English Proverbs about Human Traits

Natural Traits & Tendencies12 words

• a leopard cannot change its spots🔊sentenceused to imply that a person's fundamental nature or character is difficult and unlikely to change, even if they try
• an ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet🔊sentenceused to imply that a person's true nature or identity cannot be disguised or changed by outward appearances, such as clothing or social status
• the wolf (may|might) lose his teeth, but never his nature🔊sentenceused to emphasize that a person or creature's fundamental qualities and character are innate and unlikely to change, despite the passage of time or the influence of external factors
• the fox (may|might) grow grey, but never good🔊sentenceused to suggest that a person's inherent character or nature is unlikely to change, even with age or experience
• born, not made🔊phraseused to suggest that certain qualities or abilities are innate and cannot be acquired through training or education
• you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear🔊sentenceused to suggest that one cannot turn something of low quality or little value into something of high quality or great value, no matter how much effort is put into it
• nature passes nurture🔊sentenceused to suggest that a person's innate qualities and traits have a greater impact on their development and behavior than external factors such as upbringing or environment
• a crow is never whiter for washing itself often🔊sentenceused to imply that a person's inherent character or nature cannot be changed by changing their external appearance or behavior
• send a fool to market and a fool he (will|shall) return🔊sentenceused to imply that a foolish person will remain foolish no matter how many opportunities or experiences they have
• a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf🔊sentenceused to highlight the tendency of individuals to quickly lose interest or forget about something or someone they once cared deeply about
• we are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed🔊sentenceused to suggest that from the moment of our birth, we express dissatisfaction and continue to do so throughout our lives, often ending with unfulfilled expectations and disappointment
• what is bred in the bone (will|shall) come out in the flesh🔊sentenceused to suggest that a person's innate tendencies or characteristics, inherited from their ancestors, will eventually become apparent in their actions or personality and are difficult to change

Patience17 words

• patience is a plaster for all sores🔊sentenceused to suggest that patience can provide comfort and relief during difficult times, and can help to heal emotional wounds and problems
• a handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains🔊sentenceused to imply that patience is more important than intelligence or knowledge, and can often lead to greater success in navigating challenges and achieving goals
• good things come to those who wait🔊sentenceused to imply that if one is patient and persistent, they will eventually be rewarded with success or good things
• it will be all the same a hundred years hence🔊sentenceused to suggest that the passing of time can put things in perspective, and that the things that seem important or significant in the present may not matter in the long run
• all things are difficult before they are easy🔊sentenceused to suggest that initial difficulties are a natural part of the learning process and with perseverance and determination, tasks can become easier to handle
• do not sell the bear's skin before you have (actually|) caught it🔊sentenceused to advise one to be patient and wait until one has achieved actual results before expecting or assuming success and enjoying the rewards
• long foretold, long last; short notice, soon past🔊sentenceused to imply that events that are planned for a long time tend to have a lasting impact, while those that are hastily done tend to be short-lived.
• patience is a virtue🔊sentenceused to imply that being able to wait calmly and persistently without becoming frustrated, angry, or anxious is a valuable and desirable trait that can ultimately lead to success
• (soft|slow) fire makes sweet malt🔊sentenceused to imply that taking the time to do something right and with patience will yield better results than rushing through it
• softly, softly, catchee monkey🔊sentenceused to imply that a cautious, patient, and persistent approach is often more effective in achieving one's goals than a hasty, aggressive, or reckless approach
• there is luck in leisure🔊sentenceused to imply that taking breaks and having leisure time can lead to positive outcomes or opportunities that may not have been possible with constant work
• time heals all wounds🔊sentenceused to suggest that the passage of time can lessen the intensity of emotional pain or suffering caused by a difficult experience or situation, and eventually lead to healing and recovery
• time works wonders🔊sentenceused to imply that the passage of time can bring about positive changes, personal growth, and achievement in life, even in seemingly impossible situations, if one remains patient and perseveres
• a watched (pot|kettle) never boils🔊sentenceused to suggest that constantly monitoring or worrying about something can make it seem like it is taking longer to happen
• if you sit by the river (for|) long enough, you will (see|witness) the body of your enemy float by🔊sentenceused to imply that if one waits long enough, justice will eventually be served and one's enemies will face the consequences of their actions
• patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet🔊sentenceused to suggest that waiting for something can be difficult, but the end result is often rewarding, emphasizing the importance of being patient and persistent in pursuing one's goals
• april showers bring may flowers🔊sentenceused to suggest that enduring difficult or challenging times can lead to positive outcomes and rewards

