88 Meaningful Proverbs PDF
88 Meaningful Proverbs PDF
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A little Introduction…
We don’t promise ‘miracle’ improvements, but if your child has a good learning
attitude, and is able to apply the concepts taught, he or she has a chance of being one
of the top writers in class. (No kidding!) You can see the testimonials on our Facebook
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This ebook of 88 Meaningful Proverbs will expose your child to a wider range of
vocabulary, and to encourage your child to use some proverbs in his or her
compositions. Do take note that you cannot just simply copy and paste the idioms into
your writing like some math formula… you need to understand the meaning and the
context behind it!
But with some consistent practice, you should find yourself getting better at it!
Hope you enjoy this ebook!
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Jerry Lee
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Parents and teachers are always telling you “honesty is the best policy” and “practice
makes perfect”. But what are these phrases and how do all the adults know them?
These phrases are called proverbs. They are short statements of universal truths.
Proverbs are pearls of wisdom and by using them, you can show that your characters have
really learned their lessons. They give variation to dialogue, and they can be used in the
introduction or conclusion of your compositions.
Someone who fails at a task and blames his tools does not have the ability to carry out the task
in the first place.
Example: Frustrated, Ting Ting threw her bike to the ground and insisted, “I can’t ride it because
it is broken!” Her father shook his head. “A bad workman always blames his tools,” he said.
“Let’s try that again.”
Someone who acts intimidating by being loud is not actually a dangerous person.
Example: The vegetable seller shrank in fear when the customer raised her voice. She
demanded, “Don’t be stingy. Give me a discount!” Shaking my head in disapproval, I
encouraged the seller. “A barking dog never bites. Don’t be afraid of her.”
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Being separated from someone or something for a long time makes you appreciate them even
more.
Example: My mother had been in Thailand for two weeks now. Absence makes the heart grow
fonder, I missed her and her cooking.
A better way of showing your sincerity is doing what you promise rather than just saying you
promise to do it.
Example: Jack promised he would not push Tom around again. But actions speak louder than
words, we had to wait and see if Jack would keep his promise.
This proverb is used to explain that the people who help you when you are in need are your true
friends.
Example: After I lost the race, Mary continued to support me even though everyone else called
me names. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Example: Even after being reprimanded for bullying Tom, Jack simply switched his target to
Walter. A leopard never changes its spots.
Everything will come to an end, even good things do not last forever.
Example: I had the time of my life at the birthday party. But all good things must come to an
end, and it was time for us to go home.
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If all someone does is work, they will grow bored and become boring.
Example: Jenny was a very hard-working girl, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,
she would soon grow tired of studying all the time.
As long as there is a good ending, the problems encountered along the way are not important.
Example: Finishing this mural was tough, but all’s well that ends well.
This proverb is commonly used when advising people to save their money.
Example: On the way home from school, I found a dollar on the floor. I picked it up happily and
said to myself, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Example: Johnny did not need to explain how grateful he was for his parents. From the painting
he did of his family, we could tell just how much he loves them. After all, a picture is worth a
thousand words.
Example: Harry is the most talkative student in the class, but you know what they say: “An
empty vessel makes the most noise.” He is also known for his poor grades.
A person who has harmed another person should receive a punishment that is equal to the
harm the victim has suffered. This proverb is commonly used as an excuse for revenge or to
teach people to treat others like how they want to be treated.
Example: I accidentally hit Jack with my elbow. I wanted to apologise but Jack was fuming. “An
eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You hit me, so I am going to hit you back!”
A lazy person who wastes their time being unproductive is more likely to think of bad things.
Example: “Can you stop lazing around and start on your homework?” my mother nagged. “An
idle brain is the devil’s workshop!”
Example: It would take me an extremely long time to complete my project, but a journey of a
thousand miles begins with a single step.
It is better to fix a problem now than later so that the problem will not worsen.
Example: I wanted to fix the shaky ladder later but I remembered the saying “a stitch in time
saves nine”. I should deal it with now, or someone might get hurt if they used it.
You should not complain when something you need is given to you, even when the thing given
is not what you wanted.
Example: “Just eat your chicken rice without the chilli,” my mother snapped. “Beggars can’t be
choosers!”
Even if you have prepared everything, plans might not go the way you want them to.
Example: Soon, we realised we were lost despite following the map. The best-laid plans go
astray, we needed to adapt if we wanted to survive the night.
Example: I did not find the puppy very cute, but Sarah kept cooing over it. I suppose beauty is in
the eye of the beholder.
Example: I learned that beauty is only skin-deep. I was overweight, but I was also hard-working
and respectful to my elders, and those qualities are more important than looks.
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Example: Jessica had a bad habit of being late, and she would always give the excuse “better
late than never”.
The things that are truly important usually do not cost any money.
Example: I realised that the best things in life are free. Even though we cannot afford to have a
fancy lifestyle, my family is still happy because we have one another.
Example: Judy and Sam are both big bullies and they are best friends. Indeed, birds of a feather
flock together.
Similar to “beauty is only skin-deep”, “clothes do not make the man” is used to explain that what
we wear or look like do not determine who we are as a person.
