100个常用英语谚语(100 Common English Proverbs A Wealth of Wisdom in Short Phrases)

100 Common English Proverbs A Wealth of Wisdom in Short Phrases

Proverbs are an important part of English language and culture. They are wise sayings that have been passed down through generations and contain valuable lessons about life. Here are 100 common English proverbs that you should know and understand.

Actions speak louder than words

This proverb emphasizes the importance of actions over words. It means that what you do is more important than what you say. People judge you by your actions, not just your words.

All good things must come to an end

This proverb reminds us that nothing lasts forever. Even the best of things eventually come to an end. It is important to enjoy the good times while they last and be prepared for when they end.

Better late than never

This proverb means that it is better to do something late than to not do it at all. It is better to take action even if it is delayed rather than not doing anything at all.

Better safe than sorry

This proverb suggests that it is better to be cautious and take precautions than to take risks and suffer the consequences later. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

This proverb means that you should not assume that something will happen before it actually happens. You should not rely on something that is not yet certain.

Early bird catches the worm

This proverb means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed than those who delay and start later. The early bird catches the worm.

Every cloud has a silver lining

This proverb means that even in a difficult situation, there is an opportunity for something positive or good to come out of it. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Fortune favors the bold

This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being bold. Those who are fearless and take courageous actions are more likely to succeed than those who hesitate and are afraid to take risks.

Honesty is the best policy

This proverb means that it is always better to be honest, even if the truth is difficult or unpleasant. Honesty builds trust and credibility, and it is the foundation of integrity.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

This proverb means that if something is working well, there is no need to change it or fix it. It is better to leave it as it is and not risk making it worse.

Ignorance is bliss

This proverb means that sometimes not knowing the truth or not being aware of a problem can be better than knowing and worrying about it. Ignorance can be a form of happiness.

Kill two birds with one stone

This proverb means to accomplish two things with a single action. It is a way of being efficient and effective with your time and resources.

Laughter is the best medicine

This proverb means that humor and laughter can have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. It is important to find joy and laughter in life.

Money doesn't grow on trees

This proverb means that money is not easy to come by and it requires hard work and effort to earn it. It is important to be responsible with money and not waste it.

Necessity is the mother of invention

This proverb means that when we are faced with a problem or a need, we are motivated to find a solution or create something new. Innovation comes from necessity.

No pain, no gain

This proverb means that in order to achieve something great, we must be willing to work hard and overcome the challenges and difficulties. Success requires effort and perseverance.

One man's trash is another man's treasure

This proverb means that what may be useless or unwanted to one person could be valuable to another. It is a reminder to be open-minded and not dismiss something too quickly.

Practice makes perfect

This proverb emphasizes the importance of repetition and practice in order to improve and become better at something. We must be persistent and consistent in our efforts to succeed.

Que sera, sera – Whatever will be, will be

This proverb means that we cannot change our fate or destiny, and we must accept what will happen in life. It is a reminder to let go of things that are beyond our control.

Slow and steady wins the race

This proverb means that being patient and steady in our efforts will eventually lead to success, even if it takes longer than expected. It is a reminder to not give up or rush things.

There's no place like home

This proverb means that there is no place that feels more comfortable and safe than being at home. It is a reminder to appreciate and cherish our homes and the people we share them with.

Unity is strength

This proverb means that when people come together and work towards a common goal, they are stronger and more effective than when working alone. Unity brings strength.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

This proverb means that when we are in a different place or culture, we should adopt their customs and behaviors in order to fit in and be respectful. It is a reminder to be adaptable and open to new experiences.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

This proverb means that you can provide someone with an opportunity, but you cannot force them to take advantage of it or change their behavior. It is a reminder to respect people's choices and decisions.

You can't judge a book by its cover

This proverb means that appearances can be deceiving and we should not make assumptions based on how something or someone looks. It is important to get to know someone or something before making a judgment.

You can't please everyone

This proverb means that it is impossible to make everyone happy or satisfied. It is a reminder to focus on what is important to you and not worry too much about what others think or want.

You reap what you sow

This proverb means that our actions have consequences and we will receive the results or outcomes of our actions. It is a reminder to be mindful and responsible for our choices and behavior.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

This proverb means that it is better to have something that is certain and available, even if it is less than what you hoped for, than to risk losing everything by chasing after something that is uncertain or out of reach.

A penny saved is a penny earned

This proverb means that it is important to save money and to be frugal in order to accumulate wealth and financial security. Small savings add up over time.

A picture is worth a thousand words

This proverb means that a visual image can convey more meaning or emotion than a written or spoken description. It is a reminder of the power of images and the importance of visual communication.

A stitch in time saves nine

This proverb means that it is better to take care of a small problem early on rather than waiting for it to become a larger problem that will require more effort and resources to fix. Prevention is better than cure.

A watched pot never boils

This proverb means that if you are constantly waiting and watching for something to happen, it will seem to take longer. It is a reminder to be patient and not obsess over things that are beyond our control.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

This proverb means that if you eat healthy and take care of yourself, you are less likely to get sick and need medical attention. It is a reminder of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Barking dogs seldom bite

This proverb means that people who make a lot of noise and threats are often not as dangerous or threatening as they seem. It is a reminder to not be intimidated by those who are all talk.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

This proverb means that what one person considers beautiful may not be the same for someone else. Beauty is subjective and varies from person to person.

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes

This proverb means that we should not judge or criticize someone until we have experienced their life or situation. It is a reminder to have empathy and understanding towards others.

Blood is thicker than water

This proverb means that family bonds and relationships are stronger than other types of relationships. It is a reminder to value and prioritize family.