Bravery & Cowardice11 words

• better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep🔊sentenceused to say that it is better to live a short but meaningful life, filled with courage and boldness, rather than living a long but unremarkable life that lacks purpose or ambition
• cowards die many times before their [death]🔊sentenceused to imply that confronting challenges with bravery is better than letting fear hold us back and suffer the consequences of inaction, as it may cause emotional suffering similar to death
• no guts, no glory🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of taking action and being willing to take risks in order to achieve great things in life
• a bully is always a coward🔊sentenceused to imply that bullies use intimidation to make up for their own feelings of weakness or vulnerability
• a man of courage never (wants|needs) weapons🔊sentenceused to imply that a courageous person will rely on their inner strength and moral character to face challenges, rather than resorting to violence or intimidation
• boldly [go] where no man has gone before🔊sentenceused to imply the importance of embracing the unknown, taking risks, and pushing beyond the boundaries of what is currently known or accepted in order to achieve great things
• conscience makes cowards of us all🔊sentenceused to say that people's sense of right and wrong can make them hesitant or afraid to take action, even if it is necessary or beneficial
• eagles fly alone, but sheep flock together🔊sentenceused to suggest that individuals with exceptional or unique abilities may stand out from the crowd and be isolated, while those who lack such qualities tend to seek safety in groups
• faint heart never won fair (lady|maiden)🔊sentenceused to suggest that one must be bold and take risks to achieve one's goals
• he that stays in the valley will (not|never) get over the hill🔊sentenceused to suggest that progress and growth require taking some degree of risk and making an effort to move beyond one's current situation
• faint heart never won fair lady🔊sentenceused to suggest that a person who lacks courage or is too timid will never be able to win the affection of the person they desire, and that boldness and perseverance are necessary traits for success in romantic pursuits

Sincerity & Insincerity7 words

• a friend's frown is better than a fool's smile🔊sentenceused to suggest that honest feedback or reprimand, even if it may be initially unpleasant, holds more value and benefit than false or empty gestures
• all are not friends that speak us fair🔊sentenceused to imply that kind words or flattery from someone does not necessarily indicate true friendship
• {not} fear the enemy that attacks you, but the fake friend that hugs you🔊sentenceused to warn against the potential harm caused by those who pretend to be friends but have ulterior motives, as they can deceive and betray a person from within
• false friends are (much|far|way|) worse than open enemies🔊sentenceused to imply that it is more dangerous to have friends who pretend to be loyal while secretly betraying one than to have enemies who are open about their hostility toward one
• fine words (shall|will|) butter no parsnips🔊sentenceused to emphasize that empty words or flattery are not sufficient to accomplish a task or reach a goal; rather, it is the action and effort that count
• flattery, (much|) like perfume, (should|must|shall) be smelled (but|and) not swallowed🔊sentenceused to advise that while flattering words may be pleasant to hear, one should not take them too seriously or believe them blindly
• imitation is the sincerest form of flattery🔊sentenceused to suggest that copying or imitating someone else's behavior or style is a way of paying them a compliment or showing admiration for them

