A bad workman always blames his tools   (a careless or unskilled worker blames bad work on his tools rather than himself)

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush   (something that one already has is better than going after something seemingly more worthwhile that one may not be able to get)

A burnt child dreads fire   (a bad experience or a horrifying incident may scar one's attitude or thinking for a lifetime)

A cat may look at a king   (an inferior isn't completely restricted in what they may do in the presence of a superior; anyone has the right to look at or speak to anyone else without having to worry about status, position, upbringing...)

A chain is no stronger than its weakest link   (the success of a group or team depends on the full commitment of every member)

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link   (if one member of a team doesn't perform well, the whole team will fail)

 

A chicken and egg question   (a mysterious question which can't be answered)

A closed mouth catches no flies   (it is better not to say anything than to say something that might get you into trouble)

A contented mind is a perpetual feast   (contentment of mind is the cause of lasting happiness)

A constant guest is never welcome   (we are apt to grow to dislike friends who visit us too often)

A drowning man will clutch at a straw   (a desperate person will do anything to save himself)

A fool and his money are soon parted   (a person who spends his money foolishly will soon be penniless)

A friend in need is a friend indeed   (a friend who helps when one is in trouble is a real friend)

A friend to all is a friend to none   (a person who makes himself close to everyone probably cannot be trusted by any one)

A good beginning makes a good ending   (something that starts off right will probably succeed all the way and end on the right note)

A good name is better than riches   (a good reputation is precious, difficult to earn and cannot be bought)

A good name is sooner lost than won   (it takes a long time to build up a good reputation which can be easily destroyed by misconduct)

A great talker is a great liar   (a smooth and persuasive talker may be a good liar)

A house divided against itself cannot stand   (discord breaks up families)

A hungry man is an angry man   (a person who does not get what he wants or needs is a frustrated person and will be easily provoked to rage)

A job worth doing is a job worth doing well   (when you do something you should do it as well as you can)

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step   (to progress at anything, you first need to get started)

A leopard cannot change its spots   (a person's nature cannot change, an unpleasant or irritable person does not change easily)

A light purse makes a heavy heart   (we cannot be cheerful when we have financial problems)

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing   (knowing only a little about something can cause you to distort the truth or overestimate, misunderstand something)

A loaded wagon makes no noise   (people who are very rich do not feel the need to speak about their wealthy as they do not feel threatened in any way)

A man is as old as he feels   (a person's age is immaterial - it is only when he thinks and feels that he is ageing that he actually becomes old)

A man is known by the company he keeps   (you can tell about a person by observing who he spends time with)

A man is ruled by his passions   (your character, personality, attitude etc can be overtaken by your emotions if they are strong enough)

A man's home is his castle   (you feel most secure, free and in control in your own home)

A miss is as good as a mile   (something that one already has is better than something that one may not be able to get)

A new broom sweeps clean   (a person newly appointed is always eager and enthusiastic in his work)

A nod is as good as a wink   (a hint or suggestion can be accepted and acted upon without further elaboration)

A penny saved is a penny gained (earned)   (by being thrifty one will be able to save up; save your money)

A picture is worth a thousand words   (pictures convey emotions and messages better than written or spoken explanations)

 

A pot of milk is ruined by a drop of poison   (something bad no matter how small can ruin all your plans, successes...)

A rolling stone gathers no moss   (a person who never settles in one place or who often changes his job will not succeed in life; one who is always changing his mind will never get anything done)

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet   (it is not what a thing is called that matters, but what it is)

A small leak will sink a great ship   (small problems are worth the time to fix as they can eventually cause great damage)

A stitch in time saves nine   (by taking immediate action we can prevent a fault, damage or trouble from getting worse)

A straw will show which way the wind blows   (a small incident can reveal an important event)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever   (it means that though something beautiful may not last, the happy memory of it will live forever)

A trouble shared is a trouble halved   (your troubles seem half as great when you discuss them with someone else)

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; if you watch or wait for something to get done or to happen it seems to take forever)

A wise man changes his mind sometimes, a fool never   (it is wise to reconsider your plans, ideas, actions in the light of new information rather than to blindly stick to an earlier decision)

A word spoken is past recalling   (what has been said cannot be taken back, so think before you speak)

A word to the wise is enough   (you need not be long-winded when speaking to intelligent people or those who understand you well)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder   (one usually desires another more when he or she is far away; sometimes it's good to be away from your partner, because it makes you want to see each other again)

Actions speak louder than words   (children usually learn more from the examples set by their elders than from what they are told; a person's character is judged by the thing she does and not by what he says; actions give evidence or proof of; just saying that you'll do something doesn't mean much, actually doing it is harder and more meaningful)

Advice most needed is least heeded   (people tend to ignore or overlook the help or advice they nee the most)

After a storm, comes a calm   (every problem eventually comes to an end, so cheer up)

All for one and one for all   (people who are committed to working together for a positive outcome)

All good things (must) come to an end   (you can't keep having good luck or fun forever, eventually it will stop; every event, no matter how enjoyable, must end at some point)

All that glitters is not gold   (do not be deceived by things or offers that appear to be attractive)

All the world loves a lover   (everyone loves to see people in love)

All things come to him who waits   (you will get what you want if you are willing to wait for it patiently)

All's fair in love and war   (where powerful emotions are concerned, there can be no firm rules of behavior)

All's fish that comes the net   (when something comes our way we should consider how it might be useful or benefit us)

All's well that ends well   (a happy ending to a difficult situation can help you forget or disregard the earlier trouble)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away   (it means that apples are so nutritious they keep you in the peak of health)

An army marches on its stomach   (you need to eat for energy to complete your tasks)

An empty bag will not stand upright   (quality comes with effort)

An exception to the rule   (something does not conform to or agree with a rule)

An idle brain is the devil's workshop   (one who has nothing to do will be tempted to do many mischievous acts)

An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit   (it is better to be careful and discrete than to be clever)

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure   (it is even better to be cautious and prevent a misfortune or an accident from happening)

Any time means no time   (when an event is not decided on or planned earlier it will never take place)

Appearances are deceptive   (what looks good may not really be so)

April showers bring May flowers   (unpleasant events can sometimes lead to better things)

As soon as a man is born, he begins to die   (death is the destiny of every man)

As the twig is bent so the tree is inclined   (a child shows some resemblance to his parents)

 

As you make your bed so must you lie on it   (you must accept the consequences of your act)

As you sow, so you shall reap   (one will either enjoy or suffer the consequences of his earlier actions or inactions)

Ask no questions and hear no lies   (do not force a person into telling you a lie by forcing him to talk about something he does not want to talk about)

