Proverbs are short popular wise sayings that express a piece of advice. They are based on life experience and common sense. They teach us very good lessons that we all should apply on a daily basis.
There are different proverbs used in many languages, and many of them are actually similar or the same. In the list below, you will find 70+ of the most common proverbs in English. If there are some that you didn't know, try to remember them and improve your English language skills.
You might be interested in these Spanish proverbs: 150 refranes cortos, populares, españoles y más
We should value what we have rather than always look for more.
This proverb emphasizes the fact that who gets enough sleep and starts the day early and with energy will be successful.
Very similar to “A picture is worth a thousand words”. This proverb lets us understand that it is very easy to say things, but the difficult thing is to prove what you’re saying.
Just because someone did something bad to you, you shouldn’t do the same to them.
People shouldn’t criticize other people when they could be criticized for the same thing.
As we previously explained in number 3, people should prove by doing and not just speaking.
It encourages us to eat fruit and vegetable in general because they are healthy.
This saying tells us that people with the same character or that do similar things look for similar company.
Nasty people that threaten others rarely take action.
Things take time, and we need to be patient, it won’t help if you constantly wait for something to happen.
If you’re going through a tough moment in life and someone offers you some help, take what you are given and don’t complain about it. Remember: you didn’t have it before they helped.
Sort out problems as soon as possible, don’t let them get even bigger.
This proverb doesn't really need an explanation.
You should be thankful to people that are helping you, not hurt them.
You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance.
It basically means to mind your own business, or it could be dangerous.
Don’t try and do more than you can.
You can get something good out of every negative or bad time you go through.
In other words, be patient, happiness arrives.
This proverb shows us that is better to do things with caution so you don’t regret it later.
One does not argue on its own, you can't blame only the other side.
Don't question someone's gift.
This proverb shows us that repeating or trying something many times will make you better at it.
If it's hard, it will take time, you just need to be patient.
Wake up early or arrive early and you will succeed.
This proverb is another way of defining Karma.
There is always a reason for a reason to spread and probably some truth in it.
You can't force people to do something, you can only give them some advice or make it easy for them. It's their choice to do it.
If something works well, why do you want to change it?
What you think is useless for you might be valuable for someone else.
Think about this situation at work: your boss is not in today. You will probably do as you like or do it in a more relaxed way.
It is very difficult to change the way of doing something if you have been doing it the same way for many years.
The person who has de money gets to decide how to spend it.
When difficult times come, the ones that survive are the strong ones, the ones that are determined to get on with it.
Not everyone will see beauty in the same things. It is subjective.
This is a piece of advice for those who are used to betting everything or putting all their efforts in something: be careful, you could lose everything.
If you do something yourself you will be certain that it is well done. Don't trust other people to do important things for you.
There is always something that doesn't follow the rule, which means the rule applies in all other cases.
Find your own ways of getting or achieving something when this something becomes essential.
Last but not least, this proverb teaches us that we should watch our enemies closely and stay alert, just in case they try harming you.
The first English proverb is simple to understand: True friends are always there for you no matter what.
No matter where you are, your home is the place that you love the most and where you feel more comfortable.
When you spend some time apart from someone or something you love you actually appreciate it more.
This proverb is also very simple: Nothing lasts forever.
This proverb's meaning is to blame external factors and not to accept one's fault.
If you want something, ask for it as many times as necessary.
This proverb means that whenever you have to do something you don't like, it's always better to do it with someone else.
No one can live on their own forever. Eventually, you will need someone's help.
People become mean when it comes to having a lot of money.
This proverb is used to describe the fact that we usually wish for the things that others have!
If we want to have a pleasant life, we need to work to achieve it.
Do not put your nose in issues that are now calm. You could make it all worse.
When in a bad situation, we will take advantage of any opportunity that may help them.
Something may look like it's valuable but actually, they are not.
Those who fight for what they want are more likely to achieve it than those who just sit and wait.
The people you are surrounded by say a lot about who you are.
Everything that is for free finally forces you to pay for it in some way or another.
This proverb encourages that people don't give up. It's important to keep fighting.
It is ok to break the rules when in extreme situations.
This proverb's meaning is to give your best.
Do not expect something before you actually see it or have it.
It is better to be preventive than having to find a remedy afterward.
You will probably make someone mad when you are to achieve something great and big.
It is very easy to lose the money that you made quickly.
Things are not what they seem at first.
Too many people giving their opinion and trying to lead something usually doesn't succeed. It's better to have one strong leader.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Money isn't as important as having good health.
Laughter always makes things easier, even in bad situations.
The most important thing is family.
One simple proverb: don't lie and always say the truth.
When someone helps you, anything is easier.
You won't get anything by means of physical strength. It is always better to use your words to convince someone about something.
Another similar proverb is: Like mother, like daughter. This means that children act like their parents.
This is another proverb that is used to say that we cannot judge people by their looks!
Non-material things are the ones that make us happier in the end.
Simple: You get what you deserve.
As long as the result is good, anything else matters.