1.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the

fence.
‘The grass is always greener”
is a proverb that teaches us
it’s not good to be jealous or
to want what other people
have. It may seem like
everyone around you has
“greener grass,” meaning
nicer houses, better clothes
etc.
But your neighbour probably
thinks you have greener grass
too, which means that your
friends and other people think
that you have better looks, a
happier family, nice toys etc.
So instead of thinking about
what everyone else has, this
proverb wants you to be
thankful for what you have.

[Link]’t judge a book by its cover.

Things are not always what

they seem. This proverb
teaches you not to make
judgments about other people
because of how they look or
dress. A book with a boring or
plain cover could be amazing.
The same is true with people.
A person might look like an
athlete or a fool, but there is
probably a lot more to them
than their clothes suggest.
1. Strike while the iron is If you eat your cake, you won’t
hot. have it anymore, will you? So
you can’t do both. This
Blacksmith at work in anvil
proverb is about having two
opposite desires, and how it’s
This old expression comes impossible to get both. Its
from the days of blacksmiths meaning is similar to the
(people who work with metal). proverb, “You can’t have the
To shape the metal, the best of both worlds.”
blacksmith would have to beat
it with a hammer. Iron is
4. Many hands make light
easier to work with when it’s
work.
hot. This proverb means you
should take advantage of the 50 useful proverbs all english
moment. If an opportunity speakers should know
presents itself to you, take it!
Take action because the
chance may not come again. If a lot of people carry a heavy
object, it does not feel heavy.
That is the general meaning of
2. Too many cooks spoil the this proverb. If everyone works
broth. together to complete
something—like cleaning,
Or as it’s more commonly said,
painting or group projects—
“Too many cooks in the
then each person has less to
kitchen.” This is a well known
do. More importantly, the job
experience—a lot people all
will be completed much more
trying to work in a kitchen
quickly.
around a small table or
stovetop will make a mess and
ruin the food. This proverb
7. When in Rome, do as the
talks about the trouble of too
Romans do.
many people trying to do the
same thing at once. 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

3. You can’t have your cake

and eat it too. When you are a visitor
somewhere away from home,
young boy on birthday
you should act like everyone
else. It is polite to do so, and
could keep you from getting
into trouble. This proverb is telling the truth. But if you are
from the ancient days of the honest and tell the truth,
Roman Empire when the people will believe you and
capital city had visitors from respect you. You will earn their
all over the world. Cultures trust and sleep well at night.
were very different between
cities in those times. But while
in Rome, one would behave 10. Practice makes perfect.
like a Roman, no matter where 50 useful proverbs all english
you came from. speakers should know

8. Don’t cross the bridge until It would be amazing if the first

you come to it. time you picked up a guitar
50 useful proverbs all english you could play it like a rock
speakers should know star. Or if the first time you got
in a car, you could drive like a
professional. Or if you could
This proverb tells you not to speak English perfectly after
worry so much! Problems will one lesson. Everything is
certainly come in the future. difficult when you are a
But what can be done about beginner. But if you stick with
that now? It’s better to think it, if you keep practicing, you
about what you are doing right can master anything.
now—without worrying about
the unknown—and take care
of issues when they happen. 11. Where there’s a will,
there’s a way.
50 useful proverbs all english
9. Honesty is the best policy.
speakers should know
young businessman oath Truth
on white background
This proverb is said to
encourage people who want to
Lying a lot can be difficult, give up. Sometimes, we face
because you might forget your problems that seem
lies. Soon enough, someone impossible. But if you want it
will find out you are lying. bad enough, nothing can stand
Then, you are in trouble. Or in your way. That is what this
even if no one ever finds out, proverb means—if you have
you will feel guilty for not the will to meet the problems
that are in front of you, there
is a way to overcome them.
14. Don’t make a mountain
out of an anthill.
12. Look before you leap. 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
People sometimes get very
upset over small problems.
Don’t rush into things! Make
This proverb reminds you to
sure you know what is going to
take a moment and see how
happen next. You would not
important (or not important)
jump off a cliff without first
the issue is. Messing up your
checking how far the ground is
laundry or being late for work
below or what there is to land
is not very important when
on. You should wait a few
you consider your entire life.
moments and make sure it’s a
So it’s important to stay calm
good idea to jump from that
and not get angry about tiny
cliff. So when making a big
problems.
“jump” in life, make sure
you’ve looked at the situation
and really understand it before
15. An apple a day keeps the
you take a big action.
doctor away.
50 useful proverbs all english
13. Beggars can’t be choosers. speakers should know
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
An apple is full of Vitamin C,
which keeps you healthy.
However, the “apple” in this
If someone gives you free
proverb means eating healthy
things or offers to help you do
in general. If you eat well and
something, you can’t ask for a
your diet includes a lot of
different color or choose the
fruits and vegetables, there
perfect time in your schedule.
will be no need to visit the
When you receive free help or
doctor.
goods, you should accept what
you’re offered—you can’t be
picky (a “chooser”) because
16. The early bird catches the
you’re not paying!
worm.
50 useful proverbs all english This proverb means that a
speakers should know secret has been told. It comes
from the Middle Ages and was
common advice given in the
This proverb is a lot like the market. You may have thought
phrase “first come, first you purchased a tasty pig, but
served.” It simply means that the seller put a simple cat in
it’s usually best to be early. If the bag instead. To “let the
you arrive earlier—whether it’s cat out of the bag” was to
to a clothing store, restaurant, reveal the seller’s trick.
conference, etc.—you will
have the best options to
choose from. If you come 19. Two wrongs don’t make a
later, though, the best clothes right.
could have sold out, the
50 useful proverbs all english
restaurant could be full and
speakers should know
have a long waiting time, etc.

