1.Handsome is as handsome does
Good character and behaviour are more important than good looks.
2.He teaches ill, who teaches all
The unusual structure of this proverb may make it difficult to understand. It becomes easier if we change the structure to “He who teaches all teaches ill.” The word “ill” here means “badly”. So it means that the teacher who teaches students everything, does not teach well. A good teacher lets students discover some things for themselves.
3.He that complies against his will, is of his own opinion still
If you force someone to do something or agree with something, it doesn’t mean that they really agree.
4.He that lives by the sword shall die by the sword
The way that you treat others is the way that others will treat you. People who commit violence must expect to receive violence.
5.He that will learn to pray, let him go to sea
The sea is supremely powerful, and can be a terrifying and awe-inspiring place.
6.He that wills the end wills the means
If you are determined to do something you will find the way to do it.
7.He who hesitates is lost
The person who waits too long loses the opportunity; or, more seriously, delay or indecision may have disastrous results.
8.He who laughs last laughs longest
This saying advises against anticipating success, or thinking that you have won before you are sure.
9.He who pays the piper calls the tune
The person who pays a musician can decide what music he wants to hear. And the person who pays for any service has the right to say exactly what he wants.
10.He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon
If you eat with the devil, you need a (very) long spoon so that you can keep your distance. If you mix with bad people, you should be careful not to be influenced by them. A warning not to get too close when dealing with evil people.
11.Health is better than wealth
Being free from illness is better than being rich.
12.Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned
A woman rejected in love can be very angry and dangerous.
13.Honesty is the best policy
Both in the short term and in the long term, honesty will repay you better than dishonesty. It is best to be truthful at all times.
14.Hope springs eternal in the human breast
The normal interpretation of this saying is that people will always be optimistic and think that something better is coming.
Click on any saying for more information and notes.
Sayings
1.I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.
Before complaining, we should think of the context.
2.If a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing well
Don’t start some work and then do it badly.
3.If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
If something is not faulty or damaged, don’t try to repair it.
4.If the stone fall upon the egg, alas for the egg! If the egg fall upon the stone, alas for the egg!
Life just isn’t fair, and this realistic Arab proverb recognizes that. The stone will always break the egg. Life’s like that!
5.If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em
If you cannot win against someone or something, it may be easier or better to join forces with them.
6.If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys
An employer who pays low wages will have bad staff.
7.If you play with fire you get burned
If you fool around with something that is potentially dangerous, you must expect to get harmed.
8.If you wish good advice, consult an old man
Old people have a lot of experience. If you want to have good advice or recommendations, ask an old person, not a young one.
9.Ignorance of the law is no excuse
It is no defence to say that we didn’t know that something we did was illegal.
10.It is best to be on the safe side
Don’t take risks. Be careful and cautious. 2) It’s best to be sure. It’s best to be absolutely certain.
11.It was the last straw that broke the camel’s back
There is a limit to everything. We can load the camel with lots of straw, but finally it will be too much and the camel’s back will break. And it is only a single straw that breaks its back - the last straw. This can be applied to many things in life. People often say “That’s the last straw!” when they will not accept any more of something.
12.It’s a man’s world
Everything in life is arranged to the advantage of men. Life is tough for women.
Click on any saying for more information and notes.
Sayings
1.I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.
Before complaining, we should think of the context.
2.If a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing well
Don’t start some work and then do it badly.
3.If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
If something is not faulty or damaged, don’t try to repair it.
4.If the stone fall upon the egg, alas for the egg! If the egg fall upon the stone, alas for the egg!
Life just isn’t fair, and this realistic Arab proverb recognizes that. The stone will always break the egg. Life’s like that!
5.If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em
If you cannot win against someone or something, it may be easier or better to join forces with them.
6.If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys
An employer who pays low wages will have bad staff.
7.If you play with fire you get burned
If you fool around with something that is potentially dangerous, you must expect to get harmed.
