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Proverb

The document provides 97 common proverbs and their meanings. Some of the most frequently referenced proverbs include "don't put all your eggs in one basket" meaning diversify to reduce risk, "honesty is the best policy" meaning being truthful is most reliable, and "every cloud has a silver lining" meaning even difficult times have positive aspects. Many of the proverbs discuss themes of risk, consequences, relationships, and perseverance through challenges.

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Arya Kumar
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
53 views

Proverb

The document provides 97 common proverbs and their meanings. Some of the most frequently referenced proverbs include "don't put all your eggs in one basket" meaning diversify to reduce risk, "honesty is the best policy" meaning being truthful is most reliable, and "every cloud has a silver lining" meaning even difficult times have positive aspects. Many of the proverbs discuss themes of risk, consequences, relationships, and perseverance through challenges.

Uploaded by

Arya Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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199 proverbs

1. "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." - It's better to have something for sure than to risk
losing it by trying to get more.

2. "A watched pot never boils." - When you're impatiently waiting for something, it seems to take longer.

3. "All that glitters is not gold." - Things that appear attractive may not always be valuable or genuine.

4. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." - Don't invest everything in a single option or plan; diversify to
reduce risk.

5. "Better late than never." - It's better to do something late than not do it at all.

6. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." - In challenging situations, strong people take
action and don't give up.

7. "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Even in difficult times, there's a positive aspect to be found.

8. "Honesty is the best policy." - Being truthful is the most reliable approach.

9. "You reap what you sow." - Your actions have consequences; good deeds lead to good outcomes, and
vice versa.

10. "Actions have consequences." - Your actions will have results, whether positive or negative.

11. "A penny saved is a penny earned." - Saving money is just as valuable as earning it in the first place.

12. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Every significant accomplishment starts
with a small action.

13. "Where there's smoke, there's fire." - If there are signs of a problem, there's likely a real issue behind
it.

14. "No pain, no gain." - Achieving something worthwhile often requires hard work and sacrifice.

15. "The early bird catches the worm." - Being proactive and starting early can lead to greater success.

16. "Two wrongs don't make a right." - Retaliating or seeking revenge doesn't correct a mistake or
injustice.

17. "Beggars can't be choosers." - If you're in need, you can't be too selective about what you receive.

18. "Curiosity killed the cat." - Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble.

19. "Fortune favors the bold." - Taking risks can lead to significant rewards.

20. "Look before you leap." - Consider the consequences before making a decision.

21. "Rome wasn't built in a day." - Great achievements take time and effort.

22. "Still waters run deep." - Quiet or reserved individuals may have profound thoughts or emotions.
23. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." - A true friend shows their loyalty and support in challenging
times.

24. "Don't judge a book by its cover." - Don't judge someone or something based solely on appearance.

25. "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." - Each person is responsible for their own success or
failure.

26. "Haste makes waste." - Rushing can lead to mistakes and wasted efforts.

27. "If the shoe fits, wear it." - If a statement or criticism applies to you, accept it.

28. "Kill two birds with one stone." - Accomplish two tasks with a single action.

29. "The grass is always greener on the other side." - People tend to think others' situations are better
than their own.

30. "To each his own." - People have different preferences, and that should be respected.

31. "A fool and his money are soon parted." - Someone who makes unwise financial decisions loses
money quickly.

32. "Love is blind." - People in love may overlook their partner's faults or shortcomings.

33. "Once bitten, twice shy." - After a bad experience, people become cautious to avoid a repeat.

34. "Practice makes perfect." - Repeated efforts lead to improvement and excellence.

35. "The pen is mightier than the sword." - Words and ideas can have a greater impact than physical
force.

36. "Time heals all wounds." - With time, emotional pain and distress tend to lessen.

37. "You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs." - Achieving something often involves making
sacrifices or causing some harm.

38. "Better safe than sorry." - It's wiser to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks.

39. "There's no smoke without fire." - There's usually a reason behind rumors or suspicions.

40. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." - A balanced life with both work and leisure is essential
for happiness.

41. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." - Perceptions of beauty vary from person to person.

42. "Charity begins at home." - Taking care of one's family and loved ones is the first priority for helping
others.

43. "Every man for himself." - People should focus on their own interests and survival in challenging
situations.

44. "It's a piece of cake." - Something is easy to accomplish.

45. "The devil is in the details." - Paying attention to small things is essential to avoid problems.
46. "A rolling stone gathers no moss." - Constantly changing and not settling down leads to a lack of
stability or success.

47. "All that ends well is well." - A positive outcome justifies any difficulties faced during the process.

48. "Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." - Experiencing love and loss is more
fulfilling than never having loved.

49. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - Treat others with the same respect and
kindness you want for yourself.

50. "Easy come, easy go." - Things acquired quickly or without effort can be lost just as easily.

51. "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." - Wishing for something doesn't make it happen; action
is required.

52. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." - Taking risks is necessary for achieving success or progress.

53. "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." - Those with faults should not criticize
others.

54. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." - Good intentions are not enough; actions matter
more.

55. "Two heads are better than one." - Collaboration and sharing ideas lead to better outcomes.

56. "Actions speak louder than words." - What you do matters more than what you say.

57. "A drowning man will clutch at a straw." - In dire situations, people will try anything to survive.

58. "A friend to all is a friend to none." - Being overly friendly with everyone may not lead to true
friendships.

59. "A leopard cannot change its spots." - People rarely change their fundamental nature or behavior.

60. "All good things must come to an end." - Pleasurable experiences don't last forever.

61. "As you sow, so shall you reap." - The consequences of your actions will come back to you.

62. "Barking dogs seldom bite." - Those who make the most noise are often the least threatening.

63. "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." - It's safer to deal with a familiar problem than
an unfamiliar one.

65. "Don't cry over spilled milk." - Don't lament over past mistakes or accidents.
66. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." - Don't invest everything in a single option or plan; diversify
to reduce risk.

67. "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Even in difficult times, there's a positive aspect to be found.

68. "Fortune favors the brave." - Taking bold and courageous actions can lead to success.

69. "Give credit where credit is due." - Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.

70. "Honesty is the best policy." - Being truthful is the most reliable approach.

71. "If you can't beat them, join them." - If you can't win against an opponent, it might be better to align
with them.

72. "Ignorance is bliss." - Not knowing about a problem can lead to happiness or contentment.

73. "Kill the fatted calf." - To celebrate a special occasion or achievement with a feast.

74. "Like father, like son." - Children often inherit traits or behaviors from their parents.

75. "Misery loves company." - Unhappy people seek others who are also unhappy.

76. "Necessity is the mother of invention." - The need to solve a problem leads to creative solutions.

77. "Old habits die hard." - It's challenging to change long-established behaviors.

78. "Penny wise, pound foolish." - Being careful with small expenses but careless with significant ones.

79. "Rome wasn't built in a day." - Great achievements take time and effort.
80. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." - Children often resemble their parents in character or
appearance.

81. "There's no smoke without fire." - There's usually a reason behind rumors or suspicions.

82. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." - Adapt to the customs of the place you're in.

83. "Where there's a will, there's a way." - If someone is determined to achieve something, they will find
a method to do it.

84. "You can't have your cake and eat it too." - You can't enjoy the benefits of something without giving
something up.

85. "A leopard cannot change its spots." - People rarely change their fundamental nature or behavior.

86. "A problem shared is a problem halved." - Discussing a problem with someone can make it feel less
burdensome.

87. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." - Seeking revenge or retaliation for harm done.

88. "As you make your bed, so you must lie in it." - You must accept the consequences of your actions.

89. "Birds of a feather flock together." - People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate
with each other.

90. "Curiosity killed the cat." - Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble.

91. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." - Don't anticipate success before it actually happens.
92. "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face." - Don't harm yourself in the process of trying to harm
others.

93. "Every dog has its day." - Everyone will have a moment of success or triumph.