Example: Finn, the homeless man, wore the same tattered shirt everyday but clothes do not
make the man. He was kind and friendly to everyone, even animals.
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Being too curious may be harmful. This proverb is usually used to advise people to mind their
own business.
Example: Curiosity killed the cat, I should not have eavesdropped on my parents’ conversation.
Now they were going to punish me for it.
Example: I learnt that we should not bite off more than we can chew. I should have given up
some of my commitments.
You should not be ungrateful towards the person who has given you something.
Example: I decided to accept the cake even though I did not like chocolate. After all, we should
not bite the hand that feeds us.
We should not decide what someone’s character is like by how they look. This proverb can be
applied to things as well.
Example: The cake was misshapen, but do not judge a book by its cover! It was actually
delicious.
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This proverb is used to discourage people from putting all their efforts and resources into one
thing, as they might lose everything if it turns out to be unsuccessful.
Example: We should always have a back-up plan and never put all our eggs in one basket.
Example: As I was the first to come down for breakfast, my mother gave me the biggest portion.
Indeed, the early bird catches the worm.
Even the most unfortunate person will find success one day. This proverb can be used to
comfort someone who had a bad day.
Example: Nothing went right today, but I did not let it get me down. Every dog has his day, and
tomorrow would be better.
Even misfortune can lead to good things. This proverb is normally used to encourage people
who are going through a hard time or experienced failure.
Example: Even though I did not win the writing competition, one of the judges liked my story so
much, he wanted to publish it. Every cloud has a silver lining.
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People who take risks are more likely to be rewarded than people who stick to what is safe.
Example: Fortune favours the bold, we should not be afraid to try new things.
Example: The food took a long time to arrive, but it was one of the most delicious meals I ever
had. Good things come to those who wait.
Example: I learnt that honesty is the best policy. If I had told my parents the truth at the
beginning, nobody would have gotten hurt.
Example: Even after falling off the bike a hundred times, I would pick myself up. If at first you do
not succeed, try and try again.
If you cannot be better than someone else no matter how hard you try, then you should befriend
or work with them instead.
Example: After weeks of training, I still could not surpass Owen’s speed. Well, if you cannot
beat them, join them. Eventually, I decided the best way to improve my stamina was to ask
Owen for help.
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If you do something dangerous, you will get hurt. This proverb is usually used to discourage
people from doing things that will put them in danger.
Example: “Farah, get down from there! If you play with fire, you will get burned!” my mother
warned.
It is better to avoid taking risks than lose everything or get hurt after.
Example: I knew the ladder was shaky, so I decided to find another way to reach the top shelf. It
is better to be safe than sorry.
Because two things or people were required for something to happen, both people should be at
fault if it went wrong.
Example: Ben might have started the fight, but Jeffrey fought back. It takes two hands to clap,
and both boys should be punished.
Example: Learning taekwondo might seem useless, but knowledge is power. One day, I could
use it to protect someone in need.
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Example: I was feeling down because I failed my Maths test, but my friends cheered me up with
their silly jokes. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Example: Lightning never strikes the same place twice. If a wonderful opportunity opened up for
you, you should take it.
You should consider all the possible results before doing something.
Example: I wanted to climb over the fence to retrieve our frisbee but Joe stopped me. He
advised, “You should look before you leap. Are you sure you want to trespass?”
Example: After putting our differences aside, we realised that many hands make light work.
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Money is not easily acquired. This proverb can be used to advise people to be careful with how
they spend their money.
Example: I begged my mother to buy the remote-control car for me. She scolded, “Do you think
money grows on trees? It’s too expensive!”
47. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
You should finish your tasks as soon as you can, rather than leave it to later.
Example: I decided to finish my homework instead of playing soccer with the boys. After all, we
should never put off until tomorrow what we can do today.
People cannot survive on their own, we need to rely on one another in order to live.
Example: Just as I felt like giving up, my coach encouraged me, “No pain, no gain.”
Example: My baby cousin had broken all the plates! But there is no use crying over spilt milk, I
had to think of a way to fix this before my parents came home.
If you do not try taking risks, you will not be able to achieve what you want.
Example: I was afraid to ride my scooter down the ramp, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I
needed to show my friends how cool I was.
Example: Ali was a good friend as he constantly lent me a helping hand. My mother is always
saying, “One good turn deserves another.” I would also help Ali whenever he needed it.
After experiencing something unpleasant once, you should be wary the next time you come
upon it.
Example: I fell off the slide and broke my arm before. Once bitten, twice shy, I was going to be
extra careful on the slide this time.
Example: My computer was broken so I wanted to throw it away but my brother stopped me.
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” he said. “I can recycle your computer parts.”
Example: Instead of fighting back, Sarah decided to write a letter of complaint to her teacher
about John. The pen is mightier than the sword, after all.
56. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others
This proverb advises people to not criticise others if they have the same faults.
Example: My father scolded me for not finishing my vegetables but he had not touched the
broccoli on his plate too. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others.
Example: To get better at drawing, we have to make art regularly. Practice makes perfect!
You should follow your own advice before giving it out to others.
