Hunger & Appetite, Health & Well-Being, Health & Hygiene and 4 More Topics · English Proverbs: Daily Life

used to imply that hunger can enhance the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable and satisfying

"When you are hungry, everything tastes good — hunger is the best sauce."

"After a long day with no break, even the plain sandwich tasted wonderful — hunger is the best sauce."

used to imply that necessity can be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to take action they might not otherwise consider

"Necessity motivates action."

"Hunger drives the wolf out of the wood, forcing it to seek sustenance in unfamiliar territory."

used to imply that when a person is hungry or in need, they are less likely to listen to reason or advice

"Hungry people don't listen."

"A hungry belly has no ears; when desperate, one cannot be reasoned with effectively."

used to imply that young people have a strong appetite and need plenty of food and nutrition to support their physical and mental growth and development

"Teenagers eat much."

"A growing youth has a wolf in his belly, constantly demanding nourishment for rapid development."

used to imply that hunger can affect a person's mood or behavior and that being hungry for an extended period can lead to frustration and anger

"Hungry people get angry."

"A hungry man is an angry man, his irritability escalating with every passing moment without food."

used to highlight the essential role of sufficient food and nourishment in enabling soldiers or workers to perform effectively and achieve success

"Army needs food."

"An army marches on its stomach, requiring ample provisions to maintain morale and fighting strength."

used to imply that when a person is very hungry, they will eat whatever food is available, regardless of its quality or taste

"Hunger eats anything."

"Hunger finds no fault with cookery; even the simplest fare is welcomed when one is starving."

used to imply that being in nature and forming connections with animals can have a profound effect on one's sense of inner peace and happiness

"Riding horses heals."

"Nothing is so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse, offering therapeutic escape."

used to imply that prolonged effort or strain can lead to a decrease in strength or effectiveness, as the body and mind may become fatigued or overworked

"Too much strain weakens."

"A bow long bent grows weak, just as prolonged stress can diminish one's resilience and effectiveness."

used to suggest that making a change in one's routine or environment can have a similar refreshing effect as taking a break or rest

"Change feels like rest."

"A change is as good as a rest, offering a refreshing break from the monotony of routine."

used to imply that mental and emotional health issues can have a profound impact on one's overall well-being, and can often be more challenging to address than physical health issues

"Mental and spiritual illness is more serious than physical — diseases of the soul are more dangerous than those of the body."

"The burnout had done far more damage than any physical injury — diseases of the soul are more dangerous than those of the body."

used to imply that eating a substantial breakfast can provide the necessary energy to start the day, while consuming a lighter lunch and dinner can aid digestion and promote better sleep

"Eat most in the morning and least at night — eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper."

"To maintain a healthy weight, doctors suggest you eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper."

used to imply that indulging in excessive or unhealthy eating habits can be more harmful than physical violence

"Too much food kills."

"Gluttony kills more than the sword, highlighting the severe health risks of overindulgence in food."

used to imply that quality sleep before midnight is more beneficial than the same amount of sleep after midnight, emphasizing the importance of a regular and restful sleep schedule

"An hour of sleep before midnight is worth double — one hour's sleep before midnight is worth two after."

"She always went to bed early, firmly believing that one hour's sleep before midnight is worth two after."

used to imply that individuals should prioritize their own needs while also contributing to the overall success of the group

"Keep one hand free to steady yourself — one hand for oneself and one for the ship."

"She managed her personal safety alongside the task — one hand for oneself and one hand for the ship."

used to emphasize that laughter is beneficial to one's physical and mental health, and that it can promote a positive outlook on life

"Laughter keeps you healthy — laugh and grow fat."

"The team that laughed together stayed together and stayed healthier — laugh and grow fat."

used to imply that laughter can boost the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being

"Laughter is the best medicine — laughter is the best medicine."

"She brought humour into the most difficult sessions — laughter is the best medicine."

used to imply that people who seem to be in worse health could potentially live longer than those who appear to be healthier

"A creaking door hangs longest."

"Despite his constant complaints, the doctor said a creaking door hangs longest."

used to emphasize the importance of focusing on essential needs and taking care of foundational aspects to maintain overall health and well-being

"The head and feet keep warm."

"Remember, the head and feet keep warm, the rest will take no harm."

used to suggest that the strong odor of onions can make people avoid one

"Onions make people leave."

"He ate raw garlic and onions constantly, and an onion a day keeps everyone away."

used to imply that being clean and hygienic is important for spiritual purity and overall well-being

"Cleanliness is very good."

"Maintaining a tidy home and personal hygiene is essential; cleanliness is next to godliness for a healthy life."

used to suggest that laughter and rest can be powerful tools for promoting mental and physical health

"Sleep and laughter are the best remedies — a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book."

"She prescribed nothing more than rest and levity — a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book."

used to suggest that eating healthy foods, such as apples, can help to prevent illness and keep one healthy

"Apples keep you healthy."

