Boost your financial literacy with English proverbs on wealth and success.
10 topics102 words
Abundance & Riches21 words
money is powersentenceused to imply that possessing wealth can provide people with significant advantages, influence, and control over others or situations
money talkssentenceused to highlight the power and influence of financial resources, as it can be used to influence or persuade people to act in a certain way or to achieve a desired outcome
money has no smellsentenceused to suggest that the value of money is not affected by the way it is obtained or used
money like manure, does no good (till|until) it is spreadsentenceused to suggest that accumulating wealth is not enough, and that one must put it to use in order to achieve positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of using financial resources effectively
(love of|) money is the root of all evilsentenceused to imply that the love of money or excessive focus on wealth can lead to immoral or harmful actions
a golden key can open any doorsentenceused to suggest that wealth or privilege can provide access to opportunities and success, implying that having resources and connections can be a significant advantage in achieving one's goals
a great fortune is (also|) a great slaverysentenceused to convey the idea that having a significant fortune or immense wealth can often result in a loss of freedom, as it comes with numerous obligations, responsibilities, and dependencies
bad money drives out goodsentenceused to imply that when two forms of money are in circulation, one of higher value and one of lower value, people tend to hoard or use the money of lower value while spending or getting rid of the money of higher value
beauty is potent, but money is omnipotentsentenceused to imply that while beauty can be influential, money holds greater power and control over people and situations
he dances well to whom fortune pipessentenceused to imply that success in life is often easier to achieve for those who have access to favorable circumstances, such as wealth or opportunity
money makes marriagesentenceused to suggest that wealth or financial resources play a significant role in the success or stability of a marriage
money makes moneysentenceused to suggest that if one already has money or financial resources, it becomes easier to make more money through investments, business ventures, or other means
no penny, no paternostersentenceused to suggest that in order to obtain something, one must be prepared to pay or work for it, as nothing in life comes for free
wealth attracts many friendssentenceused to imply that people who are wealthy or have a lot of money are often surrounded by many friends and acquaintances who seek to benefit from their wealth
a heavy purse makes (for|) a light heartsentenceused to suggest that having a lot of money or financial security can relieve worries and bring happiness and peace of mind
only fools and horses worksentenceused to suggest that finding an easy way to make money is a smarter choice than working hard
money begets moneysentenceused to imply that having money or wealth can open up opportunities for further financial gain, such as through investment or other financial ventures
a full purse makes the mouth to speaksentenceused to suggest that wealth can be a source of power and influence, and that those who possess it may be more willing to share their thoughts or ideas with others
riches have wingssentenceused to imply that wealth or money can be easily lost, emphasizing that financial success is not a guarantee of long-term security and that people should be careful with their money
much will have moresentenceused to suggest that those who are already successful or wealthy have an advantage in furthering their success, as they have access to resources and opportunities
one who handles honey, licks his fingerssentenceused to imply that a person in charge of financial resources may be tempted to use them for personal gain and could potentially benefit financially as a result
Materialism10 words
he that hath a full purse never wanted a friendsentenceused to suggest that people who have wealth or resources are often able to attract and keep friends more easily
a great dowry is a bed full of bramblessentenceused to suggest that having a large dowry or focusing solely on material wealth in a marriage can lead to difficulties, challenges, or even unhappiness
no man loves his fetters, be they made of goldsentenceused to suggest that the pursuit of material wealth should not come at the expense of personal freedom or genuine happiness
you cannot take it with you when you (die|go)sentenceused to emphasize that material possessions are ultimately temporary and that focusing on relationships, experiences, and personal growth are more meaningful in the long run
the best things in life are freesentenceused to imply that the most valuable things in life, such as happiness and love, cannot be bought, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing experiences and relationships over wealth
man (does not|cannot) live by bread alonesentenceused to emphasize that in addition to basic necessities like food and shelter, people have emotional, social, and spiritual needs that must be fulfilled to live a happy life
money cannot buy happinesssentenceused to imply that having a lot of money or material possessions does not necessarily lead to happiness or contentment in life
the things you own end up owning yousentenceused to imply that excessive attachment to material possessions can lead to a loss of personal freedom and control
money is not everythingsentenceused to imply that personal happiness, health, relationships, and personal growth are more important than money, encouraging people to prioritize these values over financial success
a moneyless man goes fast through the marketsentenceused to imply that without money to spend, one is not interested in the market, and so will not spend much time there
Financial Management12 words
a fool may earn money, but it takes a wise man to keep itsentenceused to suggest that it is not enough to simply earn money, but it is important to have the knowledge and skill to manage, preserve, and increase one's wealth over time
a penny saved is a penny earnedsentenceused to imply that saving money is just as valuable as earning money, as both contribute to increasing one's overall wealth
better go to bed supperless than (to|) rise in debtsentenceused to imply that it is preferable to avoid debt by living within one's means, even if it means going without a meal
better give a shilling than lend a half-crownsentenceused to suggest that it is better to give a small sum of money as a gift than to lend a larger sum that may create financial strain and harm the relationship
