Famous Proverbs

1] A man whose conscience is clear, of a knock at midnight has no fear

2] The first time, a novice the second time, an adept

3] Afflictions are sent to us by God for our good

4] What is deferred is not abandoned

5] Discretion is the better part of valour

6] Even a worm will turn

7] Even though one’s aunt sells the cakes, one will not buy unless they are cheap.

8] To speak as the common people, to think as the wise

9] Patience is the remedy of the world

10] Time lost cannot be recalled

11] It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good

12] Appetite comes with eating

13] The best is often the enemy of the good

14] One speak of rat droppings will spoil a whole pan of rice

15] Might overcome right.

16] A good wife is a good prize

17] Bread is the staff of life.

18] Long roads test the horse; long dealings test the friend

19] Work expands so as to fill the time available

20] To err is human; to forgive, divine

21] A good Conscience is the best divinity

22] He seems wise with whom all things thrive

23] Patience is a flower that grows not in everyone’s garden

24] One reason is as good as fifty

25] Nothing costs so much as what is given us

26] The courteous one learns his courtesy from the discourteous.

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

28] If the lad goes to the well against his will, either the can will break or the water will spill

29] An empty sack cannot stand upright

30] Keep conscience clear, then never fear

31] Every tub must stand on its own bottom

32] Can we ever too much of a good thing?

33] Fortune knocks once at everyone’s door (or gate)

34] The more laws, the more offenders

35] A man’s wealth is his enemy

36] Leave well alone

37] Good goods are not cheap; cheap goods are not good

38] Virtue has all things in itself

39] Health is not value till sickness comes

40] Pride is at the bottom of all mistakes

41] He has not lost all who has one cast left

42] Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if one breaks the other may hold

43] Harsh words cut wounds that fester like cankerous sores

44] If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

45] He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning

46] Words cut more than swords

47] All are not saints that go to church

48] Home is home though it be never so homely

49] He would command must serve

50] Wine does not intoxicate men; men intoxicate themselves

51] In wine there is truth

52] Lend only that which you can afford to lose

53] If the cap fits, wear it

54] Who suffers much is silent

55] Well begun is half done.

56] He has to do what is foul, never comes away clean

57] You cannot sell the cow and sup (or drink) the milk

58] It is good sheltering under an old hedge

59] A traveller may lie with authority

60] Necessity breaks iron

61] Nothing is impossible to a willing heart

62] Just give me one end of the line and I’ll get to the other

63] Findings are keepings

64] Company in misery makes it light

65] Like father, like son

66] Honour is the reward of virtue

67] The greatest step is that out of doors

68] Poverty is no sin

69] By doing nothing, we learn to do ill

70] Her that is down need fear no fall

71] Laugh before breakfast, you’ll cry before supper

72] Laugh and grow fat

73] The hole calls the thief

74] As you plant wild grass, you won’t get a crop of rice.

75] Industry is fortune’s right hand, and frugality her left

76] Vice is often clothed in virtue’s habit

77] Quickly come, quickly go

78] A strong town is not won in an hour

79] Never spend your money before you have it

80] When in Rome, do as the Romans do

81] What is the mother of industry

82] The good intention excuses the bad action

83] Old cattle breed not

84] No man knows what good is than he who has endured evil

85] Don’t hallo (or shout, or whistle) until you are out of the wood

86] That fish will soon be caught that nibbles at every bait

87] If you run after two hares, you will catch neither

88] He loses his thanks who promises and delays

89] He that gives his goods before he be dead, take up a mallet and knock him on the head

90] Wine unveils the words of the heart

91] A stitch in time saves nine

92] Rome was not (or cannot be) built in a day

93] The first blow is half the battle

94] Fortune favours fools

95] The worst wheel of the cart creaks most

96] As long as the old horse lives, his habits will not change

97] Riches rather enlarge than satisfy appetites

98] A barber learns to shave by shaving fools

99] A good name is a rich heritage

100] The last straw breaks the camel’s back