Here's a list of common English proverbs:
A list of 680 English proverbs - About the Author
Gary Martin
Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years, more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Here's a list of common English proverbs:
A list of 680 English proverbs
- Actions speak louder than words: What you do matters more than what you say.
- A bad workman always blames his tools: When someone blames their tools or circumstances for their poor performance, instead of taking responsibility.
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: It's better to hold on to what you have than to risk losing it for something that may be better but uncertain.
- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step: Even the most challenging and distant goals are achieved by starting with a small action.
- All that glitters is not gold: Things that appear attractive on the surface may not be as valuable or good as they seem.
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Eating healthy keeps you fit and prevents illness.
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: Different people have different ideas about what is beautiful.
- Beggars can't be choosers: People who are in need must accept what they are given without complaining.
- Better late than never: It's better to do something late than not at all.
- Better safe than sorry: It's wiser to be cautious and take precautions than to regret the consequences later.
- Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
- Blood is thicker than water: Family relationships and obligations are stronger and more important than those with friends or others.
- Curiosity killed the cat: Being too curious about other people's affairs can lead to trouble.
- Don't count your chickens before they hatch: Don't assume success or outcomes before they happen.
- Don't judge a book by its cover: You shouldn't judge someone or something based solely on their outward appearance.
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket: Don't risk everything on a single venture; diversify your efforts or investments.
- Every cloud has a silver lining: Even in difficult situations, there is always a positive aspect or hope to be found.
- Honesty is the best policy: It is always best to be truthful and honest.
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Don't make unnecessary changes to something that is already working well.
- It's no use crying over spilled milk: There's no point in regretting something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
- Knowledge is power: Education and information give you strength and advantages.
- Practice makes perfect: Consistent effort and repetition lead to mastery.
- Rome wasn't built in a day: Achieving great things requires time, effort, and patience.
- Strike while the iron is hot: Take advantage of an opportunity when it arises.
- The early bird catches the worm: Getting an early start gives you an advantage.
- The grass is always greener on the other side: What other people have can often seem more desirable than what you possess, even if it's not actually better.
- Where there's a will, there's a way: If you are determined to achieve something, you will find a way to do it, no matter the obstacles.
- You can't have your cake and eat it too: You can't enjoy two desirable things at the same time if they are contradictory.
This list represents some of the most commonly used English proverbs, offering guidance and observations on various aspects of life.
