It is an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers.

Fair play is a jewel.

Proverbs are popularly defined as "short expressions of popular wisdom". Efforts to improve on the popular definition have not led to a more precise definition. The wisdom is in the form of a general observation about the world or a bit of advice, sometimes more nearly an attitude toward a situation. See also English proverbs (alphabetically by proverb)

Absent [ edit ]

Accidents will happen in the best families. (19th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(19th century)

Actions speak louder than words. "The World is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet every one has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the Affairs of his neighbor." Benjamin Franklin, Poor Rickards Almanack (1743) Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. 1845. p. 10.



Admiration: our polite recognition of another man's resemblance to ourselves. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 60, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Advance [ edit ]

He who does not advance goes backwards. "He will through life be master of himself and a happy man who from day to day can have said,

'I have lived: tomorrow the Father may fill the sky with black clouds or with cloudless sunshine.'" Horace, Odes Book III, ode xxix, line 41. (c. 23 BC and 13 BC). Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "495". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs . II . Routledge. p. 445. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6.



All is fair in love and war. (17th century)

(17th century) All is well that ends well. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

America [ edit ]

America is God's melting-pot. (Israel Zangwill) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 17. ISBN 9511109618

(Israel Zangwill)

Anchor [ edit ]

Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold. (Strauss, 1994 p. 879)

Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor. (Francis Bacon) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 55, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Bacon)

To apologize is to lay the foundation for a further offense. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Applause is the echo of a platitude. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

One rotten apple will spoil the whole barrel. or One scabbed sheep mars the whole flock. "Evil spreads. One attractive bad example may be readily followed by others, eventually ruining a whole community." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 292. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. Cf. Dan Michael of Northgate, Ayenbite of Inwyt (1340): " A rotten apple will spoil a great many sound ones ." (Middle English: "A roted eppel amang þe holen: makeþ rotie þe yzounde.").

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Cf. Notes and Queries magazine , Feb. 24, 1866, p. 153: "Eat an apple on going to bed, // And you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." [1] . Adapted to its current form in the 1900s as a marketing slogan used by American growers concerned that the temperance movement would cut into sales of apple cider. (Michael Pollan, The Botany of Desire , Random House, 2001, ISBN 0375501290, p. 22, cf. p. 9 & 50)



A rotten apple injures its companions. "A man can't be too careful in the choice of his enemies." Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [2]

An apple a day keeps the doctor away--if you have good aim. A humorous version of the nutritional exortation to maintain good health by eating fruit. Original source unknown.



The best art conceals art. "Artistic excellence lies in making something that is subtle or intricate appear simple and streamlined." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .



When all men say you are an ass it is time to bray. (Strauss 1994, p. 1221)

Don't make clothes for a not yet born baby. (Strauss 1994, p. 683) "One never rises so high as when one does not know where one is going." Oliver Cromwell to M. Bellièvre. Found in Memoirs of Cardinal de Retz

(Strauss 1994, p. 683) Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. "* When we wish to correct with advantage, and to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and admit that truth to him, but reveal to him the side on which it is false. He is satisfied with that, for he sees that he was not mistaken, and that he only failed to see all sides. Blaise Pascal, Pensées (1669)" Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 66. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Primo dede mulieris consilio, secundo noli. "Take the first advice of a woman and not the second." Gilbertus Cognatus Noxeranus, Sylloge . See J. J. Grynæus, Adagio , p. 130. Langius, Polyanthea Col (1900) same sentiment. (Prends le premier conseil d'une femme et non le second. French for same). Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 10-11. Brown, James Kyle (2001). I Give God a Chance: Christian Spirituality from the Edgar Cayce Readings . Jim Brown. p. 8. ISBN 0759621705.



Bad [ edit ]

Bad is the best choice. Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 17.

A bad settlement is better than a good lawsuit. Filipp, M. R. (2005). Covenants Not to Compete, Aspen.

A bad workman quarrels with his tools. (1640) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1640) Good laws have sprung from bad customs. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1072". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs . II . Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6.



Bait [ edit ]

Bait the hook well and the fish will bite. "Would you persuade, speak of Interest, not of Reason." Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1734) Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "Hook". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . p. 510. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



Bark [ edit ]

Barking dogs seldom bite. (16th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(16th century) His bark is worse than his bite. (17th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(17th century)

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 122. ISBN 9511109618

Beauty is truth, truth beauty (John Keats) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 123. ISBN 9511109618

(John Keats)

Bed [ edit ]

As you make your bed, so you will sleep on it. "One has to accept the consequences of one's actions, as any result is the logical consequence of preceding actions." Source for proverb and meaning: (Paczolay, 1997 p. 401)



Some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you. Kavari, Jekura Uaurika (25 October 2013). Omiano vya Tjipangandjara: Otjiherero Proverbs and Idioms . University of Namibia Press. pp. 75–. ISBN 978-99916-42-07-9.



Beat [ edit ]

If you can't beat them, join them. Speake, Jennifer (2008). "beat". A Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 51. ISBN 978-0-19-158001-7.



Best [ edit ]

The best is cheapest. Caroline Ward (1842). National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 116.

The good is the enemy of the best. "What are books but folly, and what is an education but an arrant hypocrisy, and what is art but a curse when they touch not the heart and impel it not to action?" Louise Sullivan, Kindergarten Chats (1918) "As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." Steve Jobs, Address at Stanford University (2005) Martin H. Manser (2007). "g". The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



A beggar can never be bankrupt. (1639) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1639) Beggars can't be choosers. "We must accept with gratitude and without complaint what we are given when we do not have the means or opportunity to provide ourselves with something better." Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

Put a beggar on horseback and he'll ride it to death. "It shows a weak mind not to bear prosperity as well as adversity with moderation." Cicero, De Officiis (44 B.C.), I. 26. Manser, Martin H. (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 241. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Two wrongs don't make a right. proverb H. Manser, Martin (2007). "W". The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 283. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



A good beginning makes a good ending. (14th century) "Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "40". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 228. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

(14th century) Well begun is half done. "Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "40". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 228. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [3]



Bellyful [ edit ]

A bellyful is one of meat, drink, or sorrow. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 45



Better [ edit ]

Beware [ edit ]

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, and inwardly are ravening wolves. (Matthew; bible quote). (Strauss, 1998 p. 170) "An innocent demeanor may hide much guilt." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 127. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

(Matthew; bible quote). (Strauss, 1998 p. 170)

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. John Bunyan cites this traditional proverb in The Pilgrim's Progress , (1678): "So are the men of this world: They must have all their good things now; they cannot stay till the next year, that is, until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come."

Birds of a feather flock together. "It is a fact worthy of remark, that when a set of men agree in any particulars, though never so trivial, they flock together, and often establish themselves into a kind of fraternity for contriving and carrying into effect their plans. According to their distinct character they club together, factious with factious, wise with wise, indolent with indolent, active with active et cetera." Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 41.

Deal gently with the bird you mean to catch. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "801". Dictionary of European Proverbs . II . Taylor & Francis. p. 689. ISBN 978-0-415-10381-7. <

Fine feathers make fine birds. (Simpson , 2009) "Fairest and best adorned is she

Whose clothing is humility." James Montgomery, Humility . (1841)

(Simpson , 2009) It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest. "Why wantonly proclaim one's own disgrace, or expose the faults or weaknesses of one's kindred or people?" WALTER K. KELLY (1859). PROVERBS OF ALL NATIONS, COMPARED, EXPLAINED, AND ILLUSTRATED . p. 109 . .

It is the early bird that gets the worm. "Those who are late to act, arrive, or get up tend to miss opportunities already seized by those who came earlier." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .



Bite [ edit ]

Don't bark if you can't bite. "I made the statement years ago which is often quoted that 80 percent of life is showing up. People used to always say to me that they wanted to write a play, they wanted to write a movie, they wanted to write a novel, and the couple of people that did it were 80 percent of the way to having something happen." Woody Allen, Interview for The Collider (2008) V&S EDITORIAL BOARD (2015). "D". CONCISE DICTIONARY OF PROVERBS (POCKET SIZE) . p. 34. ISBN 978-93-5215-057-1.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Heacock, Paul (2003). Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms (Illustrated ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 512. ISBN 052153271X.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you. V&S EDITORIAL BOARD (2015). CONCISE DICTIONARY OF PROVERBS (POCKET SIZE) . p. 33. ISBN 978-93-5215-057-1.



