Learn 50 Most Common Proverbs in English with Their Meanings

Proverbs are succinct sayings that convey wisdom and life lessons. They offer a way to express complex ideas in a few words, and understanding them can greatly enhance your communication skills. This blog post delves into 50 common English proverbs, explaining their meanings, providing phonetic transcriptions, and giving examples of how to use them. Whether you’re an English learner or just looking to expand your vocabulary, these proverbs will be valuable additions to your linguistic toolkit.

Learn 50 Most Common Proverbs in English with Their Meanings

Each proverb in this list comes with practical examples that show how it can be applied in real-life situations. By learning these, you’ll not only enrich your vocabulary but also gain insights into cultural attitudes and values that shape everyday interactions.

So, let’s explore these timeless pieces of wisdom and see how they can make your language use more effective and engaging.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started! 🌟

#1. 🦉 A stitch in time saves nine

Phonetic Transcription: /ə stɪʧ ɪn taɪm seɪvz naɪn/
Meaning: Acting in time prevents future problems.
Example 1: Fix the leak now; remember, a stitch in time saves nine!
Example 2: I always submit my work early—better a stitch in time saves nine.

#2. 🐦 Birds of a feather flock together

Phonetic Transcription: /bɜrdz əv ə fɛðər flɒk təˈgɛðər/
Meaning: People with similar interests or backgrounds tend to associate with one another.
Example 1: You can tell they’re good friends—birds of a feather flock together.
Example 2: All the artists hang out in the same café. Birds of a feather, you know.

#3. 🐢 Slow and steady wins the race

Phonetic Transcription: /sloʊ ənd ˈstɛdi wɪnz ðə reɪs/
Meaning: Consistency leads to success over time.
Example 1: She practiced every day, and slow and steady won the race.
Example 2: Don’t rush. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

#4. 💎 A diamond in the rough

Phonetic Transcription: /ə ˈdaɪəmənd ɪn ðə rʌf/
Meaning: Someone or something with potential but lacking refinement.
Example 1: The new employee is a diamond in the rough; he just needs some training.
Example 2: This old house is a diamond in the rough, but it has potential.

#5. 🐱 Curiosity killed the cat

Phonetic Transcription: /ˌkjʊriˈɒsɪti kɪld ðə kæt/
Meaning: Being overly curious can lead to trouble.
Example 1: Be careful snooping around; curiosity killed the cat.
Example 2: I wouldn’t ask too many questions—curiosity killed the cat.

#6. 🍰 The proof of the pudding is in the eating

Phonetic Transcription: /ðə pruːf əv ðə ˈpʊdɪŋ ɪz ɪn ðə ˈiːtɪŋ/
Meaning: The true value of something is only known when it’s tested.
Example 1: You may have doubts, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Example 2: Don’t judge too soon—the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

#7. 🕰️ Better late than never

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈbɛtər leɪt ðæn ˈnɛvər/
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example 1: He apologized a week later, but better late than never.
Example 2: She started learning guitar at 50—better late than never!

#8. 🐕 Let sleeping dogs lie

Phonetic Transcription: /lɛt ˈsliːpɪŋ dɔgz laɪ/
Meaning: Avoid interfering in a situation that could lead to trouble.
Example 1: Don’t bring up that argument again—let sleeping dogs lie.
Example 2: It’s better not to discuss that issue, let sleeping dogs lie.

#9. 💼 Don’t judge a book by its cover

Phonetic Transcription: /doʊnt ʤʌʤ ə bʊk baɪ ɪts ˈkʌvər/
Meaning: Don’t form an opinion based solely on appearance.
Example 1: He looks rough, but don’t judge a book by its cover—he’s really nice.
Example 2: That restaurant may not look fancy, but don’t judge a book by its cover.

#10. 🛠️ Actions speak louder than words

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈækʃənz spiːk ˈlaʊdər ðæn wɜrdz/
Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example 1: She promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Example 2: Don’t just tell me, show me—actions speak louder than words.

#11. 🍞 You can’t have your cake and eat it too

Phonetic Transcription: /ju kɑːnt hæv jʊər keɪk ənd iːt ɪt tuː/
Meaning: You can’t enjoy two desirable but mutually exclusive options.
Example 1: You can’t stay up late and expect to be alert in the morning—you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Example 2: She wants both a high-paying job and lots of free time—she can’t have her cake and eat it too.

