Common English Proverbs with meaning 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

1. A bad workman always blames his tools.

This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly.

2. Actions speak louder than words.

Actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through

3. Adversity and loss make a man wise.

We gain wisdom faster in difficult times than in prosperous times.

4. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.

5. A leopard can’t/ doesn’t change its spots.

A person can’t change its innate character, especially bad.

6. All’s fair in love and war.

One can break the rules of fair play under extenuating circumstances.

7. Always put your best foot forward.

Try as hard as you can or give your best.

8. An empty vessel makes much noise.

Foolish or stupid people are the most talkative.

9. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.

If you’ve nothing to do, you’ll likely think of mischief.

10. An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

A little precaution before a crisis hits is better than lot of firefighting afterwards.

11. A picture is worth a thousand words.

It is easier to show or explain something through a picture than through words.

12. Appearances can be deceptive.

Outward appearance may not be what you believe them to be.

13. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

A person who is always changing jobs and places has the advantage of less responsibilities, but also the disadvantage of no fixed place to live.

14. A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

Get out of your comfort zone to grow and fulfill your potential.

15. A stitch in time saves nine.

It’s better to deal with problems immediately rather than wait by when they worsen and become much bigger.

16. As you sow, so you shall reap.

Your actions – good or bad – determine what you get

17. Barking dogs seldom bite.

People who appear threatening rarely do harm.

18. Be slow in choosing, but slower in changing.

Choose things or people after proper diligence, but once you choose, stick for long.

19. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What may seem beautiful to one person may not seem to another.

20. Beauty is only skin deep.

A person’s character, intellect, and other inner qualities are more important than his/ her physical beauty.

21. Beggars can’t be choosers.

People who depend on the generosity of others can’t pick & choose things as per their liking. They’ve to accept what is given to them.

22. Best things in life are free.

The most valuable things are often free.

23. Better late than never.

It is better to get something (you desire) late than get it never.

24. Better to be poor and healthy rather than rich and sick.

Good health is more important than money.

25. Better to wear out than to rust out.

It is better to remain active than to be idle (used mainly for old people)

26. Blood is thicker than water.

Relationships with family (or blood relatives) is stronger than other relationships.

27. Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Cleanliness is a sign of goodness, a great virtue.

28. Clothes do not make the man.

A person’s character can’t be judged by his/ her clothing and outward appearance.

29. Cowards die many times before their deaths.

Cowards suffer the feared effects of death many times over in their lives.

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30. Cross the stream where it is shallowest.

To do things in the easiest possible way.

31. Curiosity killed the cat.

Inquiring into others’ work can be dangerous. One should mind own business.

32. Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.

The consequences of doing wrong always catch up with the wrongdoer.

33. Discretion is the better part of valor.

It is wise to be careful and not show unnecessary bravery.

34. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Don’t take more responsibility than you can handle.

Example: I bit off more than I can chew when I said ‘yes’ to my boss for another project.

35. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Don’t act badly toward the person who has helped you or from whom you derive some benefits, for you may lose those benefits in future.