Express your determination and resilience in English by learning proverbs about drive, hard work, and perseverance.
9 topics125 words
Drive & Willpower17 words
it is not over (till|until) it is (actually|) oversentenceused to imply that one should not prematurely assume the outcome of a situation, but rather remain persistent and open-minded, as there may still be opportunities for success
it is dogged that does itsentenceused to imply that success is achieved through hard work, perseverance, and determination, highlighting the importance of resilience and persistence in accomplishing one's goals
appetite comes with eatingsentenceused to imply the more one consumes or experiences something, the more one desires it
difficult is done at once; (the|) impossible (only|) takes a little longersentenceused to imply that challenging tasks can be accomplished with effort and determination, and that seemingly impossible goals are still achievable but may require more time, patience, perseverance, and effort
first deserve, (and|) then desiresentenceused to suggest that it is important to prove oneself worthy of something through hard work, dedication, and effort, before feeling entitled to it
first step is always the hardestsentenceused to emphasize that starting a task or project can be difficult due to fear and uncertainty, but taking the first step is essential to building momentum and achieving success
he that would eat the fruit must climb the treesentenceused to imply that to achieve a desired outcome or goal, one must be willing to put in the necessary effort, take risks, and face challenges
it is better to wear out than to rust outsentenceused to imply that it is preferable to live an active and engaged life, even if it leads to exhaustion, rather than leading an idle and unfulfilling life, which can result in physical and mental decline
diligence is the mother of good (luck|fortune)sentenceused to imply that success or good fortune is often the result of hard work, persistence, and consistent effort over time
where bees are, there is honeysentenceused to suggest that hard work and effort are necessary for success and that where people are actively engaged in work, there will be a favorable outcome or reward
work never [hurt] (anyone|anybody)sentenceused to suggest that engaging in productive activity, such as work, is generally beneficial to a person's well-being and should be embraced rather than avoided
it is never too late to mendsentenceused to suggest that regardless of how bad a situation may seem, it is always possible to make amends or improve the situation through positive action and effort
keep your shop and your shop (will|shall) keep yousentenceused to imply that if one works hard and diligently to maintain one's business, it will provide for one and help to achieve financial stability and success
in for a penny (, in for a pond|)sentenceused to suggest that once someone has committed to a course of action, it is better to fully commit and take additional risk or expense rather than giving up halfway through
he that would eat the kernel must crack the nutsentenceused to encourage people to take action and put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals, rather than simply waiting for success to come to them
do and undo, the day is long enoughsentenceused to emphasize the importance of persistence and patience in achieving goals and not being discouraged by setbacks or mistakes
art is long and life is shortsentenceused to suggest that that creating or mastering a particular art or skill can be a lifelong pursuit, and that one should use their time wisely to pursue their passions and achieve their goals
Hard Work & Sacrifice14 words
the harder you work, the luckier you getsentenceused to emphasize the value of hard work, suggesting that success is often the result of persistent effort, rather than luck or chance
if you build it, they will comesentenceused to imply that if one invests time, effort, and resources into creating something worthwhile, others will recognize its value and be naturally drawn to it
no song, no suppersentenceused to emphasize the value of hard work, suggesting that rewards or benefits are often earned through effort and contribution
no sweet without (his|) sweatsentenceused to emphasize that in order to achieve something valuable or desirable, one must be willing to put in the necessary effort and hard work
revolutions are not made with rose watersentenceused to emphasize that significant changes are not achieved easily or without sacrifice and struggle
Rome was not built in a daysentenceused to emphasize that significant achievements or accomplishments require time, effort, and patience, and cannot be completed quickly or easily
you (do not|never) get something for nothingsentenceused to suggest that everything has a cost or a price, and that achieving something requires effort, investment, or contribution
elbow grease is (always|) the best polishsentenceused to imply that the best results are achieved by hard work
genius is one percent inspiration, (and|) ninety nine percent perspirationsentenceused to imply that success or great achievements are mostly the result of hard work, dedication, and effort, rather than simply being a matter of natural talent or inspiration
God makes the back to the burdensentenceused to imply that every individual has the capability to overcome their own unique challenges, despite how overwhelming they may appear, by relying on their inner strength and resilience
the longest way (round|around) is the nearest way homesentenceused to caution against the temptation of choosing shortcuts or quick fixes that may appear easier or faster but could lead to undesirable consequences in the long run
money does not grow on treessentenceused to imply that money is not easily obtained or available, and one should not waste it unnecessarily
go big or go homesentenceused to suggest that one should put in maximum effort or take a bold approach to achieve success, or else it is better not to try at all