#12. 🧩 Every cloud has a silver lining

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈɛvri klaʊd hæz ə ˈsɪlvər ˈlaɪnɪŋ/
Meaning: Every difficult situation has some positive aspect.
Example 1: Even though he lost his job, every cloud has a silver lining—he found a better opportunity.
Example 2: The rain ruined our picnic, but every cloud has a silver lining; we enjoyed a movie indoors.

#13. 🐍 A snake in the grass

Phonetic Transcription: /ə sneɪk ɪn ðə ɡræs/
Meaning: A deceitful or treacherous person.
Example 1: Watch out for him—he’s a snake in the grass.
Example 2: The deal fell through because of a snake in the grass who leaked our plans.

#14. 🎭 All that glitters is not gold

Phonetic Transcription: /ɔːl ðæt ˈɡlɪtəz ɪz nɒt ɡoʊld/
Meaning: Not everything that looks valuable is actually valuable.
Example 1: Don’t be fooled by the flashy car—remember, all that glitters is not gold.
Example 2: She may look perfect, but remember, all that glitters is not gold.

#15. 🏠 Home is where the heart is

Phonetic Transcription: /hoʊm ɪz wɛər ðə hɑːrt ɪz/
Meaning: Home is wherever you feel most comfortable and loved.
Example 1: Moving to a new city was tough, but home is where the heart is.
Example 2: Despite the changes, they felt settled because home is where the heart is.

#16. 🎁 Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Phonetic Transcription: /doʊnt lʊk ə ɡɪft hɔrs ɪn ðə maʊθ/
Meaning: Don’t criticize a gift or something given freely.
Example 1: He gave you a gift—don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Example 2: Just accept the free advice—don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

#17. 🕊️ The early bird catches the worm

Phonetic Transcription: /ði ˈɜrli bɜrd ˈkæʧɪz ðə wɜrm/
Meaning: Being early or proactive leads to success.
Example 1: I got here at 6 am—the early bird catches the worm!
Example 2: If you want to win that job, apply now; the early bird catches the worm.

#18. 🧠 Knowledge is power

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈnɒlɪʤ ɪz ˈpaʊər/
Meaning: Having knowledge gives you an advantage.
Example 1: In the world of business, knowledge is power.
Example 2: The more you learn, the more you succeed—knowledge is power.

#19. 🏆 Practice makes perfect

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈpræktɪs meɪks ˈpɜrfɪkt/
Meaning: Consistent practice leads to improvement.
Example 1: You won’t be great overnight—practice makes perfect.
Example 2: She plays piano daily because practice makes perfect.

#20. 💪 When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Phonetic Transcription: /wɛn ðə ˈɡoʊɪŋ ɡɛts tʌf, ðə tʌf ɡɛt ˈɡoʊɪŋ/
Meaning: Strong people don’t give up when times are hard.
Example 1: The project was challenging, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Example 2: During crises, we pull through because when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

#21. 🌈 Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Phonetic Transcription: /wɛr ðɛrz ə wɪl, ðɛrz ə weɪ/
Meaning: If you are determined, you can find a solution.
Example 1: It may be difficult, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Example 2: Despite the obstacles, she succeeded—where there’s a will, there’s a way.

#22. 🗣️ Speak of the devil

Phonetic Transcription: /spiːk əv ðə ˈdɛvəl/
Meaning: The person you’re talking about suddenly appears.
Example 1: Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.
Example 2: Speak of the devil, and here she is!

#23. 🎯 Hit the nail on the head

Phonetic Transcription: /hɪt ðə neɪl ɒn ðə hɛd/
Meaning: To describe a situation accurately.
Example 1: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.
Example 2: His comment really hit the nail on the head.

#24. 💰 A penny saved is a penny earned

Phonetic Transcription: /ə ˈpɛni seɪvd ɪz ə ˈpɛni ɜrnd/
Meaning: Saving money is as valuable as earning it.
Example 1: Skip the coffee shop today—remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Example 2: I chose to walk instead of taking a taxi; a penny saved is a penny earned.

#25. 🐘 An elephant never forgets

Phonetic Transcription: /ən ˈɛlɪfənt ˈnɛvər fərˈgɛts/
Meaning: Some people have an exceptional memory.
Example 1: She remembered what I said months ago—an elephant never forgets.
Example 2: Don’t try to fool him—an elephant never forgets.

