Proverbs are concise expressions of wisdom. In this article, we’ll explore 25 English proverbs, unraveling their meanings and offering insights into the valuable life lessons they convey.
You may like to read: 50 Common Proverbs in English
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25 Proverbs In English and Meaning
Proverbs | Meanings | |
1. | All things must pass | Everything eventually comes to an end. |
2. | Do as I say, not as I do | Hypocritical advice, urging others to follow different standards. |
3. | Keep your powder dry | Be prepared and cautious, especially in uncertain situations. |
4. | Slow but sure | Steady and patient progress leads to success. |
5. | Haste makes waste | Rushing leads to mistakes and inefficiency. |
6. | It goes without saying | Something is so obvious that it doesn’t need to be stated. |
7. | Let well alone | Leave things as they are when they are already satisfactory. |
8. | Beauty is only skin deep | A person’s true worth is not solely based on their appearance. |
9. | Barking dog never bites | People who make a lot of noise are often not a real threat. |
10. | Let sleeping dogs lie | Avoid stirring up trouble by leaving a situation alone. |
11. | No place like home | Home is a special and comforting place. |
12. | Might is right | Those with power often dictate what is considered just or correct. |
13. | No pain, no gain | Achieving success often requires hard work and sacrifice. |
14. | The truth will out | The truth will eventually become known or revealed. |
15. | You can’t win them all | It’s impossible to succeed in every endeavor. |
16. | Time flies | Time passes quickly, so make the most of it. |
17. | Less is more | Simplicity and minimalism can be more effective and elegant. |
18. | Money isn’t everything | There are more important things in life than wealth. |
19. | Waste not want not | Avoid unnecessary waste to prevent future scarcity. |
20. | Talk is cheap | Actions speak louder than words, and words alone are not enough. |
21. | No time like the present | The best time to do something is now. |
22. | It takes one to know one | To recognize a certain quality or characteristic in someone, you must possess it yourself. |
23. | Virtue is its own reward | Being virtuous and morally upright is a reward in itself. |
24. | Cheats never prosper | Dishonesty and deception eventually lead to failure. |
25. | Devil is in the details | Pay attention to the small details, as they can be crucial in a larger context. |
Next Read: 100 Proverbs With Their Meaning