Speak Like a Native: Add English Proverbs to your Language Learning Adventure
English Proverbs for Language Fluency
One fascinating aspect of language is the use of English proverbs, which reflect culture, history and the condensed wisdom of generations. Proverbs are commonly used by native speakers in every language. Some are more specific to an individual language or culture and others are international.
Learning English proverbs, therefore, is part of the exciting (and challenging) language journey to fluency. In this post, we dive into the world of wisdom and provide you with a delightful collection of 24 timeless English proverbs.
What are English proverbs?
A proverb is a short, popular statement that expresses a general truth or gives advice about life based on common experiences. It provides “words of wisdom” in a popular, condensed statement that we can learn from and has often been used for generations.
English proverbs are also described as “sayings”. They have either developed over time through history or been adopted from another language and translated into English.
One key aspect of English proverbs is that they provide a shortcut! These well-known sayings allow us to communicate a specific message in a way that is quicker to use than explaining ourselves in detail. With an English proverb, we can express our message in fewer words that will still be understood.
Example: Without an English proverb
“I’m sure you can learn to play the guitar, but you need to invest a lot of time practicing regularly. Otherwise you won’t get any better.”
Example: With an English proverb
“I’m sure you can learn to play the guitar. Just remember that practice makes perfect.”
It’s worth highlighting that English proverbs can be difficult to understand from their literal meaning. In the example above, practice doesn’t guarantee that you will become perfect. Instead, it emphasises that you will only become better through continuous practice.
Tip: We recommend learning the whole saying and it’s intended meaning as one piece of language. This will help you to understand, and to use proverbs in speaking and writing.
English proverbs list • 24 definitions & examples
Our list of English proverbs are used in daily conversation by native English speakers. We include definitions and examples, and they are a great starting point to develop your language fluency.
Tip: Try creating your own examples as part of your language learning adventure. This will help you to remember and to use them again them in the future.
1. Practice makes perfect
Meaning
to become proficient at something, you need to have regular practice.
Example
Learning a new language can be challenging, but practice makes perfect.
2. Two wrongs don't make a right
Meaning
if someone does something bad to you, it is not right to do something bad to them in return.
Example
I know that he hit you at school today, but you shouldn’t have hit him back. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
3. Honesty is the best policy
Meaning
it is better to tell the truth than to lie, even if it is more difficult.
Example
You have to tell our neighbour that you broke his window by accident when you were playing football, because honesty is the best policy.
4. Practise what you preach
Meaning
you should behave in the same way that you advise others to behave. Typically used when someone is a hypocrite and acts differently.
Example
John lectures his friends about the dangers of smoking, yet he doesn’t practise what he preaches and smokes at least one pack a day.
5. Do as I say, not as I do
Meaning
someone expects you to do as you are told, even though they do not behave in the same way. Used to emphasise that someone’s expectations do not match their own behaviour.
Example
My company says that it promotes a healthy work-life balance and that we should maintain reasonable working hours. However, our bosses have a culture of working late into the night. This “do as I say, not as I do” concept, creates confusion among staff over the genuine expectations of management.
6. A leopard can't change its spots
Meaning
it is impossible for a person to change their natural character. Often used to refer to negative characteristics.
Example
Despite his promises to change, we were convinced that a leopard can’t change its spots.
7. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning
it is better to avoid talking about a subject that was problem in the past, because it could create an uncomfortable conversation or difficult situation.
Example
After several heated arguments with my parents about my decision to drop out of university five years ago, we have now chosen to let sleeping dogs lie, and focus on rebuilding our relationship.
8. You can lead a horse to water (but you can’t make it drink)
Meaning
you can give someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to do it. Refers to people who do not take the opportunity to make a change for the better.
Example
Even though the company introduced flexible work hours to promote a healthier work-life balance, some employees still choose to work long hours. It’s a classic case of you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
9. Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning
is used to warn people against asking questions or trying to find out more information, because sometimes being inquisitive gets you into trouble.
Example
Despite her temptation to read the messages on her friend’s phone, she reminded herself that curiosity killed the cat and decided to respect her privacy.
10. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning
don’t make plans or rely on predictions about something in the future, because the outcome is not certain.
