| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| when in Rome | Adjust to local customs. |
| why keep a dog and bark yourself | (rhetorical question colloquial) One should not do something that one has hired someone else to do. |
| you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar | Alternative form of you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar |
| when in Rome, do as the Romans | (uncommon) Alternative form of when in Rome, do as the Romans do |
| money doesn't grow on trees | Wealth cannot be obtained without some effort; hence currency is not always available for a prospective purchase. |
| when in Rome, do as the Romans do | Behave as those around do. |
| location, location, location | The most important consideration in buying real estate is its location. |
| when in Rome, do like the Romans do | (uncommon) Alternative form of when in Rome, do as the Romans do |
| you don't dip your pen in company ink | One should avoid romantic relationships in the workplace. |
| all's fair in love and war | Unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict. |
| mighty oaks from little acorns grow | Something great can come from a modest beginning. |
| mind over matter | Willpower alone can overcome a physical problem. |
| all's well that ends well | A happy ending makes up for everything that has gone before. |
| when it rains, it pours | Alternative form of it never rains but it pours |
| once you go black, you never go back | Once a person of another race has a sexual relationship with a black person, they will not return to having sexual relationships with members of the former race. |
| you don't dip your pen in the company's ink | Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink |
| money is the root of all evil | The desire for money is the root cause of all evil. |
| crime doesn't pay | If you commit a crime you will most likely be punished for it. |
| you don't dip your pen in the inkwell | Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink |
| all the world's a stage | People have roles to play in life just as actors do in the theatre. |
| appearances are deceptive | It is not possible to judge a person's character from their outward appearance. |
| birds of a feather flock together | (Idiomatic) People of similar character, background, or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another. |
| discretion is the better part of valor | (American) Alternative spelling of discretion is the better part of valour |
| when life gives you lemons, make lemonade | You should always make the best out of difficult situations. |
| you don't look at the mantelpiece when you poke the fire | Alternative form of you don't look at the mantelpiece when you're poking the fire |
| birds of the feather flock together | Alternative form of birds of a feather flock together |
| discretion is the better part of valour | It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action. |
| when one door closes, another door opens | Alternative form of when one door closes, another opens |
| opposites attract | People who are completely different make ideal partners. |
| you don't look at the mantelpiece when you're poking the fire | (humorous) A woman's facial attractiveness is irrelevant when considering her as a sexual partner. |
| tempus fugit | (phrasal idiomatic) time flies (used as an alternative to this phrase). |
| the pen is mightier than the sword | More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting. |
| when one door closes, another one opens | Alternative form of when one door closes, another opens |
| you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows | You don't need an expert to tell you what you already know. |
| all things come to those who wait | (dated) A patient person will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue. |
| hydrate or diedrate | (outdoors slang humorous rare) Stay hydrated, or else you will have to suffer the consequences. |
| underpromise and overdeliver | (business) Exceed the customer's expectations. |
| when one door closes, another opens | When one opportunity is lost, another opportunity soon becomes available. |
| does Macy's tell Gimbel's | (US dated colloquial rhetorical question) A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another. |
| out of sight, out of mind | When something is not nearby, it is forgotten about. |
| care killed the cat | (Archaic) Alternative form of curiosity killed the cat |
| the pitcher goes so often to the well, that it is broken at last | When you use a thing too much, it ultimately breaks down at some point. |
| when one door shuts, another door opens | Alternative form of when one door closes, another opens |
| hunger is a good sauce | (dated) Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food. |
| possession is nine points of the law | Dated form of possession is nine-tenths of the law |
| procrastination is the thief of time | If you put off doing what you ought to do, you will end up not having enough time to do it properly. |
| when one door shuts, another one opens | Alternative form of when one door closes, another opens |
| you get more with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone | It is advantageous not to rely solely on being nice to others. |
| mess with the bull and you get the horns | Synonym of when you mess with the bull, you get the horns |
| hunger is the best sauce | Being hungry makes one less concerned about the taste of one's food. |
| possession is nine-tenths of the law | One who has possession of a thing has some right to it; a popular statement of the doctrine of adverse possession. |
| wanton kittens make sober cats | People who are unruly and reckless in youth may nevertheless turn out to be responsible adults. |
| when one door shuts, another opens | Alternative form of when one door closes, another opens |
| mess with the bull, get the horns | Synonym of when you mess with the bull, you get the horns |
| hunger is the best spice | When one is hungry, anything will taste good. |
| you get what you pay for | In commercial transactions, the quality of goods and services increases as the prices increase, i.e., the more one pays, the better the merchandise. |
| short reckonings make long friends | Borrowed money should be paid back as soon as possible. |
| silence is golden | Peace and quiet have great value. |
| the proof is in the pudding | Alternative form of the proof of the pudding is in the eating |
| when the cat's away | Ellipsis of when the cat's away, the mice will play |
| the proof of the pudding is in the eating | You can only say something is a success after it has been tried out or used. |
| finders keepers | Whoever finds something is allowed to keep it. |