be just before you are generoussentenceused to imply that one should prioritize fulfilling their obligations and acting with fairness and integrity before offering help to others
short reckonings make long friendssentenceused to imply that it is important to keep track of debts and pay them back promptly, in order to maintain positive and long-lasting relationships
neither a borrower nor a lender besentenceused to advise against borrowing or lending money, as it can lead to financial and interpersonal difficulties
{not} spend it all in one placesentenceused to suggest that one should be cautious with their spending, and not waste all their money in one location or on one thing
a beggar's purse is bottomlesssentenceused to imply that even though someone may have very little money, they can still find ways to make ends meet and survive
a full cup needs a steady handsentenceused to suggest that anything valuable, such as a position of power or material wealth, should be handled with care and responsibility, as even a small mistake can have significant consequences
better to drink the milk than to eat the cowsentenceused to advise that it is more beneficial to take a smaller but sustainable benefit from a resource or opportunity, rather than trying to consume or exhaust it completely for short-term gain
better a steady dime than a rare dollarsentenceused to suggest that it is preferable to have a steady and dependable source of income or wealth, even if it is modest, rather than relying on occasional large sums that may not be sustainable or reliable
Financial Mismanagement9 words
a fool and his money are soon partedsentenceused to imply that foolish, unwise, or careless people tend to lose their money quickly and easily, often due to poor financial decisions or scams
he that goes a borrowing, goes a sorrowingsentenceused to warn that borrowing money may lead to negative consequences, such as financial difficulties and regret, and so people should be cautious and responsible in their financial dealings
interest on debt grows without rainsentenceused to suggest that the longer a debt is left unpaid, the more it will grow and become more difficult to manage
great spenders are bad lenderssentenceused to discourage people from lending money to those who are not good at managing their own money, as they are likely to be bad at managing other people's money as well
debt is the worst (kind of|) povertysentenceused to imply that being in debt can create financial instability, making it hard to achieve goals and escape poverty
a fat kitchen makes a lean willsentenceused to emphasize the importance of balance and self-discipline, suggesting that having an abundance of resources can lead to excess and lack of control
beware of little expenses (, a small leak will sink a great ship|)sentenceused to advise that small or seemingly insignificant expenses can add up over time and have a significant impact on one's finances
a man without money is a bow without an arrowsentenceused to imply that money is an essential tool or resource that is necessary for achieving goals and desires, and without it, a person is unable to take action or make progress towards their objectives
out of debt, out of dangerphraseused to imply that being out of debt is a key factor in staying safe and secure financially
Financial Difficulty10 words
beggars cannot be chooserssentenceused to suggest that in a state of desperation, one must accept whatever is available, rather than being selective or demanding
in times of prosperity, friends will be plenty; in times of adversity, not one in twentysentenceused to imply that people are attracted to success and wealth, but true friendship is revealed in times of hardship, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and support in friendships
when poverty comes in (at|) the door, love flies out (of|) the windowsentenceused to suggest that financial difficulties or poverty can put a strain on a relationship, causing love and affection to diminish or disappear
poverty is no sinsentenceused to imply that being poor or lacking material wealth is not a moral failing or a source of shame, encouraging empathy and understanding toward those who are less fortunate
a beggar can never be bankruptsentenceused to imply that someone who has nothing cannot experience financial ruin, as they have no material possessions or assets to lose, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and humility in life
an empty purse frightens away friendssentenceused to imply that people may be less inclined to associate with those who are poor or struggling
the poor man pays twicesentenceused to imply that a poor man often ends up spending more due to the need for cheaper, lower-quality items that require frequent replacement or repair
poverty is no disgrace, but it is a great inconveniencesentenceused to imply that while being poor is not a shameful condition, it can create significant challenges, hardships, and limitations in life
poverty is not a crimesentenceused to imply that being poor is not inherently a moral failing or a punishable offense, and individuals should not be treated as inferior or guilty due to their economic circumstances
a moneyless man goes fast through the marketsentenceused to imply that people who lack financial resources tend to focus on their basic needs and move quickly through life, driven by necessity rather than material desires
Success & Victory9 words
success is a journey, (and|) not a destinationsentenceused to emphasize the importance of the process of achieving one's goals, and suggests that the journey itself can be fulfilling and rewarding
nothing succeeds like successsentenceused to imply that a success can create a positive cycle where more success is likely to follow, as the initial success can build momentum and inspire further success
success is never blamedsentenceused to imply that successful outcomes or accomplishments are rarely criticized or questioned
cream (always|) rises to the topsentenceused to imply the best or most talented individuals or ideas will eventually become successful or recognized, regardless of any obstacles or competition they may face
a great ship (asks|craves) deep waterssentenceused to emphasize that individuals or things with great potential require challenging environments or situations to fully realize their capabilities
he who laughs last, laughs (the|) (loudest|longest|best)sentenceused to imply that the person who ultimately succeeds or triumphs in a situation will experience the greatest satisfaction, especially if they have faced obstacles or criticism from others
