Most Popular Proverbs In English With Meanings

A proverb is a short saying or sentence that is generally known by many people. The saying usually contains words of wisdom, truth or morality that are based on common sense or practical experience. It is often a description of a basic rule of conduct that all people generally follow or should follow. Proverbs can be found in all languages. Here is a collection of some famous proverbs along with their meanings....

1. A bad tree does not yield good apples.
   A bad parent does not raise good children.
2. Between the devil and the deep sea.
   To choose between two equally bad alternatives in a serious dilemma.
3. The pen is mightier than the sword.
   Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.
4. A Jack of all trades is a master of none.
   One should excel in one skill rather than dabbling in too many.
5. Soon learnt, soon forgotten.
   Something that is easy to learn is easy to forget.
6. There is no rose without a thorn.
   Unalloyed happiness is impossible, because joy and sorrow go together.
7. A fault confessed is half redressed.
   Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
8. First come, first served.
   The first in line will be attended to first.
9. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
   This seems pretty clear.
10. A person is known by the company he keeps.
    One is judged according to the friends he has.
11. Marry in haste, and repent at leisure.
    If we get married quickly, without thinking carefully, we may be sorry later. And we will have plenty of time to be sorry.
12. When the cat is away the mice will play.
    People take advantage when the person is charge is absent.
13. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
    The strength of a group depends on each individual member.
14. Empty vessels make the most noise.
    Those people who have a little knowledge usually talk the most and make the greatest fuss.
15. There is no place like home.
    Your own home is the most comfortable place to be.
16. If you wish good advice, consult an old man.
    Old people have a lot of experience. If you want to have good advice or recommendations, ask an old person, not a young one.
17. You cannot have your cake and eat it.
    You cannot have everything because a choice has to be made between alternatives.
18. A burden of one's own choice is not felt.
    Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.
19. Great talkers are little doers.
    Those people who talk a lot are always teaching others usually do not do much work.
20. A watched pot never boils.
    If something takes time to finish, don't watch it too closely because it will seem like it's taking forever.
21. When one door shuts another opens.
    Failure should not discourage us, for some other opportunity always exists.
22. A hungry belly has no ears.
    A hungry person is totally concentrated on their need for food and nothing else interests them.
23. An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
    One who has nothing to do will be tempted to do many mischievous acts.
24. The early bird catches the worm.
    You should wake up and start work early if you want to succeed.
25. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
    It is chaotic for too many people to do the same job at the same time.
26. A good beginning makes a good end.
    If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be well done.
27. Faint heart never won fair lady.
    To succeed in life one must have the courage to pursue what he wants.
28. Beggars can't be choosers.
    If you are asking for a favor from someone else, you have to take whatever they give you.
29. Variety is the spice of life.
    Experiencing different things makes living interesting and prevents boredom.
30. A friend's eye is a good mirror.
    A real friend will tell you the truth.

Find more Proverbs right here... Famous English Proverbs With Explanation