| when the cat's away the mice will play | In the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances. |
| finders keepers, losers weepers | Alternative form of finders keepers |
| fools rush in where angels fear to tread | A person who does not plan ahead and think matters through becomes involved in risky or unfavorable situations which prudent people avoid. |
| when the going gets tough, the tough get going | In difficult times, it is the strong-willed who take action. |
| do unto others as you would have them do unto you | One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself; an expression of the golden rule. |
| here today, gone tomorrow | Things are fleeting; something that is ubiquitous or popular at one point is soon forgotten. |
| measure twice and cut once | (carpentry literally) One should double-check one's measurements for accuracy before cutting a piece of wood; otherwise it may be necessary to cut again, wasting time and material. |
| money talks | It is easier to accomplish goals using money instead of just talk. |
| take time by the forelock | (imperative) Seize an opportunity when it is only available for a limited time. |
| measure twice, cut once | Alternative form of measure twice and cut once |
| money talks and bullshit walks | Alternative form of money talks, bullshit walks |
| money talks, bullshit walks | Attempting to accomplish a goal by demonstrating possession of material resources will succeed, while attempting to accomplish that goal through mere rhetoric will fail. |
| out of the mouths of babes | From the comments of children, who are honest and innocent, . . . (comes truth or wisdom). |
| you've got to be in it to win it | In order to win, or succeed at something, one must first compete or try. |
| the road to hell is paved with good intentions | Well-intended acts can lead to disasters. |
| when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging | Synonym of if you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging |
| out of the mouths of babes and sucklings | Alternative form of out of the mouths of babes |
| you've got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette | In order to achieve something, it is inevitable that some mistakes are made or some sacrifices occur. |
| all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy | Too much focus on one's career may lead to one being uninteresting company. |
| when you mess with the bull, you get the horns | (informal) If you provoke somebody, you can expect an aggressive reaction. |
| when you're up to your neck in alligators, it's hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp | It is easy to lose sight of one's initial objective, becoming caught up in subtasks or in tasks only tangentially related to the original goal. |
| talk is cheap | (Idiomatic) It is easy to make boastful or unrealistic statements which are not supported by actions or evidence. |
| patience is a virtue | It is better to be patient than impatient. |
| perfect is the enemy of good | Insistence on perfection precludes gradual improvement. |
| pile it high, sell it cheap | Selling a product at a low price allows large volumes of the product to be sold. |
| speech is silver, but silence is golden | Alternative form of speech is silver, silence is golden |
| speech is silver, silence is gold | Alternative form of speech is silver, silence is golden |
| cannot live with them, cannot live without them | Alternative form of can't live with them, can't live without them |
| the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you get | Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get |
| them that has gets | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| speech is silver, silence is golden | Not to say anything is often better than speaking too much or saying something inappropriate. |
| you make the bed you lie in | A person's circumstances are normally the result of his or her own actions. |
| the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you take | Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get |
| them that has, gets | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| garbage in, garbage out | (computer information technology translation studies) If input data are not complete, accurate and timely, then the resulting output is unreliable and of no useful value. |
| the screwing you get isn't worth the screwing you're going to get | Alternative form of the fucking you get isn't worth the fucking you get |
| them that has, gets more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| necessity is the mother of innovation | Alternative form of necessity is the mother of invention |
| them what has gets | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| necessity is the mother of invention | A person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it. |
| them what has, gets | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| necessity knows no law | A person who is in great need of something will find a way to get it, and break the law if needed. |
| still water runs deep | Alternative form of still waters run deep |
| hindsight is 20/20 | (Idiomatic) In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset; one is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice. |
| them what has, gets more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| twenty-twenty hindsight | (Idiomatic) Perfect understanding of events only after they have happened |
| still waters run deep | A person with a calm appearance has, or may have, considerable inner emotion, character, or intellect. |
| a bad carpenter blames his tools | Alternative form of a bad workman always blames his tools |
| live by the sword, die by the sword | One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible. |
| you never know what you've got till it's gone | Good friends, family and acquaintances shouldn't be taken for granted. |
| set a beggar on horseback and he'll ride to the Devil | A person unaccustomed to wealth or luxury will easily be corrupted by it. |
| more haste, less speed | When one is in a hurry, one often ends up completing a task more slowly. |
| a bad penny always comes back | Alternative form of a bad penny always turns up |
| you never miss the water until the well runs dry | One would not know the worth of something until he or she loses it. |
| the shoemaker's children go barefoot | One often neglects those closest to oneself. |
| great haste makes great waste | Doing things too quickly results in mistakes. |
| a bad penny always turns up | A person or thing which is unpleasant, dishonorable, or unwanted tends to appear (or reappear), especially at inopportune times. |
| you only get what you give | There is a positive correlation between the effort one puts in and the benefits one receives. |