Blood is thicker than water. "The bonds between solders of a battle is stronger than family ties" "The blood of the covenant is thicker that the water of the womb" "Family before Friendship" Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 233. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

Good blood always shows itself. Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 34.



Boot [ edit ]

Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his boots. "Do not pass judgment on somebody until you have been in the same situation, undergone the same experiences, or tried the same thing." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .



Bough [ edit ]

The boughs that bear most hang lowest. "Well, looks like you've got lots of stuff to do, before you do any stuff." John Wren, Mac, Get a Mac Ad Campaign (2006). J. Russell Smith (1869). "T". English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases Collected from the Most Authentic Sources Alphabetically Arranged and Annotated by W. Carew Hazlitt . p. 360.



Bow [ edit ]

Better bow than break. "It is better to make some confession, or pay a little deference to others, our neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and especially our superiors, rather than lose our credit or break friendship." Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 46. Ward, Caroline (1842). National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 20.



Bran [ edit ]

Much bran and little meal. "Much ado about nothing." Keating, Walter (1859). Proverbs of All Nations . W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). p. 128. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "178". Dictionary of European Proverbs . I . Routledge. p. 173. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



None but the brave deserve the fair. John Dryden, Alexander's Feast

Fortune favors the brave. "Those who act boldly or courageously are most likely to succeed." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Half a loaf is better than no bread. "'We must be grateful for what we get, even if it is less than we desire." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Bridge [ edit ]

Don't cross a bridge before you come to it. H. Manser, Martin (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 60.



Broke [ edit ]

A broken watch is right two times a day. "If you make a great number of predictions, the ones that were wrong will soon be forgotten, and the ones that turn out to be true will make you famous." Malcolm Gladwell, Dangerous Minds: Criminal profiling made easy (2007) Honthaner, Eve Light (2010). I Hollywood drive: what it takes to break in, hang in & make it in the entertainment industry . Elsevier. p. 341. ISBN 0240806689.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. "Do not try to improve on something that already is working well." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 134. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Broom [ edit ]

A new broome sweepeth cleane. "We should never use an old tool when the extra labor in consequence costs more than a new one. Thousands wear out their lives and waste their time merely by the use of dull and unsuitable instruments." "We often apply it to exchanges among servants, clerks, or any persons employed, whose service, at first, in any new place, is very good, both efficient and faithful; but very soon, when all the new circumstances have lost their novelty, and all their curiosity has ceased, they naturally fall into their former and habitual slackness." Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 38. John Lyly, Euphues . Arber's Reprint, p. 89; reported as a proverb in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 639.



The younger brother the better gentleman. "The Elder Brother of a Houfe depending on his Eﬁate, is either indulged by Parents, or gives up himfelf to an indolent Humour, that his Soul in his Body, like a Sword in the Scabbard, ruﬁs for want of life, thinking‘ his Eﬁate fuﬂicient to gentilize him, if he have but only the Accompliihment of a Fox-Hunter , or a Country Juftice ; the Younger Brother being put to his fhifts, having no Inheritance to depend upon, by plying his Studies hard at Home, and accompliihing himfelf by Travels Abroad, oftentimes, either by Arts or Arms , raifes himfelf to a confpicuous pitch of Honour, and fo becomes much the better Gentleman." Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [4]



You can't milk a bull. "You can pull and pull, but you can't milk a bull." Thomas Froncek (1970). The Horizon book of the arts of Russia . American Heritage Pub. Co.. p. 144. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1356". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs . II . p. 1040. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7.

A bully is always a coward. " It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness corrupts the many. Hatred, malice, rudeness, intolerance, and suspicion are the faults of weakness. The resentment of the weak does not spring from any injustice done to them but from the sense of inadequacy and impotence. They hate not wickedness but weakness. When it is their power to do so, the weak destroy weakness wherever they see it. " Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State Of Mind, and Other Aphorisms (1955) Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "coward". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . p. 155. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



To burn the candle at both ends. (1678) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1678)

Buy cheap, sell dearǃ (Thomas Lodge) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 124. ISBN 9511109618

(Thomas Lodge) If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly. Herrero Ruiz, Javier (2009). Understanding Tropes: At the Crossroads Between Pragmatics and Cognition . Peter Lang. p. 101. 3631592620.

If you buy quality, you only cry once. Burch, Geoff (2010). Irresistible Persuasion: The Secret Way to Get to Yes Every Time . John Wiley and Sons. p. 138. 190731248X.



You can't have your cake and eat it too. Cf. George Herbert The Sizz "Wouldst thou both eat thy cake and have it. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 467



A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Groft, Jan (2010). As We Grieve: Discoveries of Grace in Sorrow . Greenleaf Book Group. p. 19. 0984230602.

Don't burn the candle at both ends. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 70



Paddle your own canoe. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 71



No man can justly censure or condemn another, because indeed no man truly knows another. (Sir Thomas Browne) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 66, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Sir Thomas Browne)

Chain [ edit ]

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Or, a chain is no stronger than its weakest link "A weak part or member will affect the success or effectiveness of the whole." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Cf. Thomas Reid Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man , 1786, Vol. II, p.377, Essay VII, Of Reasoning, and of Demonstration , ch. 1: "In every chain of reasoning, the evidence of the last conclusion can be no greater than that of the weakest link of this chain, whatever may be the strength of the rest." [5]



Charity begins at home. (14th century)

(14th century) Cold as charity. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

Cheaters never prosper. Miserrima est fortuna quæ inimico caret. "That is a very wretched fortune which has no enemy." Syrus, Maxims Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 97



Onward, Christian soldiers! (S. Baring-Gould) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 161. ISBN 9511109618

(S. Baring-Gould)

Fear not the loss of the bell more than the loss of the steeple. "Do not be risk averse. In some cases, charging the bunker without enough ammo is enough to prevent worse things from happening." The United States Army, The Soldier's Blue Book (2010) Henry George Bohn; John Ray (1855). A Hand-book of Proverbs: Comprising Ray's Collection of English Proverbs, with His Additions from Foreign Languages. And a Complete Alphabetical Index .



The people are the city. (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 125. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare)

Good clothes open all doors. "Clothes not only enhance appearance but also aim to accredit you to some particular audience." Philip L. Wagner (1 January 2010). "Show and Tell". Showing Off: The Geltung Hypothesis . University of Texas Press. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-292-77388-2. George Latimer Apperson (May 2006). Dictionary of Proverbs . Wordsworth Editions. p. 240. ISBN 978-1-84022-311-8.



Coal [ edit ]

Carrying coals to Newcastle. A pointless exercise. An example would be customers already having enough of what you are selling at a market fair. "Newcastle upon Tyne", Encyclopædia Britannica Whiting, Bartlett Jere (1977). Early American Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases . Harvard University Press. p. 76. ISBN 978-0-674-21981-6.



The coast is clear. (17th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(17th century)

Cobblers children are worst shod. "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 65).

Shoemaker, stick to your last. "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." Henry David Thoreau Journals (1838-1859) Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 723



Cock [ edit ]

As the old cock crows, so crows the young. "Children generally follow the example of their parents, but imitate their faults more surely than their virtues." Proverbs of All Nations . W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). 1859. p. 27.



All colours will agree in the dark. (Francis Bacon) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 57, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Bacon)

Command [ edit ]

Counsel is no command. (Strauss, 1994 p. 675)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 675) Who has not served cannot command. (Strauss, 1994 p. 758)

Common [ edit ]

Common sense is not so common. From Voltaire's Dictionnaire philosophique portatif (1765) Paraphrased by graphic designers as 'Comic Sans is not so comic'. Res est ingeniosa dare. "Giving requires good sense." Ovid, Amorum (16 BC), I. 8. 62.



A man is known by the company he keeps. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 125

Better to be alone than in bad company. (Strauss, 1998 p. 162)

(Strauss, 1998 p. 162) Misery loves company. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 125

Two is a company; three is a crowd. "A Platonic friendship is perhaps only possible when one or other of the Platonists is in love with a third person." Evelyn Beatrice Hall, The Friends of Voltaire (1906) William Ickes, P. D., & Ickes, W. K. (2004). Two's Company; Three's a Crowd : Booksurge Llc.

Two is company, three is none. (19th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(19th century)

Comparisons are odious. (15th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(15th century)

Confidence begets confidence. (Strauss 1994, p. 187) "As is our confidence, so is our capacity." William Hazlitt, Characteristics (1823).