8.If you wish good advice, consult an old man
Old people have a lot of experience. If you want to have good advice or recommendations, ask an old person, not a young one.
9.Ignorance of the law is no excuse
It is no defence to say that we didn’t know that something we did was illegal.
10.It is best to be on the safe side
Don’t take risks. Be careful and cautious. 2) It’s best to be sure. It’s best to be absolutely certain.
11.It was the last straw that broke the camel’s back
There is a limit to everything. We can load the camel with lots of straw, but finally it will be too much and the camel’s back will break. And it is only a single straw that breaks its back - the last straw. This can be applied to many things in life. People often say “That’s the last straw!” when they will not accept any more of something.
12.It’s a man’s world
Everything in life is arranged to the advantage of men. Life is tough for women.
Click on any saying for more information and notes.
Sayings Keep your friends close and your enemies closer
You’ll be safer if you know more about your enemies than you know about your friends. Look after your enemies better than you look after your friends.
Knowledge is power
Facts, information and skills give us strength and influence.
Click on any saying for more information and notes.
Sayings Least said soonest mended
When we do or say something bad to someone, a long apology and discussion does not help. In such a case, the less we say the better.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Don’t restart an old argument or conflict.
Let the dead bury the dead
This is generally taken to imply that we should spend our time and energy on living people, not on dead people. (But see Origin below.)
Life is what you make it
It is up to you to make of your life what you want.
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place
The idea here is that the same misfortune or bad luck will not happen again to the same person. This saying is often shortened, with the same meaning, to: “Lightning never strikes twice.” (In reality, it has been proven that lightning often does strike two or more times in the same place.)
Live and let live
This proverb suggest that we should not interfere in other people’s business. We should live our own lives and let others live their lives. One of my favourite proverbs.
Look before you leap
This saying advises us to think carefully before any action. Don’t jump without looking where you are jumping.
Look upon death as a going home
We may consider dying to be a kind of returning to house and family. (I have been already clinically dead , and I felt that I came back from the gigantic calmness.)
Make hay while the sun shines
If we want to make hay, we need sunny weather, so when the sun comes we should take the opportunity to make hay. Thus the proverb suggests that we should make good use of any opportunity while it lasts.
Make love not war
Sex between people is better than fighting between countries. 2) Peace is better than war.
Man does not live by bread alone
This proverb suggests that people have a spiritual side as well as a physical side. We need to take care of our spirit as much as our body.
Man proposes, God disposes
Human beings can make any plans they want, but it’s God that decides their success or failure.
Many a true word is spoken in jest
Something said as a joke may often contain wisdom and truth.
Many hands make light work
The more people that do a job, the easier the job for each person.
Marry in haste, and repent at leisure
If we get married quickly, without thinking carefully, we may be sorry later. And we will have plenty of time to be sorry.
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow
The normal order of words would be “Mighty oaks grow from little acorns.” We understand: sometimes small and modest things can become very large and impressive things with time.
Money doesn’t grow on trees
It’s not easy to get money. We have to work hard to make money. We can’t just walk around and pick it like fruit from the trees.
Money is a good servant, but a bad master
If you have money, it will serve you and work for you well. But if you owe money to other people, that money will control you in an unpleasant way.
Money is the root of all evil
According to this saying, all immorality and wickedness is caused by money. This saying is a misquotation, and the original version (“the love of money is the root of all evil”) implies that all immorality and wickedness is caused by people loving money, not by money itself.
Money isn’t everything
There are other important things in this world, not just money.
Money makes money
If you have money, you can use it to get more money through investment.
Money talks
If you have a lot of money, it gives you power and influence.
Nature abhors a vacuum
Empty spaces become filled very quickly.
(Possible interpretation: Empty spaces become filled very quickly.Origin: Aristotle/
According to the saying “nature abhors a vacuum”, if you abandoned a town house and left it empty what happens?