| a bad tree does not yield good apples | Bad parents do not reproduce good children |
| doctors make the worst patients | (Idiomatic) It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on. |
| haters gonna hate | (slang) Critics' opinions ultimately do not affect you and are unlikely to change, so ignore them. |
| the sky is the limit | Nothing is impossible or out of reach. |
| a bad workman always blames his tools | It is not the tools we use that make us good, but rather how we employ them. |
| you pays your money and you takes your choice | Each person can make his or her own decisions. |
| the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak | As much as one wishes to achieve something, the frailties of the human body often make it impossible. |
| in unity, there is strength | More can be accomplished by a team with a common goal than by individuals. |
| on the Internet nobody knows you're a dog | (humorous) It is easy to conceal one's identity on the Internet. |
| zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse | Enthusiasm of an inexperienced person will cause harm. |
| children should be seen and not heard | Children should behave well and be quiet, especially in the presence of adults. |
| that's the way it goes | That is the way things happen. |
| charity begins at home | One should help the people closest to you before thinking of helping others. |
| that's the way life is | That is the way things happen |
| to each his own | Every person is entitled to his or her personal preferences and tastes. |
| give a man a fish | Shortened form of 'give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime'. |
| long ways, long lies | Someone who comes back from a far-off country can tell lies without fear of being contradicted. |
| you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours | If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo. |
| that's the way the ball bounces | That is the way things happen |
| to err is human | Everyone makes mistakes. |
| use it or lose it | Skills or knowledge that are seldom applied are likely to be lost with time. |
| give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime | It is more worthwhile to teach someone to do something (for themselves) than to do it for them (on an ongoing basis). |
| a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush | It is preferable to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one. |
| other days, other ways | People of the past thought and acted differently. |
| that's the way the cookie crumbles | That is the way things happen; that's life. |
| this too shall pass | Nothing, good or bad, lasts forever; all circumstances are temporary. |
| to err is human; to forgive, divine | Extended form to err is human |
| you snooze you lose | (idiom) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful. |
| that's the way the mop flops | That is the way things happen. |
| this too shall pass away | Alternative form of this too shall pass |
| yesterday is gone | It is impossible to change or to relive what has already happened. |
| dead men can tell no tales | Alternative form of dead men tell no tales |
| only fools and horses work | A philosophy of life, holding that people who do not look for an easy way of earning a living are foolish. |
| rubbish in, rubbish out | (UK) Alternative form of garbage in, garbage out |
| art is long, life is short | Art is more enduring than life. |
| dead men tell no tales | A dead person can no longer reveal information, especially information which others wish to keep secret. |
| in vino veritas | in wine, there is truth |
| fine feathers make fine birds | Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good. |
| yesterday's gone | Alternative form of yesterday is gone |
| many a mickle makes a muckle | (UK) A lot of small amounts, put together, become a large amount. |
| the tongue wounds more than a lance | Insults and offensive words hurt more than physical injuries |
| different strokes for different folks | Different people like different things. |
| you win some, you lose some | Everybody experiences some successes and some failures. |
| the truth is in the wine | Alternative form of in wine, there is truth |
| a buck is a buck | Alternative form of a buck's a buck |
| only Nixon can go to China | Alternative form of only Nixon could go to China |
| every cloud has a silver lining | In every bad situation there is an element of good |
| great minds | Ellipsis of great minds think alike |
| a buck is a buck is a buck | Alternative form of a buck's a buck |
| only Nixon could go to China | Only a politician or leader with an impeccable reputation of upholding particular political values could perform an action in seeming defiance of them without jeopardizing his support or credibility. |
| revenge is a dish best served cold | Emotional detachment is preferable when taking revenge. |
| the voice of the people, the voice of God | the voice of the people should be heard |
| every dark cloud has a silver lining | Alternative form of every cloud has a silver lining |
| practice makes perfect | If one practices an activity enough, one will eventually master it. |
| good things come to those who wait | A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue. |
| great minds think alike | Used to emphasize a coincidence, or two people reaching the same conclusion in any manner at the same time. |
| a buck's a buck | (chiefly US) Every dollar of income counts toward one's financial well-being; money is a strong motivator, even in unpleasant situations. |
| a buck's a buck's a buck | Alternative form of a buck's a buck |
| only the good die young | Alternative form of the good die young |
| many hands make light work | A large number of people co-operating can perform tasks easily. |
| the way to a man's heart is through his stomach | Cooking food for a man is a good way to win his affections. |
| every day is a school day | You learn something new every day. |
| fine words butter no parsnips | Nothing is achieved by empty words or flattery. |
| a burnt child dreads the fire | A person that has been harmed by the danger becomes more cautious about it. |
| make hay while the sun shines | (imperative) To act when an opportunity is only for a limited time. |
| hell hath no fury like a woman scorned | A woman will make someone suffer if they reject her. |
| the wheel turns | Time moves forward; circumstances change; life continues. |
| every dog has his day | Alternative form of every dog has its day |
| leaves of three, let it be | Don't touch a plant with a cluster of three leaves because it might be poison ivy or poison oak. |