Example
After a great final interview, I felt confident about being offered the job, but reminded myself not to count my chickens before they hatch.
11. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning
if someone is used to a certain routine, or doing things in particular way, they find it difficult to change or to learn new skills.
Example
Despite our efforts to teach our uncle how to use social media, he couldn’t get the hang of it. We eventually gave up because you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
12. While the cat’s away, (the mice will play)
Meaning
when the person in charge (e.g. a boss, a teacher, a parent) is away, people may misbehave.
Example
While the cat’s away, the mice will play. When the parents went away for the weekend to celebrate their anniversary, their teenage children thought it was a good idea to have a house party.
13. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning
what you do is more important than what you say. Taking action is more sincere than simply expressing your feelings or intentions to do something.
Example
In the fight against climate change, actions speak louder than words. It’s not just about discussing environmental issues, but about actively changing things for the better.
14. The pen is mightier than the sword
Meaning
thinking and communicating is more effective and powerful tool than using physical force or violence.
Example
In many situations of global tension, the pen is mightier than the sword. Thoughtful negotiations and diplomatic agreements have the power to prevent conflicts and promote peace.
15. A picture is worth a thousand words
Meaning
a picture can convey a message in a more effective and more powerful way than using multiple words.
Example
To understand the severity of poverty in developing countries, a picture is worth a thousand words.
16. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning
in every bad situation, we can always find something positive, even if it is not immediately apparent.
Example
Losing my job was a difficult experience, but every cloud has a silver lining, and it gave me the opportunity to explore a new career path and find a more rewarding job.
17. Money doesn't grow on trees
Meaning
the amount of money you have is not unlimited, so you should be careful how you spend it.
Example
Our teenage kids keep asking for new clothes or new gadgets, but they need to accept that money doesn’t grow on trees.
18. The grass is always greener (on the other side of the fence)
Meaning
to think negatively that another situation is better than your own, even if it is not true!
Example
The problem with social media is that it can encourage people to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. People envy the seemingly perfect lives of others, who, in fact, face their own challenges and imperfections.
19. Two heads are better than one
Meaning
some tasks can be solved more easily when working with other people than by working alone.
Example
When faced with a complex problem at work, we realised that two heads are better than one.
20. Too many cooks spoil the broth
Meaning
if too many people are trying to do the same task (especially regarding decision making), it will not be done well.
Example
While planning the project, we realised that involving too many team members was less productive. After all, too many cooks spoil the broth.
21. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Meaning
you should not be ungrateful or act negatively towards a person that helps or supports you.
Example
In your teenage years it’s normal to want more independence, but you should still listen to and respect your parents. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
22. Knowledge is power
Meaning
when you gain knowledge through education, you have the potential to be more successful and to influence others.
Example
In the world of technology and innovation, knowledge is power. Those with the latest information and skills have a distinct advantage in adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of the digital age.
23. Ignorance is bliss
Meaning
if you don’t know about a problem, you cannot be stressed about the potential outcome. Nonetheless, this isn’t always a good strategy!
Example
Sometimes I wish I hadn’t learned about all the problems in the world. Ignorance was bliss before I knew about the harsh realities of life that we are facing today.
24. When in Rome, (do as the Romans do)
Meaning
when you are visiting another place, you should adapt to the local customs and practices.
Example
When we travel, we try to experience the local traditions and embrace their customs. After all, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do“.
Proverbs v Idioms
Proverbs and idioms have some similar characteristics:
- they are a group of words (often a phrase or an expression) that have a particular meaning.
- they provide one unit of language that cannot be altered in speaking or writing.
- meanings may be difficult to work out simply from the individual words.
The key difference however, is that idioms have a wide range of uses. They, do not express a lesson of life, or words of wisdom. That is the unique aspect of proverbs.
Want to practise with a native English speaker?
We offer one-to-one English lessons either online or in Munich to take your English to the next level.
Our qualified trainers ensure regular practice and adapt lessons to your own targets. This can include communication skills, business English or exam preparation. Please get in touch and we’re happy to help if you have any questions about our English courses.
Don’t forget that practice makes perfect!