#26. ⏳ Time is money

Phonetic Transcription: /taɪm ɪz ˈmʌni/
Meaning: Time is valuable, so don’t waste it.
Example 1: Let’s get to work—time is money.
Example 2: He hates waiting because time is money.

#27. 🌍 The world is your oyster

Phonetic Transcription: /ðə wɜrld ɪz jʊr ˈɔɪstər/
Meaning: You have many opportunities in life.
Example 1: With your skills, the world is your oyster!
Example 2: Don’t worry about limits—the world is your oyster.

#28. 🔥 Out of the frying pan, into the fire

Phonetic Transcription: /aʊt əv ðə ˈfraɪɪŋ pæn, ˈɪntuː ðə ˈfaɪər/
Meaning: Going from a bad situation to a worse one.
Example 1: He left his job only to find himself out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Example 2: Don’t rush into another mistake—you don’t want to go out of the frying pan and into the fire.

#29. 🏹 The pen is mightier than the sword

Phonetic Transcription: /ðə pɛn ɪz ˈmaɪtiər ðæn ðə sɔrd/
Meaning: Words and communication are more powerful than violence.
Example 1: In politics, the pen is mightier than the sword.
Example 2: You can make a change through writing—the pen is mightier than the sword.

#30. 🎩 You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Phonetic Transcription: /ju kɑːnt tiːʧ ən oʊld dɔɡ nuː trɪks/
Meaning: It’s hard to change long-established habits.
Example 1: My grandfather refuses to use a smartphone—you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Example 2: She won’t change her routine—after all, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

#31. 🌞 Make hay while the sun shines

Phonetic Transcription: /meɪk heɪ waɪl ðə sʌn ʃaɪnz/
Meaning: Take advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
Example 1: We have good weather today—let’s make hay while the sun shines.
Example 2: The sale won’t last long; make hay while the sun shines.

#32. 🦊 A fox is not caught twice in the same snare

Phonetic Transcription: /ə fɒks ɪz nɒt kɔːt twaɪs ɪn ðə seɪm snɛr/
Meaning: A clever person learns from their mistakes.
Example 1: After the first loss, she won’t fall for it again—a fox is not caught twice in the same snare.
Example 2: He knows better now—after all, a fox is not caught twice in the same snare.

#33. 🔄 What goes around comes around

Phonetic Transcription: /wɒt goʊz əˈraʊnd kʌmz əˈraʊnd/
Meaning: Your actions, good or bad, will eventually have consequences.
Example 1: He helped others, and now they’re helping him—what goes around comes around.
Example 2: Be careful how you treat people—what goes around comes around.

#34. 🌾 Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Phonetic Transcription: /doʊnt pʊt ɔːl jʊr ɛɡz ɪn wʌn ˈbæskɪt/
Meaning: Don’t rely on a single plan or option.
Example 1: Diversify your investments—don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Example 2: I applied to multiple universities; you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket.

#35. 🚪 When one door closes, another opens

Phonetic Transcription: /wɛn wʌn dɔr kloʊzəz, əˈnʌðər ˈoʊpənz/
Meaning: New opportunities arise when others are lost.
Example 1: He didn’t get the job, but when one door closes, another opens.
Example 2: Don’t worry about this setback—when one door closes, another opens.

#36. 🐖 Pigs might fly

Phonetic Transcription: /pɪgz maɪt flaɪ/
Meaning: Something highly unlikely to happen.
Example 1: “Will she finish on time?” “Yeah, and pigs might fly!”
Example 2: He promised to change—yeah, and pigs might fly!

#37. 🕊️ Actions speak louder than words

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈækʃənz spiːk ˈlaʊdər ðæn wɜrdz/
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example 1: Instead of promises, show your commitment—actions speak louder than words.
Example 2: I don’t believe his apologies anymore—actions speak louder than words.

#38. 🌳 The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Phonetic Transcription: /ði ˈæpl ˈdʌznt fɔl fɑr frʌm ðə tri/
Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in behavior or traits.
Example 1: His son is just as stubborn—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Example 2: She’s talented, just like her mother; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

#39. 🏇 You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink

Phonetic Transcription: /ju kæn lid ə hɔrs tuː ˈwɔtər, bʌt ju kænt meɪk ɪt drɪŋk/
Meaning: You can give someone an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it.
Example 1: I provided all the help, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Example 2: I offered advice, but he ignored it—you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

#40. 🐢 Slow and steady wins the race

Phonetic Transcription: /sloʊ ənd ˈstɛdi wɪnz ðə reɪs/
Meaning: Consistent, measured effort leads to success.
Example 1: Don’t rush—remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Example 2: His careful approach worked because slow and steady wins the race.

