Famous Proverbs

1] Travel broadens the mind

2] A change is as good as rest

3] When the butcher has already killed your pig, it is useless to discuss with him the price

4] He that shows his purse, longs to be rid of it

5] No choice amongst stinking fish

6] Oaks may fall when reeds stand the storm

7] Who receives a gift, sells his liberty

8] It is the unexpected that always happens

9] Many irons in the fire, some must cool

10] Better do a kindness near home than go to a temple far away to burn incense.

11] A successful man is seldom at ease; a life of ease does not breed success

12] An apple a day keeps the doctor away

13] Sooner begun, sooner done

14] The more cost, the more honour

15] Confide in an aunt and the world will know

16] Blood is thicker than water

17] When good cheer is lacking, our friends will be packing

18] Conscience does make cowards of us all

19] Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones

20] See a pin and let it lie, you’ll want a pin before you die

21] He who considers too much will perform little.

22] Like master, like man

23] However much the arm may swing out, the armpit is where it sticks

24] Slow and steady wins the race

25] Every horse thinks its own pack heaviest

26] He that once deceives, is ever suspected

27] Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance

28] Neither a borrower nor a lender be.

29] If you play with fire you get burnt

30] Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down

31] Nature will have her course

32] They bow to you when borrowing; you bow to them when collecting

33] A gift much expected is paid, not given

34] It is hard to wive and thrive both in a year

35] Dirty linen should be washed at home

36] If you have bread, don’t look for cake

37] The bigger they are, the harder they fall

38] He that has a full purse never wanted a friend

39] Two things do prolong they life: a quiet heart and a loving wife

40] Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

41] However much the arm may swing out, the armpit is where it sticks

42] Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory

43] High places have their precipices

44] Money can influence even the spirits

45] What’s learnt in the cradle lasts till the tomb

46] He that is down need fear no fall

47] No man ever becomes thoroughly bad all at once

48] Custom takes the taste from the most savoury dishes

49] He that sows thistles shall reap prickles.

50] Pouring oil on the fire is not the way to quench it

51] He who considers too much will perform little.

52] It’s a long lane that has no turning

53] He who cannot put up with extreme hardship cannot be the best among men

54] Don’t bargain for fish which are still in the water

55] A closed mouth catches no files

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

57] He that eats well should do his duty well

58] The time to come is no more ours than the time past

59] He that cannot pay in purse must pay in person

60] What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals

61] Ninety per cent of inspiration is perspiration

62] The loftiest towers rise from the ground

63] Everybody’s business is nobody’s business

64] Old habits die hard

65] The reason of the strongest is always the best.

66] He that is fallen cannot help him that is down

67] Adventures are to be adventurous

68] Wine is one thing; drunkenness another

69] The earthen pot must keep clear of the brass kettle

70] He who sows, trusts in God

71] Better wear out shoes than sheers.

72] A heavy purse makes a light heart

73] A man has choice to begin love, but not to end it.

74] First creep, then walk

75] The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth

76] A fool believes everything

77] A foolish man knows not the art of forgiveness

78] Men make houses, women make homes

79] The slowest barker is the surest biter

80] An egg thief will become a camel thief

81] You can’t clap with one hand

82] Don’t cut the bough you are standing on

83] Ill weeds grow apace (or fast)

84] Walls have ears

85] Men are not to be measured in inches

86] An ill paymaster never wants excuse

87] Accidents will happen

88] Keep not ill men company, lest you increase the number

89] They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts

90] Some people will never learn anything because they understand everything too soon.

91] Hunger makes hard bean sweet

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

93] Hard words break no bones

94] Little wealth, little care

95] Gold may be bought too dear

96] Spend not where you may save, spare not where you must spend

97] He who does nothing but sits and eats, will wear away a mountain of wealth

98] Well done is better than well said

99] Half the world knows not how the other half lives

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