(Strauss 1994, p. 187)

A guilty conscience needs no accuser. "People who know they have done wrong reveal their guilt by the things they say or the way they interpret what other people say." Source for meaning Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



He's an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers. "The only valid question is: Does it work?" Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley Bank's CEO Summit (2011) John Ray; John Belfour (1813). A complete collection of English proverbs: also, the most celebrated proverbs of the Scotch, Italian, French, Spanish, and other languages .



Corn [ edit ]

Plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and keep. (Strauss 1994, p. 1001)

Counsel is no command. Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British . B. Barker ... and A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch. 1732. p. 44.

Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it. (Strauss, 1994 p. 661)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 661) Keep your own counsel. "If you’ve got an idea that you genuinely think is good, don’t let some idiot talk you out of it.” Stan Lee, UCLA Extension certificate graduation ceremony (2017) Selden, John (1689). Table Talk: Being the Discourses . T. White. p. 175. Ward, Caroline (1842). National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 74.

Though thou hast ever so many counsellors, yet do not forsake the counsel of thy own soul. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1044) "Let us not pretend to doubt in philosophy what we do not doubt in our hearts." Charles Sanders Pierce, Collected Papers (1931-1958)



Country [ edit ]

Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. (John F. Kennedy) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 92. ISBN 9511109618

(John F. Kennedy) I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. (Nathan Hale) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 93. ISBN 9511109618

(Nathan Hale) Our country, right or wrongǃ (Stephen Decatur) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 91. ISBN 9511109618

(Stephen Decatur)

Courage lost, all lost. (Strauss 1994, p. 675)

Coward: one who in a perilous emergency thinks with his legs. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Give credit where credit is due. "Do not neglect to give people the praise they deserve, or to acknowledge the good things they do." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Crows will not pick out crows eyes. "One belonging to a group having common interests is not likely to act against or find fault with another member of the same group. Solidarity may prevail over law, justice or truth." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "13". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 96. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.



Cup [ edit ]

There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip.

What can't be cured must be endured. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 190, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

The customer is always right. "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." Bill Gates, Business @ The Speed of Thought (1999) Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 50.



Cynic: a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

It's safer to commend the dead than the living. "Not to know what happened before you were born is to be a child forever." Cicero Orator Ad M. Brutum (46 BC) Wolfgang Mieder; Stewart A. Kingsbury; Kelsie B. Harder (1992). A Dictionary of American Proverbs . Oxford University Press, USA. p. 121. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



Deep [ edit ]

Deep calls to deep. (Strauss 1994, p. 695) "The more of the context of a problem that a scientist can comprehend, the greater are his chances of finding a truly adequate solution." Russell L. Ackoff, The development of operations research as a science (1956)

(Strauss 1994, p. 695) In the deepest water is the best fishing. (1616) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1616)

Defence [ edit ]

The best defence is a good offence. (Strauss, 1994 p. 518) "You are more likely to win if you take the initiative and make an attack rather than preparing to defend yourself." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

(Strauss, 1994 p. 518)

Delays are dangerous. (14th century) "To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live." Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain (2008) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century) There is danger in delay. (Strauss, 1998 p. 695) "Hesitation or procrastination may lead to trouble or disaster." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

(Strauss, 1998 p. 695)

A parish demagogue. (P. B. Shelley) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 102. ISBN 9511109618

(P. B. Shelley)

First deserve, then desire. “If a man cannot find ease within himself, it is to little purpose to seek it anywhere else." Maturin Murray Ballou, Ballou's Monthly Magazine (1855) Henry George Bohn; John Ray (1855). A Hand-book of Proverbs: Comprising Ray's Collection of English Proverbs, with His Additions from Foreign Languages. And a Complete Alphabetical Index . G. Bell. p. 355.



Dig [ edit ]

Who digs a trap for others ends up in it himself. "He who intends to harm others will himself suffer from his action. - As anger is blind, some aspects of an action - harmful for the doer - may be overlooked in the process."(Paczolay, 1997 p. 77)



Discussion: a method of confirming others in their errors. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Ditch [ edit ]

Better go about than fall into the ditch. (Ward, 1842 p. 11) "Better put an end to a troublesome business than to be always vex'd with it." James Kelly (1818). A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader . Rodwell and Martin. p. 35.

(Ward, 1842 p. 11)

Do [ edit ]

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. "Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things, integrity is their portion and proper virtue." Francis Bacon, Essays (1825), Of Judicature. Based on the Bible (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" in the King James version; "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." in the New International Version

If you want a thing done right, do it yourself. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 139

"Well done" is better than "well said".

Doctor [ edit ]

God heals, and the doctor takes the fee. (1640) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1640) Never lie to your doctor. Huler, Scott (1999). From Worst to First: Behind the Scenes of Continental's Remarkable Comeback . John Wiley & Sons. p. 200. 0471356522.



A dog will not howl if you beat him with a bone. (1659) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1659)

A staff is quickly found to beat a dog. (Strauss, 1998 p. 103)

All are not thieves that dogs bark at. Caroline Ward (1842). National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 6.



Barking dogs seldom bite. "Threatening does not always lead to action: Harsh words may disguise a different feeling, intention or ability." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 44)



Brag is a good dog, but holdfast is better. A variation of "Talk is cheap" "This Proverb is a Taunt upon Braggadoccio's, who talk big, boast, and rattle: It is also a Memento for such who make plentiful promises to do well for the future but are suspected to want Constancy and Resolution to make them good." - Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721. 4



The dogs bark but the caravan passes on. (Strauss, 1998 p. 340)

Dogs wags their tails, not as much to you as to your bread. (Strauss, 1994 p. 710)

Every dog has his day. (1546) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1546)

Give a dog a bad name and hang him. "Once somebody's reputation has been damaged – for example, by rumor or slander – it will never recover." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 99. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Give a dog a bad name and he'll live up to it. Clarke, Nick (1865). Alistair Cooke: a biography . Routledge. p. 174. 1420931989.



He that would hang his dog gives out first that he is mad. "One who intends some unjust action will try to justify it in advance." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 121. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas.

Variant: A man is known by the company he keeps. " Wahrhaftig, der Umgang mit schlechten Büchern ist oft gefährlicher als mit schlechten Menschen. " "Truly, associating with bad books is often more dangerous than associating with bad people." Wilhelm Hauff, Das Buch und die Leserwelt . "A Man among Children will be long a Child, a Child among Men will be soon a Man." Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732) Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . p. 224.



It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog. Anonymous American proverb; this has often been attributed to Mark Twain since at least 1998 on the internet, but no contemporary evidence of Twain ever using it has been located. Variants: It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the fight in the dog that matters. "Stub Ends of Thoughts" by Arthur G. Lewis, a collection of sayings, in Book of the Royal Blue Vol. 14, No. 7 (April 1911), as cited in The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs , edited by Charles Clay Doyle, Wolfgang Mieder, and Fred R. Shapiro, p. 232 It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the fight in the dog that wins. Anonymous quote in the evening edition of the East Oregonian (20 April 1911) What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it's the size of the fight in the dog. Dwight D. Eisenhower, declaring his particular variant on the proverbial assertion in Remarks at Republican National Committee Breakfast (31 January 1958)



Let sleeping dogs lie. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

Love me, love my dog. Bernard of Clairvaux attests in the 12th century this was a common proverb, In Festo Sancti Michaelis , Sermo 1, sect. 3; translation from Richard Chevenix Trench, Archbishop of Dublin, On the Lessons in Proverbs ([1853] 1856) p. 148 Also reported in English by John Heywood, Proverbs (1546), Part II, chapter 9; and by Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732), No. 3292



The guilty dog barks the loudest. [1]



Dog food [ edit ]

Eat your own dog food. Iles, Greg (2007). Third Degree . Simon and Schuster. p. 159. 0743292502.



The door swings both ways. Borcherdt, Bill (1996). Making families work and what to do when they don't: thirty guides for imperfect parents of imperfect children . Routledge. p. 65. 0789000733.

When one door closes, another door opens. or God never closes one door without opening another. "When baffled in one direct a man of energy will not despair, but will find another way to his object." Proverbs of All Nations . W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). 1859. p. 67.



