Proverbs in English

A picture is worth a thousand words

• MEANING: An image can tell a story better than words
• EXAMPLE: “I wasn’t sure that he loved her, but then I saw them hugging at the airport. A picture is worth a thousand words.”

All good things must come to an end

• MEANING: Everything ends; good times don’t last forever
• EXAMPLE: “I wish this vacation would go on forever. It’s too bad that all good things must come to an end.”

Actions speak louder than words

• MEANING: What you do is more important than what you say
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t just tell me you’re going to change. Do it! Actions speak louder than words.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

• MEANING: What is “beautiful” is different for each person
• EXAMPLE: “I think their house is ugly, but they seem to like it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Better late than never

• MEANING: It’s better to finish something late than to never do it at all
• EXAMPLE: “Hello, Mr. Jameson. Here is my final essay. Better late than never, right?”

Don’t judge a book by its cover

• MEANING: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone
• EXAMPLE: “Racism is still a problem today, and it will continue to be that way until we learn not to judge a book by its cover.”

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket

• MEANING: Don’t put all of your hopes and resources into one goal or dream
• EXAMPLE: “I know you really want to be an actor, but don’t you think you’re being financially irresponsible? Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.”

Easy come, easy go

• MEANING: When you make money quickly, it’s very easy to lose it quickly as well
• EXAMPLE: “I won $200 at the casino, and then I spent it on a very expensive meal for me and some friends. Easy come, easy go.”

Good things come to those who wait

• MEANING: If you are patient, good things can happen
• EXAMPLE: “I know you’re hungry, but stop being so impatient. We just ordered our food. Good things come to those who wait.”

If you play with fire, you’ll get burned

• MEANING: If you get involved in something dangerous or beyond your abilities, you will probably experience negative consequences
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t make him angry. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.”

Knowledge is power

• MEANING: The more you know, the more powerful you can be in different areas of your life
• EXAMPLE: “When we were kids, our parents taught us how to swim. That knowledge helped me to save my cousin’s life when he was 5 years old. Knowledge is power.”

Laughter is the best medicine

• MEANING: When you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation
• EXAMPLE: “I’m sorry to hear about your dog. Want to watch a funny movie? Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.”

Practice makes perfect

• MEANING: The more you do something, the better you will become at it
• EXAMPLE: “Don’t give up on learning the violin. Practice makes perfect.”

There is no such thing as a free lunch

• MEANING: Nothing is free. Even the things that are free have a hidden cost
• EXAMPLE: “His bank gave him $50 for free, but he had to commit to opening a credit card account. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Time is money

• MEANING: Don’t waste your time or other people’s time; also, if you can use your time to make money in some way, you should do that.
• EXAMPLE: “Hurry up! Time is money!”

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

• MEANING: When you are in a new place or situation, try to act like the majority of people in that place or situation.
• EXAMPLE: “Are you sure we should eat this with our hands?” Answer: “Why not? All of these people are eating it that way. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”