| a camel is a horse designed by a committee | An expression critical of committees—or by analogy, group decision-making—by emphasizing the ineffectiveness of incorporating too many conflicting opinions into a single project. In this figure of speech, the distinguishing features of a camel, such as its humps and poor temperament, are taken to be the deformities that resulted from its poor design. |
| every dog has its day | Everyone, at some point, experiences some degree of success, impact, or influence in life. |
| a camel is a horse made by a committee | Alternative form of a camel is a horse designed by a committee |
| every dog must have his day | Alternative form of every dog has its day |
| every dog must have its day | Alternative form of every dog has its day |
| no bucks, no Buck Rogers | One must spend money to get what is desired, especially in the exploration of outer space. |
| even a blind pig can find an acorn once in a while | Being right once doesn't prove anything |
| in wine, there is truth | Things said under the influence of alcohol reveal true beliefs not expressed when sober. |
| waste not, want not | (Idiomatic) If one is not wasteful then one will not be needy. |
| great oaks from little acorns grow | Alternative form of mighty oaks from little acorns grow |
| the whistle does not pull the train | Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train |
| every Jack has his Jill | Everybody will find someone to have a romantic relationship with at some point in his or her life. |
| a cat can look at a king | Alternative form of a cat may look at a king |
| the whistle doesn't pull the train | Alternative form of it's not the whistle that pulls the train |
| chicks before dicks | (vulgar slang) A woman should prioritize her female friends over her boyfriend or husband. |
| even Homer nods | Not even the most vigilant and expert are immune to error. |
| every king needs a queen | Every man needs a woman as a romantic partner to spend his life with. |
| good wine needs no bush | Something good does not need to be advertised. |
| a cat in gloves catches no mice | One cannot get what one wants by being cautious; one must use aggression to get it. |
| make it do or do without | If you don't have a lot of money, extend the life of what you have. |
| a cat may look at a king | A purported inferior has certain abilities, even in the presence of a purported superior. |
| heaven helps those that help themselves | Alternative form of heaven helps those who help themselves |
| Rome wasn't built in a day | It takes a long time to create something complicated or impressive. |
| even Jove nods | Alternative form of even Homer nods |
| every little helps | (UK) Even the smallest things are helpful when towards a goal. |
| a chain is only as strong as its weakest link | An organization is only as strong or powerful as its weakest person. A group of associates is only as strong as its laziest member. |
| heaven helps those who help themselves | A maxim encouraging people to attempt to solve their own problems. |
| Rome wasn't burned in a day | It takes a long time to destroy something complicated or impressive. |
| a change is as good as a rest | Doing something different from one's routine is as refreshing as taking a break from work altogether. |
| them's the breaks | (Idiomatic) That is the way things happen; that's life. |
| beauty is in the eye of the beholder | Different people have different views on what is beautiful. |
| ladies first | A phrase encouraging perceived polite gentlemanliness, allowing the ladies to go before the men. |
| every man has a price | Everyone can be bribed or corrupted for a certain price. |
| April showers bring May flowers | The month of April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains. |
| beauty is only skin deep | What matters is a person's character, rather than his/her appearance. |
| speak of the devil and he appears | (Idiomatic) Synonym of speak of the devil |
| a closed mouth catches no flies | It's best not to talk too much. |
| sow the wind and reap the whirlwind | Alternative form of sow the wind, reap the whirlwind |
| a closed mouth gathers no feet | (humorous) One who does not speak can be sure of not saying anything embarrassing. |
| sow the wind, reap the whirlwind | Every decision has consequences; a person's actions will come back to him. |
| the world is one's lobster | (British humorous) Intentional misrendering of the proverb "the world is one's oyster". |
| a contented mind is a perpetual feast | Contentment is more a matter of attitude than circumstances. |
| where there's muck there's brass | (UK Ireland) There is money to be made in unpleasant dirty jobs. |
| the world is one's oyster | All opportunities are open to someone; the world is theirs. |
| nothing succeeds like success | People who are already successful tend to have additional successes. |
| where there's smoke, there's fire | (UK US Australia Canada NZ) If there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring. |
| speak softly and carry a big stick | Do not boast or utter verbal threats, but do make others aware that you are prepared to use physical force if necessary. |
| give him enough rope and he'll hang himself | If one gives someone enough freedom of action, they may destroy themselves by foolish actions. |
| every rose has a thorn | Alternative form of every rose has its thorn |
| every rose has its thorn | Every good situation happens with misfortune or adversity |
| every rule has an exception | Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule |
| seeing is believing | (idiom) You need to see something to believe it; visible facts cannot be denied. |
| life's a bitch and then you die | (informal vulgar) When it comes to life, one should expect the worst. |
| nothing ventured, nothing gained | If one takes no risks, one will not gain any benefits. |
| let a thousand flowers bloom | Don't interfere with promising developments in their early stages. |
| every shut eye isn't asleep | (especially AAVE) One must be careful, because some people who seem not to be paying attention are actually paying attention. |
| a danger foreseen is half avoided | It is necessary to foresee danger as it helps you to avoid it. |
| old sins cast long shadows | Alternative form of old sins have long shadows |
| early bird catches the worm | Alternative form of early bird gets the worm |
| every silver lining has a cloud | Every good situation has the potential to turn bad. |
| old sins have long shadows | Past misdeeds are liable to return to haunt a person. |
| no gain without pain | Alternative form of no pain, no gain |
| ready, fire, aim | Used as a reminder that prompt action is often better than thoroughly planned action, especially in business. |
| manners maketh man | A person may be judged according to his behaviour towards other people |