Pride & Humility9 words

• the boughs that bear most hang lowest🔊sentenceused to suggest that those who possess the greatest qualities, achievements, or responsibilities tend to be more humble and grounded
• a loaded wagon makes no noise🔊sentenceused to suggest that when someone is successful or accomplished, they often do not boast or draw attention to themselves
• the higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail🔊sentenceused to imply that as someone's status or position increases, their faults and shortcomings become more noticeable and harder to conceal
• honors change manners🔊sentenceused to suggest that receiving recognition or honor can have an impact on one's behavior and attitude toward others, whether positive or negative
• pride (comes|goes) before a fall🔊sentenceused to imply that excessive pride or overconfidence can lead to a person's downfall or failure
• pride feels no pain🔊sentenceused to imply that pride can cause a person to ignore or overlook discomfort or suffering, prioritizing maintaining their pride over resolving their problems or receiving help
• self-praise is no recommendation🔊sentenceused to imply that when a person praises their own abilities or accomplishments, it is not a reliable or trustworthy recommendation compared to the opinions of others
• arrogance diminishes wisdom🔊sentenceused to highlight the negative impact of arrogance on a person's ability to gain and apply knowledge and wisdom
• if you have got it, flaunt it🔊sentenceused to suggest that if one has a desirable quality or possession, it is acceptable to show it off, emphasizing the idea of being proud of one's achievements or possessions

Laziness & Idleness12 words

• idle (folk|people) have the least leisure🔊sentenceused to imply that people who waste their time and are not productive tend to have less free time to pursue their interests and enjoy leisure activities
• there will be sleeping enough in the grave🔊sentenceused to emphasize that one should not waste their life by sleeping too much or being idle, but instead make the most of their time on earth
• a lazy sheep thinks its wool heavy🔊sentenceused to suggest that lazy or unmotivated individuals tend to perceive tasks as more difficult than they actually are, making even small responsibilities seem burdensome
• an idle brain is the devil's workshop🔊sentenceused to imply that when a person has nothing to do or is not engaged in productive activity, they are more likely to engage in mischief, immoral behavior, or harmful actions
• as good be an addled egg as an idle bird🔊phraseused to suggest that idleness and lack of effort are to be avoided, as they lead to wastefulness and unfulfillment
• by doing nothing we learn to do ill🔊sentenceused to suggest that idleness and lack of effort can lead to developing bad habits or skills
• the devil finds work for idle hands (to do|)🔊sentenceused to imply that when people are not engaged in useful work, they are more likely to get into trouble or engage in harmful activities
• idle hands are the devil's playthings🔊sentenceused to suggest that when people are not busy or occupied with useful work, they are more likely to engage in mischief or harmful activities
• the worst wheel of the cart creaks most🔊sentenceused to imply that the weakest or least capable member of a group often complains the most or causes the most problems
• the tongue of the idle person is never idle🔊sentenceused to suggest that idle people tend to talk a lot and engage in idle chatter, often without thinking about the consequences of their words or the impact that they might have on others
• idleness is the root of (all|) evil🔊sentenceused to imply that when people have nothing to do and no purpose, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities
• of idleness comes no goodness🔊sentenceused to suggest that when people are idle or inactive, they are unlikely to achieve anything positive or worthwhile

Greed8 words

• desire has no limit🔊sentenceused to imply that people are never completely satisfied and are always seeking more wealth, power, or other forms of success, and that this drive can lead to both positive and negative outcomes
• (many|) go (out|) for wool and come home shorn🔊sentenceused to imply that when someone sets out to gain something, often through dishonest or risky means, they are likely to end up losing everything they have, including what they started with
• greedy never gets🔊sentenceused to suggest that when someone is too greedy or selfish, they are less likely to achieve their goals or gain what they want
• the more you (get|have), the more you want🔊sentenceused to suggest that as someone gains more possessions, wealth, or success, their desires tend to grow, leading to a never-ending cycle of wanting more
• pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of balance and moderation, and warns that taking more than one needs or is entitled to can be dangerous and lead to negative outcomes or loss
• (he|) who grasps at too much loses (everything|it all)🔊sentenceused to caution against being overly ambitious, as trying to take on too much or being too greedy can lead to failure or loss
• grasp all, lose all🔊sentenceused to suggest that attempting to have or do everything at once can lead to negative consequences and that people should focus on what is essential and achievable
• a person with too much ambition cannot sleep in peace🔊sentenceused to suggest that when someone is overly ambitious, they may experience anxiety or restlessness, as they are constantly striving for more and worrying about achieving their goals