Avoid evil and it will avoid thee   (stay out of trouble, and trouble will not follow you)


Bad is never good until worse happens   (a bad situation you have been complaining about will suddenly seem a blessing when something worse happens)

Bad news travels fast   (people seem to hear bad news very fast)

Barking dogs seldom bite   (those who make loud threats seldom carry them out)

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it   (what you wish for may not really be what is good for you)

Be on the safe side   (to take special precautions to avoid making a mistake)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder   (different people have different ideas about what's beautiful; what is beautiful to one person may not be beautiful to others)

Beauty is only skin-deep   (looks are not the most important thing about a person)

Beggars can't be choosers   (someone in need should be grateful for what is given to him - even if it's not what he wants or expects; if you're asking for a favor from someone else, you have to take whatever they give you)

Behind every successful man is a woman   (a man's strongest and most loyal supporters are usually his mother and/or his wife)

Better a mouse in the pot than no meat at all   (to have something, no matter how little or poor in quality, is better than to have nothing at all)

Better be safe than sorry   (it is wise to take precautions rather than be upset that you did not prepare for an eventuality after something has happened)

Better late than never   (to do something that is right, profitable, or good a little late is still better than not doing it at all)

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know   (the problems you are facing at present may not be as bad as those in the place you are planning to move to)

Better to be alone than in bad company   (it is better to be by yourself than to be with people who are a bad influence)

Better to die with honor than live with shame   (it is more honorable to do the right thing even if you will be punished or have to die for it than to live as a coward or a liar)

Between a rock and a hard place   (to be in a difficult situation from which there seems to be no escape)

Between the devil and the deep sea   (to choose between two equally bad alternatives in a serious dilemma)

Birds of a feather flock together   (people of the same sort of character or belief always go together; people like to spend time with others who are similar to them)

Bite off more than one can chew   (to try to do something one is unable to do or incapable of doing)

Bitter pills may have blessed effects   (something may be unpleasant or painful, but it can help you in the long run)

Blood is thicker than water   (family ties are stronger than any other)

Books and friends should be few but good   (you do not need to have too many friends or read too many books in order to live a balanced, fulfilled and complete life as long as the friends and books you do have are full of substance)

Boys will be boys   (often applied to men who act childishly)

Brain is better than brawn   (intelligence is more valuable than physical strength)

Bread always falls buttered-side down   (of two possibilities, it often seems that the more negative one will occur)

Brevity is the soul of wit   (when you want to sound clever, it is better to be brief rather than long-winded)

Burn the candle at both ends   (those who are always busy and seem to get little rest)

Business before pleasure   (it is better to finish your work before you have a good time)

Buy a pig in a poke   (buy something without examining it for faults or checking to see if they are really getting what they believe they have purchased)

By timely mending save much spending   (fix a problem as soon as you discover it to save money, expense, worry, etc having to deal with it later when it has become a bigger problem)

 

Call a spade a spade   (if you say that someone 'calls a spade a spade', you mean that they speak frankly and directly, often about embarrassing or unpleasant subjects; an informal expression)

Catch as catch can   (to do anything or use any means to achieve an aim or reach a goal)

Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance   (we should not waste time on trivial aspects of a matter and neglect the essential matter itself)

Chance favors the prepared mind   (you should always be prepared to act so that when opportunities present themselves, you are ready to seize them)

Charity begins at home   (a person's first obligation should be to help the member of his own family before he can begin thinking of talking about helping others)

Cheapest is dearest   (some items may save you money because they are cheap, but their quality may be poor, and this may cost you a lot of money in repairs and getting replacements later)

Children should be seen and not heard   (to stop a child from asking questions, talking, or making unnecessary noise)

Christmas comes but once each year   (an excuse to indulge in food and drink and spend money during the Christmas season)

Cleanliness is next to Godliness   (to be clean and tidy is just as important as being spiritually good and religious; be clean)

Clothes make the man   (the way you dress tells people something about you, and can influence their opinion of you)

Comparisons are odious   (it is bad to compare people to one another)

Confessed faults are half-mended   (when you own up to a fault, mistake or wrongdoing, you are halfway to changing into a better person)

Courtesy costs nothing   (politeness should be a way of life for everyone)

Cowards die many deaths   (a coward is afraid of everything, and therefore, faces every problem or challenge with great fear)

Crime does not pay   (however much you may earn or make as a criminal, a life of crime does not pay because the law will catch up with you eventually)

Cross the stream where it is shallowest   (don't make things difficult for yourself; always find the simplest means of achieving your objective)

Cry over spilled milk   (it's pointless to get upset or feel regret about a loss or mistake that can't be undone)

Curiosity killed the cat   (to warn people not to show too much interest in affairs that don't concern them)

Curses are like chickens, they come home to roost   (curses you place on others may find their fulfilment in you, so it is best not to curse anyone)

Cut off your nose to spite your face   (when people are dissatisfied or angry, they sometimes react by doing foolish things that prove harmful to themselves)

Cut your coat according to your cloth   (live within your income; don't be too ambitious in your plans)


Danger and delight grow on the same stalk   (some pleasures will lead you to danger)

Dead men tell no lies   (often used as an argument for killing someone whose knowledge of a secret may cause one loss or get into serious trouble)

Death is the great leveler   (death, which comes to everyone without discrimination, makes everyone equal)

Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves   (taking action is far better than just talking about problems or negative situations)

Desperate times call for desperate measures   (sometimes, a situation is so urgent or unexpected that you have to resort to doing things you normally would not)

Different strokes for different talks   (you need different plans or strategies in managing different people as people are different in personality and temperament)

Diligence is the mother of good fortune   (working hard will bring you riches and success)

Discretion is the better part of valor   (if you say discretion is the better part of valor, you mean that avoiding a dangerous or unpleasant situation is sometimes the most sensible thing to do; sometimes it's important to know when to give up and run away, instead of always acting brave and maybe getting hurt)

Distance lends enchantment to the view   (when you are free of a problem or far away from troublesome people, you begin to feel that things were not so bad after all)

Divide and rule    (a method of ruling or managing people where you separate them into different groups to make sure they do not join forces against you)

Do as I saw, and not as I do   (do something as you have seen it done although it may be different from your own way of doing it)

Do not cross a bridge till you come to it   (do not worry about something before it has happened)

Do not have too many irons in the fire   (if we attempt to do too much at once, we shall not do anything properly)

Do not ride the high horse   (do not be arrogant)

 

Do unto others as you would others do unto you   (don't do mean things to people; treat others as you would like them to treat you)