| take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves | Alternative form of take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves |
| seek and ye shall find | Something can be found if it is looked for. |
| a drowning man will clutch at a straw | A person in desperate need of help will grab hold of some help, even if it is insignificant |
| take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves | If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things. |
| clogs to clogs in three generations | (UK) Wealth earned in one generation seldom lasts through the third (grandchild’s) generation. |
| a dumb priest never got a parish | (Ireland) Those who fail to speak up fail to get what they want. |
| ignorance is bliss | Lack of knowledge results in happiness; it is more comfortable not to know certain things. |
| don't change a winning team | Synonym of if it ain't broke, don't fix it |
| turnabout is fair play | It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against them. |
| no good deed ever goes unpunished | beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility. |
| don't count your chickens before they're hatched | You should not count on something before it happens; you should not rely on the results of your plans before they are realized. |
| respice finem | look to the end; consider the final outcome |
| shy bairns get noot | (Geordie) Alternative spelling of shy bairns get nowt |
| no good deed goes unpunished | Beneficial actions often go unappreciated or are met with outright hostility. If they are appreciated, they often lead to additional requests. |
| proverbs come in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| don't cry over spilled milk | Alternative spelling of don't cry over spilt milk |
| render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's | One must give something (especially taxes) back to the relevant authority. |
| shy bairns get nowt | (Geordie) If you're too shy, or don't ask, you will not get what you want. |
| barking dogs never bite | Alternative form of barking dogs seldom bite |
| proverbs go in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| desperate times call for desperate measures | In adverse circumstances, actions that might have been rejected under other circumstances may become the best choice. |
| don't dip your pen in company ink | Alternative form of you don't dip your pen in company ink |
| feed a cold, starve a fever | Expressing the common belief that eating more will cure the common cold, and eating less will cure a fever. |
| barking dogs seldom bite | People who make threats rarely carry them out. |
| no guts, no glory | Success will not be achieved without hard work and struggle. |
| know thyself | (also _ philosophy) Be aware of your own strengths and limitations. |
| proverbs hunt in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| desperate times require desperate measures | Alternative form of desperate times call for desperate measures |
| like father, like son | A son will have traits similar to his father upon reaching adulthood. |
| sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof | No need to worry about the future; the present provides enough to worry about. |
| proverbs often come in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| laughter is the best medicine | It is healthy to laugh. |
| don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly | Driving (a vehicle) very fast is a dangerous act. |
| proverbs run in pairs | Every proverb seems to be contradicted by another proverb with an opposed message, such as "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "many hands make light work." |
| a fool and his money are soon parted | It is easy to get money from foolish people. |
| don't drop the soap | (Idiomatic) Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison. |
| beware of Greeks bearing gifts | One should not trust one's enemies. |
| proverbs should be sold in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds | Consistency may not be the key to success. Changes, even minor ones, must be introduced. |
| what doesn't kill you makes you stronger | Hardship builds moral character. |
| business before pleasure | Discharging one's obligations must take precedence over devoting time to pursuits meant solely for one's own gratification. |
| throw dirt enough, and some will stick | If enough allegations are made about someone or something, then even if they are all untrue, people's opinion of the person or thing will be diminished. |
| pick your battles | Only involve yourself in disputes that you are likely to win. |
| proverbs should be writ in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| rules are made to be broken | it is acceptable to break rules. |
| big things come in small packages | Things should not be underestimated because of their small size. |
| proverbs should come in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| lex dubia non obligat | (legal) A doubtful law is not binding. |
| proverbs should go in pairs | Alternative form of proverbs run in pairs |
| a friend in need is a friend indeed | If a friend helps you when you are in need, they are a true friend. |
| brevity is the soul of wit | Conciseness of expression is an essential characteristic of astute, perceptive, or witty remarks. |
| united we stand, divided we fall | People are more successful as a group than as individuals. |
| don't hate the player, hate the game | The frustrations with a system or activity should be blamed on its weaknesses, rather than on individuals who operate within it. |
| two's company, three's a crowd | One companion is better than two. |
| union is strength | Alternative form of unity is strength |
| what goes around comes around | The status eventually returns to its original value after completing some sort of cycle. |
| empty vessels make the most sound | noisy, opinionated people are often ignorant. |
| throw enough mud at the wall and some of it will stick | Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful. |
| what goes up must come down | (figurative) All trends will end; a rise (in the stock market, in a person's political or social influence, etc.) will be followed by a fall. |
| throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick | Try the same thing (or similar things) often enough, and, even if the general standard is poor, sometimes one will be successful. |
| what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas | Alternative form of what happens on tour stays on tour |
| don't judge a book by its cover | Alternative form of you can't judge a book by its cover |
| marry in haste, repent at leisure | Getting married too soon will lead to a bad marriage. |
| first catch your hare | Make sure you have a thing before you decide what to do with it. |