If somebody insults you or

17. Better late than never.
harms you (“a wrong”), doing
50 useful proverbs all english the same to them (“two
speakers should know wrongs”) will not make
everything okay. It will most
likely cause a back-and-forth
While being the early bird is fight without end. If somebody
the best, even latecomers may is mean to you, don’t be mean
get something for coming. It to them in return because it’s
would be a lot worse if they not right to do so.
never came at all. This
proverb is said about ending
fights with people. It’s better 20. Always put your best foot
to apologize and make up forward.
years later, than to never
50 useful proverbs all english
resolve your fight at all.
speakers should know

18. The cat is out of the bag.

When you are starting on a
50 useful proverbs all english project or a journey, it’s best
speakers should know to start with a good attitude
and a lot of energy. First
impressions (what people
think about you when they that you locked the door. But if
meet you for the first time) you’re not safe, the bad
can last for a long time. That’s results can last a lifetime. So
why this proverb is also used it’s best for you to be careful,
when meeting new people or otherwise you’ll be sorry.
for job interviews. Having a
positive attitude—your “best
foot”—is the best way to make 23. Don’t bite the hand that
a good impression. feeds you.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
21. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know This proverb warns against
acting mean to those who
provide for you or who do nice
Rome is a great city. However, things for you. If you were to
it took many years to be bite the hand that gave you
completed. The builders did food, that hand probably won’t
not rush to complete their come back to feed you again.
work and neither should you. If Then what would you eat? So
you wish to create something you should be kind and
wonderful and long-lasting, thankful to those who care for
you will have to spend more you.
than a day working on it. You
will probably have to spend
several days, weeks or even 24. The squeaky wheel gets
months to do a good job. Take the grease.
your time and do it right! 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

22. It’s better to be safe than

sorry. If you have a problem but
50 useful proverbs all english never talk about it, no one will
speakers should know help you. How could they? But
if you tell someone, things will
get better. This proverb is
Do everything possible to keep about someone who complains
bad things from happening to a lot (the “squeaky wheel”)
you. It only takes a second to because they get more
put on a seatbelt or to check attention (“the grease”). For
example, a child who cries a which you may find yourself.
lot will get more attention You can’t trade places with
from his mother than his silent anyone else. You must live
brothers and sisters. with the results of your
actions, so make good
choices.
25. Don’t bite off more than
you can chew.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
27. Actions speak louder than
words.
If you take a bite of food that’s
too big, you won’t be able to 50 useful proverbs all english
chew! Plus you could choke on speakers should know
all of that extra food. It’s the
same if you take on more work
or responsibility than you can The Greek philosopher Plato
handle—you will have a once said that action is
difficult time. So it’s best not character. People are not
to get involved in too many defined by what they say
projects, because you won’t be because a lot of talk does not
able to focus and get them all mean anything. People are
done well. judged by the things they do.
Your actions are more
important than what you say.
26. You made your bed, now
you have to lie in it.
28. It takes two to tango.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