Doctors make the worst patients   (it is difficult advising people on matters they are supposed to be experts on because they believe they know better)

Dog eat dog   (in competitive situations where each person has his own interests at heart, it is usually the strong and the determined who succeed)

Don't bite the hand that feeds you   (if someone's paying you or helping you out, you have to be careful not to make them angry or say bad things about them)

 

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched   (do not make plans based on something that has not happened; your plans might not work out, so don't start thinking about what you'll do after you succeed - wait until you've already succeeded, and then you can think about what to do next)

Don't go near the water until you learn how to swim   (do not try to do something before you have learnt how to do it or before you are ready for it)

Don't judge a book by its cover   (do not be deceived by appearances)

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill   (do not make a big fuss or issue over something minor or small)

Don't mend what isn't broken   (do not change things that are working fine as they are)

Don't put all your eggs in one basket   (one should not risk everything he has in a single venture; have a backup plan - don't risk all of your money or time in one plan)

Don't shut the barn door after the horse is gone   (prepare for emergencies and eventualities before they happen)

Don't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs   (do not be presumptuous and teach an experienced person how things should be done)

 

East or West, home is best   (you feel safest, most comfortable and most at peace in your own home)

Easy come, easy go   (when you get money quickly, like by winning it, it's easy to spend it or lose it quickly as well)

Eat to live, but do not live to eat   (man was created for a divine purpose and he has a destiny with his Creator - he was not born just to enjoy food)

Empty vessels make the most noise   (those people who have a little knowledge usually talk the most and make the greatest fuss)

Even a broken/stopped clock is right twice a day   (no one is ever wrong all the time)

Even a dog can distinguish between being stumbled over and being kicked   (do not let people bully you, but be alert to when you are being taken advantage of)

Even Homer sometimes nods   (even the best of us are liable to make mistakes)

Every ass loves to hear himself bray   (conceited people love to boast about their achievements)

Every bird loves to listen to himself sing   (people who know they are good at something tend to boast about their ability)

Every cloud has a silver lining   (if you say that every cloud has a silver lining, you mean that every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it; if you talk about silver lining you are talking about something positive that comes out of a sad or unpleasant situation)

Every dog has its day   (everyone will get a period of success or satisfaction during his lifetime)

Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard   (every family has their secrets)

Every flow must have its ebb   (life has its ups and downs, neither good fortune nor ill fortune lasts forever)

Every man has his faults   (no one is perfect)

Every man has his price   (if you offer someone enough money, he will be willing to do anything for you)

Every man is his own worst enemy   (a lot of people tend to hurt their own chance at success because of negative-mindedness, fear, ignorance, unresolved issues)

Every man must carry his own cross   (everyone has to carry his burden or responsibilities in life)

Every oak must be an acorn   (everything has to have a small beginning)

Every one can find fault, few can do better   (it is easier to find fault in other people's actions or methods than to do it properly or correctly)

Every picture tells a story   (every situation has an explanation)

Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die   (everyone wants to enjoy success, but few are willing to work hard or take the risks involved in achieving it)

Example is better than precept   (it is better to show by example than to advise, order or tell people to be upright)

Experience is the best teacher   (the best way to learn a job is to do it)

Experience is the mother of wisdom   (you become wiser as you gain more experience in life)


Facts are stubborn things   (you cannot change the facts of a case)

Failure teaches success   (people can learn from their failures and mistakes)

Faint heart never won fair lady   (to succeed in life one must have the courage to pursue what he wants)

Fair exchange is no robbery   (a contract is fair as long as both the parties understand and agree to the conditions willingly; after a deal is closed neither side can turn around and say that he was unfairly treated)

Faith will move mountains  (miracles will happen when you believe that they will)

Familiarity breeds contempt   (people tend to lose respect for people they are close to or in close company with all the time; when you're around someone for too long, you get tired of them and annoyed by them)

Fear is stronger than love   (fear is often a stronger emotion or motivation than even love)

Fear of death is worse than death itself   (fear is often a crippling emotion because it is so powerful)

Fine feathers make fine birds   (you can pretend to be rich, famous etc. by dressing the part)

Fine words butter no parsnips   (just talking about something is not going to get the job done)

Fire is a good servant but a bad master   (fire, like any other manmade tool or device, will serve man well only when it is controlled and used wisely)

First come, first served   (the first in line will be attended to first)

First deserve, then desire   (before you begin to hope about possessing something, make sure you are qualified for it)

First things first   (do the more urgent and important things first)

First think, and then speak   (think about what you are going to say before you speak)

Flattery brings friends, truth enemies   (people like to hear good things said about them although they may not be the truth)

Fling/throw mud at someone   (to say evil or bad things about someone and in doing so, to damage his or her reputation)

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me   (you should be alert to people trying to get the better of you)

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread   (foolish people tend to act too hastily and do things that wise people would avoid)

Forewarned is forearmed   (we can prepare for something if we know beforehand the dangers and risks involved)

Forgive and forget   (excusing or pardoning someone for doing something)

Fortune favors the bold   (people who bravely go after what they want are more successful than people who try to live safely)

Fortune knocks once at every man's door   (everyone gets at least one good opportunity in his lifetime; everyone has the opportunity to be successful in life)

Fretting cares make grey hairs   (worrying is a negative activity that can age you prematurely)


Garbage in, garbage out   (if the information or input you provide is wrong, the end result will also be below par or flawed)

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime   (it is better to teach people how to be independent by teaching them how to do things for themselves than to do everything for them)

Give and take is fair play   (you should be willing to give in partly to others if you want them to give in partly to you)

Give credit where credit is due   (appreciate someone for the good work he ahs done)

Give him an inch and he'll want a yard   (some people always take advantage of favor that is shown them)

Give someone enough rope and he will hang himself   (if we allow someone to continue in his bad ways he'll eventually bring about his own downfall or ruin)

Give the devil his due   (be just and fair-minded, even to the one who does not deserve much or who is unfriendly or unfair; we should punish a person according to his wrongdoings)

Go from the sublime to the ridiculous   (move from one situation which is wonderful or perfect to another which is absurd or awful)

God helps those who help themselves   (don't just wait for good things to happen to you - work hard to achieve your goals; God only helps those people who work hard and make an honest effort)

Good fences make good neighbors   (respect people's privacy and their territory)

Good things come to those who wait   (be patient)

Good wine needs no bush   (products of good quality do not need a lot of advertising, as their quality alone shows their worth)

Goodness is better than beauty   (inner beauty is more valuable than outer beauty)

Grasp all, lose all   (if you are too greedy and try to grab everything you see, you might lose that and everything you have too)