We are such stuff / As dreams are made of. Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 83. ISBN 9511109618



What's drinking? / A mere pause from thinking. (Lord Byron) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 110. ISBN 9511109618

(Lord Byron)

Dropping [ edit ]

Constant dropping wears away the stone. "A drop hollows out the stone by falling not twice, but many times; so too is a person made wise by reading not two, but many book s." (Giordano Bruno, Il Candelaio ) Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "71". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 349. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.



Drunkard [ edit ]

Once a drunkard always a drunkard. (Strauss, 1994 p. 771)

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. "It is usually safe to identify somebody as a particular type of person when his or her appearance, behavior, and words all point to the same conclusion." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Reportedly coined by James Whitcombe Riley, sometime before his demise 1916. He wrote: When I see a bird that walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck. Made famous by the then Governor Ronald Reagan's use of the expression 1967, in an interview with a journalist. (Cryer 2011, p. 163)



Dwarf [ edit ]

Dwarf on a giant's shoulder sees farther of the two. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 163



Ear [ edit ]

In at one ear and out at the other. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century) Take heed what you say. Walls have ears. (James Shirley) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 156. ISBN 9511109618

(James Shirley)

Early [ edit ]

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. (1639) "A lifestyle that involves neither staying up late nor sleeping late is good for body and mind and leads to financial success." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1735 edition), "October"

(1639)

East [ edit ]

Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet... (Rudyard Kipling) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 101. ISBN 9511109618

(Rudyard Kipling)

Easy [ edit ]

Eavesdropper [ edit ]

Eavesdroppers hear no good of themselves. "People who eavesdrop on the conversations of others risk hearing unfavorable comments about themselves; used as a warning or reprimand." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "250". Dictionary of European Proverbs . I . Routledge. p. 238. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



Education: that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow. "It is said, that the thing you possess is worth more than two you may have in the future. The one is sure and the other is not." Jean de La Fontaine, Fables, V. 3. (Strauss, 1998 p. 75)

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. "Spread your risks or investments so that if one enterprise fails you will not lose everything." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . First recorded 1662, G. Toriano, Italian proverbial phrases ("To put all one's eggs in a paniard"); 1710, Samuel Palmer, Moral essays on proverbs ("Don't venture all your eggs in one basket"). Apperson, GL (2006). Dictionary of proverbs . Wordsworth. p. 170. ISBN 978-1840223118.

Eggs and oaths are soon broken. (Strauss, 1998 p. 765)

(Strauss, 1998 p. 765) He that steals an egg will steal an ox. (Strauss, 1994 p. 962)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 962) You can't have an omelette unless you break the egg. "Sacrifices have to be made in order to achieve a goal; often used to justify an act that causes loss, harm, or distress to others." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 313. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 259



Egotist: a person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Empty [ edit ]

Empty vessels make the greatest sound. Belfour, John (1812). "E". A Complete Collection of English Proverbs: Also, the Most Celebrated Proverbs of the Scotch, Italian, French, Spanish, and Other Languages, the Whole Methodically Digested and Illustrated with Annotations, and Proper Explications . p. 104.



All's well that ends well. Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [3]

Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end. (Strauss, 1994 p. 600) "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." George S. Patton War As I Knew It (1947)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 600)

Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many. (Strauss 1994, p. 71)

(Strauss 1994, p. 71) The enemy of my enemy is my friend. "Those who dislike or oppose the same person or thing are bound to be friends or allies." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

If you have no enemies it is a sign that fortune has forgotten you. "Envy is a kind of praise." John Gay, The Hound and the Huntsman Emanuel Strauss (1994). "1292". Dictionary of European Proverbs . Taylor & Francis. p. 1008. ISBN 978-0-415-10381-7. Ambrose Bierce THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY (1991)

There is no little enemy. (Strauss 1994, p. 718)

(Strauss 1994, p. 718) We carry our greatest enemies within us. "Every man knows there are evils in this world which need setting right. Every man has pretty definite ideas as what these evils are. But to most men one in particular stands out vividly. To some, in fact, this stands out with such startling vividness that they lose sight of other evils, or look upon them as the natural consequence of their own particular evil-in-chief." Henry Hazlitt, Thinking As A Science (1916). Specified as a proverb in "73". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 300.



Englishman [ edit ]

An Englishman's house (home) is his castle. (17th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(17th century)

Eternity is in love with the productions of time. (William Blake) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 63, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(William Blake)

Every [ edit ]

Every cloud has a silver lining. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 115

Every rose has its thorn. Bradley, E. and H. Bradley, Every Rose Has Its Thorn: The Rock 'n' Roll Field Guide to Guys , Penguin Group USA.



Avoid evil and it will avoid thee. (Strauss, 1994 p. 520) "The love of justice is, in most men, nothing more than the fear of suffering injustice." François de La Rochefoucauld, Maximes .

(Strauss, 1994 p. 520) Evil begets evil. John Deane, John Deane (1891). Proverbs . p. 207.

Of two evils choose the least. "If you are forced to choose between two options, both of which are undesirable, all you can do is choose the one that is less undesirable than the other." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 42. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Note: From Matthew 6:34 George Smith, William; Harvey, Paul (1960). The Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs . p. 182.



Example is better than correction. (Ward, 1842 p. 31)



Exception [ edit ]

The exception proves the rule. George Smith, William; Harvey, Paul (1960). The Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs . p. 182.



The eye looks but it is the mind that sees. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1175)

Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. (Strauss 1998, p. 713)

Common fame is seldom to blame. (Strauss 1998, p. 662) "Rumors are rarely without substance, and if unpleasant things are being said about somebody, then that person has propably done something to deserve them." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

(Strauss 1998, p. 662)

Fall [ edit ]

Don't fall before you're pushed. Mason, John (2000). Know Your Limits- Then Ignore Them . Insight International, Inc. pp. 206. ISBN 1890900125.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. Confucius Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 153



Accidents will happen in the best families. (19th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(19th century)

Far [ edit ]

Far from eye, far from heart. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

Fat [ edit ]

The fat is in the fire. Suomi-englanti-suomi-sanakirja, Sanoma Pro Oy, Helsinki, 2000, p. 280, ISBN 978-952-63-0663-6



Faults are thick where love is thin. (1659) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1659)

We have nothing to fear but fear itself. Originally Francis Bacon Nil terribile nisi ipse timor. Nothing is terrible except fear itself. De Augmentis Scientiarum , Book II, Fortitudo (1623) Became famous with the words being uttered at Franklin D. Roosevelt's inauguration speech 1933. If you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage. Confucius, The Analects H. Manser, Martin (2007). "only". The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 216. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



It is better to die on one's feet than live on one's knees. "It is not death that a man should fear, but never beginning to live." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (150 BC) Walter Keith (1980). The Fizz Inside: Critical Essays of a Lighter Kind . University of Waterloo Press. p. 23.



Fence [ edit ]

Good fences make good neighbors. Robert Frost, "Mending Wall"



First [ edit ]

Find [ edit ]

Love is not finding someone to live with; it's finding someone whom you can't live without. Lipper, D. and E. Sagehorn (2008). The Everything Wedding Vows Book: How to Personalize the Most Important Promise You'll Ever Make , Adams Media.

Seek and ye shall find. Christian New Testament

You always find something in the last place you look. Mass, W. (2008). Jeremy Fink and the meaning of life, Scholastic.



A burnt child dreads the fire. "Somebody who has had an unpleasant experience thereafter shrinks from the cause of that experience." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . "This Proverb intimates, That it is natural for all living Creatures, whether rational or irrational,

to consult their own Security, and Self-Preservation; and whether they act by Instinct or Reason, it still

tends to some care of avoiding those things that have already done them an Injury." - Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [7]

Do not add oil to the fire. "One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 338)

Fight fire with fire. (Strauss 1994, p. 688) "The best way to deal with an opponent is to fight back with similar weapons or tactics." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

(Strauss 1994, p. 688) No fire without some smoke. (1546) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1546) There is no smoke without fire. (15th century, Citatboken) "There is no effect without some cause. also It is supposed that if there is a rumour, there must be some truth behind it." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "1". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 33. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

(15th century, Citatboken)

All is fish that comes to the net. "Look round the habitable world: how few Know their own good, or knowing it, pursue." John Dryden, Juvenal, Satire X (1693). Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 4.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. The earliest known version is from Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie, Mrs. Dymond (1885 novel): "I don't suppose even Caron could tell you the difference between material and spiritual,[...] but I suppose the Patron meant that if you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish you do him a good turn. But these very elementary principles are apt to clash with the leisure of the cultivated classes." Gregory Graham (14 January 2016). A Conservative's Book of Proverbs, Parables, and Prophecies . p. 83. ISBN 978-1-68213-972-1.