| never change a running system | Do not change something while it is working. |
| don't keep a dog and bark yourself | Don't do anything you are paying a more qualified person to do. |
| a golden key can open any door | Sufficient money can accomplish anything. |
| what happens on the road stays on the road | Synonym of what happens on tour stays on tour |
| union makes strength | Alternative form of unity is strength |
| a good beginning makes a good ending | Start off on a good note to reap the benefits at the end. |
| what happens on tour stays on tour | When a group of people (usually a group of all-male close friends) get together and travel, go on vacation, throw a party, etc., all conduct engaged in during the event must be kept strictly confidential. |
| loose lips sink ships | Saying too much or releasing confidential information can have dangerous consequences. |
| the apple does not fall far from the stem | Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree |
| ignore all rules | (chiefly WMF) It is acceptable to break rules in situations where it is beneficial not to follow them. |
| what has been seen cannot be unseen | Repulsive, disturbing, or horrific sights can never be erased from memory once they have been seen. |
| the apple does not fall far from the tree | (idiom) A child grows up to be similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics. |
| some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you | One cannot always overcome a powerful adversary. |
| early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise | A person who sleeps early and wakes up early will have a more sucessful life. |
| the apple does not fall far from the trunk | Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree |
| to the victor go the spoils | The winner of a conflict gains additional benefits, beyond the subject of the conflict. |
| IAR | (initialism) Ignore all rules. |
| a good deed is its own reward | One should not expect a reward for good deeds, but should perform them merely for the satisfaction of doing so. |
| don't look a gift horse in the mouth | Do not unappreciatively question a gift or handout too closely. |
| the apple doesn't fall far from the tree | Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree |
| there are bad apples in every orchard | Every community and demographic has troublesome members. |
| to thine own self be true | Be yourself; be true to yourself; do not engage in self-deception. |
| the apple never falls far from the tree | Alternative form of the apple does not fall far from the tree |
| there are many ways to skin a cat | Alternative form of there's more than one way to skin a cat |
| like mother, like daughter | A daughter will have traits similar to her mother upon reaching adulthood. |
| the apples on the other side of the wall are the sweetest | Synonym of the grass is always greener on the other side |
| there are no atheists in foxholes | In times of extreme stress or fear, even those who do not believe in a benevolent higher power will hope that one exists. |
| my enemy's enemy is my friend | Alternative form of the enemy of my enemy is my friend |
| there are none so blind as those who will not see | Understanding cannot be forced on someone who chooses to be ignorant. |
| today is a good day to die | An expression of willingness, even eagerness, to give one's life for a cause. |
| there are plenty more fish in the sea | There are many more potential opportunities available. |
| honesty is the best policy | Honesty is the most honorable and fulfilling way to live one's life. |
| first come, first served | (Idiomatic) People will be dealt with in the order they arrive. |
| never look a gift horse in the mouth | Alternative form of don't look a gift horse in the mouth |
| the bad penny always comes back | Alternative form of a bad penny always turns up |
| there are plenty of fish in the sea | There are many more potential opportunities available. |
| curses, like chickens, come home to roost | Alternative form of the chickens come home to roost. |
| kids will be kids | (informal) Children cannot be expected to act like adults. |
| don't put all your eggs in one basket | Do not dedicate all your resources to one project. |
| the bad penny always turns up | Alternative form of a bad penny always turns up |
| there are two sides to every question | One should not make a judgement until one hears the other side. |
| slow and steady wins the race | Patient work will eventually conquer any problem. |
| never put off until tomorrow what you can do today | Do not procrastinate whatever that can be done today until tomorrow. |
| a hit dog will holler | (US) An offended or defensive response to a statement suggests that the statement applies to the person complaining. |
| forewarned is forearmed | Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it. |
| if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail | With limited tools, single-minded people apply them inappropriately or indiscriminately |
| forewarned, forearmed | Alternative form of forewarned is forearmed |
| no man is an island | All people are connected to and dependent on other people. |
| sticks in a bundle are unbreakable | A group of cooperating people can succeed in a situation where an individual person cannot. |
| a house divided against itself cannot stand | A group or organisation weakened by internal dissent will not remain united. |
| don't shit in your own nest | Synonym of don't shit where you eat |
| carpe diem | Seize the day; make the most of today; enjoy the present. |
| there but for the grace of God go I | A recognition that others' misfortune could be one's own, if it weren't for the blessing of the Divine, or for one's luck. |
| those that have get | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| shallow brooks are noisy | People who do not consider things deeply often chatter or talk a lot. |
| sticks in a bundle cannot be broken | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| a house is not a home | A home is not merely a building but requires inhabitants and a friendly atmosphere. |
| don't shit where you eat | (idiomatic vulgar) One should not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself. |
| carpe diem cras | seize the day tomorrow, make the most of tomorrow |
| the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry | No matter how a project is planned, accidents or misfortune can still happen with it. |
| those that have get more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| sticks in a bundle can't be broken | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| don't shoot the messenger | The bearer of bad news should not be held accountable for it. |