Great haste makes great waste   (if one does things hastily he will make a lot of mistakes - he will need to spend a lot of time correcting those mistakes later)

Great minds think alike   (wise people will normally think and behave alike in certain situations)

Great talkers are little doers   (those people who talk a lot and are always teaching others usually do not do much work)

Green leaves and brown leaves fall from the same tree   (everyone has a common beginning, and therefore, no one is above another)

Grin and bear it   (to put up with discomfort or a bad situation without complaining)


Habit is second nature   (an act done repeatedly and often enough will sooner or later become a habit or second nature)

Half a loaf is better than none   (it's better to have or receive less than one desires than to have or receive nothing at all)

Happy wife, happy life   (if you have a happy or good life partner, you will be happy and contented)

Hard words break no bones   (ignore insults as they cannot physically harm you, and will only harm you emotionally if you let them)

Haste makes waste   (things that are done in a hurry are usually done sloppily, and may contain careless mistakes)

Have an old head on young shoulders   (youngsters who possess qualities of wisdom one would only expect to find in experienced older people)

Have eyes in the back of one's head   (an ability to know what is happening not within the scope of one's vision)

He is rich who owes nothing   (a person who owes no one a debt is free of worry, and therefore, rich, in a sense)

He is the best general who makes the fewest mistakes   (a good leader rarely makes mistakes)

He knows most who speaks last   (the one who waits to listen to what others have to say before speaking has a better understanding of a situation)

He laughs best who laughs last   (a person who does his best is the one who will get the greatest satisfaction in the end)

He that goes a-borrowing, goes a-sorrowing   (do not make borrowing a habit as you will suffer for it in the end)

He that is master of himself, will soon be master of masters   (self-discipline will help you achieve greatness)

He that knows nothing, doubts nothing   (an ignorant person usually raises no questions because he is not aware that problems exist)

He that plants thorns must never expect to gather roses   (if you do evil, do not expect good to come to you)

He who dares, wins   (you can only win or succeed if you are willing to take risks)

He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail   (lack of preparation will cause you to lose or fail)

He who hesitates is lost   (you will lose opportunities if you are indecisive and not fast enough to grab them)

He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know   (it is an ironic situation when someone who should speak up does not while the person who should not, does)

He who likes borrowing dislikes paying   (people who tend to borrow often are usually slow in settling debts)

He who lives too fast, goes to his grave too soon   (if you do not allow yourself to rest once in a while when you lead a fast-paced life, you will suffer from stress, burnt out and illness)

He who pays the piper calls the tune   (the person who pays for something has the right to do as he wants)

He who serves two masters must lie to one   (you cannot effectively or fully serve two people as your attention, loyalty, commitment etc. will be split between the two)

He who sleeps forgets his hunger   (sleeping is a good way to forget you are hungry, especially when there is no food for you and you have no money to buy any)

He who stands for nothing will fall for everything   (a person with no principles or opinions of his own will tend to go along with anything anyone tells him, and can, therefore, be easily cheated)

He who sups with the devil has need of a long spoon   (if you keep company with or work for dangerous or evil people, you will need to be very careful)

He who will steal an egg will steal an ox   (a person who steals small things is likely to steal big things too)

Health is better than wealth   (it is better to be healthy than rich, as without a healthy body you can do nothing, and cannot enjoy your wealth)

Hide your light under a bushel   (concealing your talents, skills or abilities)

History repeats itself   (people tend to repeat mistakes made by others over the generations, not learning from them)

History tends to repeat itself   (what has happened once is liable to happen again)

Hitch one's wagon to a star   (to move forward in a way to improve your chances of achieving success)

Home is where the heart is   (no matter where you are, 'home' is where you feel most comfortable and content)

Honesty is the best policy   (don't lie; being honest is believed to be the best route to take)

Honey catches more flies than vinegar   (use the right incentives to motivate people to do something)

Hope for the best, expect the worst   (hope for the best, but prepare for the worst; never lose hope, but be prepared with an alternative if things do not go as planned)

Hope is life   (to live is to always be hopeful)

Hope is the last thing that we lose   (people are by nature hopeful, and must always be so because when we lose hope, we lose the will to live)

Hope springs eternal   (hope is something that never dies, and people should never lose hope)

Hunger is the best spice   (when you are really hungry, everything tastes good, and you eat up everything placed in front of you)


If at first you don't succeed, try, try again   (never stop trying to succeed at something)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it   (don't try to improve something that already works fairly well, you'll probably end up causing new problems)

If it's not one thing it's another   (the troubles seem to go on and on without end)

If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch   (those without knowledge should not try to teach the ignorant)

If the shoe fits, wear it   (if something said about you is true, you should accept it)

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride  (it is easy to wish for things, but wishes do not often come true; if we could get all the things we wanted just by making a wish, everyone would have all he ever wanted)

If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly   (cheap goods are usually not the best in terms of quality)

If you buy quality, you only cry once   (items of good quality may be expensive, but they will last you a long time)

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em   (when you try to change someone's behavior and it doesn't work, you might have to change instead; for example, if you're trying to get your classmates to focus on studying but they want to party, maybe you should just party with them)

If you can't lick them, join them   (if you cannot defeat an opponent or get him to change his ideas, plans or way of doing things, the best thing is to change your ideas, plans...)

If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen   (if you cannot handle something, give it up)

If you don't buy a ticket, you can't win the raffle   (if you do not take the risk, you cannot expect success)

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all   (avoid being negative)

If you keep your mouth shut, you won't put your foot in it   (keep quiet, and you will say nothing wrong)

If you want a thing done right, do it yourself   (if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself; don't trust other people to do important things for you, you have to do things yourself to control the quality of the results; do not rely on others to complete your work for you)

If you were born to be shot, you'll never be hanged   (you cannot escape your fate)

If you're in a hole, stop digging   (do not create more trouble for yourself when you are already facing some)

Ignorance is bliss   (you can be happy when you do not know there are problems around you)

Ignorance of the law excuses no man   (not knowing what you did was wrong does not excuse you from suffering the penalty)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery   (when someone copies what you do, it means they really admire you or the way you do things)

In for a penny, in for a pound   (if we decide to do something, we should commit ourselves to it boldly and completely)

It is best to be on the safe side   (play safe, and be prepared for the worst to happen)

It is useless to flog a dead horse   (it is no use spending your time and energy on an activity or belief that is already widely rejected or outdated)

It never rains but it pours   (events, especially misfortunes, always come together and not one at a time)

It takes all sorts to make a world   (you should not expect everyone to think and act as you do)

It takes two to make a quarrel   (both parties in a quarrel should share the blame or take responsibility for it; no one can start a quarrel all by himself)

It takes two to tango   (it takes two individuals to do certain things)

It's a blessing in disguise   (when an opportunity arrives through a crisis etc.)

