Famous Proverbs

1] A word spoken is past recalling

2] The great would have none great, and the little all little

3] Every beggar is descended from some king, and every king is descended from some beggar.

4] It is no use spoiling the ship for a half penny worth of tar

5] There are more ways to the wood than one.

6] He that has an ill name is half hanged

7] Fear the Greeks (or Beware of Greeks) bearing gifts

8] They say so’ is half a lie

9] The tongue is not steel, yet it cuts

10] The least boy always carries the greatest fiddle

11] When all men say you are an ass, it is time to bray

12] Mustard is a good sauce, but mirth is better

13] Many a little makes a mickle

14] He that has a good memory, gives few alms

15] It is a sorry flock where the ewe bears the bell

16] A gift much expected is paid, not given

17] When it rains porridge, the beggar has no spoon.

18] Few words are best

19] It is an ill dog that deserves not a crust

20] A man of courage never wants weapons

21] Better an egg in peace than an ox in war

22] God is always on the side of the big battalions

23] No pains, no gains

24] It is not the hood that makes the monk.

25] Don’t ask a blind man which is the right way

26] Laws catch flies but let hornets go free

27] He seems wise with whom all things thrive

28] Friends are thieves of time

29] Pinch the right thigh and the left will feel the pain too.

30] The ass loaded with gold still eats thistles

31] Vice makes virtue shine

32] The higher the mountain, the greater the descent

33] The eye sees only what it has the power of seeing

34] Lovers are madmen

35] God provides for him that trusts

36] The thief doth fear each bush an offer

37] From hearing, comes wisdom; from speaking, repentance

38] Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!

39] One needs a full stomach to keep the precepts

40] When we sing, everybody hears us; when sigh, nobody hears us

41] Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance

42] To know the husband, observe the face of the wife

43] An ill paymaster never wants excuse

44] Experience is the mother of wisdom

45] From hearing, comes wisdom; from speaking, repentance

46] Eat at pleasure, drink by measure

47] Extreme justice is extreme injustice.

48] Four eyes see more than two

49] Keep your eyes open: a sale is a sale

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

51] One cannot love and be wise

52] Rust wastes more than use

53] The longest journey starts with a single step

54] Where there’s muck, there’s money

55] A wise man hears one word and understands two

56] One swallow does not make a summer

57] Love me, love my dog

58] Wrong has no warrant

59] A true man and a thief think not the same

60] There’s a time and place for everything

61] The money you refuse will never do you good

62] To take revenge is often to sacrifice oneself

63] Virtue is a jewel of great price.

64] Time flees without a delay

65] Idleness is the root of all evil

66] He that has good money, gives few alms

67] Black will take no other hue

68] Unless the vessel is clean, what you pour in to it turns sour.

69] Art improves Nature

70] What must be must be

71] He that serves every body is paid by nobody

72] Covetousness is the root of all evil

73] Take away fuel, take away flame

74] Tie a chicken with an elephant rope, and it will slip off; tie an elephant with a chicken-tether, and it will break away.

75] The tongue stings

76] Light burden I heavy if far borne

77] Curiosity is ill manners in another’s house

78] The wolf knows what the ill beast thinks

79] He is rich that has few wants

80] A wounded reputation is seldom cured

81] He who hesitates is lost

82] In a clam sea, every man is a pilot

83] The best go first

84] A good paymaster never wants workmen

85] It is not every question that deserves an answer

86] Misery acquaints men with strange bedfellows

87] Give a clown your finger, and he will take your hand

88] One father is more than a hundred school masters

89] Many doctors, death accomplished

90] Plain dealing is best

91] Bear and forbear

92] A good friend is my nearest relation

93] As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamp

94] Everything is of use to a housekeeper

95] A little is better than none

96] Spare the rod and spoil the child

97] Gold goes in at any gate except heaven’s

98] Man does what he can, and God what he will

99] A long tongue is a sign of a short hand

100] A beggar can never be bankrupt