English Proverbs & Sayings

A lender nor borrower be.	Do not lend or borrow money.
A leopard cannot change its spots.	It is impossible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good or pleasant.
A lie begets a lie.	Telling one lie will lead you to tell another one.
A little fire is quickly trodden out.	If you deal with a minor problem quickly, it will not become a major issue.
A little of what you fancy does you good.	It's ok to give into a little temptation occasionally.
A loaded wagon makes no noise.	Really wealthy people do not talk about money.
A loveless life is living death.	Without affection, life is difficult.
A man can die but once.	If death comes now, you will not have to experience it later.
A man is as old as he feels himself to be.	Your age doesn't matter as long as you are fit and healthy.
A man is judged by his deeds, not by his words.	A person is judged on what he/she actually does, not on what they say they will do.
A man is known by the company he keeps.	A person's character is judged by the type of people with whom they spend their time.
A monkey in silk is a monkey no less.	No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person underneath.
A new broom sweeps clean (but the old brush knows all the corners...)	A newly-appointed person often makes changes quickly .
A nod is as good as a wink (to a blind horse/man).	A hint or a subtle signal is enough to convey meaning to someone who is ready to understand.
A picture paints a thousand words.	A picture is better than a long description.
A problem shared is a problem halved. (Also : A worry shared is a worry halved.)	It is easier to deal with a problem when you discuss it with someone.
A rising tide lifts all boats.	Refers to something that will be helpful to all.
A rolling stone gathers no moss	If a person keeps moving from place to place, they gain neither friends nor possessions. Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one avoids being tied down!
A rotten apple spoils the barrel.	A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a group.
A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.	Overcoming adversity leads to competence.
A soft answer turneth away wrath.	If your reply is polite and tactful you will avoid anger.
A stitch in time saves nine.	If you deal with a problem at an early stage you will save time and prevent it from getting worse.
A stumble may prevent a fall.	Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making a bigger one.
A swallow does not make the summer.	One good event does not mean that everything is alright.
A tidy house holds a bored woman	If a house is always tidy, the owner (woman) has nothing but housework to occupy her time.
A watched pot never boils.	If you wait anxiously for something to happen, it seems to take a long time.
A wise head keeps a still tongue	An intelligent person knows when to stay silent.
A wonder lasts but nine days	The effects of an amazing or stirring event last only nine days; after that, life goes on as before.
A young idler, an old beggar.	If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're old.
Absence is the mother of disillusion	A period of absence may eenable you to see people in a truer but less favourable light.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder	When you are away from someone you love, you love them even more.