It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good   (a bad or evil occurrence)

It's better to give than to receive   (giving is more blessed than receiving)

It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all   (do not be afraid to fall in love)

It's never too late to mend   (it is never too late to correct one's mistakes or faults)

It's no use crying over spilt milk   (it is pointless to feel remorseful over a thing lost that can never be found or a mistake done that can never be corrected or rectified)


Jack of all trades and master of none   (is a person who can do almost anything, but he rarely excels in any of them)

Jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today   (what you early hope for does not seem to be happening)

Judge not, lest ye be judged   (do not judge others as you are not perfect yourself, so be merciful in the hope that others will show you mercy one day)

Jump from the frying pan into the fire   (to go from a bad position to a worse one)


Keep no more cats than will catch mice   (do not acquire more than what you need)

Keep the wolf from the door   (to avoid hunger and poverty)

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer   (if you have an enemy, pretend to be friends with them instead of openly fighting with them - that way you can watch them carefully and figure out what they're planning; keep track of what your enemies are up to for your own protection)

Kill not the goose that laid the golden egg   (do not be so foolish as to destroy the source of your good fortune out of pride, greed, anger...)

Kill two birds with one stone   (complete two tasks with one action)

Kindle not a fire you cannot put out   (do not start something you cannot control or resolve)

Kindness begets kindness   (when you are kind to people, they will be kind to you in return)

Knowledge is power   (the more you learn, the greater influence you have over others)


Laugh and grow fat   (laughter creates a sense of well-being and happiness)

Laugh and the world laughs with you   (when someone is in a happy, cheerful mood, people like being with him)

Laughter is the best medicine   (being cheerful is good for your total well-being)

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people   (laughter is the best way to break the ice between strangers or enemies)

Learn to walk before you run   (do not rush into things before you are ready)

Least said, soonest forgotten   (the less we say about it the sooner the incident will be forgotten)

Let bygones by bygones   (one should consider forgiving one's and forget all the bad deeds done by others)

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone   (you qualify to judge someone only if you yourself are faultless)

Let not the pot call the kettle black   (a person who has a fault should not point out the same fault in another; do not criticize another person as you may have the same weakness)

Let sleeping dogs lie   (one should preferably avoid discussing issues that are likely to create trouble)

Let the buyer beware   (always be aware of what you are getting yourself into)

Let us go hand in hand, not one before another   (face problems together in unity, and not alone or in a spirit of enmity)

Life is just a bowl of cherries   (life is full of happiness and pleasure)

Lightning never strikes twice in the same place   (the same misfortune will probably not occur again in the same place or to the same people)

Like a bull in a china shop   (a clumsy or tactless person)

Like cures like   (people who have been through something are usually able to help others with the same problem)

Like father, like son, like mother, like daughter   (used to describe a child's behavior when he or she acts like the father or mother)

Little boys should be seen and not heard   (children should not interrupt when adults are talking)

Little by little and bit by bit   (if you persevere at something, you will gradually accomplish it)

Little enemies and little wounds must not be despised   (do not ignore people you have angered or hurt, however small the slight or injury, as they can harm you one day if they choose to bear a grudge)

Little strokes feel great oaks   (continuous effort, however small the mount, will help you achieve your greatest dreams and ambitions)

Little things please little minds   (childish people are thrilled by childish, petty things)

Live and learn   (learn as much as you can from life)

Live and let live   (get on with your own affairs and let other get on with theirs)

Lock the stable door after the horse has bolted   (once a mistake has been made or an error committed, it's too late to take precautions to prevent it from happening)

Look at the bright side   (be optimistic)

Look before you leap   (avoid acting hastily, without considering the possible consequences)

Long absent, soon forgotten   (if you are away for too long, people may forget you)

Look after the pence, and the pounds will look after themselves   (take care of the details and the bigger issues will be solved)

Look on the bright side   (be positive)

Look on the sunny side of life   (be positive in life)

Loose lips sink ships   (people who talk too much may give away important secrets that could harm themselves or others)

Losers weepers, finders keepers   (if someone loses something, he weeps - but if someone finds it, he keeps it)

Love conquers all   (love motivates people to make things work)

Love covers a multitude of sins   (when you treat people with love, compassion, kindness, forebearing etc. you make up for a lot of your own faults because it is right to love people)

Love makes the world go round   (love is the important thing in life that makes life meaningful)

Love me, love my dog   (if we want a person's friendship we must accept him totally, faults and all)

Love sees no faults   (real love does not take into account the flaws of a person)

Love will find a way   (love motivates people to look for solutions to all problems)


Make hay while the sun shines   (seize opportunities)

Man cannot live by bread alone   (it takes more than food to complete your life)

Many hands make light work   (many people sharing a job or tasks make easier work of it)

Marry in haste, repent at leisure   (do not rush into marriage because if you marry the wrong person, you will spend the rest of your life regretting it)

Measure twice, cut once   (consider your options carefully in order to make a good decision)

Meek shall inherit the earth   (the humble and the downtrodden but not the proud or the mighty will be rewarded with the best at the end of time)

Mirrors do everything we do, but they cannot think for themselves   (man-made devices have their limits, and cannot do everything humans can)

Misery loves company   (unhappy people seem to like to make others unhappy too)

Misery makes strange bedfellows   (when unhappy people make friend with others they would not usually befried)

Money cannot buy happiness   (you cannot buy joy, peace, contentment...)

Money is the root of all evil   (crimes and wickedness are associated with money)

Money isn't everything   (riches cannot solve all your problems or bring you joy, peace, contentment etc.)