| the best things in life are free | The most valuable things in life (e.g.: friendship, courtesy) cost nothing. |
| those that have, get | People who already have wealth and status are the most likely to acquire additional wealth and status (usually with the implication that the distribution of life's benefits and opportunities is unfair). |
| the bigger they are, the harder they fall | The larger or the higher rank something is, the more disastrous and spectacular its downfall. |
| those that have, get more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| if at first you don't succeed | indicates the importance of persistence in the pursuit of success. |
| a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step | Even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point. |
| don't sweat the small stuff | (informal) Do not give in to petty problems; don't worry about insignificant matters. |
| those who can't do, teach | (derogatory) It's easier to get a job teaching how to do something than it is to get a job actually doing it. |
| if at first you don't succeed, try try again | indicates the importance of persistence in the pursuit of success. |
| no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney | (chiefly US) Regardless of how many clever points or fine distinctions one makes, what one is saying is still false or is still nonsense. |
| don't take any wooden nickels | (US dated) Do not permit yourself be cheated or duped; do not be naive. |
| there is a time and place for everything | Certain things are appropriate on a certain time and place. |
| those who can't use their head must use their back | if you do not think, you will take the consequences |
| attack is the best form of defence | In a battle, attacking the opposition first is better than waiting for them to attack. |
| slow but sure wins the race | Alternative form of slow and steady wins the race |
| no matter how thin you slice it, it's still boloney | Alternative form of no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney |
| there is an exception to every rule | Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable. |
| those who have get | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| fortune favors the bold | Luck is usually on the side of those who take chances and risks. |
| knowing is half the battle | It is necessary to be informed in order to do the right thing in a given situation. |
| easy come, easy go | (idiomatic) Easily won and easily lost; usually said when resigned to a loss; something that comes in the same way, goes in the same way. |
| those who have get more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| plus ça change | (literally) The more it changes, the more it's the same thing (sometimes loosely translated as the more things change, the more they stay the same). |
| fortune favors the brave | Alternative form of fortune favors the bold |
| don't try to teach grandma how to suck eggs | Don't presume to give advice to those who are more experienced. |
| love is blind | A person who is in love can see no faults or imperfections in the person whom he or she loves. |
| those who have, get | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| fortune favours the bold | Alternative form of fortune favors the bold |
| one can run but one can't hide | There is nothing someone can do to evade something. |
| haste makes waste | Being too hasty leads to wasteful mistakes. |
| there is nothing new under the sun | There is nothing truly novel in existence. Every new idea has some sort of precedent or echo from the past. |
| those who have, get more | Alternative form of those that have, get |
| honey catches more flies than vinegar | Synonym of you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar |
| fortune favours the brave | Alternative form of fortune favors the bold |
| one cannot break a stick in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| there is reason in the roasting of eggs | There is a reason behind even the most odd and seemingly unnecessary action. |
| those who live in glass houses should not throw stones | Alternative form of people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones |
| one cannot break a twig in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| there is safety in numbers | There is purported decrease in likelihood of being the victim of an attack, accident, or other bad event, as a result of being in a team or group. |
| those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones | Alternative form of people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones |
| nearly never bulled a cow | (Ireland) Near enough is not good enough. |
| sunlight is the best disinfectant | (usually public policy or management) Transparency with respect to the dissemination of information promotes the social acceptance of an idea or institution. |
| one cannot break sticks in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| buy cheap, buy twice | Buying a cheap but inferior product is a false economy since it will need replacement. |
| there is strength in numbers | There is more strength in groups than individuals. |
| those who will not when they may, when they will they shall have nay | (Archaic) One should take immediate advantage of an opportunity that may not be available later. |
| tomorrow is another day | Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and a fresh start for one's endeavors. |
| cool heads must prevail | Alternative form of cooler heads will prevail |
| one can't break a stick in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| tomorrow never comes | A goal or action which is postponed until a future day is often never accomplished; do not procrastinate. |
| if it ain't broke, don't fix it | Leave something alone; avoid attempting to correct, fix, or improve what is already sufficient (often with an implication that the attempted improvement is risky and might backfire). |
| cool heads prevail | Alternative form of cooler heads will prevail |
| wherever you go, there you are | (colloquial cliché) An admonition that one cannot run from one's problems indefinitely. |
| one can't break a twig in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| there may be snow on the mountaintop but there's fire in the valley | Synonym of there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace |
| experience is the best teacher | Lessons learned from experience are the most lasting. |
| cool heads will prevail | Alternative form of cooler heads will prevail |
| one can't break sticks in a bundle | Alternative form of sticks in a bundle are unbreakable |
| caveat lector | Reader beware. |
| there may be snow on the rooftop but there is fire in the furnace | (often humorous) Even if a person is in his or her senior years, with gray hair, he or she can still have ambition and energy, especially sexual energy. |