he who would catch fish must not mind getting wetsentenceused to imply that success requires effort and perseverance, and that people must be willing to face obstacles and discomfort to achieve their goals
Persistency19 words
little drops make the (mighty|) oceansentenceused to emphasize that small actions or contributions can lead to significant results over time
many a little makes a micklesentenceused to suggest that even small or seemingly insignificant contributions or actions can add up over time and make a significant difference
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single stepsentenceused to imply that even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished by taking small steps towards the goal, starting with a single action or decision
a stern chase is a long chasesentenceused to suggest that one needs to be persistent and determined to achieve what one wants, especially when starting from a disadvantaged position
after victory, tighten your helmet chordsentenceused to advise one to stay focused and prepared even after achieving success, as new challenges and obstacles may arise
constant (dropping|dripping) wears away (a|the) stonesentenceused to imply that persistent and continuous effort, no matter how small, can eventually lead to significant change or achievement
fair and softly goes far in a daysentenceused to highlight the idea that consistent and steady progress can lead to significant accomplishments over time
fake it (till|until) you (finally|) make itsentenceused to suggest that by pretending to possess desired qualities or abilities, one can eventually develop those qualities or abilities for real
genius is an infinite capacity for taking painssentenceused to emphasize that true genius is not solely dependent on natural talent, but also on the ability to consistently put in effort and hard work to achieve excellence
if at first you do not succeed, try, try againsentenceused to encourage individuals to continue trying even after experiencing failure or setbacks, with the belief that persistence and resilience are key to achieving success
seek and (you|ye) shall findsentenceused to imply that by actively searching for something, one can eventually discover what they are looking for, emphasizing the importance of being persistent and proactive in pursuing one's goals or desires
slow and steady wins the racesentenceused to imply that consistent and persistent effort, even if it appears slow, is more likely to lead to success in a sustainable and efficient way
the third time pays for allsentenceused to encourage individuals to not give up after initial failures, and to keep trying until they achieve success
the used key is always brightsentencesaid to suggest that through frequent use, something, such as a skill or object, can remain in good condition and work effectively for a long time
use it or lose itsentenceused to imply that if something is not used or practiced, it will be forgotten or taken away
custom makes all things easysentenceused to suggest that when we develop a habit or routine of doing something repeatedly, it becomes easier and more effortless over time
dogs bark, but the caravan goes onsentenceused to imply that one should not be discouraged by negative influences or setbacks and should remain focused on their goals and continue to move forward
little strokes fell great oakssentenceused to emphasize the idea that small, continuous actions or efforts can eventually lead to significant achievements or outcomes
practice makes perfectsentenceused to imply that regular and persistent practice of a skill or activity is necessary in order to become proficient or skilled at it
Determination10 words
a man is a lion in his own causesentenceused to suggest that personal investment in a situation increases motivation, leading individuals to exceed expectations by putting in extra effort
a rolling stone gathers no mosssentenceused to suggest that someone who keeps moving and changing their situation will not accumulate problems or responsibilities, but also will not gain the benefits of stability or permanence
a thing begun is half donesentenceused to suggest that starting a task or project is the most difficult part and that taking the first step is critical to achieving success, as it sets the momentum for completion
he that will to Cupar maun to Cuparsentenceused to suggest that if someone is truly determined to achieve a goal or reach a destination, they will not be easily dissuaded or discouraged
if opportunity does not knock, build a doorsentenceused to suggest that if an opportunity does not naturally present itself, one should persistently work towards creating opportunities and overcoming obstacles to achieve success
nothing is easy to the unwillingsentenceused to suggest that if someone lacks motivation or is unwilling to put in the effort required to succeed, they are likely to find even the simplest tasks to be difficult or challenging
who says A, must say Bsentenceused to suggest that if someone starts or initiates a particular action or process, it is expected that they will continue and complete the subsequent steps
nothing is impossible to a willing heartsentenceused to emphasize that if someone is determined and willing to work hard, they can achieve anything they set their mind to, regardless of the difficulty or complexity of the task
you cannot keep a good man downsentenceused to imply that a determined individual will succeed despite the odds and difficulties
the sea refuses no riversentenceused to imply that with determination and perseverance, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, no matter how difficult or daunting they may seem
Tolerance & Resilience12 words
a man who cannot tolerate small misfortunes, can never accomplish great thingssentenceused to imply that individuals who are unable to handle small setbacks or misfortunes will not be able to accomplish great things in life
bear and forbearsentenceused to encourage individuals to show patience, tolerance, and endurance while dealing with difficult situations or people, emphasizing the importance of acceptance over resistance