Clothes make the man

This proverb means that the way you dress and present yourself can affect how others perceive and treat you. It is a reminder of the importance of appearance and first impressions.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

This proverb means that you should not harm or disrespect those who are helping or providing for you. It is a reminder to be grateful and show appreciation towards those who support us.

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched

This proverb means that one should not rely on something that is not certain yet. You should not assume that something will happen before it actually happens.

Don't judge a book by its cover

This proverb means that appearances can be deceiving and we should not make assumptions based on how something or someone looks. It is important to get to know someone or something before making a judgment.

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise

This proverb emphasizes the importance of getting enough rest and starting one's day early in order to achieve good health, financial security, and wisdom.

Every man is the architect of his own fortune

This proverb means that we are responsible for our own success or failure. We have the power to shape our own lives and determine our own destiny.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime

This proverb means that it is better to teach someone a skill or trade than to just give them aid or assistance. Providing someone with the tools to succeed will have a lasting impact.

Give credit where credit is due

This proverb means that we should acknowledge and give recognition to those who deserve it. It is a reminder to be fair and just in our actions and behavior.

Good things come to those who wait

This proverb means that patience and persistence lead to good results and rewards. It is a reminder to not give up too quickly or become discouraged by delays or setbacks.

He who hesitates is lost

This proverb means that when we delay or hesitate in making a decision or taking action, we can miss out on opportunities or lose what we already have. It is a reminder to act decisively and not procrastinate.

It takes two to tango

This proverb means that both parties involved in a situation or problem are responsible and must work together to find a solution. It is a reminder to not blame others or create conflicts unnecessarily.

Kick the bucket

This proverb is a euphemism for someone dying. It is a reminder of the inevitability of death and the importance of living life to the fullest while we can.

Know which way the wind is blowing

This proverb means to be aware of the current situation and trends in order to make informed decisions. It is a reminder to stay up-to-date and adapt to changing circumstances.

Laughter is contagious

This proverb means that when someone laughs, others around them are more likely to laugh as well. It is a reminder of the positive power of humor and joy.

Look before you leap

This proverb means to consider the consequences and risks before making a decision or taking action. It is a reminder to be cautious and think things through.

Make haste slowly

This proverb means to be deliberate and careful in your actions, even when in a hurry. It is a reminder to not rush or cut corners in order to avoid mistakes or problems.

Money talks

This proverb means that having money or financial resources can have a powerful influence on people and situations. It is a reminder of the importance of wealth and resources in societies.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

This proverb means to complete tasks and responsibilities in a timely manner rather than procrastinating or delaying. It is a reminder to be responsible and efficient.

Out of sight, out of mind

This proverb means that when something or someone is not present or visible, they are often forgotten or neglected. It is a reminder to stay in touch and connected with people and things that are important to us.

Penny wise and pound foolish

This proverb means to be frugal or stingy with small amounts of money but wasteful or careless with larger sums. It is a reminder to be responsible and consistent with financial decisions.

Rome wasn't built in a day

This proverb means that great achievements take time and cannot be rushed or completed quickly. It is a reminder to be patient and persistent in pursuing goals.

The early bird catches the worm

This proverb means that those who are proactive and start their day early are more likely to achieve success. It is a reminder to be disciplined and efficient with time management.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence

This proverb means that people often think that other people's situations or circumstances are better or more desirable than their own. It is a reminder to be content and grateful for what we have.

The lion's share

This proverb means the largest portion or share of something. It is a reference to the lion's dominant and powerful role in the animal kingdom.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating

This proverb means that the true quality or value of something can only be judged by experiencing or testing it for oneself. It is a reminder to not rely solely on appearances or hearsay.

The straw that broke the camel's back

This proverb means that a small problem or issue can become unbearable or overwhelming when added to other problems or stresses. It is a reminder to not underestimate the impact of small issues.

There is no smoke without fire

This proverb means that rumors or accusations often have some basis in truth. It is a reminder to investigate and verify information before believing or spreading it.

Time is money

This proverb means that time is valuable and should be used efficiently and productively. It is a reminder of the importance of time management and productivity.

To err is human, to forgive divine

This proverb means that people make mistakes and it is important to forgive them rather than holding grudges or seeking revenge. It is a reminder of the importance of compassion and forgiveness.

When in doubt, do without

This proverb means that if you are unsure about something, it is better to go without or wait rather than making a decision that could have negative consequences. It is a reminder to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks.

Where there's smoke, there's fire

This proverb means that rumors or indications of a problem often have some basis in truth. It is a reminder to investigate and verify information before believing or ignoring it.

You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs

This proverb means that in order to achieve something good, there may be some disruption or sacrifice involved. It is a reminder of the trade-offs and challenges of pursuing goals.

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

This proverb means that it is not possible to make something good or valuable out of something that is of poor quality or value. It is a reminder of the importance of starting with good materials or foundations.

You can't take it with you when you go

This proverb means that when we die, we cannot bring our possessions or wealth with us. It is a reminder to focus on experiences and memories rather than material possessions.

You reap the fruit of your labor

This proverb means that we receive the results or rewards of our efforts and hard work. It is a reminder to be diligent and persistent in pursuing goals.

Your guess is as good as mine

This proverb means that someone has no more idea or knowledge regarding a situation or problem than others. It is a reminder to be honest and transparent about one's limitations or uncertainties.

A bad workman blames his tools

This proverb means that people often blame their tools or equipment for their poor performance rather than accepting responsibility for their own mistakes or shortcomings. It is a reminder