There are many PROVERBS in the English language which we use in our day-to-day life, either while speaking or while writing. I am giving below the most common proverbs which can be used in our speech:
1 Two wrongs don’t make a right– When someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will make things worse.
2 The pen is mightier than the sword– Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.
3 When in Rome, do as the Romans– Act the way that the people around you are acting. It also comes in handy when you are travelling abroad, noticing that people do things differently than you are used to.
4 The squeaky wheel gets the grease– You can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one is going to help you.
5 When going gets tough, the tough get going– Strong people don’t give up when they come across challenges. They just work harder.
6 No man is an island– You can’t live completely independently. Everyone needs help from other people.
7 Fortune favours the bold– People who bravely go after what they want are more successful than people who try to live safely.
8 People who live in glass houses should not throw stones– Don’t criticize other people if you are not perfect.
9 Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst– When you are doing something, you should always feel the outcome of your action will be according to your expectation, but side by side you should also be prepared for the worst if things do not happen as per your expectations.
10 Better late than never– This is a self-explaining one.
11 Birds of a feather flock together- People like to spend time with others who are similar to them.
12 Keep your friends close and your enemies closer– If you have an enemy, pretend to be friends with them instead of openly fighting with them. That way you can watch them carefully and figure out what they are planning.
13 A picture is worth a thousand words– Pictures convey emotions and messages better than written or spoken explanations.
14 There is no such thing as free lunch– Things that are offered for free always have a hidden cost.
15 There is no place like home- Your own home is the most comfortable place to be.
16 Discretion is the greater part of valour– Sometimes it is important to know when to give up and run away, instead of always acting brave and maybe getting hurt.
17 The early bird catches the worm- You should wake up and start work early if you want to succeed.
18 Never look a gift horse in mouth– If someone offers you a gift, do not question it.
19 you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs– when you try to do something great, you will probably make a few people annoyed or angry. Don’t worry about these people, just focus on the good result.
20 God helps those who help themselves– Don’t just wait for good things to happen to you. Work hard to achieve your goals.
21 You can not always get what you want– Don’t whine and complain if you don’t get what you want.
22 Cleanliness is next to godliness– Always be clean.
23 A watched pot never boils– If someone takes time to finish, do not watch it too closely because it will seem like it is taking forever.
24 Beggars can’t be choosers- If you are asking for favour from someone else, you have to take whatever they give you.
25 Action speaks louder than words– Just saying that you will do something does not mean much. Actually doing is harder and more meaningful.
Rest of the proverbs in my next blog.
Waiting for your view on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
11th October 2022.