20 Basic English Proverbs
- Me Venant Nkurunziza
- Sep 3, 2024
- 3 min read
introduction to Proverbs
Proverbs are short, common sayings or phrases that offer advice or share universal truths. They are often metaphorical and provide wisdom or insight based on common sense or cultural experience. Understanding and using proverbs can enrich your language skills and help you connect more deeply with the English-speaking world.
Basic English Proverbs with Meanings and Examples
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Meaning: Visuals can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.
Example: Instead of describing the scene, just show the photograph—a picture is worth a thousand words.
Actions speak louder than words.
Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: He promised to help, but never did. Actions speak louder than words.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Meaning: Every big project or goal starts with one small action.
Example: Writing a book seems daunting, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Better late than never.
Meaning: It's better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: She finally finished her degree at age 40. Better late than never!
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Meaning: Don’t make decisions based on appearances alone.
Example: He looked rough, but he was very kind. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
The early bird catches the worm.
Meaning: Success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort early.
Example: She got the best seat because she arrived early. The early bird catches the worm.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Meaning: Important things take time to achieve.
Example: Learning a new language takes time—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Honesty is the best policy.
Meaning: Being truthful is always the best choice.
Example: I told the truth about the mistake because honesty is the best policy.
Practice makes perfect.
Meaning: You become better at something by practicing it.
Example: Keep practicing the piano—practice makes perfect.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Meaning: If you are determined, you can find a way to achieve your goal.
Example: He found a way to pay for college. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Not everything that looks valuable or true turns out to be so.
Example: The deal sounded great, but all that glitters is not gold.
You can’t judge a book by its cover.
Meaning: Appearances can be deceiving.
Example: The house looked small from the outside, but it was spacious inside—you can’t judge a book by its cover.
A watched pot never boils.
Meaning: Time seems to pass more slowly when you are waiting for something to happen.
Example: Waiting for the email felt endless—a watched pot never boils.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
Meaning: When you need help, you can’t be picky about what you get.
Example: I didn’t want that old phone, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
Example: All the artists in town hang out together—birds of a feather flock together.
Two heads are better than one.
Meaning: It’s easier to solve a problem when two people work together.
Example: Let’s work on this project together—two heads are better than one.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture.
Example: I invested in multiple stocks instead of just one—don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
Meaning: People often think others have it better than they do.
Example: She wanted to move to the city, but soon realized the grass is always greener on the other side.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Meaning: Fixing a small problem right away can prevent it from becoming a bigger one.
Example: I repaired the leak early—a stitch in time saves nine.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Meaning: When too many people work on something, it can ruin it.
Example: The project failed because everyone had different ideas—too many cooks spoil the broth.
Conclusion
Proverbs are valuable tools for conveying wisdom and life lessons in a concise and memorable way. By learning and understanding these proverbs, you can enrich your English language skills and better understand the culture behind the language. Try to incorporate these proverbs into your daily conversations and writing to make your English more vivid and expressive.
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