Common Proverbs: A List of Popular English Proverbs

Proverb

Meaning

Example

Actions speak louder than words.

What you do is more important than what you say.

If you promise to help, make sure to do it.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Saving money is just as good as making money.

By not buying that coffee every day, you save a lot.

Better late than never.

It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.

Finally finishing your report is better than not finishing it.

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

Don’t waste time worrying about things that can’t be fixed.

Don’t worry about missing the bus; you can catch the next one.

The early bird catches the worm.

Starting early gives you an advantage.

Arriving early at the job interview increases your chances.

Honesty is the best policy.

Being truthful is always the best choice.

Admitting your mistake is better than lying about it.

Practice makes perfect.

Repeated practice improves your skills.

Playing the piano every day will improve your skills.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

People often think others have it better.

Your colleague’s job might seem better, but every job has its challenges.

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Don’t judge someone or something just by appearance.

The new student seems quiet, but they are very friendly once you get to know them.

Two heads are better than one.

It’s easier to solve problems with help.

Collaborating on a project can lead to better results.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If something is working fine, don’t try to change it.

Your phone works perfectly, so don’t upgrade it unless necessary.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Don’t risk everything on one opportunity.

Invest in different stocks rather than all in one company.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

There’s something positive in every bad situation.

Losing a job can lead to new opportunities and growth.

You reap what you sow.

Your actions will come back to you.

If you work hard, you’ll see the results in your performance.

Time heals all wounds.

Pain gets better over time.

After a breakup, you’ll eventually feel better.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

True friends help you in tough times.

A friend who supports you during illness is a true friend.

All’s well that ends well.

A good outcome makes up for difficulties.

Despite a rough start, the event was a success.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

You can’t enjoy two conflicting benefits at once.

You can’t spend all your money and also save it.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Avoid bringing up old issues.

Don’t remind your friend about the argument from last year.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Don’t assume success before it happens.

Don’t plan on spending your bonus before you receive it.

The best things in life are free.

Some of the best things, like love and friendship, don’t cost anything.

Spending time with family is priceless.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Determination can overcome obstacles.

With enough effort, you can achieve your goals.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Don’t harm those who help you.

Don’t insult your mentor who has supported your career.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Too many people involved can ruin a project.

Avoid involving too many people in the decision-making process.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

The most noticeable problem gets the most attention.

The noisy complaint got the manager’s attention first.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

If you can’t handle the pressure, step aside.

If the job is too stressful, consider finding a different role.

Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

A way of saying goodnight.

Before sleeping, say "Goodnight" to your friend.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.

You can offer help, but you can’t force someone to accept it.

You can suggest studying techniques, but the student must use them.

A leopard can’t change its spots.

People can’t change their inherent nature.

A dishonest person will likely remain dishonest.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

It’s hard to change someone’s habits.

It’s difficult to make an elderly person learn new technology.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Staying active prevents stagnation.

Moving from job to job often prevents career growth.

Haste makes waste.

Rushing leads to mistakes.

Rushing through your homework might lead to errors.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Writing is a powerful tool.

A well-written article can influence more than a physical confrontation.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Good intentions can lead to problems if not followed by actions.

Planning a surprise party that turns into chaos due to lack of organisation.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

If something applies to you, accept it.

If the criticism applies to your work, acknowledge it.

To each his own.

Everyone has their own preferences.

Different people enjoy different hobbies.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Taking precautions is wise.

Always wear a seatbelt to avoid injury.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Fixing a problem early prevents it from getting worse.

Repair a leaky roof before it causes more damage.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Children often resemble their parents.

The son of a teacher often follows in their footsteps.

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

Avoid procrastination.

Complete your assignment today rather than delaying it.

Actions speak louder than words.

What you do is more important than what you say.

If you promise to help, make sure to do it.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Don’t judge someone just by their appearance.

The new student seems quiet, but they are very friendly once you get to know them.

Out of sight, out of mind.

If you don’t see something, you might forget about it.

If you don’t keep track of your goals, you might lose focus.

You win some, you lose some.

Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail.

You might not always win every game, but that’s okay.

Every dog has its day.

Everyone gets a chance to be successful or happy.

Even the most unlikely candidate might get a chance to shine.

Good things come to those who wait.

Patience often brings rewards.

After waiting for the right job, you might find the perfect position.

Actions speak louder than words.

What you do is more important than what you say.

If you promise to help, make sure to do it.

The best is yet to come.

The best experiences or achievements are still ahead.

There are more exciting opportunities ahead in your career.

If you build it, they will come.

If you create something of value, people will notice.

If you offer a great product, customers will eventually find it.