Top 100 Proverbs spoken by native English speakers

  1. “Actions speak louder than words” – meaning that people’s actions show their true intentions or feelings rather than their words.

  2. “You can’t judge a book by its cover” – meaning that people should not judge things by their appearance alone.

  3. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire” – meaning that where there is evidence of something, it is likely that it is true.

  4. “You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” – meaning that to achieve something, one may have to go through difficulties.

  5. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” – meaning that one can’t have everything they want without making sacrifices.

  6. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” – meaning that you can’t make something beautiful or valuable out of something that is of poor quality.

  7. “You can’t judge a person by their appearance” – meaning that people’s outward appearance does not necessarily reflect their true nature.

  8. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – meaning that when in a new place, one should adapt to the customs of the locals.

  9. “Two heads are better than one” – meaning that working together is more effective than working alone.

  10. “Time is money” – meaning that time is valuable and should be used wisely.

  11. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” – meaning that people who complain or make a fuss are more likely to get what they want.

  12. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” – meaning that one can only know if something is good by trying it.

  13. “The pot calling the kettle black” – meaning that someone is being hypocritical or accusing someone else of a fault they have themselves.

  14. “The early bird catches the worm” – meaning that those who get up early and start working have an advantage over those who do not.

  15. “The devil is in the details” – meaning that small details are important and can cause problems if not taken care of.

  16. “The best things in life are free” – meaning that the most valuable things in life do not cost money.

  17. “The best defense is a good offense” – meaning that attacking is the best way to defend oneself.

  18. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” – meaning that children tend to be similar to their parents.

  19. “The grass is always greener on the other side” – meaning that people often think that other people’s lives are better than their own.

  20. “Still waters run deep” – meaning that quiet people often have a lot going on in their minds.

  21. “Speak of the devil” – meaning when a person appears just after being mentioned.

  22. “Seeing is believing” – meaning that you have to experience something yourself to believe it.

  23. “Practice makes perfect” – meaning that repetition and practice leads to improvement.

  24. “Necessity is the mother of invention” – meaning that when faced with a problem, people will come up with creative solutions.

  25. “Honesty is the best policy” – meaning that being truthful is always the best course of action.

  26. “Give credit where credit is due” – meaning that people should be recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.

  27. “Give and take” – meaning that in any relationship or situation, there needs to be a balance of give and take.

  28. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” – meaning that some people take unnecessary risks without thinking.

  29. “Familiarity breeds contempt” – meaning that close proximity to someone or something can lead to negative feelings.

  30. “Every cloud has a silver lining” – meaning that every difficult situation has a positive aspect to it.

  31. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew” – meaning that one should not take on more tasks or responsibilities than they can handle.

  32. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” – meaning that one should not assume something will happen before it actually does.

  33. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – meaning that one should not rely solely on one thing or person for success or security.

  34. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” – meaning that one should not make assumptions about something or someone based on their appearance.

  35. “Don’t put the cart before the horse” – meaning that one should not do things in the wrong order or out of sequence.

  36. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” – meaning that one should not question or be ungrateful for a gift or favor.

  37. “Don’t cry over spilt milk” – meaning that one should not dwell on mistakes or regrets from the past.

  38. “Don’t put the cart before the horse” – meaning that one should not do things in the wrong order or out of sequence.

  39. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – meaning that one should not rely solely on one thing or person for success or security.

  40. “A picture is worth a thousand words” – meaning that an image can convey a lot of information or tell a story in a way that words alone cannot.
  41. “A penny saved is a penny earned” – meaning that saving money is just as valuable as earning it.

  42. “A leopard cannot change its spots” – meaning that people cannot change their basic nature or characteristics.

  43. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” – meaning that something certain is more valuable than something that may be obtained in the future.

  44. “A bad workman blames his tools” – meaning that a poor worker will blame their equipment or resources for their mistakes.

  45. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” – meaning that a group or organization is only as strong as its weakest member.

  46. “A cat has nine lives” – meaning that a person or thing has many opportunities to survive or recover.

  47. “A change is as good as a rest” – meaning that a change of scenery or activity can be just as refreshing as a break.

  48. “Actions speak louder than words” – meaning that people’s actions show their true intentions or feelings rather than their words.

  49. “A closed mouth catches no flies” – meaning that it’s better to be silent than to speak and cause trouble.

  50. “A burden shared is a burden halved” – meaning that when you share a problem or responsibility with someone else, it becomes easier to bear.