-somebody would soon move in and live in it
Necessity is the mother of invention
If we absolutely need to do something that has never been done, we will find a way to do it. It is this need or necessity that forces people to invent things.
(Possible interpretation: If we absolutely need to do something that has never been done, we will find a way to do it. It is this need or necessity that forces people to invent things. Origine: Plato,Greek author & philosopher, 427-347BC)
Neither a borrower nor a lender be
Do not borrow things. Do not lend things.
Never do evil that good may come of it
Do not do something bad to achieve something good. Conflicting proverb: “The end justifies the means.”
Never speak ill of the dead
Show respect to people who have died by not saying anything bad about them. Since dead people can no longer hurt us, or defend themselves, it is better to forget their bad actions and remember only their good ones.
Never spur a willing horse
Don’t urge someone who is already working well to work harder and faster. If you do, he may work less hard or be less eager.Possible interpretation: Don’t urge someone who is already working well to work harder and faster. If you do, he may work less hard or be less eager.
No man is an island
Human beings do not (or should not) live in isolation. All people are interconnected. A person is not like an island, standing alone and surrounded by sea.Possible interpretation: Human beings do not (or should not) live in isolation. All people are interconnected. A person is not like an island, standing alone and surrounded by sea.
Origine:from Meditation XVII by John Donne (1572-1631): “No man is an island, entire of itself…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
No news is good news
If we are waiting for news about someone, it’s probably good if we hear nothing because “bad news” would arrive quickly.
No pain, no gain
If we do not do hard work, and suffer some pain, we will achieve or gain nothing.
No reply is best
It is often advisable not to give any answer. Don’t say no. Don’t say yes. Say nothing.
None so blind as those who will not see
Nobody is blinder than the person who decides he does not want to see. Often used in reference to prejudice and intolerance.Possible interpretation: Nobody is blinder than the person who decides he does not want to see. Often used in reference to prejudice and intolerance.
None so deaf as those who will not hear
Nobody is deafer than the person who decides he does not want to listen. Often used in reference to prejudice and intolerance.
Nothing is certain but death and taxes
This saying may be seen in three ways: 1) We cannot be 100% sure about anything (except dying and having to pay the taxman - in this case the latter idea being added for humour). 2) We cannot escape taxation (in this case the idea of death serving only to highlight the certainty of taxes). 3) We can be absolutely sure that we will die (in this case the idea of taxes being added for humour). The first interpretation seems to have been the original intent (see Origin below).
Origin: This saying was supposedly first used by the American-born Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) in a letter to a friend: “Our Constitution is in actual operation. Everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.”
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart
Someone who is eager, keen and determined can achieve anything.
Nothing so certain as death
We can be 100% sure that we will die.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
We can’t expect to achieve anything if we never take any risks. Possible interpretation: We can’t expect to achieve anything if we never take any risks.
Oil and water don’t mix
If you add oil to water, the oil tries to stay separate. This proverb is a way of saying that certain people or characteristics do not go together.
Once bitten, twice shy
If an animal (such as a dog) bites you one time, you will be extra careful the next time. This saying talks about learning from our mistakes.
One good turn deserves another
If someone helps you, they merit being helped in return.
One might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb
If you are going to be killed for stealing a lamb, then why not steal a sheep (which is bigger and more valuable)? In general, it means that if you are going to get the same punishment, you may as well commit the greater offence.
One tongue is enough for a woman
Some people think that women talk too much. If they already talk too much, they don’t need another tongue. One tongue is sufficient (but see Origin below).
Opportunity only knocks once
We should take an opportunity (or chance) when it comes. According to this saying, it will not come again.
Opportunity seldom knocks twice
Take any opportunity or chance when it comes - it may not come again.
Out of debt, out of danger
When we no longer owe money to anyone, we are safe and secure. The implication is that it is dangerous to owe anyone.
Out of office, out of danger
The implication is that people in high government or official jobs are not safe. They will be safe only when they leave their job.