No one likes sleeping in a

poorly made bed. If you make This proverb is often said
your bed with the sheets all during a fight in which one
tangled and blankets facing person is putting all of the
the wrong way, you can’t blame on the other person,
switch with someone else. You when both people were
have to sleep in that bed. This actually responsible. Just as
proverb uses bed-making to one person can’t tango (a
describe any bad situation in Spanish dance with two
people) alone, two people are small problems. Don’t waste
responsible for some time worrying about little
situations, so you can’t just things that cannot be
blame one person. changed. Clean up the mess
and go buy some more milk.

29. Don’t count your chickens

before they hatch. 31. Don’t put all your eggs in
one basket.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

This proverb warns against

being too eager. Just because Be careful! If you put all your
you have five eggs, does not goods in one bag or all your
mean you will have five money in one stock, you are
chickens. It is not a good idea taking a big risk. It is smarter
to make plans based on to spread your wealth around.
expectations (what you think That way if one basket should
will happen). Wait for all things break, you’re not left with
to come true before building nothing.
up your dreams. Or worse,
your promises. Things may not
happen like you thought they 32. People in glass houses
would and that could get you shouldn’t throw stones.
in trouble. 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

30. It’s no use crying over

spilled milk. “People in glass houses”
50 useful proverbs all english means anyone who is sensitive
speakers should know about their failures. People like
this should not insult others
(should not “throw stones”)
Milk is easy to get. You may because most likely the other
get in trouble for spilling the person will turn around and
milk, you shouldn’t cry insult you back. And like glass,
because it isn’t a big deal. which is easy to break, your
Also, crying won’t solve self-esteem (what you think of
anything. This proverb advises yourself) will easily break into
you to stay calm during such pieces.
33. A rolling stone gathers no 35. Still waters run deep.
moss.
50 useful proverbs all english
50 useful proverbs all english speakers should know
speakers should know

“Still waters run deep”

Only a stone that is in the describes people who are
same place for a long time will quiet and calm. These people
have moss growing on it. A often have “deep,” interesting
stone on the move will remain personalities. So even if
bare. The same is true with someone doesn’t talk a lot,
people. If you remain in one they could still be very
place for a long time, the signs thoughtful. The proverb uses
of life—friends, family, objects water to describe people.
and your local reputation When the surface of a body of
(what people think of you)— water is rough and fast, it
will grow on you. But not if you usually means that it is
always move from place to shallow (not deep) and has
place. rocks close to the surface, like
in a river or stream. But water
that is calm and still is often
34. First things first. very deep, like in a lake.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
36. If it ain’t* broke, don’t fix
it.
This proverb advises you to do 50 useful proverbs all english
things in the right order. Do speakers should know
not skip over the more difficult
or less enjoyable tasks in order
to get to the easier, more fun
ones. For example, if you have
an exam to study for the same
night your friend is having a
party, study for the exam first.
The party would be more fun,
but the exam is more
important so it should be done
first.
This phrase is used when 50 useful proverbs all english
someone is trying to change or speakers should know
“improve” a way of doing
something that works
perfectly well. Why change Do things in the right order,
something that works? You from simple to more
could ruin everything! This complicated. For example, do
proverb goes nicely with the not try to read a difficult
proverb “leave well enough English novel when you’re just
alone.” starting to learn English. If you
try to jump ahead, you will
most likely fail—just like a
*Note: “Ain’t” is not correct child who tries to run before
English. It’s an informal way of learning to walk will fall. All
saying “isn’t” or “is not.” This things will come in time, but
style of speaking is popular in you must be patient and go
the Southern states of the through the proper process.
United States and in farming
regions.
39. Money doesn’t grow on
trees.
37. Curiosity killed the cat.
50 useful proverbs all english
50 useful proverbs all english speakers should know
speakers should know