There are as good fish in the sea as ever were caught. "Many are accustomed to envy others for their rare acquisitions, while they themselves have equal opportunity of obtaining the same. They ought to be satisfied that as good advantages are equally accessible to them as others, and remember the significant saying, that 'Man is the architect of his own fortune.'" Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 192.



Flaunt [ edit ]

If you got it, flaunt it. Jenkins-Sanders, Marsha (2007). The Other Side of Through . Simon and Schuster. p. 21. ISBN 159309115X.



Flow [ edit ]

Go with the flow. "Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows. Let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." Tzu, Sun (̃¨ 400 B.C). "VI. Weak Points and Strong". The Art of War . John Ayto (8 July 2010). Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms . Oxford University Press. p. 133. ISBN 0-19-954378-X.



Say it with flowers. (Patrick O'Keefe) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 163. ISBN 9511109618

(Patrick O'Keefe)

You can catch more flies with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar. Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 100.



Forewarned [ edit ]

Forewarned, forearmed. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "401". Dictionary of European Proverbs . I . Routledge. p. 364. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



Forgive and forget. Meaning: "Do not bear grudges—forgive those who have wronged you and forget the wrong." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 357

To err is human, to forgive divine. (Alexander Pope) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 20. ISBN 9511109618

(Alexander Pope)

If fortune favours, beware of being exalted; if fortune thunders, beware of being overwhelmed. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1001)

A friend cannot be known in prosperity nor an enemy be hidden in adversity. Specified as a proverb in "13". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 402.

A friend is best found in adversity. "I never knew any man in my life, who could not bear another's misfortunes perfectly like a Christian." Alexander Pope. See Jonathan Swift's Thoughts on Various Subjects . Specified as a proverb in "16". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 402.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. A Dialogue Conteynyng Prouerbes and Epigrammes (1562) has Prove thy friend ere thou have need; but, in-deed. A friend is never known till a man have need.

A good friend never offends. "You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself, he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job." Esar, Evan (1995). "Friend". 20,000 Quips & Quotes . p. 330. ISBN 978-1-56619-529-4. Specified as a proverb in "36". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 403.

A true friend does sometime venture to be offensive. "I speak the truth, not my fill of it, but as much as I dare speak; and I dare to do so a little more as I grow old." Michel de Montaigne, Essais (1595) "48". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 404.

A reconciled friend is a double enemy . "42". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 403.

. All are not friends who speak one fair. "In one hand he is carrying a stone, while he shows the bread with the other." Plautus, Aulularia (c. 2nd-3rd century BC), Act II, sc. 2, l. 18 "57". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 404.

Be a friend to thyself, and others will befriend thee. "Mens friends commonly bear a proportion to their circumstances iu the world. And therefore if we be such friends to as to make our circumstances easy and plentiful we will not want friends." James Kelly (1818). "B". A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader . and quotes (1995)

Bought friends are not friends indeed. "When you lose a friend by lending him some money, you get the best of the bargain." Evan Essar, 20. 000 Quips and Quotes (1995) Specified as a proverb in "73". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 402.

Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many. (Strauss 1994, p. 718)

(Strauss 1994, p. 718) False friends are worse than open enemies. Specified as a proverb in "87". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 406.

Friends are thieves of time. (17th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(17th century) Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 156. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare) He is my friend who grinds at my mill. "Those who love their neighbor as themselves possess nothing more than their neighbor." Basil of Caesarea, Homily to the Rich (c. 368), in Saint Basil on Social Justice , edited and translated by C. P. Schroeder (2009), p. 43 Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations . W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). pp. 238. , p. 42

He is my friend that succoreth me, not he that pitieth me. Specified as a proverb in "112". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 407.

If you want enemies excel others, if you want friends let others excel you. Specified as a proverb in "140". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 409.

It is good to have some friends both in heaven and hell. (1640) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1640) No longer foster, no longer friend. "God does not love that which is already in itself worthy of love, but on the contrary, that which in itself has no worth acquires worth just by becoming the object of God's love. Agape has nothing to do with the kind of love that depends on the recognition of a valuable quality in its object. Agape does not recognize value, but creates it. Agape loves, and imparts value by loving. The man who is loved by God has no value in himself; what gives him value is precisely the fact that God loves him. Agape is a value-creating principle. " Anders Nygren, Agape and Eros (1930), as translated from the Swedish by P. S. Watson (1932), p. 78 Specified as a proverb in "169". Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and Arranged Alphabetically . G. P. Putnam's sons. 1887. p. 411.

Our friends are our mirrors and show us ourselves. James Kelly (1818). "B". A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader .

When thy friend asks, let there be no to-morrow. (Ward, 1842 p. 51)

(Ward, 1842 p. 51) With friends like that, who needs enemies? "A man is morally free when... he judges the world, and judges other men, with uncompromising sincerity. This is not just an aim but an obligation." Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (2012) Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 304. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Stolen fruit is the sweetest. (Strauss, 1994 p. 835) "Things that you must not have or do are always the most desirable." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

(Strauss, 1994 p. 835) You know the tree by its fruit. Note: A reversal of the proverb "The apple does not fall far from the tree." The meaning is that you can estimate how children's parents are based on children's behavior, because children takes after their parents and are of the same nature as them. (Paczolay, 1997 p. X) Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 590)



Garbage in, garbage out. "'A person or machine provided with inferior source material, faulty instructions, or erroneous information can provide only poor quality-work or rubbish." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



A man of words and not of deeds, is like a garden full of weeds. "That is, both at a distance seem something, but, when narrowly inspected, are nothing." James Kelly (1818). A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader . Rodwell and Martin. p. 12. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 365



Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration. Said byThomas Edison, Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 99. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. lists the adage as a proverb.



It takes three generations to make a gentleman. (Robert Peel) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 61. ISBN 9511109618

(Robert Peel) Once a gentleman, always a gentleman. (Charles Dickens) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 60. ISBN 9511109618

(Charles Dickens)

Give [ edit ]

From those to whom much is given, much is expected. (Luke 12:48

(Luke 12:48 Give and take is fair play. "Exchanging like for like – wether it be a blow, an insult, a favor, or a pardon is a fair and legitimate way to proceed". Manser, Martin H (2007). The Facts on File dictionary of proverbs . Infobase Publishing. 0816066736. , p. 133

Give, and ye shall receive. From Luke 6:38

Give credit where credit is due. Derived from Romans 13:7

Give him an inch and he'll take a yard. "Give way slightly and he'll press home his advantage. Yielding a little to bad influence ( or to a greedy perrson/group), one will be taken entirely or he/it will be encouraged to take much more." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 208) Derived from Romans 13:7 Variant: Give a nigger an inch and he'll take an ell. Twain, Mark (1885). Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . Charles L. Webster and Company. p. 222 (EBook). Variant: Give him an inch and he'll take a mile. (Strauss 1998, p. 240)

He gives twice who gives in a trice. "Immediate aid is of more value. - A process of derogation can best be stopped in its initial stages, or a process of development can best be helped in the beginning." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 452)



Follow glory and it will flee, flee glory and it will follow thee. (Strauss 1994, p. 832)

Going [ edit ]

Don't go between the tree and the bark. (Strauss, 1998 p. 204) "When Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, he confessed that if he could be right 75 percent of the time, he would reach the highest measure of his expectation. If that was the highest rating that one of the most distinguished men of the twentieth century could hope to obtain, what about you and me? If you can be sure of being right only 55 percent of the time, you can go down to Wall Street and make a million dollars a day. If you can't be sure of being right even 55 percent of the time, why should you tell other people they are wrong?" Dale Carnegie, How to make friends and influence people (1936) "It is better to decide a difference between enemies than friends, for one of our friends will certainly become an enemy and one of our enemies a friend." Bias

(Strauss, 1998 p. 204) What goes around comes around. Anand Prahlad, Sw; Prahlad, S. W. (1996). African-American Proverbs in Context . Univ. Press of Mississippi. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-87805-890-7.

What goes up must come down. "All political parties die at last of swallowing their own lies." Dr. John Arbuthnot as quoted in Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations (1922). Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. X. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. George Latimer Apperson (2006). "Going". Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 237. ISBN 978-1-84022-311-8.