Selfishness6 words

• every man for himself and the devil (shall| might as well|) take the hindmost🔊sentenceused to imply that in a difficult or competitive situation, individuals prioritize their own well-being and survival above others
• every miller draws water to (his|their) own mill🔊sentenceused to imply that people will act in their own self-interest and use whatever resources they have available to achieve their own goals, even if it means working against other
• near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin🔊sentenceused to imply that individuals have a tendency to prioritize their own needs, safety, and comfort over other external considerations
• self-preservation is the first law of nature🔊sentenceused to imply that every living creature has a natural instinct to protect itself and ensure its own survival
• selfishness knows no bound🔊sentenceused to imply that selfish people are often willing to act in ways that benefit themselves, even if it causes harm to others or goes beyond the acceptable limits of behavior
• selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live🔊sentencesaid to imply is not simply pursuing one's own interests, but also trying to impose one's will on others, rather than respecting their autonomy and allowing them to live as they wish

Physical Appearance17 words

• beauty is in the [eye] of the (beholder|gazer)🔊sentenceused to suggest that what one person finds beautiful or attractive may not be the same for another person, and that opinions on beauty can vary widely
• beauty is (only|but) skin deep🔊sentenceused to imply that true beauty goes beyond superficial appearances and should be judged based on deeper qualities such as kindness, compassion, intelligence, and integrity
• a good horse cannot be of a bad color🔊sentenceused to imply that the quality or worth of something is not determined by its superficial or outward appearance
• the fairest rose is at last withered🔊sentenceused to suggest that nothing in this world is permanent, and that even the most beautiful things will eventually lose their charm and vitality over time
• a black plum is (just|) as sweet as a white (one|plum)🔊sentenceused to imply that one should not judge the worth or value of things or people based solely on their outward appearance
• a blind man's wife needs no paint🔊sentenceused to emphasize the idea that true beauty and value come from within, and that external appearances are not the most significant factor in a meaningful and fulfilling relationship
• beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold🔊sentenceused to suggest that beautiful things are more likely to draw envy and attention, and hence more prone to being targeted by thieves than valuable material possessions like gold
• fine feathers make fine birds🔊sentenceused to suggests that those who are well-dressed or well-groomed will be perceived as being of high quality or of greater value than those who are not
• grace will last, (beauty|favor) will blast🔊sentenceused to suggest that it is more important to develop inner qualities and virtues that will last, rather than relying solely on external beauty which is temporary
• please your eye and plague your heart🔊sentenceused to warn that pursuing things that seem desirable or attractive on the surface, such as relationships or material possessions, may ultimately lead to disappointment or pain
• there is many a good cock come out of a tattered bag🔊sentenceused to imply that talented people may come from unexpected places or backgrounds, so it is important to recognize and appreciate their worth beyond external factors
• clothes make the man🔊sentenceused to suggest that the way a person dresses can have a significant impact on how they are perceived by others, and can even influence their own self-image
• the cowl does not make the monk🔊sentenceused to say that a person's clothing or external appearance does not necessarily reflect their true character or identity
• beauty draws with a single hair🔊sentenceused to say that the power of beauty, that goes beyond mere physical ability, is irresistibly alluring and immeasurable
• beauty is but a blossom🔊sentenceused to say that physical beauty is short-lived, just like a flower that withers and fades away quickly after blooming
• beauty is (of|) no inheritance🔊sentenceused to say that physical beauty is not an inherited trait and is therefore not a reliable measure of a person's worth or value
• handsome is as handsome does🔊sentenceused to convey that true beauty is not just about one's physical appearance but is also reflected in one's actions, behavior, and character

Interest & Preference5 words

• every man (has|hath) his hobby-horse🔊sentenceused to imply that a person has a particular interest or hobby that they enjoy discussing or pursuing whenever they have the opportunity
• (every man|everyone) to his taste🔊sentenceused to imply that people have different tastes and preferences, and that these differences should be respected, as what one person likes may not necessarily be liked by another
• one man's meat is another man's poison🔊sentenceused for saying that what is enjoyable or beneficial for one person may be unappealing or harmful to another person due to individual differences, tastes, or preferences
• the heart wants what it wants🔊sentenceused to suggest that the heart, or one's emotions and desires, can sometimes overpower reason and practicality
• there [is] no accounting for [taste]🔊sentenceused to imply that one can never understand why people's personal preferences drastically differ from one another, especially when compared to that of one's own

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