Communicate more fluently and effectively by learning English proverbs for social interaction and communication.
9 topics97 words
Social Engagement10 words
good (fences|walls) make good neighborssentenceused to suggest that defined boundaries and respect for each other's privacy and property can help maintain positive relationships between people
the fewer, the better faresentenceused to suggest that having fewer individuals to cater for or fewer options to choose from can result in a better outcome or quality
a constant guest is never welcomesentenceused to imply that if someone stays too long or visits too often, they may become a burden or annoyance to the host or the people around them
fish and guests smell after three dayssentenceused to advise guests not to stay too long in someone's home or company, as even the most enjoyable visit can become burdensome if continued for too long
two is company, three is a crowdsentenceused to imply that adding a third person to a situation can make it uncomfortable or awkward, particularly when the two people are close friends or lovers
come live with me and you’ll know mesentenceused to suggest that it is difficult to truly understand someone's character through brief interactions, and that living or traveling with someone is necessary to truly understand them
birds of a feather flock togethersentenceused to imply that people with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other
it is not (about|) what you know, but who you knowsentenceused to imply that personal connections and relationships can be more important than one's knowledge or expertise, highlighting the importance of networking
a friend's eye is a good mirrorsentenceused to imply that a good friend can provide honest and constructive feedback, helping one to see oneself more clearly and grow as an individual
eat and drink with your relatives, but do business with strangerssentenceused to advise maintaining personal relationships with family members and to conduct business with people who are not related to avoid any potential conflicts or complications
Communication Tools & Skills17 words
a civil question deserves a civil answersentenceused as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and the role that civility can play in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful interactions
a drink is shorter than a talesentenceused to encourage people to be efficient and effective in their communication in order to make the most of their time and keep their audience's attention
a good tongue is a good weaponphraseused to say that the ability to speak eloquently and effectively can be a powerful tool to achieve one's goals, influence others, or resolve conflicts
a good listener is a silent flatterersentenceused to imply that when someone listens attentively to another person, they are showing respect and appreciation for that person's thoughts and ideas
a nod is as good as a wink to a blind (horse|man)sentenceused to suggest that subtle communication or hints can be just as effective as explicit communication with someone who is ignorant or oblivious to the situation
(a|one) picture is worth a thousand wordssentenceused to emphasize the importance of visual aids in communication, as a single picture can be more impactful and effective than a long text in conveying complex ideas or messages
actions speak louder than wordssentenceused to say that people's actions show their true intentions or beliefs more clearly than their words
must is a king's wordsentenceused to emphasize that when one expresses their thoughts or gives instructions, it is important to do so with certainty and assertiveness
a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spiritsentenceused to imply the power of language in shaping interactions, highlighting the value of using kind and gentle words to bring joy while avoiding harm caused by harsh or deceitful language
be swift to hear and slow to speaksentenceused to imply the importance of listening carefully before speaking, highlighting the value of patience and restraint in communication to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts
every picture (tells|has) a storysentenceused to suggest that something is obvious or self-evident based on how it appears visually, as an image can reveal important information and convey a message without the need for words
you (can|) catch more flies with honey than (with|) vinegarsentenceused to suggest that a positive and respectful approach is more effective in achieving one's goals than a negative or hostile one
kind words will unlock an iron doorsentenceused to suggest that using gentle language can help overcome difficulties and achieve goals as it can inspire trust in others and make them more receptive to suggestions and requests
length begets loathingsentenceused to suggest that something that continues for too long becomes tedious, boring, or irritating, causing people to lose interest or patience with it
many a true word is spoken in jestsentenceused to emphasize the importance of paying attention to humor and joking, recognizing that they can sometimes reveal deeper truths or insights into a person's beliefs or attitudes
hard words break no bonessentenceused to encourage using words thoughtfully to avoid causing emotional harm, highlighting the power of language to affect others' feelings despite not causing physical harm
it is good to make a bridge of gold to a flying enemysentenceused to advise one to use kindness and generosity to build positive relationships with potential enemies, rather than being confrontational or hostile
Politeness & Etiquettes9 words
civility costs nothingsentenceused to emphasize that being polite, respectful, and considerate toward others does not require any significant effort or expense
politeness costs little but yields muchsentenceused to emphasize that being polite and courteous toward others is a small effort that can bring significant benefit
courtesy is contagioussentenceused to suggest that treating others with kindness and respect can inspire them to do the same
speak fair and think what you (like|will)sentenceused to suggest that one should be polite and courteous in their speech, even if they have negative or critical thoughts about the person or topic at hand
use soft words and hard argumentssentenceused to suggest that the most effective way to persuade someone is to present one's case with respectful language, while providing strong and convincing evidence to support one's position
age before beautysentenceused to indicate that older individuals should be given priority or go first, even if it means that their appearance may be less attractive or appealing compared to others
{not} open a shop unless you know how to smilesentenceused to suggest that good customer service is essential for the success of a business, and a friendly and welcoming attitude toward customers is a crucial aspect of it
when in Rome, do as the Romans dosentenceused to advise individuals to adapt to local customs and practices when in an unfamiliar situation or culture
give a thing, and take a thing to wear the devil's gold ringsentenceused to suggest that retracting or taking back a gift or favor that has already been given is generally seen as dishonest or morally wrong
Teamwork & Cooperation10 words
a chain is only as strong as its weakest linksentenceused to imply that the effectiveness and success of a group or system is dependent on the performance of its weakest member
it takes two to tangosentenceused to imply that both parties involved in a situation or interaction are equally responsible for the outcome and must cooperate and contribute equally to achieve success
many hands make light worksentenceused to suggest that when people work together, a task becomes easier and quicker to complete, as collective effort can achieve more in less time than individual effort
every little helpssentenceused to emphasize that even small contributions or efforts can make a difference and be of value in achieving a larger goal
a rising tide lifts all boatssentenceused to imply that positive changes or progress in a system or community will benefit all those within it, regardless of their position
even a mouse may help a lionsentenceused to imply that even those who are considered small or weak in a group can provide useful assistance or support to those who are dominant or powerful
no man is an islandsentenceused to imply that individuals cannot be completely self-sufficient and need the company and support of others in order to thrive and succeed in life
one beats the bush, and another catches the birdssentenceused to emphasize cooperation and coordination for a common goal, where individuals contribute their unique skills to achieve desired outcomes
one hand washes the other (and together they wash the face|)sentenceused to imply that by cooperating and exchanging favors, all parties involved can benefit and achieve more than they could individually
two heads are better than onesentenceused to suggest that working together with others can often lead to better results than working alone, as combining different perspectives and ideas can create stronger solutions
Conflict & Harmony8 words
birds in their little nests agreesentenceused to imply that people are more likely to get along well with each other when they are in comfortable and familiar surroundings
hawks will not pick out hawks' eyessentenceused to say that people who are similar or share a common goal should not harm each other, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and unity within a group
make love, not warsentenceused to promote the idea that people should prioritize love and peaceful relationships over war and violence
a lean agreement is (far|way|much) better than a fat lawsuitsentenceused to imply that it is better to find mutually acceptable solutions to conflicts, rather than resorting to legal action that can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining
it takes two to make a bargain (rolling|)sentenceused to imply that both parties involved in a negotiation or agreement must be willing to cooperate and compromise in order for it to be successful
it takes two to make a quarrelsentenceused to imply that both parties are responsible for a disagreement or argument, and neither can be solely blamed for it
the quarrel of lovers is the renewal of lovesentenceused to imply that conflicts or arguments between two people in a romantic relationship are a natural and even necessary part of the relationship's growth and renewal
truth is the first casualty of warsentenceused to imply that during times of conflict, the truth is often distorted or hidden because conflicting sides manipulate information to gain an advantage
Gratitude & Appreciation20 words
the grass is (always|) greener on the other side (of the fence|)sentenceused to say that people often think that other situations or circumstances are better than their own, even if they are not
the golden age was never the present agesentenceused to imply that people tend to idealize the past as a time of greater prosperity, happiness, and virtue, and overlook the flaws and challenges of that time
a prophet is not without honor save in his own countrysentenceused to suggest that a person's gifts and talents may be overlooked or undervalued by those who are familiar with them
better a small fish than an empty dishsentenceused to imply that it is better to have something rather than nothing, and that one should appreciate and make the most of what they have
half a loaf is better than (no bread|none)sentenceused to imply that having something, even if it is not as much as one would like or need, is better than having nothing at all
a good dog deserves a good bonesentenceused to emphasize that someone who has done a good job or performed well deserves to be rewarded or recognized appropriately
cow knows not what her tail is worth (till|until) she has lost itsentenceused to imply that people often do not recognize the true worth of something or someone until it is lost or no longer available
a blind man would be glad to see (it|)sentenceused to emphasize the importance of appreciating what one has, as something that seems insignificant to one person may be highly valued by someone who lacks it
health is not valued (till|until) sickness comessentenceused to suggest that people often fail to appreciate the value of good health until they become sick, emphasizing the importance of valuing and prioritizing one's health
a forced kindness deserves no thankssentenceused to imply that insincere or forced acts of kindness, done either against one's will or for self-serving purposes, are not deserving of appreciation or gratitude
blessings brighten as they take their flightsentenceused to suggest that people often appreciate the value of something only after it is gone or no longer available
Christmas comes but once a yearsentenceused to imply that some things are rare or happen only on special occasions, and so one should appreciate and make the most of these special moments while they last
distance lends enchantment to the viewsentenceused to imply that distance can make things appear more attractive or desirable, emphasizing the idea that one's perception of something can be influenced by one's separation from it
eaten bread is (soon|) forgottensentenceused to imply that people tend to forget the efforts or sacrifices that were made to provide for them once they have obtained or achieved something
if there were no clouds, we should not enjoy the sunsentenceused to suggest that experiencing challenges or difficulties can enhance one's appreciation of positive experiences
misfortunes tell us what fortune issentenceused to imply that experiencing setbacks or difficulties can help one appreciate the good things in life and recognize the true value of fortune
think not on what you lack as much as on what you havesentenceused to suggest that one should focus on being grateful for what they have rather than dwelling on what they lack
you never miss the water till the well runs drysentenceused for imply that people often fail to appreciate the value of something or someone until they are no longer available or accessible
youth is wasted on the youngsentenceused to imply that young people often lack the perspective and experience to fully appreciate their youth, and that they recognize its value only when it has passed
go abroad and you will hear news of homesentenceused to imply that traveling to new places can give a person a new perspective on their own home and can help them appreciate it more
Competition & Rivalry7 words
diamond cuts diamondsentenceused to suggest that a person's most effective opponent or rival may be someone who is equally matched in wit, intelligence, or cunning
great trees keep down (the|) little onessentenceused to imply that those who have more resources or authority can easily overshadow or control those who have less, and that this can lead to an imbalance of power or opportunity
all men cannot be (first|masters)sentenceused to imply that people possess varying skills, talents, and capabilities, which naturally result in different levels of achievement and ranking
when two (men|) ride together one (must|shall) ride behindsentenceused to suggest that in any group or partnership, there must be a clear leader and a clear follower, even if both parties are equal in ability or status
there (may|might) be blue and better bluesentenceused to imply that there is always room for improvement and that one should strive to be the best they can be, recognizing that there may be others who are more skilled or talented
when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of warsentenceused to suggest that when two highly skilled or intelligent individuals or groups confront each other, the resulting rivalry or competition can be fierce and difficult to resolve
there is no (such thing as|) little enemysentenceused to suggest that one should not underestimate the potential threat or danger posed by even small or seemingly insignificant opponents or challenges
Revenge9 words
revenge is a dish best served coldsentenceused to suggest that it is more effective to wait and plan carefully before seeking revenge, rather than acting impulsively or emotionally
an eye for an eye makes the whole world blindsentenceused to imply that seeking revenge or retribution for a wrongdoing only leads to a never-ending cycle of retaliation and violence, ultimately causing harm to everyone involved
blood will have bloodsentenceused to caution against violent or vengeful actions, as it suggests that such actions can lead to a cycle of violence and revenge that is difficult to break
to forget (a|) wrong, is the best revengesentenceused to imply that the most effective way to retaliate against someone who has wronged one is to let go of the anger and move on with one's life, rather than seeking revenge or holding a grudge
two blacks {not} make a whitesentenceused to imply that it is not justifiable to respond to a bad act with another bad act, and that two wrongs do not make a right
two wrongs {not} make a rightsentenceused to imply that responding to a wrong or injustice with another wrong or injustice does not make the situation better or right
{not} get mad, get evensentenceused to imply that in response to being wronged, one should seek justice or revenge in a calm and calculated manner, rather than reacting with anger or frustration
turnabout is fair playsentenceused to suggest that it is acceptable to retaliate against someone who has wronged one in the same manner
revenge is sweetsentenceused to imply that there is a sense of satisfaction or pleasure in getting even with someone who has wronged one
Confidentiality & Secrecy7 words
a (shut|closed) mouth catches no fliessentenceused to encourage people to think carefully before speaking and to consider the potential consequences of their words, recognizing that sometimes it is better to say nothing at all
dead men tell no talessentenceused to say that once a person has died, they cannot reveal any secrets or information, particularly used to caution someone against revealing sensitive or potentially dangerous information
fields have eyes, (and|) woods have earssentenceused to suggest that even in seemingly private locations, there may be someone present who could overhear or observe one's actions, so one should always be mindful of their behavior
murder will outsentenceused to emphasize that secrets have a way of being revealed eventually, and so it is important to act with integrity and honesty in all aspects of life
secrets are secrets for a reasonsentenceused to encourage people to be cautious about sharing information that has been shared with them in confidence, recognizing that doing so can damage relationships and weaken trust
three (may|might) keep a secret if two are deadsentenceused to imply that it is important to be careful about who one shares confidential information with, as each additional person who is told the secret increases the risk of it being disclosed
what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegassentenceused to imply that any scandalous activities that occur during group travel should not be discussed with others outside of the group
Learn all 97 words in this list with spaced repetition
Social Engagement10 words