The Most Common English Proverbs
First, let’s learn what is a PROVERB.
PROVERB is a short saying that is commonly known by public, and repeated as a piece of advice or suggestion. A PROVERB usually expresses the common truth.
1. Two wrongs don’t make right
When someone did something bad to you, trying to do something bad to them will only make things worse.
2. A friend in need is a friend indeed
If someone helps you when you have problems, or you are in trouble, that person is a true friend
3. Better safe than sorry
You should always be careful, even if you think it’s not necessary.
4. Don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk
Don’t brag about being able to do something, unless you actually know how to do it.
5. Great minds think alike
Smart people usually have the same ideas. This proverb is used when someone has the same idea as you.
6. Haste makes waste
When you try to work too quickly, you usually make mistakes.
7. If you snooze, you lose
You have to act fast to get what you want.
8. Lie down with dogs, wake up with flees.
If you associate with bad or dishonest people, bad things will happen to you.
9. Look before you leap
Make decisions carefully. Think about it first.
10. Measure twice, cut one
It’s hard to change a decision, once you’ve made it.
11. Misery loves company
People who are unhappy want to make others unhappy too.
12. Actions speak louder than words
What you do matters – not what you say.
13. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Everyone has their own ideas of what is beautiful.
14. Better late than never
It’s better if you do something later, than not do it at all.
15. First things first
Be patient. Do the things in their correct order.
16. Honesty is the best policy
It’s better to always tell the truth.
17. It never rains, but it pours
Bad luck never comes alone. Bad things usually happen all together at once.
18. Love is blind
If you love someone, you don’t notice his or her faults. You think they’re perfect.
19. Mind your own business
Do not interfere with other people’s lives and affairs.
20. Money is the root of all evil
Money is the cause of all problems.
21. No pain, no gain
If you don’t work hard, you’ll never achieve your goal.
22. Seeing is believing
People don’t often believe something, unless they see it.
23. Time is money
The longer it takes to do something, the more costly it will be
24. What’s done is done
You cannot change what has already happened.
25. Too many cooks spoil the broth
If there are many people doing the same job, the result will come out to be bad.
26. Practice what you preach
You should do as you say.
27. Opportunity seldom knocks twice
You probably won’t get another chance, so it’s better to take one right now.
28. Once bitten, twice shy
If you had a bad experience trying to do something, you won’t repeat it again.
29. Practice makes perfect
If you want to be perfect at something, you need to practice every day.
30. Leave no stone unturned
To achieve your goal, you should try every possibility.
31. It’s a small world
You usually say it to someone you know when you meet him/her very far away from home.
32. Forgive and forget
Forgive and forget the bad things that have been done to you. Don’t hold the grudge.
33. Easy come, easy go
It’s as easy to make money as to lose it
34. An apple a day keeps the doctor away
You will not get sick if you eat fruit/ healthy food every day.
35. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
When you are in another country, it’s better to behave like the citizens of this country.
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Good job! I think the word in number 8 is ‘fleas’.