God heals, and the doctor takes the fee. (1640)

(1640) God helps the rich, the poor can beg. (1659) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1659) God is, and all is well. Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 106. ISBN 9511109618

God is on the side of the strongest battalions. (Kin 1955, p. 255) "You can have the other words— chance, luck, coincidence,serendipity. I'll take grace."

(Kin 1955, p. 255) God sends fortune to fools. (1546) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 187, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1546) God works in mysterious ways. "Sometimes, you need a door slammed in your face before you can hear opportunity knock." James Geary, My Aphorisms , (2009) Select Proverbs . Mustafa Akkus. 23 December 2013. pp. 15–. GGKEY:UBW9H94680W. Mary Oliver, Winter Hours (1999)

God's a good man. (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 108. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare) Whom God will destroy, he first make mad. (Strauss 1994, p. 841) "Someone can conquer kingdoms and countries without being a hero; someone else can prove himself a hero by controlling his temper. Someone can display courage by doing the out-of-the-ordinary, another by doing the ordinary. The question is always-how does he do it?" Soren Kierkegaard Either/Or Part II , (1843)

(Strauss 1994, p. 841)

All that glisters is not gold. or All that glitters is not gold. "An attractive appearance may be deceptive. It may cover or hide a much less favourable content." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "19". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 125. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 114. William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, act II, scene 7.



Good [ edit ]

Goods [ edit ]

The best goods are cheapest in the end. (Kelly, 1859 p, 95) It is often the expensive product which ultimately costs the least, because of the pleasure and usefulness it brings us.

(Kelly, 1859 p, 95)

Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. "Take care not to destroy something valuable, such as a source of steady income, through greed, impatience, or a desire for instant gain." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

Every man thinks his own geese swans. "This proverb imitates that an inbred Philauty runs through the whole Race of Flefh and Blood. It blinds the Underftanding, perverts the Judgment, depraves the Reafon of the Diftinguishers of Truth and Falfity." Divers Proverbs , Nathan Bailey, 1721 [8]

Goose, gander and gosling are three sounds but one thing. (Strauss, 1994 p. 104) "It's funny how people get mad when you treat them the same way they treat you." Bill Murray, Twitter (2015)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 104) What's good for the goose is good for the gander. "What is appropriate for one person is equally appropriate for their counterpart or their critic." Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710.



Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you. Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "gossip". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . p. 424. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



That government is best which governs least. "Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry." Winston Churchill, Armistice - or Peace (1937) Wolfgang Mieder (1992). A Dictionary of American Proverbs . Oxford University Press, USA. p. 425. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.







The grass is always greener on the other side. Manser, Martin H (2007). The Facts on File dictionary of proverbs . Infobase Publishing. 0816066736. , p. 105



Grasp [ edit ]

Grasp all, lose all. (Strauss, 1994 p. 884)

Great events cast their shadows before them. The Edinburgh review, Volym 132 . A. and C. Black. 1870. p. 231.

Great minds agree. (Strauss, 1994 p. 882)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 882) Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein. Buziak, Cari (2011). Calligraphy Magic: How to Create Lettering, Knotwork, Coloring and More . North Light Books. p. 79.

A guilty conscience needs no accuser. Manser, Martin H (2007). The Facts on File dictionary of proverbs . Infobase Publishing. 0816066736. , p. 112



Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Note: "This advice has its root in the story of the Trojan Horse, the treacherous subterfuge by which the Greeks finally overcame their trojan adversaries at the end of the Trojan War." From Virgil's Aeneid Book II, line 48: timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. Translation: I fear the Grecians even when they offer gifts. Wolfgang Mieder (1992). "beware". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . p. 8. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



Habit is a great deadener. (Samuel Beckett) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 59, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Samuel Beckett)

Fretting cares make grey hairs. (Strauss, 1994 p. 631

Halvation [ edit ]

Never do things by halves. "Betwixt the devil and the deep sea." Erasmus, Adagia, Chapter III. Cent, IV. 94. Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 198. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Never let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 447

One hand washes the other. Bartlett Jere Whiting (1977). "H46". Early American Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases . Harvard University Press. p. 194. ISBN 978-0-674-21981-6.



Handsome [ edit ]

Handsome is that handsome does. (1670) (Strauss, 1994 p. 879) "People should be valued for their good deeds, not their good looks, also occasionally used of things, or as a warning not to be misled by an attractive appearance." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

(1670) (Strauss, 1994 p. 879)

Hard [ edit ]

Hard words break no bones. (Strauss, 1998 p. 17)

Hare [ edit ]

Drumming is not the way to catch a hare. (Strauss, 1994 p. 753)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 753) You must not run after two hares at the same time. "Concentrate on one thing at a time or you will achieve nothing. - Trying to do two or more things at a time, when even one on its own needs full effort, means that none of them will be accomplished properly." Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese . Veszprémi Nyomda. p. X. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 102.



Haste [ edit ]

Make haste slowly. "Progress with discretion. Acting hastily one is likely to forget/overlook something important, leading to grave errors or failure." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 241)

Haste makes waste. "By acting too hastily or doings too hurriedly you risk causing damage or making mistakes that subsequently have to be put right." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Hawks will not pick out Hawk's eyes. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs . p. 121. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



Have [ edit ]

He that can have patience can have what he will. (Strauss, 1994 p. 87)

Head [ edit ]

He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun. (Ward, 1842 p. 54)

(Ward, 1842 p. 54) Two heads are better than one.' Ray, John (1737). "T". A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs;: Also the Most Celebrated Proverbs of the Scotch, Italian, French, Spanish, and Other Languages. : The Whole Methodically Digested and Illustrated with Annotations, and Proper Explications . p. 164.

We should not expect to find old heads on young shoulders. (Strauss, 1994 p. 77) Variant: You can't put an old head on young shoulders. "The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise." Alden Nowlan, Between Tears and Laughter by (1971) (Source provided by the Quote Investigator)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 77) When the head is sick, the whole body is sick. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1117)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 1117) Who falls short in the head must be long in the heels. Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "149". Dictionary of European Proverbs . I . Routledge. p. 140. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



Health is better than wealth. (16th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(16th century) Health is wealth. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 273

A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools. "We gotta make a change

It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes

Let's change the way we eat

Let's change the way we live

And let's change the way we treat each other

You see the old way wasn't workin'

So it's on us to do what we gotta do to survive" Tupac "2Pac" Shakur, Changes (1992) Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages . 1888. p. 489.



The heart sees farther than the head. "The thing you are most afraid of may be the best thing that ever happen to you." Neil Strauss, Twitter (2019) Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1675". Dictionary of European Proverbs . II . Taylor & Francis. p. 1181. ISBN 978-0-415-10381-7.



We are as near to heaven by sea as by land! (Humphrey Gilbert) Dying words as his frigate Squirrel sank in the Atlantic Ocean near the Azores, 5 August 1583. Quoted in Richard Hakluyt Third and Last Volume of the Voyages of the English Nation, 1600. Dictionary of Quotations, p. 353

(Humphrey Gilbert)

Hedge [ edit ]

A hedge between keeps friends green. "The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people." G. K. Chesterton, Illustrated London News (16 July 1910) H. Manser, Martin (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 117. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

Men leap over where the hedge is lower. "This is slavery, not to speak one’s thought." Line 392 (Jocasta); translated by Elizabeth Wyckoff; as found in Euripides IV: Helen, The Phoenician Women, Orestes, ed. Griffith, Most, Grene & Lattimore, University of Chicago Press (2013), p. 114 Proverbs of All Nations . W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). 1859. p. 59.



Heed [ edit ]

Take heed you find not what you do not seek. "But these are foolish things to all the wise,

And I love wisdom more than she loves me;

My tendency is to philosophise

On most things, from a tyrant to a tree;

But still the spouseless virgin Knowledge flies,

What are we? and whence come we? what shall be

Our ultimate existence? What's our present?

Are questions answerless, and yet incessant." Lord Byron, Don Juan (1818-24), Canto VI, Stanza 63 "§ 151. PROVERBS.". Elegant Extracts: OR Useful and Entertaining PASSAGES in PROSE.: Book Third & Fourth . 1794. p. 1025.