94. "He who laughs last laughs best." - The person who succeeds or has the final say will have the
greatest satisfaction.

95. "It takes two to tango." - Both parties are responsible for a dispute or problem.

96. "Laughter is the best medicine." - Humor can alleviate stress and improve one's mood.

97. "Money can't buy happiness." - True happiness comes from experiences and meaningful
relationships, not material wealth.

98. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." - Something someone considers worthless may be
valuable to someone else.

99. "Out of sight, out of mind." - People tend to forget about things or people that are not visible or
present.

100. "Practice makes perfect." - Repeated efforts lead to improvement and excellence.

101. "The early bird catches the worm." - Being proactive and starting early can lead to greater success.

102. "There's no time like the present." - Don't procrastinate; act now.

103. "Too many cooks spoil the broth." - Too many people trying to do the same thing can lead to
confusion and mistakes.

104. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." - Turn adversity into opportunity.
105. "A drowning man will clutch at a straw." - In dire situations, people will try anything to survive.

106. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." - A true friend shows their loyalty and support in challenging
times.

107. "A penny for your thoughts." - Asking someone what they're thinking.

108. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." - Being apart from someone can strengthen affection.

109. "Actions speak louder than words." - What you do matters more than what you say.

110. "All's fair in love and war." - In certain situations, any tactic is acceptable.

111. "Beauty is only skin deep." - True beauty goes beyond physical appearance.

112. "Better late than never." - It's better to do something late than not do it at all.

113. "Better safe than sorry." - It's wiser to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks.

114. "Birds of a feather flock together." - People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate
with each other.

115. "Charity begins at home." - Taking care of one's family and loved ones is the first priority for helping
others.

116. "Dead men tell no tales." - Secrets are safe with those who can't reveal them.

117. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." - Don't harm or criticize those who support or help you.
118. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." - Don't anticipate success before it actually happens.

119. "Don't cry over spilled milk." - Don't lament over past mistakes or accidents.

120. "Don't judge a book by its cover." - Don't judge someone or something based solely on appearance.

121. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." - Don't invest everything in a single option or plan; diversify
to reduce risk.

122. "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater." - Be careful not to discard valuable things while
getting rid of unwanted things.

123. "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Even in difficult times, there's a positive aspect to be found.

124. "Every dog has its day." - Everyone will have a moment of success or triumph.

125. "Familiarity breeds contempt." - Being too familiar with someone can lead to disrespect or dislike.

126. "Fortune favors the bold." - Taking bold and courageous actions can lead to success.

127. "Give credit where credit is due." - Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.

128. "Good things come to those who wait." - Patience can lead to rewarding outcomes.

129. "Haste makes waste." - Rushing can lead to mistakes and wasted efforts.

130. "Honesty is the best policy." - Being truthful is the most reliable approach.

131. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." - If something is working well, there's no need to
132. "If the shoe fits, wear it." - If a statement or criticism applies to you, accept it.

133. "If you can't beat them, join them." - If you can't win against an opponent, it might be better to
align with them.

134. "If you want something done right, do it yourself." - Taking personal responsibility ensures a task is
done well.

135. "Ignorance is bliss." - Not knowing about a problem can lead to happiness or contentment.

136. "It takes two to tango." - Both parties are responsible for a dispute or problem.

137. "Kill the fatted calf." - To celebrate a special occasion or achievement with a feast.

138. "Like father, like son." - Children often inherit traits or behaviors from their parents.

139. "Many hands make light work." - When many people collaborate, tasks become easier and quicker.

140. "Misery loves company." - Unhappy people seek others who are also unhappy.

141. "Necessity is the mother of invention." - The need to solve a problem leads to creative solutions.

142. "Old habits die hard." - It's challenging to change long-established behaviors.

143. "One man's meat is another man's poison." - People have different preferences and tastes.

144. "Out of sight, out of mind." - People tend to forget about things or people that are not visible or
present.
145. "Penny wise, pound foolish." - Being careful with small expenses but careless with significant ones.

146. "Practice makes perfect." - Repeated efforts lead to improvement and excellence.

147. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." - Children often resemble their parents in character or
appearance.

148. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." - The true value of something is seen through practical
experience.

149. "There's no time like the present." - Don't procrastinate; act now.

150. "Too many cooks spoil the broth." - Too many people trying to do the same thing can lead to
confusion and mistakes.

151. "Two heads are better than one." - Collaboration and sharing ideas lead to better outcomes.

152. "Two wrongs don't make a right." - Retaliating or seeking revenge doesn't correct a mistake or
injustice.

153. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." - Turn adversity into opportunity.

154. "When the cat's away, the mice will play." - People may misbehave when authority figures are
absent.

155. "Where there's a will, there's a way." - If someone is determined to achieve something, they will
find a method to do it.

156. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." - You can provide an opportunity, but
you can't force someone to take it.
157. "You can't have your cake and eat it too." - You can't enjoy the benefits of something without giving
something up.

158. "You can't judge a book by its cover." - Don't judge someone or something based solely on
appearance.

159. "You reap what you sow." - Your actions have consequences; good deeds lead to good outcomes,
and vice versa.

160. "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours." - If you help me, I'll help you in return.

161. "A cat has nine lives." - Cats are often said to have multiple chances to survive dangerous situations.

162. "A fish out of water." - Someone feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.

163. "A leopard cannot change its spots." - People rarely change their fundamental nature or behavior.

164. "A penny for your thoughts." - Asking someone what they're thinking.

165. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." - Being apart from someone can strengthen affection.

166. "All is fair in love and war." - In certain situations, any tactic is acceptable.

167. "All talk and no action." - Someone who speaks a lot but doesn't follow through with deeds.

168. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." - Seeking revenge or retaliation for harm done.

169. "As you make your bed, so you must lie in it." - You must accept the consequences of your actions.

170. "Beat around the bush." - Avoiding direct discussion or getting to the point.
171. "Beggars can't be choosers." - If you're in need, you can't be too selective about what you receive.

172. "Between a rock and a hard place." - Stuck in a difficult situation with no good options.

173. "Bite the bullet." - Accepting something difficult or painful.

174. "Blood is thicker than water." - Family bonds are stronger than other relationships.

175. "Break a leg." - A theatrical expression wishing someone good luck before a performance.

176. "By hook or by crook." - Using any means necessary to achieve a goal.

177. "Come rain or shine." - Regardless of the circumstances.

178. "Cut to the chase." - Get to the main point without unnecessary details.

179. "Devil's advocate." - Arguing from an opposing viewpoint to challenge a discussion.

180. "Don't beat around the bush." - Be direct and get to the point.

181. "Don't burn your bridges." - Avoid damaging relationships that may be needed in the future.

182. "Don't cry over spilled milk." - Don't lament over past mistakes or accidents.

183. "Don't cut corners." - Don't take shortcuts that compromise quality or safety.

184. "Don't give up the ship." - Don't surrender or abandon a task.


185. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." - Don't invest everything in a single option or plan; diversify
to reduce risk.

186. "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today." - Don't procrastinate; take action promptly.

187. "Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house." - Don't criticize others if you have similar faults.

188. "Easy come, easy go." - Things acquired quickly or without effort can be lost just as easily.

189. "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Even in difficult times, there's a positive aspect to be found.

190. "Every dog has its day." - Everyone will have a moment of success or triumph.

191. "Familiarity breeds contempt." - Being too familiar with someone can lead to disrespect or dislike.

192. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." - Some people act without considering the risks.

193. "Give credit where credit is due." - Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.

194. "Good things come to those who wait." - Patience can lead to rewarding outcomes.

195. "Great minds think alike." - Intelligent people often have similar ideas or opinions.

196. "Haste makes waste." - Rushing can lead to mistakes and wasted efforts.

197. "Honesty is the best policy." - Being truthful is the most reliable approach.

198. "If the cap fits, wear it." - If a criticism applies to you, accept it.
199. "If the shoe fits, wear it." - If a statement or criticism applies to you, accept it.

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