- An English proverb is a short statement that usually offers life advice, wisdom, or a truth.
- An example of a proverb is “A stitch in time saves nine,” which means that addressing a problem early on can prevent it from becoming much larger and more difficult to manage later.
- English language proverbs are used in speech and writing to enhance communication and illustrate moral lessons in a relatable and often memorable way.
- Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not deducible from the individual words, while proverbs are short, well-known sayings conveying advice or a general truth.
- Proverbs are best used in informal writing, creative work, and motivational speeches. Avoid overusing proverbs when you want to reach a broad audience that may include people whose primary language isn’t English.
“We need to strike while the iron is hot!” your manager exclaims, slamming her fist against the table and accidentally spilling her coffee. “The early bird catches the worm, after all.” As you nod along, you notice that she employed two English proverbs.
English proverbs can be a valuable form of expression in writing and communication. Here, we’ll examine English proverbs, discuss how to use them, and provide a list of 30 common examples.
Table of contents
30 English language proverbs with meanings and examples
How to include English proverbs in your writing
When not to use English proverbs in your writing
English language proverbs FAQs
What is a proverb?
An English proverb is a short, pithy, metaphorical statement that usually offers life advice, wisdom, or truth. Proverbs can also provide a shortcut for explaining or imparting information. For example, rather than your manager saying, “We will only be successful if we approach the client before any other marketing firm reaches out to them,” she can simplify this explanation to “the early bird catches the worm.”
Proverbs communicate an understood and accepted message in a few well-worn and well-known words. Often, proverbs illustrate a point. Stylistically, they differ from regular forms of speech because they are metaphorical or symbolic in nature. They’re also short, wise, and relatable, often using slang, colloquialisms, and conversational language.
Some proverbs can reflect a specific culture or locale, though the majority transcend regional barriers and are widely embraced and passed down through generations. Here are a few proverbs from around the world:
- Japan: Fall down seven times, stand up eight.
- Russia: You live as long as you are remembered.
- Kenya: The value of light is noticed when night falls.
Because proverbs are rooted in cultural wisdom, they’re a valuable part of any language. They can also act as a window to their culture, as they often communicate a culture’s values and perspectives.
Idioms vs. proverbs
While a proverb is a short statement that conveys a lesson or universal truth, an idiom is simply a figurative expression. Here’s an example of each:
- Proverb: A stitch in time saves nine.
- Idiom: Break the ice
While the proverb above emphasizes the importance of timely action, the idiom is simply a figurative way to say “initiate a conversation.”
Proverbs and idioms are similar and easily confused with one another. Both are forms of expression that are:
- Natural to groups of people
- Short and pithy
- Challenging for English learners because their meanings aren’t always discernible from their words
While idioms express ideas or thoughts and contain a group of words that typically wouldn’t make sense together (e.g., it’s raining cats and dogs, pulling someone’s leg, by the skin of your teeth), proverbs have a literal meaning as well as their figurative ones.
30 English language proverbs with meanings and examples
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of proverbs in existence. Here’s an alphabetical list of 30 common English proverbs and their meanings, with examples of how to use them in speech or writing.
1 A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Meaning: It’s better to value what you have than risk losing it for something uncertain.
2 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Meaning: Big accomplishments start with small efforts.
3 A picture is worth a thousand words.
Meaning: Visuals often convey more than words.
4 An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Meaning: Eating healthy keeps you fit and prevents illness.
5 All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Appearances can be deceiving; not everything that looks good is valuable.
6 Beggars can’t be choosers.
Meaning: People in need must accept what they’re given without complaints.
7 Better safe than sorry.
Meaning: It’s wiser to be cautious than to risk regrettable mistakes.
8 Birds of a feather flock together.
Meaning: People with similar interests or traits tend to associate with one another.
9 Blood is thicker than water.
Meaning: Family ties are stronger than other relationships.
10 Curiosity killed the cat.
Meaning: Being too curious can lead to trouble.
11 Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Meaning: Don’t be ungrateful or hostile toward those who support you.
12 Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Meaning: Don’t assume success or outcomes before they happen.
13 Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture.
