Proverbs

‘The grass is always greener” is a proverb that teaches us it’s not good to be jealous (to want what other people have). It may seem like everyone around you has “greener grass,” meaning nicer cars, better jobs, etc.

Things are not always what they seem. This proverb teaches you not to make judgments about other people because of how they look or dress. A book with a boring or plain cover could be amazing. The same is true with people.

This proverb means you should take advantage of the moment. If an opportunity presents itself to you, take it! Take action because the chance may not come again.

Or as it’s more commonly said, “Too many cooks in the kitchen.” This proverb talks about the trouble of too many people trying to do the same thing at once.

This proverb is about having two opposite desires, and how it’s impossible to get both. Its meaning is similar to the proverb, “You can’t have the best of both worlds.”

If everyone works together to complete something—like cleaning, painting or group projects—then each person has less to do. More importantly, the job will be completed much more quickly.

When you are a visitor somewhere away from home, you should act like everyone else. It is polite to do so, and could keep you from getting into trouble.

This proverb tells you not to worry so much! Problems will certainly come in the future. It’s better to think about what you are doing right now—without worrying about the unknown—and take care of issues when they happen.

Lying a lot can be difficult, because you might forget your lies. Soon enough, someone will find out you are lying. Then, you are in trouble. Or even if no one ever finds out, you will feel guilty for not telling the truth.

Everything is difficult when you are a beginner. But if you stick with it, if you keep practicing, you can master anything.

Sometimes, we face problems that seem impossible. But if you want it bad enough, nothing can stand in your way. That is what this proverb means—if you have the will to meet the problems that are in front of you, there is a way to overcome them.

Don’t rush into things! Make sure you know what is going to happen next. When making a big “jump” in life, make sure you’ve looked at the situation and really understand it before you take a big action.

When you receive free help or goods, you should accept what you’re offered—you can’t be picky (a “chooser”) because you’re not paying!

People sometimes get very upset over small problems. This proverb reminds you to take a moment and see how important (or not important) the issue is.

If you eat well and your diet includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, there will be no need to visit the doctor.

This proverb is a lot like the phrase “first come, first served.” It simply means that it’s usually best to be early.

It means that a secret has been told.

If somebody insults you or harms you (“a wrong”), doing the same to them (“two wrongs”) will not make everything okay. If somebody is mean to you, don’t be mean to them in return because it’s not right to do so.

“Still waters run deep” describes people who are quiet and calm. These people often have “deep,” interesting personalities. So even if someone doesn’t talk a lot, they could still be very thoughtful. The proverb uses water to describe people.

When you are starting on a project or a journey, it’s best to start with a good attitude and a lot of energy. Having a positive attitude—your “best foot”—is also the best way to make a good impression.

If you wish to create something wonderful and long-lasting, you will have to spend more than a day working on it. You will probably have to spend several days, weeks or even months to do a good job. Take your time and do it right!

Do everything possible to keep bad things from happening to you. It’s best for you to be careful, otherwise you’ll be sorry.

This proverb warns against acting mean to those who provide for you or who do nice things for you. You should be kind and thankful to those who care for you.

This proverb is about someone who complains a lot (the “squeaky wheel”) because they get more attention (“the grease”). For example, a child who cries a lot will get more attention from his mother than his silent brothers and sisters.

If you take on more work or responsibility than you can handle—you will have a difficult time. So it’s best not to get involved in too many projects, because you won’t be able to focus and get them all done well.

You must live with the results of your actions, so make good choices.

People are judged by the things they do. Your actions are more important than what you say.

This proverb is often said during a fight in which one person is putting all of the blame on the other person, when both people were actually responsible.

This proverb warns against being too eager. It is not a good idea to make plans based on expectations (what you think will happen). Wait for all things to come true before building up your dreams.

Don’t waste time worrying about little things that cannot be changed.

Be careful! If you put all your goods in one bag or all your money in one stock, you are taking a big risk. It is smarter to spread your wealth around.

If you remain in one place for a long time, the signs of life—friends, family, objects and your local reputation (what people think of you)—will grow on you. But not if you always move from place to place.

Do not skip over the more difficult or less enjoyable tasks in order to get to the easier, more fun ones.

This proverb is often used to stop someone from asking too many questions. Curiosity (when you’re excited and eager to know something) can lead you into dangerous situations.

Do things in the right order, from simple to more complicated.

This proverb is often said to people who waste their money on silly purchases.

You say this proverb when you can’t do what you would like to do.

This proverb uses the iceberg to describe a situation where you are only beginning to understand the problem. The little signs that you can see are in fact part of a much larger problem.

No information about a situation suggests that nothing bad has happened.

If you can see something every day, your mind will think about it. This proverb is about the habit of forgetting things that are not nearby.

This proverb simply means that if you help me, I’ll help you too. Usually, when you do a favor for someone, they do something for you in return.

Sometimes it feels better and you’re more comfortable when you don’t know about certain things.

Money, fame, love or anything that happens easily can be lost just as quickly. 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 earn it.

If something isn’t allowed, you often want it the most.

Every bad situation has some good parts to it—you just have to look for them. The proverb is meant to help people feel better and keep going.

Sometimes, to get things done, you have to be pushy or break a few rules. You may even have to insult some people.

In the old days, fairgrounds would give cigars as prizes for games. The phrase “close but no cigar” means that you were close to succeeding in the game, but you didn’t win the cigar.