Money makes the world go round   (people work hard and go through a lot of pain just to earn more money as if it is what keeps them going)

Monkey see, monkey do   (people without minds of their own tend to blindly do and say what others do and say)

More haste, less speed   (the more you hurry, the slower you seem to progress because hurrying causes you to make mistakes)


Nature, time and patience are three great physicians   (the goodness of nature, time and being patient can bring healing)

Necessity is the mother of invention   (when you're really in need, you think of creative solutions to your problems, when a person is in great need of something, he will find a way of getting it)

Never do things by halves   (one should not do an incomplete or imperfect job - certain tasks must not be left half done; they must be done away with immediately)

Never do things in halves   (always complete a job as perfectly as you can)

Never fall out with your bread and butter   (do not quarrel with the people who pay you your salary or with your customers)

Never give advice unless asked   (do not assume that people need your help or that you have all the answers to help them, it is better to wait until you are asked for help)

Never let the right hand know what the left hand is doing   (be discreet in all you do, do not tell others your deeds, especially your good deeds)

Never look a gift horse in the mouth   (if someone offers you a gift, don't question it)

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today   (do not delay doing tasks and assignments)

Never say die   (never give up)

Never say never   (always leave room for change)

Never speak ill of the dead   (do not talk badly about the departed)

Never too late to repent   (it is never too late to say you are sorry, and to change your ways)

Never too old to learn   (there is no age limit to acquiring knowledge)

Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you   (do not go looking for trouble)

Nimble sixpence is better than a slow shilling   (a capable person, even if he is slow or not well qualified, is more valuable than an inefficient person who may be highly qualified)

No man can serve two masters   (you can only be faithful to one boss, leader...)

No man is an island   (everyone needs the companionship of others; you can't live completely independently, everyone needs help from other people)

No man is content with his lot   (most people seem to be dissatisfied with what they have, and want other things)

No man is indispensable   (no man is so useful to others that people cannot do without him)

No money, no justice   (in a corrupt legal system, you can bribe lawyers and judges to win a case for you)

No news is good news   (when there is no news, it is likely that everything is all right)

No pain, no gain   (you must be ready to make sacrifices to get what you want badly)

No revenge is more honorable than the one not taken lips sink ships   (however tempted you may be to retaliate, try not to because revenge is a negative pursuit)

No rose is without a thorn   (nothing on earth is perfect)

No time like the present   (now is the best time to do something)

Nothing comes free   (unfortunately, everything in life has a price attached to it)

Nothing succeeds like success   (when a person starts being successful, he is likely to continue being successful)

Nothing ventured, nothing gained   (one must take risks in order to succeed at anything)


Old habits die hard   (it is difficult to change a long-time habit)

One good turn deserves another   (always be ready to show kindness to people who have been kind to you)

One man's junk is another man's treasure   (people have different tastes, preferences, perceptions of the same thing)

One man's loss is another man's gain   (what is a disadvantage to one person can be an advantage to another)

One man's meat is another man's poison   (no two persons are alike - every one has his own preferences, likes and dislikes)

One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter   (there are always two sides to an argument and two perspectives to consider)

One man's trash is another man's treasure   (different people have different ideas about what's valuable)

One swallow doesn't make a summer   (one success doesn't guarantee complete success)

Once bitten twice shy   (if a person has been tricked once he will more be careful and alert the next time)

Opportunity only knocks once   (seize an opportunity when it occurs for it may never happen again)

Opportunity seldom knocks twice   (you must be ready to grab an opportunity when it comes your way)

Out of sight, out of mind   (you will soon forget friends you do not meet or keep in contact with)


Patience is a virtue   (patience is an advantage and a good trait to nurture in yourself)

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones   (don't criticize other people if you're not perfect yourself)

Politics makes a strange bedfellows   (in politics, people who have always been opponents often work together at different times for their own interests)

Possession is nine points of the law   (in disputes over property ownership, the person in possession of something is sometimes said to have nine-tenths a chance of winning it in a legal argument)

Poverty is no crime   (the poor should not be despised)

Practice makes perfect   (it is believed that if one practices a certain skill often, he will excel in it; you have to practice a skill a lot to become good at it)

Practise what you preach   (do what you advise others to do)

Prevention is better than cure   (it is better to be careful beforehand than to try to solve a problem after it has arisen)

Pride comes before a fall   (an extremely proud person runs the risk of being humbled in front of everyone)

Procrastination is the thief of time   (to delay doing your work only wastes your time)

Promises are like pie crust   (most promises cannot be kept)

Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them   (if you are rich and successful, you will attract many friends, but if you should suffer hardship or have misfortune (adversity), your friends will quickly depart)

Put a beggar on horseback, and he will ride to the devil   (sometimes, giving a person more than he needs or knows what to do with does not help him but instead, encourages him to go overboard)

Put a quart into a pint pot   (doing something that's impossible)


Race is to the swift   (people who are able to overcome life's troubles quickly or do things quickly have the advantage over others)

Rats desert a sinking ship   (when things go wrong in an organization, people tend to abandon it)

Repeating a life doesn't make it true   (saying something is true when it is not just because you would like to believe it is so does not change the facts)

Revenge is a dish best served cold   (revenge works well when the target least expects it)

Revenge is sweet   (some people feel good to be able to get back at someone who has hurt them)

Robbing Peter to pay Paul   (taking from one to give another; this is quoted when one takes another loan to pay off an earlier loan)

Rome was not built in a day   (any great plan or big dream cannot be achieved overnight or easily)


Same meat, different gravy   (the same thing presented differently)

Scratch something and you'll find a something   (when you know a person better, you will realize that he is not all he seems to be)

See which way the wind is blowing   (test how things stand)

Seek and ye shall find   (when you set out to look for the truth with all your heart, you will find it)

Self trust is the first secret of success   (you need to believe in your abilities first of all in order to succeed in life)

Set a thief to catch a thief   (use the skill and experience of one wrongdoer to catch another)

Silence gives consent   (if you do not protest, object or say anything in response to a proposal, plan etc. it means you are agreeable to it)

Six of one and half a dozen of the other   (the same or nearly the same in one case as in the other)

Slow and steady wins the race   (do things at your own pace and ability, and you will succeed in time)

Smile, and the world smiles with you; cry, and you cry alone   (people are usually ready to share in your happiness but not in your sadness)

Someone's bark is worse than his bite   (people sometimes bark but in time we learn they're not always as frightening as they seem)

Something is better than nothing   (be thankful that you do have something, and do not complain about how little you have)

Spare the rod and spoil the child   (a child who is not punished and showed the error of his ways will become unruly)

Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear   (what you say when you are talking of someone, and he appears)

Speak when you are spoken to   (respond when you are asked a question)

Speech is silver, silence is golden   (talk may be beneficial, but sometimes acquiescence may be the best option to take)

Starve a cold, feed a fever   (the best way to treat a cold is to skip a meal or two; the best way to treat fever is to have a light meal)

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me   (the unkind words of small-minded people should not upset or depress you)

Still waters run deep   (one who is usually silent and goes about his business quietly may be a very wise person)

Stolen fruit is the sweetest   (things that are forbidden to you seem to be the most exciting or tempting)

Strike while the iron is hot   (seize a good opportunity as quickly as possible)

Success is a journey, not a destination   (the most treasured part of an achievement is the experience and lessons you learn in the process)