Out of sight, out of mind
When we don’t see something, we don’t think about it. We soon forget people who are no longer present.Possible interpretation: When we don’t see something, we don’t think about it. We soon forget people who are no longer present.
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”=You will like someone or something better if that person or thing is far away.
From the last two ones which one is true? Both. It depends on the nature of the person.
Patience is a virtue
The ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person.
Patience surpasses learning
The ability to wait for a long time without getting angry is even better than education. 2) the capacity to accept delay without getting upset will achieve more than study in the end
Pay beforehand was never well served
If you pay for a service before you receive it, you will not get good service.
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
This saying warns us against hypocrisy. We should not criticize other people for things we do ourselves.Possible interpretation: This saying warns us against hypocrisy. We should not criticize other people for things we do ourselves.
Poor men go to heaven as soon as rich
God makes no distinction between people with money and people without money.
Possession is nine points of the law
This saying suggests that the person who physically has ownership of something is in a stronger legal position than someone who claims to be the owner. Note: nine points = nine tenths or 90% | In fact, this idea has no real basis in Law.
Practice makes perfect
The more you do something, the better you become at it. Regular exercise of a skill or activity helps you become expert at it.
Prevention is better than cure
It’s better to take care that a problem does not happen than to have to solve the problem afterwards. It’s easier to stop something bad from happening in the first place than to fix the damage after it has happened.
Pride comes before a fall
If we are too proud about ourselves or something, we will probably meet with failure or disaster. When we are too self-important or conceited, something is sure to happen to make us look foolish.
Put the pedal to the metal
Go as fast as possible.
AmE: Possible interpretation: Go as fast as possible.
Origin: This saying originates from the idea of pressing a car’s accelerator pedal down hard to the (metal) floor, thus making the car go at maximum speed.
Quietness is a great treasure
Silence is valuable. Possible interpretation: Silence is valuable.
Note: treasure (noun) = precious metals (like gold), gems or other valuable objects | Compare with a similar proverb: “Speech is silver, silence is golden.”
Rags to rags in three generations
The first generation in a family makes money (goes from rags to riches); the second generation holds or keeps the money; and the third generation squanders or loses the money (and so goes back to rags).
Note: rags (noun) = old, tattered clothes
“Rags to rags in three generations” could be said to be a cynical observation about money"
Revenge is a dish best served cold
This saying suggests that if someone does something bad to us, it is better to pay them back later in time, not immediately. Vengeance may be more satisfying if it is not inflicted immediately.“Revenge is a dish best served cold” is a proverb suggesting that payback is most satisfying when exacted at a later date."
Revenge is sweet
When someone does something bad to us, we get a good feeling when we do something bad back to them.
Riches have wings
Money can disappear easily. Money is like a bird with wings: it can fly away if you are not careful.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
All things take time to create. And great things like the city of Rome take a very long time. So we shouldn’t expect to accomplish something or achieve success immediately.Angela told her son that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” when he
said that his new website was taking a long time to create.
Rules are made to be broken
This saying implies that there are times when we should think for ourselves and not obey every rule blindly.The saying “Rules are made to be broken” invites us to
use our intelligence in following rules.
Say well or be still
If you cannot speak good of someone or something, then it is better not to speak.
Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours Possible interpretation: If you cannot speak good of someone or something, then it is better not to speak. Note: say well (verb): say something good or nice | still (adj.): not moving; motionless; quiet (because you don’t move your tongue)
Seeing is believing
The idea here is that we usually think something is true when we see it with our own eyes. We have to see something before we can accept its real value, or that it exists at all.
Share and share alike
Give everyone an equal portion.Possible interpretation: Give everyone an equal portion. Note: share (verb) = give part of something to another person or other people | share (noun) = a part or portion of something that has been divided between a number of people | alike (adverb) = in the same way
Silence is golden
This saying emphasizes the value of saying nothing.
Silence means consent
The idea here is that if you don’t disagree, you automatically agree. Keeping quiet is the same as giving permission.
Slow help is no help
When people need help they usually need it immediately. If you delay in helping, it is like not helping at all.Possible interpretation: When people need help they usually need it immediately. If you delay in helping, it is like not helping at all.
Soon learnt, soon forgotten
Something that is easy and quick to learn is easy to forget.
Speech is silver, silence is golden
Speaking is good but saying nothing is better. Discretion can be worth more than even eloquent words.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
A physical attack may injure me but a verbal attack cannot injure me.
Still waters run deep
Some rivers have rough surfaces with waves. That’s usually because the water is shallow and there are rocks near the surface. But deep rivers have no rocks near the surface and the water is smooth and still. “Still waters run deep” means that people who are calm and tranquil on the outside, often have a strong, “deep” personality.
Strike while the iron is hot
Seize the opportunity! When we have the chance to do something, we should do it immediately. Otherwise it will be too late.
Speaking about the Devil may invite him to come. 2. We often say “Talk of the devil!” (or “Speak of the devil!”) when somebody that we have just been speaking about suddenly appears.
2.Tell me who you go with and I’ll tell you who you are
This proverb suggests that like minds stick together. If I know who your friends are, I know what your character is.
3.The best advice is found on the pillow
If we have a problem, we may find the answer after a good night’s sleep. People also often say: “I’ll sleep on it.”
4.The best things in life are free
We don’t have to pay for the things that are really valuable, like love, friendship and good health.
5.The darkest hour is always before dawn
This proverb says that just before the sun rises the sky is at its blackest, suggesting that when times are at their worst for us they will soon get better.
6.The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose
Bad people can appear to be good to achieve their objective. 2) Even good things can be twisted to achieve bad ends.
The Devil sometimes speaks the truth
Sometimes what Satan says is true, to make us more ready to believe his lies. 2) Don’t believe everything at face value. Be aware that liars can use the truth to trick us.
7.The early bird catches the worm
Birds that wake early in the morning will find worms to eat, but birds that wake late will find no worms. The saying suggests that the same is true for us in life. If we do something early, before other people, we will be successful.
8.The end justifies the means
If our objective is good, then it doesn’t matter if the way we achieve it is bad or wrong or evil.
9.The end justifies the means
If our objective is good, then it doesn’t matter if the way we achieve it is bad or wrong or evil.
10.The greater the sinner, the greater the saint
If a bad person can become good, a very bad person can become very good. Someone with great energy for doing bad, may, when he chooses, apply it equally to doing good. 2) Converts are the most zealous. In a day-to-day sense, for example, someone who has given up smoking may preach more about the virtues of not smoking than someone who never smoked.
The implication is that those who are most involved in any religious system, its organizers and high priests, are in danger of separating themselves from God. 2) If written as “The nearer the church, the farther from God”, the implication might be a warning about placing too much importance on material buildings, and a reminder that God is everywhere.
The pen is mightier than the sword
This proverb suggests that written material like books or poetry has more influence than fighting or war. We may also understand from it that ideas (as often set down in writing) are more effective than violence.
The rich knows not who is his friend
When you have money, you don’t know if people are friendly with you because they like you, or because they like your money. The structure of this saying is difficult. In normal English it would be something like: “Rich people do not know who their friends are.”
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
People who believe they are doing good can end up doing bad (the law of unintended consequences). 2) There is no value in simply planning to do good if you don’t actually do it.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Even though we may want to say “No” to temptation (doing something bad), our body may be unable to resist it.Possible interpretation: Even though we may want to say “No” to temptation (doing something bad), our body may be unable to resist it.
Origin:Possible interpretation: Even though we may want to say “No” to temptation (doing something bad), our body may be unable to resist it.Origin:the Bible (Matthew 26:41): “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.”
The squeaking wheel gets the grease
The person who makes the most fuss gets all the attention.On the principle that “the squeaking wheel gets the grease”, who is most likely to get their money back after a bad meal in a restaurant? The customer who immediately complains loudly in front of all other customers
The tide must be taken when it comes
We should use all opportunities when they come, before it’s too late.
The wages of sin is death
If we sin we die. (“Death” here refers not to physical death but to spiritual death or eternal damnation.)Origin: The Bible (Romans 6:23): “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach
Many women have won a man’s love by cooking delicious meals for him. They fed his stomach and found love in his heart.
The wish is father to the thought
Our opinions or beliefs are often influenced by our desires and hopes. The phrase “father to” is used in the sense of parentage: the thought is born from the wish. Origin: This proverb is based on Shakespeare’s King Henry IV Part 2 (1597):
1.There are two sides to every question
In any dispute or discussion, we should acknowledge that people have different points of view.Possible interpretation: In any dispute or discussion, we should acknowledge that people have different points of view.Note: question (noun) = debate; argument; problem to be resolved
2There is a time to speak and a time to be silent
We should know when to say something and when to say nothing.
Possible interpretation: We should know when to say something and when to say nothing.
3There is safety in numbers
You are safer as part of a group of people than as an individual. Being in a group makes people more confident about taking action.Origin: Possibly an allusion to the Bible (Proverbs 11:14): “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
4There is truth in wine
When people are drunk, what they say is often true. People often speak the truth when they lose their self-control.
5.There’s no such thing as a free lunchAmE
We cannot get something for nothing. We must pay for everything. Nothing in life is free.Possible interpretation: We cannot get something for nothing. We must pay for everything. Nothing in life is free.
6.There’s one law for the rich, and another for the poor
The legal system treats people with money better than people without money.Possible interpretation: The legal system treats people with money better than people without money.
7.They also serve who only stand and wait
We all have a place in this world and we all perform a function, regardless of our ability or disability. The word order of this sentence may make it more difficult to understand. In normal English it would be something like: "They (those people) who only stand and wait, also serve.
8.They that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind
A warning that we must expect to suffer serious consequences as the result of our own bad actions. We get back what we give out. Note: sow (verb) = plant seed in the earth | reap (verb) = gather a harvest; pick the plants (that have grown from the seeds) | whirlwind (noun) = a fast and violent wind moving around in a circle
9.Things are not always what they seem
Things may look like one thing but be another thing. This saying is often applied to situations, not just things or people.
“Things are not always what they seem” because they sometimes deceive you.
10.Time and tide wait for no man
Nobody can stop the progression of time. 2) We should act on favourable opportunities immediately, without delay.
11.Too many cooks spoil the broth
Sometimes it is better to have one or a few people do a job than to have many people do it. If too many people are involved, the task will not be done well.
12.Truth has no answer
It is difficult to argue against facts. We cannot refute what is true. Note: truth (noun): what is factual; what is in accordance with reality
The saying “Truth has no answer” suggests that facts cannot be ignored.
13.Truth is stranger than fiction
Real life can be more amazing and difficult to believe than made-up stories.According to the saying “Truth is stranger than fiction”, which of these is likely to contain the most unbelievable events?
a.cowboy films
b.reality TV shows c.TV news shows -correct answer.
14.Truth needs no colours
Facts are facts. What is true is true, and it does not need decoration. If you believe the saying “Truth needs no colours”, you will state the truth as simply as possible.
15.Truth will out
In the end, what is true will come to be known. The truth always appears eventually, despite all efforts to hide it. It is impossible to keep something secret forever. Note:truth (noun): what is factual; what is in accordance with reality | out (verb): come out; go out; emerge | There is another saying with the same form: “Murder will out.”
If it is true that “truth will out”, then lies cannot last.
16.Two heads are better than one
Two people can usually solve a problem more easily than one person.
17.Two wrongs do not make a right
If somebody does something bad to you, it will not make things ok if you do something bad to them in return.