And thou unfit for any place but hell. (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 60. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare) Come hell or high water. Suomi-englanti-suomi-sanakirja, Sanoma Pro Oy, Helsinki, 2000, p. 786, ISBN 978-952-63-0663-6

Hell is empty and all the devils are here. (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 60. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare) The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Earlier variants of this proverb are recorded as Hell is paved with good intentions. recorded as early as 1670, and an even earlier variant by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Hell is full of good intentions or desires. Similar from Latin: "The gates of hell are open night and day; Smooth the descent, and easy is the way" — Virgil, the Aeneid Book VI line 126



But what is past my help, is past my care. (Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 58, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher)

Every little helps. " Adam Ewing : We're moving back east to work with the abolitionists.

Haskell Moore : That poison has rotten your brain! There is a natural order to this world, and those who try to upbend it do not fare well. This movement will never survive; if you join them you and your entire family will be shunned. At best, you will exist a pariah to be spat and beaten; at worst be lynched or crucified. And for what? No matter what you do it will never amount to anything than more than a single drop in a limitless ocean.

Adam Ewing : What is an ocean but a multitude of drops?" Cloud Atlas (2012) Directed by Lana & Lilly Wachowski and Tom Tykwer Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .



Hesitation [ edit ]

He who hesitates is lost. "The opportunity is often lost by deliberating." Syrus, Maxims . Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 492



If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill. (Francis Bacon) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 56, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Bacon)

Hindsight [ edit ]

Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Note: 20-20 refers to perfect vision. Brenner, Gail Abel (2003). Concise dictionary of European proverbs . Wiley. p. 284. 0764524771.



History repeats itself. "Lack of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong—these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history." Winston Churchill, speech, House of Commons (1935) Speake, Jennifer (2008). A Dictionary of Proverbs . OUP Oxford. p. 345. ISBN 978-0-19-158001-7.



Hole [ edit ]

If you're in a hole, stop digging. "When you have landed yourself in trouble, such as through a foolish remark or action, do not say or do anything to make it worse." As "If you are in a hole, stop digging." Moore, Merton (December 4, 1920). "Stop Digging—Climb". Holstein-Friesian World XVII (49): 34. Retrieved on 2018-11-11. Variant: Stew it and it will only stink more. Speake, Jennifer (2008). A Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 346. ISBN 978-0-19-158001-7.



Home [ edit ]

He wha lives on hope will die fasting . " If thy hope be any thing worth, it will purify thee from thy sins. " Joseph Alleine, The Solemn Warnings of the Dead: or, An Admonition to Unconverted Sinners (1804), Chapter 3, p. 44 Henderson, Andrew (1832). Scottish proverbs, collected and arranged by A. Henderson . p. 34.

Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper. (Francis Bacon) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 57, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Bacon)

Hospitality: the virtue which induces us to feed and lodge certain persons who are not in need of food and lodging. (Ambrose Bierce) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 61, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Ambrose Bierce)

Imiation is the highest form of flattery. "There is no Man so bad, but he secretly respects the Good." Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1747) Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "imitation". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . p. 544. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Mieder, Wolfgang (2012). The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs . Yale University Press. pp. 312. ISBN 0300136021.



Don't have too many irons in the fire. (16th century) (Citatboken) Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 588

(16th century) (Citatboken) Iron sharpens iron. (Whiting, 1997 p. 235)

(Whiting, 1997 p. 235) It is always good when a man has two irons in the fire. (Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 59, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher) Strike while the iron is hot. or Make hay while the sun shines. "Take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself, before it passes away. A good opportunity is usually a rare coincidence of various factors, unlikely to be repeated." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 109) George Farquhar, The Beaux' Stratagem , Act IV, scene 2; reported as a proverb in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 642. Walter Scott, The Fair Maid of Perth , Chapter V. Webster, Westward Ho , III. 2. Geoffrey Chaucer, Troylus and Cresseyde , Book II, Stanza 178.



No man is an island. "The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist or political philosopher. " John Maynard Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money , (1936) Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 133



Joy shared, joy doubled: sorrow shared, sorrow halved. (Strauss, 1994 p. 249)

Hasty judgment leads to repentance. (Strauss, 1994 p. 196)

Kindness [ edit ]

Kindness, like grain, increases by sowing. Bohn, Henry George; Ray, John (1860). "K". A Hand-book of Proverbs: Comprising an Entire Republication of Ray's Collection of English Proverbs, with His Additions from Foreign Languages : and an Alphabetical Index, in which are Introduced Large Additions, as Well of Proverbs as of Sayings, Sentences, Maxims, and Phrases . H.G. Bohn. p. 437.



Keeping [ edit ]

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. " He that would live in peace & at ease,

Must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees. " Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1736) Tan, Christine; Christopher, Rita (2015). "118". The English Edge Series: Proverbs & Sayings . Pelangi ePublishing Sdn Bhd. p. 43. ISBN 978-967-431-475-0.



King [ edit ]

The king can do no wrong. (17th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 188, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(17th century)

Know thyself. "No man who is occupied in doing a very difficult thing, and doing it well, ever loses his self-respect." George Bernard Shaw, The Doctor's Dilemma (1911) Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 161. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

Learning is the eye of the mind. "A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth." Proverbs 17:24, (New International Version) Emanuel Strauss (12 November 2012). "590". Dictionary of European Proverbs . Routledge. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.



A good mind possesses a kingdom. (Strauss, 1998 p. 58)

Kitchen [ edit ]

' If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. "If you cannot cope with the pace or stress, as in a competitive industry or in a position of high office, then you should leave or resign." Manser, Martin H. (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 138. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Ammer, Christine (1997). The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 640. ISBN 039572774X.



Lady [ edit ]

Knowledge is power. (17th Century) Henry George Bohn; John Ray (1855). A Hand-book of Proverbs: Comprising Ray's Collection of English Proverbs, with His Additions from Foreign Languages. And a Complete Alphabetical Index . G. Bell. pp. 438–.

(17th Century)

Lane [ edit ]

It's a long lane that has no turning. Belfour, John (1812). "Long". A Complete Collection of English Proverbs: Also, the Most Celebrated Proverbs of the Scotch, Italian, French, Spanish, and Other Languages, the Whole Methodically Digested and Illustrated with Annotations, and Proper Explications . p. 135.



That's not good language that all understand not. John Warner Barber (1855). The Hand Book of Illustrated Proverbs: Comprising Also a Selection of Approved Proverbs of Various Nations and Languages, Ancient and Modern . Bradley. p. 30.



He laughs best who laughs last. "Do not celebrate prematurely while something is not yet achieved finally. - Unforeseen developments often lead to a less favourable final result." (Paczolay, 1997 p. 395)

Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 325



Laws catch flies, but lets hornets go free. "He complained in no way of the evil reputation under which he lived, indeed, all over the world, and he assured me that he himself was of all living beings the most interested in the destruction of Superstition , and he avowed to me that he had been afraid, relatively as to his proper power, once only, and that was on the day when he had heard a preacher, more subtle than the rest of the human herd, cry in his pulpit: "My dear brethren, do not ever forget, when you hear the progress of lights praised, that the loveliest trick of the Devil is to persuade you that he does not exist !" Charles Baudelaire, "The Generous Gambler" (Feb. 1864). Caroline Ward (1842). National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . J.W. Parker. p. 75.



Legs [ edit ]

To be on one's last legs. (16th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(16th century)

Less [ edit ]

Less is more. "Good writers indulge their audience; great writers know better." Tom Heehler, The Well-Spoken Thesaurus (2011) Il semble que la perfection soit atteinte non quand il n'y a plus rien à ajouter, mais quand il n'y a plus rien à retrancher. "It seems that perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove." Antoine de Saint Exupéry, L'Avion [ specific citation needed ] Variant translations: "Perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away." As translated by Lewis Galantière" "Perfection is attained not when no more can be added, but when no more can be removed." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



It is a strange desire to seek power and to lose liberty. (Francis Bacon) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 56, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Francis Bacon)

A lie can go halfway around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots. Manser, Martin H. (2007). "L". The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 167. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Life begins at forty. Fergusson, Rosalind (1995). Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 142. ISBN 978-1-85471-095-6.

Life imitates art. "Play! Invent the world! Invent reality!" Vladimir Nabokov, in Look at the Harlequins! (1974) Bloom, H. (2007). Arthur Miller , Bloom's Literary Criticism.

