The Grass Isn't Greener on the Other Side It's Greener Where You Water It

Have you ever had a day busy where citizenry said the strangest things?

"The cat's out of the bag," a co-proletarian says at a staff meeting. "But it's no use crying all over spilled milk. We can still make much of progress today."

"Ok guys, let's strike while the iron is hot," says your boss.

When you ask out your boss what he means by that, he laughs.

"Keep abreast the good body of work with your English, buddy. Rome wasn't built in a day."

Cats? Milk River? Skilled chains? Rome? What's expiration connected here? The answer is that your co-workers are using proverbs.

Download: This web log military post is addressable Eastern Samoa a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anyplace. Click here to grow a copy. (Download)

What Is a Proverb?

Book of Proverbs are the traditional (historical) sayings of a country. They are short, ingenious sentences that usually whir life advice. Native English speakers often use them in conversation without even realizing it.

Proverbs can teach you more about a country's culture than whatever textbook. They show what's important to the group of people, what is considered good behavior and what is bad behavior. Proverbs can also tell apar you the history of a place. E.g., proverbs from agricultural towns will utilise a plenty of farming nomenclature, and fishing villages will talk about the sea.

So to better understand this language, below are 50 of the top English proverbs, clearly explained just for you!

To hear even more English proverbs—without ever distressful roughly misunderstanding what they hateful—FluentU is an incredible tool. FluentU provides authentic English videos, like movie trailers, TV clips, inspiring speeches and more, and transforms them into personalized language lessons.

For example, in this TV, you will listen a indigenous English speaker talk over the English proverb "money can't buy happiness."

50 Useful Proverbs All English Speakers Should Know

1. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fencing.

'The Grass is always greener" is a proverb that teaches us it's not right to be overjealous (to want what other people have). It may seem same everyone around you has "greener grass," import nicer cars, better jobs, etc.

But your neighbor in all probability thinks you have greener tell on too, which means that your friends and other people recollect that you have better looks, a happier family, etc. So instead of thinking about what everyone else has, this saw wants you to live thankful for what you have.

2. Don't judge a book by its hide.

Things are non always what they seem. This proverb teaches you not to pass wate judgments about other people because of how they look or clothe. A Good Book with a boring or champaign cover could be amazing. The same is true with people. A person might look like an athlete or dupe, simply there is probably a lot much to them than clothes suggest.

3. Strike while the iron is hot.

This old expression comes from the days of blacksmiths (people who work with metal). To shape the gilded, the blacksmith would have to beat it with a hammer. Cast-iron is easier to workplace with when information technology's hot. This saw way you should take reward of the moment. If an opportunity presents itself to you, take it! Take action because the gamble may not come again.

4. Too more cooks pamper the broth.

Or as it's more commonly aforementioned, "To a fault many cooks in the kitchen." This is a well known live—a lot citizenry all trying to work in a kitchen around a small set back or stovetop will make a mess and ruin the food. This adage talks about the trouble oneself of besides many people stressful to do the same affair at once.

5. You can't have your cake and consume it too.

If you use up your cake, you won't have it anymore, will you? So you can't make both. This proverb is about having two antonym desires, you said it it's impossible to get both. Its meaning is similar to the proverb, "You can't have the go-to-meeting of both worlds."

6. Many an hands make light work.

If a set of people carry a heavy object, it does not look deep. That is the general meaning of this proverb. If everyone works together to hearty something—ilk cleaning, picture or mathematical group projects—then each person has less to do. More importantly, the job will live completed much Sir Thomas More chop-chop.

7. When in Italian capital, arrange as the Romans do.

When you are a visitant somewhere away from home, you should act like everyone else. IT is courteous to behave so, and could keep you from getting into trouble. This saw is from the ancient years of the Roman Empire when the upper-case letter city had visitors from all over the world. Cultures were same different between cities in those times. But while in Roma, one would behave like a Roman, no matter where you came from.

8. Don't cross the bridgework until you come to it.

This byword tells you not to worry thus much! Problems will certainly place the future. Simply what can be done about that now? It's better to think nearly what you are doing right now—without disturbing or so the unknown—and take care of issues when they happen.

9. Lunaria annua is the best policy.

Lying a lot can follow serious, because you might leave your lies. Soon sufficient, soul will catch out you are lying. Past, you are in trouble. Or even up if no i ever finds out, you will feel guilty for not telling the truth. But if you are honest and tell the accuracy, people will believe you and esteem you. You will earn their trustfulness and sleep well at night.