| Christmas comes but once a year | 1=Used to emphasize the annual distinctiveness of Christmas, especially in contexts where either the special joys or tribulations of the holiday are described. |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the good taste of the American people | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people |
| oil and water don't mix | Black people and white people should not form relationships; an admonition against miscegenation. |
| one can't hold two watermelons in one hand | do not attempt to take on more than you can handle |
| the cake is a lie | (Internet slang) The end you are pursuing is unattainable or misguided; the reward you have been promised is false. |
| if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck | Someone can identify a subject by observing its habitual characteristics. |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the good taste of the American public | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people |
| one can't live with them, one can't live without them | Alternative form of can't live with them, can't live without them |
| buy low, sell high | (business finance) Commonplace investment advice, recommending that a prospective investor purchase an asset at a low cost and sell it later for a high price. |
| trust every man, but cut the cards | Alternative form of trust everybody, but cut the cards |
| no news is good news | A lack of information about a situation suggests that nothing bad has happened. |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people | Americans, as a group, are not especially intelligent and can be readily entertained or fooled to produce financial benefit for someone. |
| can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em | Alternative form of can't live with them, can't live without them |
| trust everybody, but always cut the cards | Alternative form of trust everybody, but cut the cards |
| unity is strength | Being united makes us become stronger. |
| better an egg today than a hen tomorrow | It is better to have a sure thing now than a possibility of more later. |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people |
| can't live with them and can't live without them | Alternative form of can't live with them, can't live without them |
| trust everybody, but always cut the deck | Alternative form of trust everybody, but cut the cards |
| unity makes strength | Alternative form of unity is strength |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people | Americans, as a group, do not have good taste or sophistication and can be easily amused or distracted to produce financial benefit for someone. |
| a leopard cannot change its spots | One cannot change one's own nature. |
| can't live with them, can't live without them | There is often a hopeless, ongoing conflict between annoyance (with someone or something) and need (for that same person or thing). |
| trust everybody, but cut the cards | Have a general faith in the good intentions of others, but never neglect to take appropriate precautions against being deceived or cheated. |
| nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people |
| the chickens come home to roost | (Idiomatic) A person's past wrongdoings will return to negatively affect them. |
| trust everybody, but cut the deck | Alternative form of trust everybody, but cut the cards |
| no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people |
| a lie has no legs | You can't get away with a lie; the truth will always come out. |
| all cats are gray at night | Synonym of all cats are grey in the dark |
| sauce for the goose | Synonym of what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander |
| as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly | Foolish people repeatedly do foolish things. |
| no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people |
| man is a wolf to man | Humans prey upon one another. |
| all cats are gray in the dark | Alternative form of all cats are grey in the dark |
| no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public | Alternative form of nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people |
| knowledge is power | Scientia potentia est; with knowledge and/or education, one's potential or ability to succeed in the pursuit of one's objectives will certainly increase. |
| each to his own | Everyone is entitled to their own opinion or tastes. |
| all cats are grey at night | Alternative form of all cats are grey in the dark |
| the cobbler's children are the worst shod | One often neglects those closest to oneself. |
| better dead than red | (dated politics) It is preferable to be deceased than to be a Communist or ruled by Communists. |
| no one is born a master | Cleverness and education can be gained only by effort. |
| all cats are grey by night | Alternative form of all cats are grey in the dark |
| the course of true love never did run smooth | There will always be problems in a romantic relationship. |
| if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle | (colloquial vulgar humorous) It is fruitless to speculate about counterfactual situations. |
| misery loves company | Misery is easier to bear when one is not the only one miserable. |
| better dead than Red | Alternative form of better dead than red |
| all cats are grey in the dark | In the dark, physical appearance is unimportant. |
| the cowl does not make the monk | The superficial trappings of something are unrelated to its true essence. |
| third time pays for all | Synonym of third time's a charm |
| if my grandmother had balls, she'd be my granddad | Alternative form of if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle |
| treat 'em mean to keep 'em keen | Treating women poorly makes them like you somehow. |
| better Dead than Red | Alternative form of better dead than red |
| no pain, no gain | One must be willing to endure some inconvenience or discomfort in order to achieve worthwhile goals. |
| worse things happen at sea | Things are not as bad as they seem. |
| third time's a charm | One is sure to succeed at a task or event on the third try. |
| if my sister had balls, she'd be my brother | Alternative form of if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle |
| in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king | Alternative form of in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king |
| buy when it snows and sell when it goes | Alternative form of buy when it snows, sell when it goes |
| third time's the charm | Alternative form of third time's a charm |
Note: these words have been obtained from Wiktionary and have been classified and improved through automated computer linguistics processes.