bear with evil and expect goodsentenceused to imply that one should remain patient and endure difficult or negative situations with the hope or expectation that positive outcomes or results will eventually follow
even a worm (will|shall|would) turnsentenceused to imply that all people will eventually get frustrated or fed up if they are continually wronged, even those who are very timid or obedient
if you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchensentenceused to imply that if someone is unable to handle the pressure or difficulties of a situation, they should remove themselves from it, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and avoiding excuses
it is a long lane that has no turningsentenceused to emphasize that no matter how challenging or prolonged a situation may seem, there is always the possibility of change or improvement, encouraging individuals to persevere
oaks may fall when reeds stand the stormsentenceused to suggest that adaptability and flexibility can sometimes be more advantageous than strength and power in overcoming challenges and surviving crises
sticks and stones may break my bonessentenceused to imply that physical violence or insults cannot harm a person's inner self, encouraging individuals to be resilient and not let negativity or criticism bring them down
what cannot be cured (must|should) be enduredsentenceused to emphasize the importance of accepting and enduring circumstances that cannot be changed or resolved
cry with one eye and laugh with the othersentenceused to highlight the concept of emotional resilience, being able to acknowledge and experience different emotions without being overwhelmed by any single one
let them laugh that winsentenceused to suggest that individuals who are focused on their goals should not be discouraged by the laughter or ridicule of others but should instead continue to pursue their goals with determination
hard words break no bonessentenceused to encourage people to not take insults or criticism too personally, and to remember that words cannot physically harm them
Experience & Learning23 words
a barber learns to shave by shaving foolssentenceused to emphasize the importance of practice and experience in developing expertise, and the value of learning from mistakes
bought wit is the best witsentenceused to imply that knowledge or wisdom gained through education or experience is more valuable than innate intelligence or natural ability
the child is the father of the mansentenceused to imply that the experiences and influences of childhood shape a person's adult identity, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development in shaping a person's future
(the man|he|one) who has once been bitten by a snake, fears every piece of ropesentenceused to suggest that past experiences can influence a person's future behavior and attitudes, and that negative experiences can lead to unnecessary fear or caution
there is always a first timesentenceused to emphasize the idea that everyone starts from a point of inexperience before gaining knowledge or mastery in a certain area
to know the road ahead, ask those (who are|) coming backsentenceused to suggest that learning from the experiences of others can be valuable in navigating new or unfamiliar situations
travel broadens the mindsentenceused to suggest that exposure to diverse people, ideas, and experiences can enhance a person's knowledge, empathy, and overall worldview
years know (way|much) more than books (alone|)sentenceused to imply that experience gained over time and through life's challenges and lessons can be more valuable than knowledge gained solely from books or formal education
you cannot put an old head on young shoulderssentenceused to suggest that wisdom and maturity come with age and experience, and that they cannot be easily taught or forced onto someone who is young and inexperienced
an old dog barks not in vainsentenceused to emphasize the importance of valuing the knowledge and experience of older individuals, as they often have valuable insights and reasons for their actions
an old dog for a hard roadsentenceused to imply that an experienced individual is better suited to handle challenging or difficult situations than a younger or less experienced person
experience is (always|) the best teachersentenceused to emphasize the value of learning through personal experience, which is often more effective than theoretical or academic knowledge
experience is the (father|mother) of wisdomsentenceused to imply that practical experience and learning from past mistakes is a valuable source of knowledge and understanding
experience is (deemed as|) the mistress of foolssentenceused to imply that foolish individuals tend to learn from their own mistakes rather than heeding the advice or experiences of others
experience is the teacher of foolssentenceused to imply that some people may be unwilling or unable to learn from the advice of others and may only learn important lessons through personal experience and making mistakes
tell me and I will forget, show me, and I may not remember, involve me and I will understandsentenceused to emphasize the importance of active learning in contrast to simply being told or shown
only the wearer knows where the shoe pinchessentenceused to imply that only the person who is directly experiencing a particular problem or difficulty can fully understand the extent of their discomfort or pain
they that live (the|) longest see (the|) mostsentenceused to imply that the longer people live, the more experiences and knowledge they gather, which can lead to a deeper understanding of life and the world around them
learn to say before you singsentenceused to imply that mastering the basics or fundamentals of a skill or subject is essential before attempting more advanced or complex aspects of it
learning is the eye of the mindsentenceused to imply that education and continuous learning are essential for gaining knowledge, understanding, and expanding one's mental horizons