14 Every cloud has a silver lining.
Meaning: There’s something good in every bad situation.
15 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Meaning: Avoid unnecessary changes to something that works fine.
16 It’s better to give than to receive.
Meaning: Generosity is more fulfilling than personal gain.
17 Necessity is the mother of invention.
Meaning: Challenges often lead to creative solutions.
18 Practice makes perfect.
Meaning: Consistent effort leads to mastery.
19 Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Meaning: Great achievements take time and effort.
20 Slow and steady wins the race.
Meaning: Consistent effort often leads to success.
21 The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in behavior or traits.
22 The pen is mightier than the sword.
Meaning: Words and ideas are more influential than force.
23 The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Meaning: People who speak up about problems are more likely to receive attention or help.
24 Time waits for no one.
Meaning: Time is precious and doesn’t stop for anyone.
25 Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Meaning: Too many people involved can ruin a task.
26 Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Meaning: Retaliating with another wrong action doesn’t solve a problem.
27 When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Meaning: Adapt to the customs of the place you’re in.
28 When there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Meaning: Rumors often have some basis in truth.
29 You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Meaning: You can offer help, but you can’t force someone to accept it.
30 You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Meaning: You can’t enjoy the benefits of two conflicting options.
How to include English proverbs in your writing
There are a few ways to include English proverbs in your writing, such as disproving or challenging a proverb, using it as a prompt for a story, or getting creative with it as a way to play with words. However, it’s important to be strategic about it—using these types of phrases too regularly can come across as disingenuous.
In creative work, academic essays, and motivational speeches, challenging a proverb can be a creative way to make your audience think. For example, a philosophy essay could begin with:
In your writing, proverbs can illustrate points and add emphasis. For example, you might include the proverb “Two wrongs don’t make a right” in an analytical essay about a piece of media that grapples with this topic.
In creative writing, such as fiction and personal essays, a proverb can be a prompt. Since proverbs are symbolic, it’s easy to read one and be reminded of a particular memory or moment in your life when you witnessed that same teaching. Writing about how a specific proverb illustrates a personal story is a great way to spark a longer narrative.
Using proverbs is a timeless way to communicate wisdom and life lessons. They can also be an effective way to build rapport with your audience and demonstrate your cultural savviness. Use them thoughtfully, and they’ll make your writing more engaging and memorable.
When not to use English proverbs in your writing
Although proverbs can be helpful in your writing, be cautious to avoid overusing them. It’s also important to avoid allowing a proverb in your writing to seem like a cliché. Let proverbs support your original ideas rather than relying on them for your thesis statement or arguments.
Another time to avoid English proverbs is when writing formal academic papers and highly technical content, such as an industry report. In these cases, stick to an objective discussion of your topic.
Because proverbs tend to be figurative, they don’t always translate easily. This can also make them challenging to understand for people whose primary language isn’t English. If you know your writing will be read by an audience of numerous people learning English, it’s best to leave the proverbs out. For example, if you’re writing a marketing email for an international brand, use plain language your audience will likely understand completely.
English language proverbs FAQs
What are English proverbs?
As a basic definition, proverbs are traditional sayings or phrases that express perceived truths. Proverbs often give practical advice and are based on the shared human experience. English proverbs are used primarily by those whose primary language is English. However, proverbs frequently span many languages.
How are proverbs and idioms different?
Idioms are phrases whose meanings are not directly derived from the individual words but are understood through common usage. Examples include “under the weather,” “spill the beans,” and “once in a blue moon.”
Conversely, proverbs are short, well-known sayings that convey wisdom, advice, or a universal truth. They often have a literal meaning, as in “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and “don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
When should you use English proverbs?
English proverbs are used for many purposes, such as offering advice, reinforcing morals, imparting knowledge, relieving interpersonal tensions, aiding in understanding, or consoling someone. Proverbs are best used to illustrate a specific point, giving greater potency to what is being said. However, they should be avoided in highly technical writing or formal academic work.
What are some examples of English language proverbs?
- All that glitters is not gold.
- Better safe than sorry.
- Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- It’s better to give than to receive.