  51. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” – meaning that a friend who helps you in difficult times is a true friend.

  52. “A fool and his money are soon parted” – meaning that people who are easily fooled will quickly lose their money.

  53. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” – meaning that a group or organization that is divided against itself will not be successful.

  54. “A picture paints a thousand words” – meaning that a single image can convey a lot of information.

  55. “A rolling stone gathers no moss” – meaning that people who are always moving and changing do not accumulate unnecessary baggage.

  56. “A stitch in time saves nine” – meaning that taking care of a small problem now can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem later.

  57. “A taste of one’s own medicine” – meaning that one will experience the same negative consequences that they have inflicted on others.

  58. “A watched pot never boils” – meaning that time seems to pass more slowly when one is waiting for something to happen.

  59. “A word to the wise is enough” – meaning that someone who is wise does not need a lot of explanation or advice.

  60. “Actions speak louder than words” – meaning that people’s actions show their true intentions or feelings rather than their words.

  61. “All good things must come to an end” – meaning that all positive things eventually come to an end.

  62. “All is fair in love and war” – meaning that anything goes when it comes to love and war.

  63. “All that glitters is not gold” – meaning that things that look attractive or valuable may not be genuine.

  64. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” – meaning that a lack of leisure and fun can make a person dull and uninteresting.

  65. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” – meaning that a healthy diet can prevent illness.

  66. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – meaning that it’s better to prevent a problem from happening than to try to fix it after it has occurred.

  67. “An elephant never forgets” – meaning that someone who remembers things well is said to have an elephant’s memory.

  68. “An empty vessel makes the most noise” – meaning that people who know the least talk the most.

  69. “An Englishman’s home is his castle” – meaning that the English people consider their home as a place of refuge and privacy.

  70. “An old dog cannot learn new tricks” – meaning that older people cannot adapt to new ways of doing things.

  71. “Another day, another dollar” – meaning that everyday life is just a repetition of the same routine.

  72. “Ask no questions and hear no lies” – meaning that if you don’t ask questions, people won’t tell you lies.

  73. “Barking up the wrong tree” – meaning that someone is looking in the wrong place or pursuing the wrong course of action.

  74. “Beggars can’t be choosers” – meaning that people who are in need should not be picky or demanding.

  75. “Behind closed doors” – meaning that something is kept secret or private.

  76. “Between a rock and a hard place” – meaning that someone is in a difficult situation with no good options.

  77. “Better late than never” – meaning that it is better to arrive or do something late than not at all.

  78. “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” – meaning that it is better to stick with something familiar than to take a chance on something unknown.

  79. “Bite the bullet” – meaning that someone must face a difficult or unpleasant task.

  80. “Break a leg” – meaning good luck, often said to actors before a performance.

  81. “Burn the candle at both ends” – meaning that someone is working or playing too hard and not getting enough rest.

  82. “Can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” – meaning that you can’t make something good from something bad.

  83. “Can’t see the forest for the trees” – meaning that someone is too focused on small details and can’t see the big picture.

  84. “Cast pearls before swine” – meaning that something valuable is wasted on someone who does not appreciate it.

  85. “Catch 22” – meaning a situation where it is impossible to win or make progress.

  86. “Change of heart” – meaning a change in one’s emotions or intentions.

  87. “Checkered past” – meaning a history of both good and bad events or actions.

  88. “Clean slate” – meaning a fresh start with no past mistakes or problems.

  89. “Cold turkey” – meaning to stop an addiction suddenly and without assistance.

  90. “Cry over spilt milk” – meaning to complain about something that cannot be changed.

  91. “Cry wolf” – meaning to raise a false alarm, in reference to the fable of the boy who cried “wolf” to get attention.

  92. “Cut to the chase” – meaning to get to the point quickly.

  93. “Dead ringer” – meaning an exact copy or duplicate.

  94. “Devil’s advocate” – meaning someone who argues against a position, not because they necessarily disagree with it, but to test its strength.

  95. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” – meaning not to make assumptions about the future before it happens.

  96. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” – meaning not to be ungrateful or critical of a gift.

  97. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – meaning not to put all your resources in one place or rely on one thing.

  98. “Don’t rock the boat” – meaning not to disturb the status quo or cause trouble.

  99. “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” – meaning not to reject something valuable while getting rid of something bad.

  100. “Double-edged sword” – meaning something that has both positive and negative effects.