experience without learning is (far|way|) better than learning without experiencesentenceused to imply that practical experience and hands-on learning are more significant and impactful than acquiring knowledge solely through theoretical or academic means
when house and land are gone and spent, then learning is most excellentsentenceused to imply that education and knowledge are the most important assets one can have, especially in difficult times when material possessions have been lost or no longer hold value
the eye of the master will do more work than both his handssentenceused to imply that careful supervision and attention to detail by a skilled supervisor or master can enhance work efficiency and quality, even without physically participating in the work
Life Lessons9 words
what does not kill {sb}, makes {sb} strongersentenceused to emphasize that facing and overcoming difficult challenges can lead to greater strength and resilience
a burnt child dreads the firesentenceused to imply that negative experiences can leave a lasting impact on a person's behavior, leading them to be cautious and avoid similar situations in the future
smooth seas do not make skillful (sailors|mariners)sentenceused to imply that experience and skill are developed through facing challenges and adversities, not in easy or peaceful situations
a dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicinesentenceused to imply that facing and overcoming challenges can be beneficial for personal growth
a fault once denied is twice committedsentenceused to suggest that denying a fault or refusing to admit a mistake can lead to repeating the same error
a good example is the best sermonsentenceused to emphasize that leading by example is a more effective way of influencing others' behavior than simply preaching to them
adversity and loss make a man wisesentenceused to imply that going through difficult or challenging situations can provide valuable lessons and insights, ultimately contributing to the development of wisdom and maturity
adversity is a great schoolmastersentenceused to imply that difficult experiences can be valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning
there is no great loss without some gainsentenceused to highlight the idea that even in times of significant loss or adversity, there is often a hidden opportunity or benefit that can be gained from the experience
Action & Inaction13 words
a man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weedssentenceused for saying that if a person continuously engages in empty talk without taking productive action, they will not accomplish anything meaningful or valuable
few words, (and|) many deedssentenceused to emphasize the importance of being efficient, effective, and productive, rather than being overly talkative or boastful
God helps those who help themselvessentenceused to say that individuals who take action and put in effort to achieve their goals and solve their problems are more likely to receive divine assistance or blessings
God never sends mouths but He sends meatsentenceused to imply that people should have faith and trust in God's ability to provide for their needs and to solve their problems
great talkers are little doerssentenceused to imply that people who talk a lot about their plans or achievements may not be as capable as they appear, and that it is important to look at what people do rather than simply what they say
he who is absent, is always in the wrongsentenceused to highlight how people tend to assume guilt or fault when someone is not present to provide their perspective or defend themselves
saying and doing are two thingssentenceused to suggest that what people say or promise is not always what they actually do or follow through with
tomorrow never comessentenceused to emphasize the importance of taking action in the present and avoiding procrastination, as tomorrow is always in the future and becomes today when it arrives
you snooze, you losesentenceused to emphasize the importance of staying cautious and alert, so as not to miss any opportunities
when in doubt, do nowtsentenceused to advise that when one is uncertain about what to do, it may be better to refrain from taking any action at all
many words will not fill a bushelsentenceused to emphasize the need for action rather than mere talk or empty promises, as using many words does not necessarily lead to to achieving one's goals or solving a problem
good words without deeds are (nothing but|meer|) rushes and reedssentenceused to imply that words or promises are meaningless without actions to back them up
the road to hell is paved with good intentionssentenceused to imply that good intentions, plans, and promises are only meaningful if they are followed through with action
Means & Solutions8 words
to [make] bricks without strawphraseto be forced to do a difficult or impossible task without the necessary resources
where there is a will, there is a waysentenceused to emphasize that if a person is determined enough to do something, they will find a way to do it, regardless of the obstacles or challenges
if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problemsentenceused to suggest that not taking action to solve a problem is equivalent to contributing to it
dirty water will quench (any|) firesentenceused to imply that sometimes a quick solution to a problem may seem effective, but it can actually cause more harm than good
distant water will not quench your immediate thirstsentenceused to imply that a solution or resource that is far away or inaccessible cannot address an immediate need or problem, emphasizing the need for practical and immediate solutions
least said, soonest mendedsentenceused to suggest that sometimes it is best to say as little as possible about a problem or conflict in order to avoid making it worse
care is no curesentenceused to suggest that simply being concerned or worried about a problem or situation is not enough to solve it
(if|when) you are in a hole, stop diggingsentenceused to imply that when one finds oneself in a difficult situation, it is important to stop doing things that are making it worse and instead focus on finding a solution
Learn all 125 words in this list with spaced repetition