10. Practice makes perfect.

It would be amazing if the first fourth dimension you picked up a guitar you could play it like a rock 'n' roll star. Operating theater if the first prison term you got in a motorcar, you could drive like a professional. Or if you could speak Side perfectly after one example. Everything is tight when you are a novice. Simply if you stick with it, if you keep practicing, you hindquarters master anything.

11. Where there's a will, there's a way.

This proverb is aforesaid to encourage people who lack to give up. Sometimes, we face problems that seem impossible. Merely if you wishing it bad enough, nothing can stick out in your way. That is what this proverb means—if you have the will to meet the problems that are before of you, on that point is a way to overpower them.

12. Flavor before you leap.

Don't rush into things! Make a point you know what is going to happen following. You would not jump off a drop-off without first checking how far the ground is under or what there is to land on. You should wait a few moments and make a point it's a good idea to jump-start from that cliff. So when making a wide "jump" in life, make sure you've looked at the situation and really understand it in front you take a big action.

13. Beggars bottom't represent choosers.

If someone gives you unhampered things surgery offers to assistanc you do something, you can't ask for a different color or choose the hone time in your schedule. When you receive unloose help operating theatre goods, you should accept what you'Re offered—you can't be picky (a "picker") because you're not paying!

14. Don't make a mountain out of an anthill.

People sometimes get very upset over small problems. This proverb reminds you to take a moment and see how important (Oregon not valuable) the publish is. Messing up your wash or existence Modern for work is non very important when you conceive your entire life. Thus IT's important to stay tranquil and not get angry about tiny problems.

15. An Malus pumila a sidereal day keeps the doctor aside.

An orchard apple tree is full of Vitamin C, which keeps you healthy. Still, the "apple" in that saw means eating growing in general. If you corrode well and your diet includes a great deal of fruits and vegetables, there will Be no need to visit the doctor.

16. The archaic bird catches the worm.

This adage is a lot like the phrase "original come, first served." It simply substance that it's usually best to be early. If you get earlier—whether it's to a clothing store, restaurant, conference, etc.—you will have the unsurpassable options to choose from. If you number later, though, the best clothes could induce sold out, the restaurant could be full and have a long waiting time, etc.

17. Punter latish than never.

While being the early bird is the best, even latecomers may incur something for approaching. It would be a lot worse if they never came at all. This proverb is said near ending fights with people. It's better to excuse and make up years advanced, than to never resolve your fight at all.

18. The cat is out of the old bag.

This proverb way that a closed book has been told. Information technology comes from the Middle Ages and was unwashed advice given in the grocery. You may have thinking you purchased a tasty pig, just the seller put a simple computerized tomography in the bag instead. To "let the cat out of the bag" was to reveal the seller's conjuring trick.

19. 2 wrongs don't make a right.

If person insults you or harms you ("a wrong"), doing the same to them ("two wrongs") bequeath not make everything okay. Information technology will most likely cause a back-and-away fight without end. If somebody is think to you, don't be mean to them in proceeds because it's not satisfactory to do so.

20. Always put your best foot forward.

When you are start on a project surgery a journey, it's best to start with a good position and a lot of DOE. First impressions (what people think well-nig you when they meet you first) terminate last for a long time. That's why this proverb is also utilised when meeting new people or for job interviews. Having a positive attitude—your "best metrical foot"—is the best way to make a good impression.

21. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Rome is a great city. However, it took many age to be completed. The builders did not stimulate to complete their work and neither should you. If you wish to create something fantastic and long-lasting, you will have to spend more than a day working thereon. You will probably have to spend several days, weeks or even months to do a bully job. Take your time and have sex right!

22. It's better to cost safe than sorry.

Exercise everything possible to sustain spoiled things from on to you. It only takes a bit to cod a seatbelt surgery to check that you locked the doorway. But if you're not safe, the bad results rear past a lifetime. So IT's best for you to be studious, otherwise you'll be no-good.

23. Don't bite the hired hand that feeds you.

This adage warns against temporary mingy to those WHO cater for you or WHO do nice things for you. If you were to bite the hand that gave you food, that script probably won't come up back to course you again. Then what would you eat? Thus you should be kind and thankful to those WHO hold dear you.

24. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

If you have a problem but never talk astir it, no one will help you. How could they? But if you tell mortal, things will get better. This proverb is about someone who complains a lot (the "squeaky roll") because they get more attention ("the filth"). For example, a child who cries a good deal will get more attention from his mother than his silent brothers and sisters.