Waste not, want not
If we do not waste things we will not be short of things. If we use our resources carefully, we shall never be in need.u]Note:[/u] waste (verb) = use carelessly, extravagantly | want (verb - mainly archaic) =lack; be short of; not have; be in need of sth;The saying “Waste not, want not” might be described as a green philosophy.
We must learn to walk before we can run
We have to be patient when learning. Babies crawl before they walk. And children walk before they run. We cannot do difficult tasks before we can do easy tasks.
What you see is what you get
There is nothing hidden. What you are looking at is the real thing. 2) In computing, the way something displays on the screen is the way it will display in print (or other media) – hence the acronym WYSIWYG. Predates computing, being used for example by salesmen to assure customers of the quality of their product.
What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander
In any question, what is appropriate in one case is also appropriate in the other case.
nOTE:gander (noun) = a male goose
What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" is a saying about fairness.
When one door shuts, another opens
An optimistic view on life, in which a refusal or failure is always followed by another opportunity.Also seen as: “When one door closes, another opens.” | Compare: “God never shuts one door, but he opens another.”
When the cat’s away the mice will play
This famous saying suggests that when a person in authority is not present, the people under his rule will enjoy their freedom.
When the devil cannot come, he will send
The implication is that the devil is very persistent. He will always find a way to tempt us. If the devil cannot bring temptation to us himself, he will find someone else to bring it. In the saying “When the devil cannot come, he will send”, what does “he will send” mean? He will
get someone to do his work for himIn the saying “When the devil cannot come, he will send”, what does “he will send” mean? He will get someone to do his work for him.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going (AmE)
When a situation is difficult or dangerous, strong people work harder to resolve the problem. This saying relies on a difficult play on words; it could be rephrased word-for-word as: “When the situation becomes hard, strong people start working.”
Note: the going (noun): the situation; the ground; the environment | [b]tough /b: difficult, hard | the tough (noun): tough people; hard, strong people | to get going (verb): start; go
Where there’s a will there’s a way
If we have the determination to do something, we can always find the path or method to do it.[f
Where there’s muck there’s brass
There is money to be made in dirt and dirty jobs. For example, many people have made fortunes by processing rubbish or waste materials.Note:muck (noun) = dirt; rubbish | brass (noun) = a metal made from copper and zinc; (British slang) money
Women will have the last word
A man cannot win an argument with a woman. Women talk more than men. They can always add something more to what they are saying.
Would you buy a used car from this man?
Do you trust this man? I don’t.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
You can show people the way to find something or to do something, but you cannot force them to act after that.
You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs
Sometimes, when we want to create or achieve something, we must sacrifice or destroy another thing to do it.
You can’t take it with you when you die
When we die we leave everything on earth. We don’t take anything with us. Even the richest people cannot take their money with them after death. This proverb reminds us that some material or worldly things are not really so valuable as we may think.
You can’t tell a book by its cover
You cannot judge what something or someone is like by looking at the exterior.
You don’t keep a dog and bark yourself
If you pay someone to do a job, or you have servants to do it, it makes no sense to do the job yourself.
If you believe that “you don’t keep a dog and bark yourself”, then you would expect to
let your gardener take care of your garden alone.
Zeal without prudence is frenzy
If the energy of zeal is not counterbalanced by thought, then it is not zeal but a kind of mental derangement.Note:zeal (noun) = enormous energy or enthusiasm for a cause or an objective | prudence (noun) = quality of showing care and thought | frenzy (noun) = uncontrolled excitement; wild behaviour
“Zeal without prudence is frenzy” seems to recommend that zealous people should be
prudent"
Zeal, when it is a virtue, is a dangerous one
According to this saying, “good zeal” cannot exist. It seems that zeal is inherently dangerous. When zeal is not a virtue, by definition it is not good. When zeal is a virtue, according to this saying it is dangerous, which is also not good. This saying relies heavily on paradox for its effect.Note: virtue (noun) = quality regarded as morally good in a person.If it is true that “zeal, when it is a virtue, is a dangerous one”, then zeal must be a bad quality.