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof   (do not be troubled about the problems you may face tomorrow, as you have enough to contend with today)


Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves   (pay attention to the details and the larger issues will work out well enough)

Talk is cheap   (talk that is not backed up with action is useless)

Teach an old dog new tricks   (it is impossible to change someone's ways or habits, especially if he is old and resists change)

Tell the truth and shame the devil   (tell the truth at all times)

That's where the shoe pinches   (that's the source or cause of a problem or an annoyance)

The acorn never falls far from the tree   (children tend to resemble their parents)

The best fish swim near the bottom   (the best things are hard to come by)

The best laid schemes of mice and men often fail   (no matter how well planned, your arrangements can go wrong because you do not control all events and cannot see into the future)

The best of friends must part   (even good friends sometimes need to part, if only for a while)

The best things come in small packages   (expensive things which are considered among the best things, can come in small packages)

The best things in life are free   (the most important things in life such as love, kindness, generosity etc. are free)

The bigger they are, the harder they fall   (the bigger a problem the greater its impact)

The blind leading the blind   (a person helping or advising someone knows as little about the subject as the person who is being advised)

The buck stops here   (it means final decision or total responsibility for an action)

The calm comes before the storm   (there is usually peace before disaster strikes)

The child is father to the man   (your experiences as a child mould you as an adult)

The cure is worse than the disease   (some solutions seem worse than the problem)

The customer is always right   (the guiding principle of the service industry is that the customer must be satisfied, so never upset or contradict a customer)

The darkest hour is that before (the) dawn   (even when things seem at their very worst, they may shortly improve; relief or victory comes just after the worst phase of a bad situation)

The devil finds work for idle hands   (unless one keeps busy doing useful or constructive things he could be tempted into mischief or evil)

The devil has the best tunes   (to do something unworthy because it gives you pleasure)

The early bird catches the worm   (you should wake up and start work early if you want to succeed)

The eyes are the window of the soul   (a person's eyes express his true feelings, thoughts...)

The fat is in the fire   (it is too late to do anything about a situation)

The first step is the hardest   (starting is often the most difficult part of doing a job)

The first step to health is to know that we are sick   (you have to be willing to admit there is a problem before you can change yourself, a bad situation etc)

The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill   (people tend to want whatever they don't have)

The head and feet keep warm, the rest will take no harm   (if you take care of the important matters, everything else will fall into place)

The journey is the reward   (the most valuable, fulfilling and exciting part of achieving something is the work and effort put into the endeavour)

The last straw that broke the camel's back   (the final thing that, when added to a bad or unpleasant situation, causes failure or ruin)

The least said, the soonest mended   (the less you say during a quarrel, the greater chance there is for you to patch up later)

The longest day must have an end   (all difficult jobs or situations also have an end)

The longest mile is the last mile home   (the nearer you are to your destination, the further away from you it seems)

The more acquaintance, the more danger   (the more casual friends you have, the greater the possibility that you will be led astray, betrayed etc)

The more one knows, the less one believes   (the more information you have about something, the more unsure or suspicious you can become of it)

The more things change, the more they stay the same   (some changes are only outward, the actual problems remain the same)

The more you get, the more you want   (the more you have, the more you want to have because greed grows in you)

The more you know, the more you know you don't know   (the more knowledge you acquire, the more aware you are of how little you know about life)

The mountain labors and brings forth a mouse   (to work hard and long on a project that turns out to be pretty useless)

The nail that sticks out gets pounded   (people who stand out in a group because they are different or because they raise questions, issues are quickly pressured into conforming with the rest of the group)

The nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat   (the closer you get to your goal or objective, the more thrilled or excited you get)

The only free cheese is in the mouse trap   (be careful when people offer you something for nothing, as they may be trying to trap or cheat you)

The only stupid question is the one that is not asked   (the more questions you ask, the more you learn, so do not be shy or afraid to ask questions)

The pen is mightier than the sword   (the written word is more to be feared than physical violence; trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want)

The proof of the pudding is in the eating   (how good something is can only be verified by evaluating it)

The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike   (no matter how good or bad a person, he must still face the everyday problems that confront us all)

The road to hell is paved with good intentions   (a persons' good intentions are not enough to guarantee success)

The sins of the fathers will be visited upon the children   (people will be punished for the wrongs committed by their parents, forefathers, or those who have preceded them)

The sky is the limit   (there is no upper limit to something)

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak   (to do something unworthy just because it gives you the pleasure)

The squeaky wheel gets the grease   (you can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one's going to help you)

The start of a journey should never be mistaken for success   (do not assume you have succeeded at something when you have only just started on it)

The thin end of the wedge   (that something can appear to be small and of no particular importance - yet it can turn out to be the beginning of a major problem)

The truth hurts   (hearing the truth can sometimes be painful, especially when you have been believing something else for a long time)

The truth is in the wine   (people speak more freely when they are drunk, often revealing secrets)

The truth will out   (truth about something will eventually be discovered or made known)

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach   (most men love to eat so feed your husband well and he will always love you)

The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong   (only a morally strong person is able to forgive people who have hurt him)

The wish is father to the thought   (often, you think about and eventually act upon what you wish for)

There are no endings, only new beginnings   (do not think of an ending as the end of something but as the beginning of a new cycle or phase)

There are no small parts, only small actors   (a good actor is able to make any role interesting and realistic, no matter how insignificant it may be)

There are none so blind as those that will not see   (people ,who never admit they might be wrong, refuse to listen to the opinions or ideas of anyone)

There are none so deaf as those who will not hear   (people sometimes hear only what they want to hear)

There are two sides to every question   (there are always two ways of looking at something)

There is a time and a place for everything   (act according to the occasion)

There is many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip   (anything can go wrong at any time before a matter is settled)

There is many at a true word that is spoken in jest   (a remark, such as something about a person's character, that is said jokingly, is often true to some extent)

There is no fool like an old fool   (when an older person acts silly, he appears really ridiculous because at his age, he is expected to be wise and sensible)

There is no place like home   (your own home is the most comfortable place to be; even a simple home is the best place in the world for the people who live in it)

There is no point arguing with the barrel of a gun   (it is pointless trying to argue with a very angry or violent person)

There is no such thing as a free lunch   (nothing comes free; things that are offered for free always have a hidden cost)

There is no venom like that of the tongue   (the cruel things people sometimes say to one another can hurt more than the deadliest poison can)

There is nothing new under the sun   (there is nothing in the world that has not been seen, heard, discovered, experienced before)

There is one law for the rich, and another for the poor   (when the law is unjust and does not treat people fairly, but considers their wealth and status before deciding to help them)