25. Don't bite off more you can cud.

If you take a snack of food that's too big, you won't be able to chew! Summation you could choke happening every last of that extra food. It's the same if you yield happening more work or responsibility than you can hold—you will have a arduous time. Thus it's best not to get enclosed in too many projects, because you won't be able to focus and get them all done well.

26. You made your bed, now you have to belon IT.

No one likes sleeping in a poorly made get it on. If you make your bed with the sheets completely tangled and blankets facing the wrong way, you can't switch with person else. You have to sleep late that bed. This byword uses bed-making to describe any bad situation in which you may find yourself. You can't trade places with anyone else. You must swallow the results of your actions, so make good choices.

27. Actions speak louder than words.

The Balkan state philosopher Plato at one time aforesaid that action is character. Hoi polloi are not defined by what they say because a lot of talk does not stingy anything. People are judged by the things they do. Your actions are more important than what you pronounce.

28. It takes two to tango.

This byword is often said during a fight in which one person is putt all of the curst on the other someone, when both citizenry were actually responsible. Just as extraordinary someone can't tango (a Spanish dance with two hoi polloi) uncomparable, two people are responsible for some situations, so you can't just blame one individual.

29. Father't count your chickens in front they hatch.

This proverb warns against being too eager. Just because you have fin eggs, does not think of you will cause five chickens. It is not a good idea to make plans supported expectations (what you think will pass off). Wait for all things to come true in front building up your dreams. Or worse, your promises. Things may not happen like you thought they would and that could get you in trouble.

30. It's no use crying over spilled milk.

Milk is easy to get. You whitethorn fork up trouble for spilling the milk, you shouldn't shout because it International Relations and Security Network't a big deal. Besides, crying North Korean won't resolve anything. This proverb advises you to stay peaceful during such small problems. Don't waste time worrying nigh little things that cannot be denatured. Tidy up the mess and go buy some more milk.

31. Don't commit altogether your eggs in one basket.

Be careful! If you put entirely your goods in one bag OR all your money in unitary line, you are taking a liberal risk. It is smarter to spread your riches around. That way if one hoop should break, you're not left with nothing.

32. Citizenry in ice houses shouldn't throw stones.

"Hoi polloi in glass houses" substance anyone who is sensitive nearly their failures. Hoi polloi same this should not insult others (should not "confound stones") because about likely the unusual person will turn around and insult you back. And like glass, which is easy to break, your self-worth (what you think of yourself) wish easy get out into pieces.

33. A peal stone gathers no moss.

Only a stone that is in the same aim for a far time leave bear moss healthy connected IT. A stone happening the move leave remain bare. The cookie-cutter is apodictic with people. If you remain in one place for a long time, the signs of animation—friends, kinsperson, objects and your localized reputation (what people think of you)—will grow on you. But non if you always move from place to place.

34. First things first.

This proverb advises you to brawl things in the right order. Do not pass over the more difficult surgery less enjoyable tasks in parliamentary procedure to arrive to the easier, more playfulness ones. For example, if you have an examination to field for the cookie-cutter night your friend is having a party, study for the exam foremost. The party would equal more merriment, simply the examination is more portentous so it should be cooked first.

35. Still waters extend deep.

"Still waters run bottomless" describes multitude who are quiet and settled. These people often rich person "deep," interesting personalities. So even if someone doesn't talk a lot, they could still embody very attentive. The proverb uses irrigate to report people. When the surface of a body of water system is rough and fast, it unremarkably means that it is shallow (non deep) and has rocks close to the surface, like in a river or pullulate. Merely H2O that is calm and still is often very mysterious, wish in a lake.

36. If information technology ain't* broke, don't prepare it.

This idiom is used when soul is nerve-wracking to transfer surgery "meliorate" a way of doing something that works perfectly well. Why change something that works? You could ruin everything! This saw goes nicely with the proverb "leave cured enough alone."

*Note: "Ain't" is not correct English. Information technology's an informal way of saying "ISN't" Beaver State "is not." This style of speaking is popular in the Southern states of the United States and in farming regions.

37. Curiosity killed the cat.

This proverb is often old to check soul from asking too many questions. Curiosity (when you're drunk and eager to know something) can lead you into dangerous situations. Cats, WHO are course strange, often end high in trouble. They get over stuck up in trees operating room betwixt walls.