Life is what you make of it. "You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do something’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something’, go get it. Period." Said by the character Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) directed by Gabriele Muccino

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the one who thinks he can. Lucier, T. J. (2005). How to make money with real estate options: low-cost, low-risk, high-profit strategies for controlling undervalued property-- without the burdens of ownership! , Wiley.

Look on the sunny side of life. Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "sunny, 2". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . Oxford University Press, USA. p. 788. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.

The best things in life are free. Speake, Jennifer (2008). A Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 60. ISBN 978-0-19-158001-7.



Lightning never strikes twice in the same place. "A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience." Thomas Fuller, The Holy State and the Profane State (1642), Book III, Of Fancy . Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 634



Like [ edit ]

Linen [ edit ]

Don't wash your dirty linen in public. (Strauss, 1994 p. 702) (19th century, Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1)

A losing trade, I assure you, sir; literature is a drug. (George Borrow) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 63, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(George Borrow)

Little [ edit ]

Living [ edit ]

Live and let live. "The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues." Elizabeth Taylor, as quoted in The Seven Deadly Sins (2000) by Steven Schwartz, p. 23. John Ray; John Belfour (1813). A complete collection of English proverbs: also, the most celebrated proverbs of the Scotch, Italian, French, Spanish, and other languages . G. Cowie and co.. pp. 134–.



Nobody is healthy in London, nobody can be. (Jane Austen) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 54, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Jane Austen)

Look [ edit ]

Look before you leap. Allan Mair, James (1873). A handbook of proverbs: English, Scottish, Irish, American, Shakesperean, and scriptural; and family mottoes, ed. by J.A. Mair . p. 50.

Look on the sunny side of life. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 788



Loose [ edit ]

Loose lips sink ships. Eugene, D. (2002). 20 Good Reasons to Stay Sober , Booksurge Llc.



All is not lost that is in danger. Ward, Caroline (1842). "A". National Proverbs in the Principal Languages of Europe . p. 11.

Use it or lose it. Latimer Apperson, George (10 May 2006). Dictionary of Proverbs . Wordsworth Editions. p. 605. ISBN 978-1-84022-311-8.



Lunch [ edit ]

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Latimer Apperson (2006). "Free". Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 220. ISBN 978-1-84022-311-8.



Though this be madness, yet there is method in't. (William Shakespeare) Laine, Jarkko (toim.): Suuri sitaattisanakirja. Otava, 1989, p. 70. ISBN 9511109618

(William Shakespeare)

Make [ edit ]

Make the best of a bad bargain. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710.



Ne'er cast a clout till May be out. H. Manser, Martin (2007). "never". The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . p. 197. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Many [ edit ]

Many a mickle makes a muckle. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 698

Many things are lost for want of asking. R. Stone, Jon (2006). "Loss, Lost". The Routledge Book of World Proverbs . p. 267. ISBN 978-1-135-87054-6.



A young man married is a young man marred. Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 317. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

Marry in haste, and repent at leisure. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 463



Measure [ edit ]

Measure twice, cut once. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 171



Mend [ edit ]

It's never too late to mend. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 602



Might is right. (14th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(14th century)

Men talk only to conceal the mind. (Strauss 1994, p. 1088)

(Strauss 1994, p. 1088) Mind your own business. (Strauss, 1998 p. 719)

(Strauss, 1998 p. 719) Mind your P's and Q's. or British: Mind your manners.''''' [2] Makhene, E. R. W. (2008). Mind Your Ps and Qs , Lulu.com.

Out of sight, out of mind. (13th century) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(13th century)

Mile [ edit ]

The longest mile is the last mile home. Mieder, Wolfgang (1992). "home, 22". A Dictionary of American Proverbs . Oxford University Press, USA. p. 502. ISBN 978-0-19-505399-9.



It's no use crying over spilt milk. (Strauss, 1994 p. 631)

The best place for criticism is in front of your mirror. [Richter Belmont arrives in Dracula's chamber] "Richter Belmont: Die, monster! You don't belong in this world! Dracula: It was not by my hand that I'm once again given flesh. I was called here by humans who wish to pay me tribute. Richter Belmont: "Tribute"?! You steal men's souls, and make them your slaves! Dracula: Perhaps the same could be said of all religions. Richter Belmont: Your words are as empty as your soul! Mankind ill needs a savior such as you! Dracula: What is a man? [flings his wine glass aside] A miserable little pile of secrets! [9] But enough talk! Have at you!" Toru Hagihara, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) Martin H. Manser (2007), The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs , Infobase Publishing, p. 22, ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5



Misfortunes never come singly. (14th century, Citatboken) One misfortune is often followed by another. - A mishap may weaken/frighten a person/group/relationship, making him/it more liable to fell victim to subsequent minor dangers too. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 704 (Paczolay, 1997 p. 60)

(14th century, Citatboken)

Miss [ edit ]

A miss by an inch is a miss by a mile. Cf. Scottish Proverbs Collected and Arranged by Andrew Henderson , 1832, p.103: "An inch o' a miss is as gude as a span." [10]



Don't make the same mistake twice. "You should learn from your mistakes rather than repeating them." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .



The mob has many heads, but no brains. (1732) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 189, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(1732)

More [ edit ]

More haste, less speed. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1095)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 1095) The more the merrier. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1094)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 1094) The more things change, the more they stay the same. R. Stone, Jon (2006). "Change, Changeable". The Routledge Book of World Proverbs . p. 61. ISBN 978-1-135-87054-6.



Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The Bible Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 708



Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse. (Strauss, 1994 p. 568) "Take the first advice of a woman and not the second." Gilbertus Cognatus Noxeranus, Sylloge . See J. J. Grynæus, Adagio , p. 130. Langius, Polyanthea Col (1900) same sentiment. (Prends le premier conseil d'une femme et non le second. French for same). Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 10-11.

(Strauss, 1994 p. 568)

Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. "A recipe for success in many walks of life is to speak only when necessary and to remain alert, observant, and watchful at all times." Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Much [ edit ]

Much is expected where much is given. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1095) "More is expected of those who have received more - that is, those who had good fortune, are naturally gifted, or have been shown special favour." Source for meaning and proverb: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .

(Strauss, 1994 p. 1095)

Muck [ edit ]

Where there's muck there's brass. "There is of money to be made whenever there is muck or dirt of some kind." Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 299. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.



Nail [ edit ]

For want of a nail the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost. Proverb reported by George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum (1651), #495

The nail that sticks up will be hammered down. (Whatling, 2009) From the Japanese, "deru kugi wa utareru."

Never [ edit ]

Never lie to your doctor. Huler, Scott (1999). From Worst to First: Behind the Scenes of Continental's Remarkable Comeback . John Wiley & Sons. p. 200. 0471356522.

Never lie to your lawyer. Huler, Scott (1999). From Worst to First: Behind the Scenes of Continental's Remarkable Comeback . John Wiley & Sons. p. 200. 0471356522.

Never put off till (until) tomorrow what you can do today. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 264

Never say die. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 203

Never say never. Speake, Jennifer (2008). "NEVER". A Dictionary of Proverbs . OUP Oxford. p. 491. ISBN 978-0-19-158001-7.

It's never too late to mend. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p.602



Nice [ edit ]

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Morem, Susan (2005). One hundred one tips for graduates . Infobase Publishing. p. 69. 0816056765.



No [ edit ]

No man can serve two masters. Christian New Testament

No man is an island. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. p. 419 e

No man is indispensable. (Strauss, 1998 p. 319) "I think that no forms of social interaction—including religion, love, crime, and fertility choice—are immune from the power of economic reasoning." Robert Barro Nothing Is Sacred (2002)

(Strauss, 1998 p. 319) No news is good news. Mieder, Wolfgang; Kingsbury, Stewart A.; Harder, Kelsie B. (1992). A Dictionary of American proverbs . pp. 710. , p. 734 e

No pain, no gain. Manser, M. (2006). The Wordsworth dictionary of proverbs , Wordsworth Editions, Limited. 2006



Lose nothing for want of asking. (Mawr, 1885 p. 116)

(Mawr, 1885 p. 116) Nothing for nothing. (Strauss, 1994 p. 1111)

(Strauss, 1994 p. 1111) Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful! (Samuel Beckett) Citatboken, Bokförlaget Natur och Kultur, Stockholm, 1967, p. 59, ISBN 91-27-01681-1

(Samuel Beckett) Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Manser, 2007 p. 207) " George : What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty 