English Proverbs about Situations States

Impermanence10 words

• eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow (we|you) (may|might|) die🔊sentenceused to suggest that one should enjoy life to the fullest and make the most of each day, emphasizing the idea that life is short and unpredictable
• you win some, you lose some🔊sentenceused as a reminder that life is full of successes and failures, and it is important to be resilient and maintain a positive attitude in order to learn and grow from both
• a wonder lasts but nine days🔊sentenceused to suggest that the excitement or interest in something extraordinary or remarkable fades quickly and is often short-lived
• all good things (must|will|) come to an end (at one point or the other|)🔊sentenceused to imply that enjoyable or beneficial experiences eventually come to an end, emphasizing that people should cherish and appreciate them while they last
• all things (must|will) pass🔊sentenceused to suggest that everything in life is temporary and has an end, emphasizing the inevitability of change and the importance of appreciating the present moment
• be the day weary or be the day long, at last it ringeth to evensong🔊sentenceused to imply that regardless of how difficult or long a day or challenging time may seem, it will eventually come to an end, and there will be a time for rest and rejuvenation
• nothing is forever🔊sentenceused to imply that everything in life, whether it be good or bad, eventually comes to an end, emphasizing that change is a natural and inevitable part of life
• (for|to) everything, there is a season🔊sentenceused to imply that everything in life has its own appropriate time and place, emphasizing the idea that people should be patient and accepting of the natural cycle of life
• the morning sun never lasts a day🔊sentenceused for saying that positive or favorable circumstances often do not endure for an extended period of time
• the longest day has (an|its) end🔊sentenceused to imply that no matter how difficult or seemingly endless a situation may be, it will eventually come to a conclusion, emphasizing that people should have hope for a better future

Futility9 words

• a dead bee makes no honey🔊sentenceused to emphasize the futility of focusing on something that is no longer productive or beneficial
• after death the doctor🔊phraseused to express the idea that presenting a solution or seeking assistance after a problem has already been resolved or is too late is futile
• after meat, mustard🔊phraseused to suggest that a helpful or beneficial action or idea has arrived too late to be of use
• if it ain't broke, don't fix it🔊sentenceused to imply that unnecessary changes or improvements can sometimes cause more harm than good
• sue a beggar and catch a louse🔊sentenceused to imply that going after someone who has nothing to offer will only result in gaining something of little to no value in return
• why buy (a|the) cow when you can get (the|) milk for free🔊sentenceused to suggest that it is better to take advantage of what's already available than to make unnecessary investments without weighing the costs and benefits
• if my aunt had been a man, she would have been my uncle🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of accepting reality as it is and focusing on what is possible, rather than dwelling on impossible or unlikely scenarios
• it is ill sitting at Rome and striving with the Pope🔊sentenceused to suggest that it is unwise and pointless to challenge someone with greater power or authority
• it is ill striving against the stream🔊sentenceused to suggest that it is better to work within existing circumstances rather than fighting against something that cannot be changed

Inevitability10 words

• the best of friends must part (ways|)🔊sentenceused to encourage people to appreciate their friendships while recognizing the inevitability of change and separation, as any friendship may come to an end due to various circumstances
• history [repeat] itself🔊sentenceused to imply that history can be a predictor of future events, and that human behavior and societal patterns tend to repeat themselves, emphasizes the importance of learning from the past
• a man can die but once🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of living life to the fullest without fear of death, as it is an inevitable event that cannot be avoided
• accidents will happen in the best of families🔊sentenceused to imply that even the most careful or well-prepared people or families can still experience unexpected mishaps or mistakes
• all roads lead to Rome🔊sentenceused to say that all the ways of doing something have the same result
• there are (many|multiple) paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is (always|) the same🔊sentenceused to convey the idea that regardless of the different routes taken, the ultimate outcome or result is predetermined and inevitable
• the tongue always returns to the sore tooth🔊sentenceused to imply that people have a tendency to dwell on things that cause them pain or discomfort, even if doing so only makes the situation worse
• what will be, will be🔊sentenceused to suggest that some things are out of human control and that people should not waste their time and energy worrying about things they cannot change
• at the end of the game, the king and the pawn go back in the same box🔊sentenceused to highlight the concept that regardless of one's status or position in life, everyone ultimately faces the same fate of death
• the sea refuses no river🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of adaptability and flexibility, as change is a natural part of life and can often lead to new opportunities and growth

Balance & Moderation17 words

• a little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men🔊sentenceused to imply that taking a break from serious matters to enjoy some playfulness can be beneficial and even wise
• a little of what you fancy does you good🔊sentenceused to suggest that indulging in small amounts of something enjoyable or desired can have positive effects on one's well-being, emphasizing the value of moderation
• better a little fire to warm us than a great one to burn us🔊sentenceused to imply that it is better to have a modest or moderate amount of something than to have too much of it, which may lead to negative consequences or harm
• better late than never🔊sentenceused to mean that it is better to take action or complete a task, even if it is delayed, rather than not doing it at all
• eat at pleasure, drink with measure🔊sentenceused to advise that it is acceptable to indulge in eating to one's satisfaction, but it is important to control alcohol intake to avoid harmful effects on one's health
• enough is as good as a feast🔊sentenceused to suggest that having just enough of something is preferable to having too much of it, emphasizing the value of moderation and contentment over excess
• the half is better than the whole🔊sentenceused to suggest that having a smaller portion of something can be more beneficial or valuable and less overwhelming or burdensome than having the entire thing
• honey in excess is no longer sweet🔊sentenceused to imply that even the most pleasurable or enjoyable things can lose their appeal if they are overindulged in or taken to extremes
• it is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not (to|) skin it🔊sentenceused to emphasize that a good leader takes care of those they are responsible for, by taking only what is necessary and not exploiting or harming them
• keep no more cats than can catch mice🔊sentenceused to suggest that one should not keep more resources, tools, or employees than are necessary to accomplish a task or objective, as it can be wasteful and inefficient
• there is measure in all things🔊sentenceused to emphasize that moderation and balance are important in all aspects of life
• eat to live, not live to eat🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of moderation in eating and treating food as fuel for the body rather than a source of constant pleasure or comfort
• little and often fills the purse🔊sentenceused to advise that consistent, small efforts can lead to significant results over time, as regular small savings can accumulate to create a considerable amount of wealth
• life is hard by the yard, but by the inch life is a cinch🔊sentenceused to suggest that when faced with difficult tasks or challenges, it is easier to tackle them in small, manageable steps rather than trying to handle everything at once
• moderation in all things🔊sentenceused to imply that excess or deficiency in any area can lead to negative consequences, and that finding a proper balance is the key to a healthy and fulfilling life
• meat and mass never hindered man🔊sentenceused to imply that it is possible to find a balance between satisfying material needs and nurturing one's spiritual or emotional well-being
• all work and no play makes Jack (become|) a dull boy🔊sentenceused to suggest that if someone only focuses on work and does not take time for leisure activities or enjoyment, they will become boring, uninteresting, and unhappy

Change & Transformation9 words

• there is nothing new under the sun🔊sentenceused to suggest that everything that happens or exists has already been experienced or observed in some form before
• a new broom sweeps clean🔊sentenceused to imply that a new person, who is not yet set in their ways, is more efficient and effective in implementing change than someone who has been in the position for a long time
• every age has its book🔊sentenceused to encourage individuals to recognize and appreciate the fact that every historical period or generation has a unique perspective and approach to understanding the world
• from the sweetest wine, the tartest vinegar🔊sentenceused to suggest that the greatest successes or pleasures in life can sometimes lead to the greatest failures or disappointments
• there are no birds in last year's nest🔊sentenceused to suggest that conditions and circumstances are always changing, and that relying on past successes or achievements is not a guarantee of future success
• times change and we with time🔊sentenceused to say that as time passes, people may adapt and change to new circumstances and situations, including societal norms and standards
• variety is the spice of life🔊sentenceused to imply that it is important to seek out and embrace new experiences, activities, and pleasures in life to keep things interesting and enjoyable
• you cannot put new wine (in|into) old bottles🔊sentenceused to imply that it is very difficult or impossible to change something that is already set in its ways
• every flow (has|hath) its ebb🔊sentenceused to suggest that every negative period will eventually be followed by a positive period, and vice versa, suggesting that life is a constant cycle of ups and downs

Possibility & Impossibility21 words

• you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make (him|it|her) drink🔊sentenceused to suggest that while one can provide someone with an opportunity, one cannot force them to take advantage of it, as ultimately people must make their own choices and decisions
• above black there is no color (, and above salt there is no savor|)🔊sentenceused to imply that when a situation has reached a certain extreme or chaotic state, it cannot become any worse or more aggravated
• every man (has|hath) a fool in his sleeve🔊sentenceused to imply that regardless of how intelligent or wise a person may appear, everyone is capable of making mistakes or acting in a foolish manner at times
• fools (may|might) sometimes speak to the (purpose|point)🔊sentenceused to suggest that even those considered foolish may occasionally have valuable insights or solutions to offer
• if things were to be done twice, all would be wise🔊sentenceused to suggest that if people were given a second chance to do something, they would likely make better decisions, emphasizing the importance of learning from one's mistakes
• (whatever|what) man has done, man may do🔊sentenceused to imply that if someone has accomplished something in the past, then it is possible for others to achieve the same thing, encouraging people to pursue their goals with determination
• lightning never strikes the same place twice🔊sentenceused to express the idea that a highly unlikely event or occurrence is not likely to happen again in the same place or to the same person
• a ragged colt may make a good horse🔊sentenceused to suggest that something or someone that appears unpromising or unremarkable at first may have the potential to become successful or valuable in the future
• a stream cannot rise above its source🔊sentenceused to imply that someone or something cannot surpass their own limitations, such as their own abilities, resources, or environment
• hares (may|might|can) pull dead lions by the beard🔊sentenceused to imply that power and influence can be fleeting, as even the weak or small can have power over the strong or mighty when they are in a vulnerable state
• the age of miracles is (long|) past🔊sentenceused to emphasize the idea that people should not rely on miraculous or supernatural intervention to solve their problems but should instead work toward practical solutions
• if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is🔊sentenceused to suggest that if something appears too beneficial or advantageous, it is likely false or deceptive, urging people to be cautious and use critical thinking skills to evaluate such claims
• men may meet but mountains never🔊sentenceused to suggest that there are inherent boundaries or limitations that prevent certain things from happening
• you cannot lose what you never had🔊sentenceused to imply that it is not worth being upset or anxious about losing something that never existed, emphasizing the importance of focusing on reality
• (you|one) cannot serve two masters🔊sentenceused to imply that dividing attention, loyalty, or effort between conflicting interests or allegiances will lead to a lack of commitment and failure or poor performance in all of them
• you cannot get a quart into a pint pot🔊sentenceused to imply that it is impossible to fit too much into a small space, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the limitations of a situation
• you cannot please (everyone|everybody)🔊sentenceused to imply that trying to make everyone happy is impossible, emphasizing that it is important to be true to oneself rather than constantly seeking others' approval
• if wishes were horses (, the beggars would ride|)🔊sentenceused to emphasize that simply wishing for something is not enough to attain it, and that people must work hard and take action to achieve their goals
• an empty (sack|bag) (cannot|will not) stand upright🔊sentenceused to suggest that in order to function well or be successful, one needs to have the necessary resources, such as knowledge, experience, skills, or material possessions
• above black there is no color (, and above salt there is no savor)🔊sentenceused to imply that when a situation has reached a certain extreme or chaotic state, it cannot become any worse or more aggravated
• an empty sack cannot stand upright🔊sentenceused to suggest that in order to function well or be successful, one needs to have the necessary resources, such as knowledge, experience, skills, or material possessions

Certainty & Uncertainty7 words

• nothing is surer than death🔊sentenceused to convey that death is an inevitable aspect of life, and that no matter what one does or how much one tries to avoid it, death is a certainty that everyone must face eventually
• nothing is certain but the unforeseen🔊sentenceused to imply that life is uncertain and unpredictable, and that unexpected events or circumstances can always arise, making it impossible to be certain about the future
• call no man happy (till|until) he (dies|is history)🔊sentenceused to imply that true happiness and success cannot be accurately judged until the end of one's life, as unforeseen events or circumstances can arise that may change their fortunes
• {not} halloo (till|until) you are out of the woods🔊sentenceused to say that one should not celebrate or declare victory until you are completely sure that the situation is over or resolved
• (it|the opera) is not over (till|until) the fat lady sings🔊sentenceused to imply that one should not make assumptions or premature judgments about the final result of something, as there is still a possibility of a surprise or unexpected turn of events
• there is many a slip (twixt|between) cup and lip🔊sentenceused to imply that even when something seems certain or likely to happen, there are many opportunities for it to go wrong or for unexpected events to intervene before it is actually achieved
• better the devil you know than the devil you do not🔊sentenceused to suggest that it is often safer to stick with a known situation, even if it is not ideal, than to risk the unknown

Chance & Luck9 words

• a cherry year a merry year (,a plum year a dumb year|)🔊sentencea year with an abundance of cherries brings happiness and cheer, while a year with an abundance of plums leads to silence or lack of excitement
• a little wit may save a fortunate man🔊sentenceused to emphasize the importance of intelligence and resourcefulness in achieving success, suggesting that good fortune may not always be enough to succeed or overcome challenges
• bad luck often brings good luck🔊sentenceused to suggest that what may initially be perceived as bad luck can ultimately lead to fortunate or positive outcomes through unforeseen circumstances or opportunities
• better to be born lucky than rich🔊sentenceused to imply that luck or good fortune can provide individuals with more opportunities and advantages in life than wealth alone
• devil's children (have|inherit) the devil's luck🔊sentenceused to suggest that individuals who engage in unethical or immoral behavior may still experience good luck or success in life, despite their actions
• fortune knocks once at every man's door🔊sentenceused to suggest that opportunities for success or good luck are not limitless, and that individuals should be ready to seize opportunities when they arise
• the bread always falls buttered side down🔊sentenceused to suggest that one should prepare for the worst-case scenario in situations that are prone to mishaps, as when things go wrong, they often go as badly as possible
• lucky at cards, unlucky in love🔊sentenceused to imply that individuals who are fortunate in pursuits of skill or chance may be less successful in matters of love and relationships
• every dog has its day🔊sentenceused to imply that everyone will eventually experience a moment of good luck or success, regardless of their current situation or status

Difficulty & Adversity22 words

• life is not all beer and skittles🔊sentenceused to suggest that while there may be times of happiness, there will also be times of hardship, and that it is important to be realistic and practical in one's approach to life
• prosperity (makes|gains) friends, and adversity tries them🔊sentenceused to imply that during prosperous times, people are more likely to form friendships, while during challenging times, the strength and authenticity of those friendships are tested
• sometime darkness can show you the light🔊sentenceused to suggest that difficult or challenging experiences can sometimes lead to positive outcomes or insights, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity
• the longest mile is the last mile home🔊sentenceused to suggest that the final part of a journey or task often feels more difficult and takes more time than the earlier stages
• there is no royal road to learning🔊sentenceused to imply that there are no shortcuts or easy paths to acquiring knowledge or expertise, and that the only way to truly learn something is through hard work, study, and practice
• we all have our cross to bear🔊sentenceused to imply that everyone has their own unique challenges or problems to deal with, and that it is important to be understanding and empathetic toward others who may be struggling
• when it rains, it pours🔊sentenceused to suggest that when something bad happens, other bad things often happen in quick succession or in large numbers, making the situation seem even worse
• a bad penny always turns up🔊sentenceused to imply that someone or something that is considered undesirable or unwelcome will inevitably reappear or resurface, even if they have been supposedly eliminated or dealt with
• a gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials🔊sentenceused to suggest that difficult experiences and challenges are necessary for personal growth and development, and that one should embrace them as opportunities for self-improvement
• above black there is no color (, and above salt there is no savor|)🔊sentenceused to imply that when a situation has reached a certain extreme or chaotic state, it cannot become any worse or more aggravated
• calamity is man's true touchstone🔊sentenceused to imply that it is easy to appear virtuous and noble when everything is going well, but it is during times of hardship that a person's true nature is tested
• crosses are ladders that lead to heaven🔊sentenceused to suggest that the difficulties or hardships one encounters in life can serve as opportunities for spiritual growth and can ultimately lead to a better place in the afterlife
• it is easier to tear down than to build (it back|) up🔊sentenceused to imply that creating or building something requires effort, time, and resources, while destroying or tearing something down can often be accomplished quickly and with little effort
• every heart (has|hath) its own ache🔊sentenceused to emphasize that everyone has their own struggles and pain that they carry within them, even if it is not outwardly visible or apparent to others
• every path has its (own|) puddle🔊sentenceused to say that every journey or course of action will have its own set of obstacles or challenges
• if it is not one thing, it is another🔊sentenceused to imply that life is full of challenges and setbacks, and that when one problem or difficulty is resolved, another one inevitably arises
• you may as well bid me lade the sea with a nutshell🔊sentenceused to imply that a task or request given is impossible or extremely difficult to accomplish
• new levels, new devils🔊sentenceused to suggest that success is not a destination but an ongoing process, and that each new level of achievement brings with it new challenges and difficulties to overcome
• misery loves company🔊sentenceused to imply that people who are unhappy may feel a sense of comfort or relief in knowing that they are not alone in their suffering and that others share their pain
• misfortunes never come singly🔊sentenceused to imply that problems or difficulties tend to occur in clusters or sequences, rather than as isolated incidents
• above black there is no color (, and above salt there is no savor)🔊sentenceused to express a sense of emotional or psychological exhaustion, where someone becomes indifferent or desensitized to challenges due to experiencing significant adversity or hardship
• it is all lombard street to a china orange🔊sentenceused to describe a challenging task or problem that requires careful thought and attention to detail

Desperation7 words

• needs must when the devil drives🔊sentenceused to imply that in desperate times, one must take drastic action regardless of how difficult or unpleasant it may be
• a drowning man will clutch at a straw🔊sentenceused to suggest that when people are facing a crisis or are in danger, they will try anything to save themselves, even if their efforts are unlikely to succeed
• a hungry wolf is fixed to no place🔊sentenceused for saying that a desperate person will constantly seek opportunities and resources wherever they can find them in order to meet their needs
• any port in a storm🔊sentenceused to imply that in a difficult or dangerous situation, one is willing to accept any help or take any refuge that is available, even if it is not ideal
• hunger breaks stone walls🔊sentenceused to imply that when someone is extremely hungry or desperate, they will find a way to satisfy their needs even if it seems impossible
• (scornful|hungry) dogs will eat dirty puddings🔊sentenceused to imply that when people are facing an emergency or a crisis situation, they are willing to do things they would normally consider beneath them or that go against their usual values or beliefs
• need makes the old wife trot🔊sentenceused to suggest that when people have an important and urgent need, regardless of their age or other limitations, they can find a way to overcome those limitations and work hard to meet that need

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