the end of a melody is not its goalsentenceused to emphasize the importance of enjoying and appreciating the journey toward a goal or achievement, rather than solely focusing on reaching the end or destination
better be envied than pitiedsentenceused to imply that it is preferable to be admired for one's success and accomplishments, even if it means being the object of envy, rather than being pitied for one's misfortunes or failures
a bird never flew on one wingsentenceused to emphasize that collaboration and balance are key to achieving success
Opportunities10 words
opportunity (never|seldom) knocks twice at any man's doorsentenceused to imply that one should be ready to seize opportunities when they arise, as they may not come again
when life gives you lemons, make lemonadesentenceused to imply that one should make the best of a difficult or unpleasant situation, and turn it into an opportunity for something positive
mill cannot grind with water that is pastsentenceused to imply that opportunities are only valuable when acted upon in the present moment and cannot be regained once they have passed
take the goods the gods providesentenceused to imply that one should utilize and enjoy good fortune or advantageous circumstances when they are presented, rather than taking them for granted or letting them go to waste
live for today for tomorrow never comessentenceused to emphasize the importance of enjoying the present moment and not postponing happiness or fulfillment for an uncertain future
a flower blooms more than oncesentenceused to imply opportunities in life are not limited to just one chance, but can recur again and again, encouraging people to stay optimistic and hopeful
hoist your sail when the wind is fairsentenceused to suggest that when conditions are favorable for success, one should act quickly to achieve their goals
every dog gets one bitesentenceused to imply that everyone deserves a fair chance or opportunity to succeed or experience something, regardless of their past behavior or reputation
(when|as) one door (closes|shuts), another (one|) openssentenceused to suggest that when an opportunity is missed or a situation does not work out as planned, there will always be new opportunities or options that arise
one today is worth two tomorrowssentenceused to suggest that the present moment is more valuable than the future, as taking action now can lead to greater rewards and benefits in the long term
Fame & Reputation8 words
a good name is (far|much|way|) better than richessentenceused to imply that having a good reputation, character, and integrity is more important than having wealth or material possessions
a good name (keeps|shall keep) its luster in the darksentenceused to imply that a person's good reputation and character will remain intact even when they are not in the public eye or when they are facing difficult circumstances
give a dog a bad name (and hang him|)sentenceused to suggest that once someone's reputation is tarnished, it can be difficult to restore
he that has an ill name is half hangedsentenceused to imply that a person with a negative reputation is more likely to be judged harshly or punished severely, even if they are innocent
an ill wound is cured, not an ill namesentenceused to imply that physical wounds can heal with time and treatment, whereas damage to one's reputation or good name can be more lasting and difficult to repair
more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knowssentenceused to warn about the potential pitfalls of notoriety or fame, and encourage careful consideration of one's actions and how they might be perceived by others
there is no such thing as bad publicitysentenceused to suggest that any publicity or attention, even if negative, is ultimately beneficial for someone or something because it raises awareness and generates interest
throw dirt enough, and (hopefully|) some will sticksentenceused to suggest that if someone makes enough false or negative accusations against another person, some of those accusations are likely to be believed, regardless of whether they are true or false
Expertise6 words
a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of onesentenceused to suggest that having a broad range of skills or knowledge can be more useful than expertise in only one area
there are tricks in every tradesentenceused to suggests that even the most skilled and experienced professionals have their own methods or tricks for getting the job done
a carpenter is known by his chipssentenceused to imply that a person's character or reputation can be judged by the quality of their work or actions, and the traces or results they leave behind
a good archer is not known by his arrows but by his aimsentenceused to highlight the importance of skill, precision, and expertise in achieving success, rather than the specific tools or resources employed
nine tailors make a mansentenceused to imply the value of having diverse abilities and being adaptable, indicating that those who possess a variety of skills or can perform various tasks are considered more capable and complete
the eye of the master will do more work than both his handssentenceused to suggest that mastery in a particular trade or craft can lead to greater efficiency and productivity, as the master can intuitively know how to accomplish more with less effort
Advantage & Benefit7 words
all is grist that comes to the millsentenceused to emphasize the importance of resourcefulness and open-mindedness, as everything can be useful in some way
all is fish that comes to the netsentenceused to suggest that one should make the best of any opportunity or situation that presents itself, regardless of whether it is desirable or not, as there is value to be found in everything
everyone speaks well of the bridge (which|that) carries him oversentenceused to suggest that individuals often hold a favorable view of something or someone that has directly benefited them
give and take is fair playsentenceused to imply that a fair exchange involves giving something in return for what one receives, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and balance in relationships
to the victor (go|belong) the spoilssentenceused to suggest that the winner of a conflict or competition is entitled to the rewards or benefits of their victory
a fair exchange is no robberysentenceused to imply that a fair deal or exchange should be mutually beneficial and satisfactory to both parties, without any unfair or dishonest practices
let every man praise the bridge he goes oversentenceused to imply that one should appreciate and not criticize the things or people that have helped them in the past, even if they may not be ideal for others
Learn all 102 words in this list with spaced repetition