#41. 🌧️ Every cloud has a silver lining

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈɛvri klaʊd hæz ə ˈsɪlvər ˈlaɪnɪŋ/
Meaning: There’s something positive in every bad situation.
Example 1: Even though you didn’t win, every cloud has a silver lining—you learned a lot.
Example 2: The project failed, but every cloud has a silver lining, as it gave us valuable insights.

#42. 🐱 Curiosity killed the cat

Phonetic Transcription: /ˌkjʊriˈɑsɪti kɪld ðə kæt/
Meaning: Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
Example 1: I wouldn’t ask too many questions—curiosity killed the cat.
Example 2: She keeps snooping around, but curiosity killed the cat.

#43. 🌱 You reap what you sow

Phonetic Transcription: /ju rip wʌt ju soʊ/
Meaning: Your actions determine your future.
Example 1: He worked hard, and now he’s successful—you reap what you sow.
Example 2: If you’re kind, people will be kind to you—you reap what you sow.

#44. 💡 Necessity is the mother of invention

Phonetic Transcription: /nəˈsɛsɪti ɪz ðə ˈmʌðər əv ɪnˈvɛnʃən/
Meaning: Difficult situations inspire creative solutions.
Example 1: During the pandemic, many new businesses emerged—necessity is the mother of invention.
Example 2: She came up with a great idea because necessity is the mother of invention.

#45. 🐦 A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Phonetic Transcription: /ə bɜrd ɪn ðə hænd ɪz wɜrθ tu ɪn ðə bʊʃ/
Meaning: It’s better to hold onto something certain than to risk it for more.
Example 1: He didn’t take the risky offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Example 2: You should accept the job—remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

#46. 🎣 Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡɪv ə mæn ə fɪʃ, ænd ju fid hɪm fɔr ə deɪ; tiːʧ ə mæn tuː fɪʃ, ænd ju fid hɪm fɔr ə ˈlaɪftaɪm/
Meaning: Teaching skills is more valuable than providing temporary solutions.
Example 1: Instead of giving her the answers, I explained how to solve the problem—teach a man to fish.
Example 2: Education is key; give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.

#47. 🎩 Better late than never

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈbɛtər leɪt ðæn ˈnɛvər/
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example 1: I finally finished the project—better late than never!
Example 2: She arrived after the meeting, but better late than never.

#48. 🎓 Don’t bite the hand that feeds you

Phonetic Transcription: /doʊnt baɪt ðə hænd ðæt fidz ju/
Meaning: Don’t harm those who help you.
Example 1: Be grateful to your supporters—don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Example 2: He criticized his boss, but don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

#49. 🌱 The grass is always greener on the other side

Phonetic Transcription: /ðə ɡræs ɪz ˈɔlweɪz ˈɡrinər ɒn ði ˈʌðər saɪd/
Meaning: People tend to think others have it better.
Example 1: She’s envious of her friend’s life, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
Example 2: He thinks switching jobs will be better, but the grass is always greener on the other side.

#50. 🚪 Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Phonetic Transcription: /doʊnt kaʊnt jɔr ˈʧɪk

kɪnz bɪˈfɔr ðeɪ hæʧ/
Meaning: Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example 1: Don’t make plans with the bonus money—don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Example 2: She was confident about winning, but you shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Most Common Proverbs in English Table

Most Common Proverbs in English Printable

Conclusion

Proverbs are an integral part of every language, providing cultural insight and practical wisdom. Learning these 50 most common English proverbs not only enhances your understanding of the language but also equips you with valuable expressions to use in daily conversations. Whether you’re seeking advice, offering encouragement, or making sense of a situation, there’s often a proverb that fits perfectly. These short and memorable sayings can make your language sound more fluent and natural, connecting you more deeply to the English-speaking world.

By familiarizing yourself with these proverbs, you not only improve your vocabulary but also gain a better grasp of common cultural references and idiomatic expressions. This will boost your confidence in both formal and informal settings.

Remember, proverbs may seem old, but their wisdom is timeless. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to incorporate these sayings into your everyday language.

To master English like a pro, keep practicing, learning, and exploring. Follow @EnglEzz for more tips and language lessons! #EnglEzz #vocabulary #linguistics #learnenglish #proverbs

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