] Rain water leaks through the roof-top

27] Blood is thicker than water

28] He would command must serve

29] The bull must be taken by the horns

30] That which Nature paints never fades

31] Don’t put the cart before the horse

32] Waste not, want not

33] Whatever man has done, man can do

34] The devil’s children have the devil’s luck

35] Don’t quarrel with your bread and buffer

36] Every man is his own worst enemy

37] A knave and a fool never take thought

38] After a dream of a wedding, comes a corpse

39] Hitch your wagon to a star

40] The highest tree has the greatest fall

41] How ever much you learn, you won’t know how to raise the dead

42] Let not thy tongue run away with thy brains

43] III counsel mars all

44] The devil looks after his own

45] Tigers and deer do not over.

46] Death keeps no calendar

47] Dying men speak true

48] It is ill striving against the stream

49] A banana tree won’t bear fruit twice.

50] A good Conscience is the best divinity

51] It is better (or more blessed) to give than to take

52] Everybody’s business is nobody’s business

53] God rejoices when one beggar scratches another

54] Judge not, that ye be not judged

55] Each day brings its own bread

56] A liar is sooner caught than a cripple

57] A fox should not be of the jury at a goose’s trial

58] A crowd is not company

59] Do unto others as they should do unto you

60] He that keeps not crust not crumb, shall ever want some

61] A man must plough with such oxen as he has

62] Better late than never, but better never late

63] Files are easier caught with honey than with vinegar

64] What is brought by the wind will be carried away by the wind

65] Who greases his way travels easily

66] A good garden may have some ill weeds

67] He who rouses a sleeping tiger exposes himself to danger

68] The quarrel of lovers is the renewal of love

69] When you live next to a cemetery, you cannot weep for everyone

70] No like is the same.

71] First thrive then wive

72] Let not the sun do down on your wrath

73] The coward threatens only when he is safe

74] Good clothes open all doors

75] What is not even scabies, he makes out to be an ulcer

76] Who is more busy than he that has least to do?

77] A good name is a rich heritage

78] Every medal has its reverse

79] A friend is easier lost than found

80] You cannot make a crab walk straight

81] Cruelty is more cruel, if we defer the pain

82] Busiest men find the most time

83] Good clothes open all doors

84] Cheap is dear in the long run.

85] No good building without a good foundation.

86] He who handles a nettle tenderly is soonest stung

87] It is good fishing in troubled waters

88] Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse

89] Money breeds (or makes, or begets) money

90] The best of men are but men at best.

91] Fair play’s a jewel

92] He that lives wickedly can hardly die honestly

93] Every path has a puddle

94] A wise man is never less alone than when he is alone

95] Accidents will happen

96] Big words seldom go with good deeds

97] Man cannot live by bread alone

98] Take things as they come

99] What can you expect from a pig (or hog) but a grunt?

100] Words cut more than swords