Famous Proverbs

1] The child says nothing but what it hears by the fire

2] Forgiveness is perfect when the sin is not remembered

3] We can live without our friends, but not without our neighbours

4] Good clothes open all doors

5] What is the mother of industry

6] He that the devil drives, feels no lead at his heels

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

8] Steer not after every mariner’s direction

9] When we have gold, we are in fear; when we have none we are in danger

10] Delays are not denials

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

12] Naughty boys sometimes make good men.

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

14] Nothing is more contagious than a bad example

15] Standing pools gather fifth

16] It the counsel be good, no matter who gave it.

17] Give credit where credit is due

18] A good marksman may miss

19] He who waits for another man’s platter has a cold meal

20] Only with a new ruler do you realize the value of the old

21] The garment worn determines how one is served

22] A fool at forty is a fool indeed

23] A light purse makes a heavy heart

24] Great barkers are no biters

25] Love can find a way

26] An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.

27] It takes a wise man to be a fool

28] Rich folk have many friends

29] Big words seldom go with good deeds

30] He that sings on Friday, will weep on Sunday

31] Does sound come from an unstruck drum?

32] Suffering does not manifest itself

33] One today is worth two tomorrows

34] Love your neighbour, yet pull not down your hedge

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

36] Hunger breaks stone walls

37] A gentleman never remembers unkindness shown towards him

38] Don’t change horses in mid-stream

39] Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

40] Sickness soaks the purse

41] He learned timely to beg that could not say ‘Nay’

42] It signifies nothing to play well if you lose.

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

44] The cat would eat fish and would not wet her feet

45] Envy never enriched any man.

46] Better cut the shoe than pinch the foot

47] Long tarrying takes all the thanks away

48] The higher the mountain, the greater the descent

49] Better say noting than no to the purpose

50] Don’t try to run before you walk

51] A willing helper does not wait until he is asked.

52] Every horse thinks its own pack heaviest

53] The hand that gives, gathers

54] Habits are at first cobwebs, at last cables

55] God rejoices when one beggar scratches another

56] A good paymaster never wants workmen

57] He that has nothing need fear to lose nothing

58] Hew not too high lest the chips fall in thine eye

59] If you agree to carry the calf, they’ll make you carry the cow.

60] A thief passes for a gentle man when stealing has made him rich

61] Water far away will not extinguish a fire that is nearby; relatives far from you are not as good as neighbours close to you.

62] The devil lurks behind the cross

63] He that loses anything and gets wisdom by it is a gainer by the loss

64] The peacock has fair features, but foul feet.

65] Clean and whole makes poor clothes shine.

66] Do as I say, not as I do

67] Soon learnt, soon forgotten

68] Spare the rod and spoil the child

69] He that is absent is soon forgotten

70] Better be born lucky than wise.

71] All truths are not to be told

72] Too much cunning undoes

73] An empty sack cannot stand upright

74] Dead men don’t bite

75] Don’t meet trouble half-way

76] He who touches pitch will be defiled

77] Example is better than precept

78] The longest way round is the shortest way home

79] Vast chasms can be filled, but the heart of man never

80] Choose neither women nor linen by candlelight.

81] Good horses always get ridden; good men get imposed upon.

82] Marriages are made in heaven

83] What is shown by example, men think they may justly do

84] He who aims at the moon may hit the top of a tree; he who aims at the top of a tree is unlikely to get off the ground

85] An angry man is not fit to pray

86] He who teaches learns

87] Say as men say, but think to yourself.

88] Use the means, and God will give the blessings

89] He who does not rise early never does a good day’s work

90] Every Jack must have his Jill

91] Words fly, writings remain

92] Stolen pleasures are sweetest

93] Haste is of (or from) the devil

94] Fingers were made before forks

95] The labourer is worthy of his hire

96] No, thank you’ has lost you many a good butter-cake

97] We soon believe what we desire

98] Praise is a spur to the good, a thorn to the evil

99] Forewarned is forearmed

100] Goodness is better than beauty