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Example: I told my father, “If I have to eat my vegetables, you should finish yours too. Practise
what you preach!”
Example: I should not trust everything critics said. I had to watch the movie for myself to know if
it was good or not. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Example: “How are we going to finish this art project today?” Ahmad demanded. “Rome wasn’t
built in a day!”
Example: I was a weaker swimmer than my classmates, but slow and steady wins the race. As
long as I kept working at my swimming, I could catch up with them.
Children will not learn if they are not properly reprimanded for their wrongdoings.
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Example: I was tired of the unfair treatment. I decided to give my parents a piece of my mind.
“Spare the rod and spoil the child,” I said. “If you don’t properly punish Jun Jie, he will not learn
his lesson.”
Example: Haikal is a quiet boy who keeps to himself. But still waters run deep, every time I talk
to him about insects, he is suddenly loud and expressive.
People will always desire for what they do not already own.
Example: Emily envied Janet for her thick hair, but Janet preferred Emily’s straight hair. The
grass is always greener on the other side.
Even if there are problems, the event must continue. This proverb is commonly used to refer to
performances that are experiencing technical difficulties.
Example: The stage lights were flickering, the microphone volume was too low and one of the
singers had a sore throat. The concert was beginning to look like a disaster, but the show must
go on.
Example: “If you want to win the race, you will have to train every day,” my coach said. “There’s
no such thing as a free lunch.”
This proverb is used to encourage someone to take action now rather than later.
Example: I learnt that there is no time like the present! If I want to do something, I should just do
it and it will pay off.
Example: We were lost in the woods and had to stick together. There is safety in numbers, after
all.
Example: Plan A failed, but at least we still had Plan B. There are more ways than one to skin a
cat.
Example: After the terrifying experience of getting lost in the woods, I finally understood the
meaning of “there is no place like home”.
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After failing twice, you are sure to succeed on the third try.
Example: “Oh, no!” George groaned when he failed to win any money from his lottery ticket
again. However, he did not want to stop gambling. As he bought another ticket, George said to
himself, “Third time’s a charm.”
Sometimes, if there are too many people working on something, things can get confusing and it
will result in a failure.
Example: I wanted to include everyone’s ideas in the play, but it resulted in a huge mess. Too
many cooks spoil the broth.
Example: I was having a difficult time trying to come up with an idea for my Science project. I
was very grateful when Melanie approached me and said, “Two heads are better than one. I’ll
help you out!”
Just because someone has done you wrong does not mean you should do the same thing back.
Example: I realised that two wrongs do not make a right. Scott was nasty for pulling that prank
on me, but I should have been more mature. Instead of retaliating with another prank, I should
have reported him to a teacher.
If someone treats someone else badly, the same treatment will be given back to the person.
Example: Tim snatched Alice’s purse and pushed her to the floor. Tearfully, Alice scolded,
“What goes around comes around. You’re going to get your just desserts.”
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In an unfamiliar place or situation, you should do what others around you are doing in order to
survive.
Example: As the fire alarm blared, I felt more and more panicked. But the people around me
kept their cool and moved to the exit steadily. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I tried
calming myself down and followed the crowd.
Example: Today was Mr Lim’s unlucky day. Immediately after stepping on some dog poo, he
tripped over a rock. As he walked along the pavement, a passing car splashed muddy water
onto him. He was soaked to the bone! When it rains, it pours.
You should make the best of a bad situation. This proverb is commonly used to encourage
people to stay positive even in difficult situations.
Example: Despite the unlucky events of the morning, Mr Lim decided to continue heading to
work. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” he said.
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79. When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Even when times are hard, the strong-willed can make it through. This proverb is used to
encourage people to not give up.
Example: After six hours of training, Melissa was exhausted. However, she still had one more
lap to go and refused to give up. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” she
encouraged herself.
As long as you are willing to work for something, you will be able to achieve it.
Example: After attempting to solve the difficult Maths question for an hour, I found the solution. I
cheered joyfully. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Even though you have lost one opportunity, another opportunity might turn up as a result.
Example: My boss offered me a promotion after I was rejected for the job in New York. When
one door shuts, another opens.
When the figure of authority is not present, people will take advantage of it and do whatever
they want.
Example: My baby sister transformed into a complete devil after my parents left the house.
While the cat’s away, the mice will play.
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83. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
Example: You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so I decided to be polite to Jafar.
“May I have my ball back?” I asked.
84. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it
Example: I tried helping Alex with his homework, but he refused to put in the effort. Indeed, you
can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink it.
Example: I trained intensively for the jump-rope contest but still lost. I guess you cannot win
them all.
You cannot enjoy two different things without giving up one of them.
Example: “If you want to lose weight, either exercise more or eat fewer burgers,” my mother
scolded. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
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Example: To stop the baby from crying, I gave him my pudding. But now I did not have any
dessert. The saying “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs” is true.
You get what you deserve. It is used to encourage people to be nice to others or to put effort
into whatever they do.
Example: Instead of studying for his English test, Jimmy spent the entire week playing.
Expectedly, he failed it. I reprimanded him, “You reap what you sow.”
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