Things that grow on trees,

This proverb is often used to such as fruit or leaves, are
stop someone from asking too considered plentiful (enough,
many questions. Curiosity plenty) because they will grow
(when you’re excited and back. If you eat an apple from
eager to know something) can a tree, more apples will
lead you into dangerous continue to grow. But money
situations. Cats, who are must be earned through hard
naturally curious, often end up work, and doesn’t “grow back”
in trouble. They get stuck up after you spend it. Once you
in trees or between walls. spend money, it’s gone. This
proverb is often said to people
who waste their money on silly
38. Learn to walk before you purchases.
run.
40. My hands are tied. 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
No information about a
situation suggests that nothing
This phrase should not be
bad has happened. This
taken literally. You say this
phrase is said by families
proverb when you can’t do
waiting nervously for news of
what you would like to do. For
a father or son who has gone
example, say you are in
to war. To receive news would
charge of an office and
mean hearing that your loved
everyone (including you)
one has been killed, captured
wants to celebrate someone’s
or hurt. Even though it’s
birthday. But your boss tells
difficult to know nothing about
you it’s against the rules. You
what’s happening, it’s still
could tell your coworkers,
better than hearing bad news.
“Sorry, my hands are tied.”
You would like to have a
birthday celebration with
43. Out of sight, out of mind.
them, but you can’t.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
41. It’s the tip of the iceberg.

If you can see something

every day, your mind will think
about it. This proverb is about
Only a small amount of an
the habit of forgetting things
iceberg can be seen above the
that are not nearby. For
surface of the water. Most of it
example, if you want to stop
lies below. This proverb uses
eating chips and junk food,
the iceberg to describe a
you could move them from the
situation where you are only
counter top and hide them in a
beginning to understand the
cupboard. If you don’t see
problem. The little signs that
them, you won’t think to eat
you can see are in fact part of
them. Out of sight, out of
a much larger problem.
mind.

42. No news is good news.

44. If you scratch my back, I’ll
scratch yours.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
Money, fame, love or anything
that happens easily can be lost
just as quickly. If you get a lot
This proverb simply means
of money or suddenly become
that if you help me, I’ll help
famous, you could lose that
you too. Usually, when you do
money or fame very quickly—
a favor for someone, they do
since you didn’t work hard to
something for you in return.
earn it.
This can be beneficial (helpful)
to both people.
47. The forbidden fruit is
always the sweetest.
45. Ignorance is bliss.
50 useful proverbs all english
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know
speakers should know

“Forbidden” means it’s not

“Ignorance” is when you don’t
allowed, so this phrase means
know or are unaware of
that if something isn’t allowed,
something. “Bliss” is pure joy
you often want it the most (it
and happiness. So sometimes
will “taste” the sweetest). For
it feels better and you’re more
example, let’s say you’re a kid
comfortable when you don’t
whose parents don’t let you
know about certain things. For
drink soda. You go to a friend’s
example, if I tell you this fact—
house, and her parents ask if
that from 2000-2012, 2.3
you want a soda. You say yes
million square kilometers of
and really enjoy that soda
forests were cut down around
because you never get to
the world (which is size of all
drink it at home.
the states east of the
Mississippi River)—you could
feel sad and hopeless for the
48. Every cloud has a silver
environment. But if I hadn’t
lining.
told you that fact, you would
feel happier. 50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

46. Easy come, easy go.

People say this when things
50 useful proverbs all english
are going badly or when
speakers should know
someone is sad. Clouds stand games. The phrase “close but
for bad situations. Every bad no cigar” means that you were
situation has some good parts close to succeeding in the
to it—you just have to look for game, but you didn’t win the
them. The proverb is meant to cigar. As a proverb it means
help people feel better and that even though you did your
keep going. It’s also where the best or almost had it right, you
name of the movie “Silver weren’t completely correct.
Linings Playbook” came from.

49. You can’t make an omelet

without breaking a few eggs.
50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

Sometimes, to get things

done, you have to be pushy or
break a few rules. You may
even have to insult some
people. An omelet is a tasty
dish and worth the effort to
make. However, you must
break some eggs to make it.
So if you want to get a
worthwhile project done or
make changes, you can’t
please everyone. Someone
might be offended or hurt, so
you have to decide if the price
is worth it.

50. Close but no cigar.

50 useful proverbs all english
speakers should know

In the old days, fairgrounds

would give cigars as prizes for