English Proverbs: Meanings and Examples for ESL

Actions speak louder than words - what someone does is more important than what they say

He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words—he never showed up.

The early bird catches the worm - people who act early or arrive first have a better chance of success

I got there at opening time and got the best deals. The early bird catches the worm!

Don't count your chickens before they hatch - don't make plans based on something good happening before it actually happens

I know you're excited about the job interview, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Don't judge a book by its cover - don't judge something or someone based only on appearance

The restaurant looked run-down, but the food was amazing. Don't judge a book by its cover.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do - when visiting a different place or culture, follow the customs and behavior of the people there

I don't usually eat with my hands, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

The grass is always greener on the other side - other people's situations always seem better than your own, even when they're not

You think your job is boring? Trust me, the grass is always greener on the other side.

There's no use crying over spilt milk - don't waste time being upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed

I know you're disappointed you didn't get the promotion, but there's no use crying over spilt milk.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket - don't risk everything on a single plan or opportunity

I'm applying to several universities. You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.

A picture is worth a thousand words - images can convey information or emotions more effectively than written or spoken descriptions

Instead of describing the damage, I just showed them a photo. A picture is worth a thousand words.

The pen is mightier than the sword - writing and ideas are more powerful than violence and force

She fought injustice through journalism. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Two wrongs don't make a right - responding to something bad with another bad action doesn't make the situation better

I know he insulted you, but insulting him back won't help. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Every cloud has a silver lining - even bad situations have some positive aspect

I lost my job, but it gave me time to pursue my passion. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Blood is thicker than water - family relationships are stronger than other relationships

Despite their disagreements, the siblings supported each other. Blood is thicker than water.

Rome wasn't built in a day - important things take time and cannot be rushed

Learning a language is difficult, but Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep practicing.

Many hands make light work - a task becomes easier when many people help

We finished moving in just two hours with everyone helping. Many hands make light work.

You can't have your cake and eat it too - you cannot have or do two good things at the same time if they are impossible to combine

You want high pay and no responsibility? You can't have your cake and eat it too.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease - people who complain or ask for things are more likely to get attention and help

I complained about the service and got a discount. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Curiosity killed the cat - being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger

Stop asking so many questions about their private life. Curiosity killed the cat.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away - eating healthy food regularly helps you stay healthy

She eats lots of fruit and vegetables. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - different people have different opinions about what is beautiful

I don't like modern art, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill - don't treat a minor problem as if it were very serious

It's just a small scratch on the car. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink - you can give someone an opportunity, but you cannot force them to take it

I gave him advice, but he won't listen. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

Time flies when you're having fun - enjoyable experiences seem to pass very quickly

I can't believe it's midnight already! Time flies when you're having fun.

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater - don't discard something valuable while trying to get rid of something unwanted

The company has problems, but let's fix them, not close down. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.