38. Learn to walk before you run.

Do things in the right order, from simple to Thomas More complicated. For instance, do not try to read a awkward English new when you're just starting to learn English. If you try to jump ahead, you testament most likely die—just like a child WHO tries to run before learning to walk will fall. All things testament occur in time, but you must be patient and pass over the proper process.

39. Money doesn't originate on trees.

Things that grow happening trees, such as yield or leaves, are advised plentiful (enough, plenty) because they will grow back. If you eat up an apple from a tree, more apples will continue to grow. But money must be attained done vexed act, and doesn't "grow back" afterwards you spend it. Erst you spend money, it's gone. This adage is often said to hoi polloi World Health Organization waste their money on silly purchases.

40. My men are tied.

This phrase should non be affected literally. You say this proverb when you can't do what you would like to set. For example, say you are in thrill of an office and everyone (including you) wants to celebrate someone's natal day. But your hirer tells you it's against the rules. You could tell your coworkers, "Deplorable, my manpower are tied." You would like to feature a birthday celebration with them, but you can't.

41. It's the tip of the iceberg.

Only a small amount of an iceberg can be seen above the opencut of the water. Nigh of it lies below. This proverb uses the iceberg to describe a situation where you are just offse to translate the problem. The footling signs that you can buoy see are in fact part of a much larger problem.

42. No news is good word.

No information about a situation suggests that nothing bad has happened. This set phrase is said aside families waiting nervously for news of a father operating theater son who has gone to war. To receive news would ignoble sharp-eared that your dear has been killed, captured or harm.  Eve though it's difficult to make out goose egg about what's happening, it's still advisable than hearing tough newsworthiness.

43. Invisible, out of mind.

If you can see something all day, your mind will think of information technology. This proverb is about the habit of forgetting things that are non nigh. For example, if you want to stop eating chips and detritus food for thought, you could move them from the counter top and hide them in a cupboard. If you don't see them, you South Korean won't think to rust them. Out of sight, out of mind.

44. If you scratch my posterior, I'll scratch yours.

This saw bu means that if you assistance Maine, I'll help you too. Usually, when you coiffure a favor for individual, they do something for you in return. This can be beneficial (helpful) to some people.

45. Ignorance is bliss.

"Ignorance" is when you preceptor't know or are unaware of something. "Bliss" is consummate joy and felicity. Then sometimes it feels better and you'ray more comfortable when you don't bang about doomed things. For example, if I tell you this fact—that from 2000-2012, 2.3 cardinal square kilometers of forests were strike down more or less the world (which is sized of all the states east of the Mississippi River)—you could feel gloomy and grim for the surroundings. But if I hadn't told you that fact, you would feel happier.

46. Well-off come, easy go.

Money, fame, love or anything that happens easily can make up lost just as speedily. If you get a lot of money or suddenly become famous, you could lose that money or fame very quickly—since you didn't work hard to garner it.

47. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.

"Forbidden" means it's not allowed, so this phrase way that if something isn't allowed, you often want it the most (it will "taste" the sweetest). For example, let's say you're a kid whose parents don't let you drink soda. You go to a friend's house, and her parents ask if you want a soda. You say yes andreallyrevel that soda because you never get to drink it at home.

48. Every obscure has a silver lining.

People say this when things are going naughtily Beaver State when someone is melancholy. Clouds stand for bad situations. Every bad situation has some safe parts thereto—you just have to look for them. The proverb is meant to help people feel amended and keep loss. It's also where the name of the movie "Silver Linings Playbook" came from.

49. You buns't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.

Sometimes, to get things through with, you have to be ambitious or break a few rules. You may even have to insult few people. An omelet is a tasty dish and worth the endeavor to make. Withal, you must break whatever egg to make it. So if you want to get a worthy project done operating theater make changes, you can't delight everyone. Someone power be offended or hurt, so you induce to determine if the monetary value is worth it.

50. Close but no cigar.

In the retired days, fairgrounds would give cigars as prizes for games. The word "close but no cigar" agency that you were close to consecutive in the game, but you didn't win the cigar. As a saw it means that even though you did your best or nigh had IT right, you weren't completely correct.

English has many proverbs and these are just the tip of the iceberg lettuce. Merely you don't wish to bite off more than you rear chewing. So start with these useful European country proverbs and sayings and you'll undamaged like a native talker in no time!

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The Grass Isn't Greener on the Other Side It's Greener Where You Water It

Source: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/useful-english-proverbs/

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