There is safety in numbers   (you are safer when others are around)

There no honor among thieves   (you cannot trust a thief)

There's more than one way to skin a cat   (there is more than one way of getting a job done)

There's no smoke without fire   (rumors do not spread unless there is some element of truth in them)

There's no time like the present   (if you need to do something, don't wait until later - do it now)
There only only twenty-four hours in a day   (time is a limited resource, so use it wisely)

They who dance must pay the fiddler   (you must be ready to accept the consequences of your actions)

Think before you speak   (think before you say anything so that you do not say something foolish or hurtful)

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones   (people with obvious faults should not criticse the faults of others because they are themselves targets for criticism)

Time and tide wait for no one   (time is precious, once it is past no one can go back and claim it thus everyone should be mindful of how his time is spent)

Time cures all things   (with time, people are likely to forgive and forget hurts)

Time flies   (time seems to move very fast when you are having fun or doing something urgent)

Time heals old wounds   (the passing of time helps us to forget things that have caused us pain or made us unhappy)

Time is a great healer   (time allows people to forgive and forget past hurts, injuries and loss as memories fade, and people become wiser and more mature)

Time is money   (time is valuable, especially to business people, and should not be wasted)

Time the deed to the need   (offer help when it is needed, and not when it is convenient for you)

To err is human, to forgive divine   (it is only normal for man to make mistakes and do wrong, but for one to forgive another for his wrong is indeed  great and gracious act)

To put the cart before the horse   (to do something in an incorrect order)

To understand all is to forgive all   (when you know why a person behaves in a certain way, you can forgive him what he does and says)

Tomorrow is another day   (tomorrow is a new day which gives you the opportunity to start over)

Tomorrow never comes   (if you do not do something today you will probably not do it the next day either)

Too many cooks spoil the broth   (when there are too many people trying to lead and give their opinions, it's confusing and leads to bad results; jobs and projects should have one or two strong leaders; too many people doing the same thing at the same time will not be successful)

Truth is stranger than fiction   (real life can be more incredible than anything which can be imagined)

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value   (good character and moral strength are more valuable than material success)

Turn up like a bad penny   (something or someone disliked just won't go away)

Two heads are better than one   (it is always better to get the view of another than to rely entirely on one's own judgment; when two people cooperate with each other, they come up with better ideas)

Two things prolong your life: a quiet heart and a loving wife   (inner peace and a reliable life partner are a blessing to anyone)

Two wrongs do not make a right   (when someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will only make things worse; if a person does something to harm or offend us, that's wrong - if we do something to harm them back, that's wrong too)

Two's company, three's a crowd (it is always fun while there are only two people whereas the third person is an unwelcome intrusion)


Uneasy is the head that wears the crown   (notable or important people are often concerned about losing their positions)

United we stand, divided we fall   (unity bring strength to a team)

Unity is strength   (unity brings strength to a team)


Variety is the spice of life   (life becomes very monotonous without some break or change in the daily routine)

Virtue is its own reward   (you should not expect payment for doing things that you should do or for acting in a morally correct way)


Walls have ears, shoes have tongues   (be careful what you say and who you speak to)

Waste not, want not   (if we're careful and waste nothing we'll never go without things we need)

We never miss the water till the well is dry   (people do not notice or appreciate an advantage, strength until they suddenly etc lose it)

Wear out one's welcome   (one is no longer welcome, usually because he has become a nuisance)

What goes around, comes around   (how you treat people is how you will eventually be treated)

What goes up must come down   (things will return to their natural state eventually)

What is learnt in the cradle lasts to the tomb   (everything you learn in life stays with you till you die)

What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander   (what is good for one person ought to be good enough for anyone else)

What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts   (the disadvantages you suffer in one area are equaled or cancelled by the advantages you win in others)

What you sow is what you reap   (you have to face the consequences of your actions)

What's done can't be undone   (in life there are some things once done or decisions once made cannot be changed; malicious words once uttered or harmful actions once done cannot be taken back)We never miss the water till the well runs dry (You only realize the importance of something when it is gone)

When in Rome do as the Romans do   (act the way that the people around you are acting; this phrase might come in handy when you're traveling abroad notice that people do things differently than you're used to; when one is in a new place, country or situation he must adapt himself to the new manners and customs)

When one sows the wind one reaps the whirlwind   (when you live too fast-paced or dangerous a life, be prepared for trouble or danger)

When poverty comes in the door, love flies out the window   (as soon as a happily married couple begin having financial problems and the bills pile up their love will disappear)

When the cat is away the mice will play   (when law enforcers are not present, certain public members will take the opportunity to break the law)

When the going gets tough, the tough get going   (strong people don't give up when they come across challenges, they just work harder; often, when things become difficult, people who seemed strong o who promised to help you leave you because they cannot take the pressure)

Where there's a will there's a way   (when a person really wants to do something, he will find a way of doing it)

Who keeps company with wolves, will learn to howl   (if we associate with bad companions we, too, will become bad)

Wilful waste makes woeful want   (do not waste anything thoughtlessly because you may need it later)

Winning isn't everything   (success is not everything, what you learn in the process of becoming successful is more important)

Worship the ground somebody walks on   (very much in love with somebody)


You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink   (we can help, show or encourage someone to do something but we can't make him do what he is unwilling or unable to do; if you try to help someone, but they don't take your advice or offers, give up - you can't force someone to accept your help)

You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear   (you cannot change a person's real character)

You can't always get what you want   (don't whine and complain if you don't get what you wanted)

You can't have things both ways   (you cannot avoid making a choice in some situations)

You can't have your cake and eat it   (you must choose between two things as it is impossible to have both at the same time)

You can't judge a book by its cover   (things sometimes look different than they really are)

You can't make an omelette without breaking the eggs   (when you try to do something great, you'll probably make a few people annoyed or angry - don't worry about those people, just focus on the good results; you have to sacrifice something in order to gain something else)

You can't please everyone   (you cannot make everyone happy at the same time -- someone is going to be unhappy with your actions)

You can't shoe a running horse   (if you want help, or if you are in trouble, you will need to stop and ask for help)

You could go a lot further and fare a lot worse   (you are better off now because things could have been worse for you)

You need to bait the hook to catch the fish   (you need to prepare the necessary materials or items before you can actually get something done)

You pays your money and you takes your chances   (a humorous way of saying that we sometimes must trust in luck when buying something)

You will never know till you have tried it   (you have to experience something yourself before you know what it is all about)

You win some, you lose some   (in life, you have to expect to win and lose)

Youth and age will never agree   (the young and the old do not always see eye to eye)

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