"She followed her grandmother's advice diligently — an apple a day keeps the doctor away from her."

used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and well-being over material wealth, implying that good health is more essential for a fulfilling life

"Health is better than money."

"He realized his mistake too late — better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick."

used to suggest that investing in a healthy and balanced diet can help to prevent illness and reduce the need for costly medical treatment

"Eat healthy, save money."

"Investing in fresh produce was a wise choice — better pay the butcher than the doctor for illness."

used 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

"You cannot do much when you have nothing — an empty sack cannot stand upright."

"The organisation had no funding, no staff, and no direction — an empty sack will not stand upright."

used to suggest that taking time to reflect and think things over before going to sleep can lead to better decision-making and finding solutions to problems

"Sleep gives good ideas."

"She decided to wait until morning to respond — the best advice is found on the pillow."

used to imply that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, with sufficient hours of sleep can have a positive impact on one's health, productivity, and overall well-being

"He wakes up at five every day — early to bed, early to rise."

"She attributed her productivity to a strict routine, living by the principle of early to bed, early to rise."

used to advise against having serious conversations or arguments when one person is well-fed and satisfied while the other is hungry and irritable, as it may lead to misunderstandings and conflict

"Don't argue when hungry."

"They postponed the difficult conversation until after lunch, as it is ill speaking between a full man and a fasting."

used to imply that a good night's sleep and taking time to reflect on a problem or decision can lead to greater clarity and perspective, resulting in better decision-making

"Night brings solutions."

"He slept on the problem and woke with a clear plan — night brings counsel and perspective."

used to encourage individuals to prioritize their health and well-being, and to recognize the potential benefits of different activities after meals

"Rest after lunch, walk after dinner."

"The doctor advised a short nap after the midday meal — after dinner sleep a while, after supper walk a mile."

used to suggest that having enough nourishment through food is essential for carrying out one's duties effectively

"An empty sack cannot stand."

"An empty sack cannot stand upright without sustenance."

used to suggest that changing deeply ingrained habits can be difficult due to the comfort and familiarity associated with them

"Old habits die hard."

"Despite his best intentions, he found that old habits die hard, making change a constant struggle."

used to suggest that negative or harmful habits can be particularly difficult to break or change, even when one knows they are harmful to one's well-being or success

"Bad habits die hard."

"He kept biting his nails under stress, proving once again that bad habits die hard, despite knowing it's unhealthy."

used to imply that habits or actions that are repeated frequently become automatic and require less conscious effort, emphasizing that people should be mindful of their habits

"Regular behaviour becomes part of your nature — habit is second nature."

"The daily routine had become entirely automatic — habit is second nature."

used to imply that some people repeat harmful behavior despite knowing it is harmful to their well-being or success, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes

"The dog returns to vomit."

"Despite promising to quit gambling, he lost his savings again; the dog always returns to its vomit."

used to imply that a consistent sleep schedule, where one goes to bed early and wakes up early, can lead to increased productivity and overall well-being

"Sleep early and rise early — go to bed with the lamb and rise with the lark."

"She maintained the discipline of going to bed with the lamb and rising with the lark."

used to suggest that individuals should focus on their area of expertise or specialization, rather than attempting to do things they are not skilled at, to avoid the risk of failure

"Cobbler stick to last."

"She stayed in her area of expertise and avoided overreaching — let the cobbler stick to his last, focusing on what he knows."

used to suggest that someone who has a history of stealing or engaging in dishonest behavior is likely to continue doing so in the future, regardless of any attempts to change or reform

"Once a thief, always."

"His history made him ineligible regardless of his current claims — once a thief, always a thief, implying he would never change."

used to imply that all living things will eventually die and return to the earth as dust, emphasizing the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of human life

"Ashes to ashes, dust."

"The priest spoke solemnly at the funeral, reminding everyone that we all return to the earth — ashes to ashes, dust to dust, a reminder of mortality."

used to imply that once someone or something is dead, it no longer poses a threat or danger, aiming to reassure someone who is afraid of a situation that their fear may be unfounded

"Dead men do not bite."

"Once the company was dissolved, it could cause no further harm — dead men do not bite, so there is no need to worry."

used to emphasize that all humans are equal in the face of death, and that the pursuit of material wealth or status is ultimately meaningless in the face of mortality

"Death is the leveler."

"Wealth and status meant nothing in the end — death is the great leveller, making everyone equal in its presence."

used to suggest that when a person dies, any debts or obligations they may have had during their lifetime are considered to be settled or paid in full

"Death pays all debts."

"With nothing remaining, the creditors had no recourse — death pays all debts, settling all outstanding financial obligations."

used to emphasize the idea that death is a natural part of the human experience, and that it should be accepted as such

"Dying is natural as living."

"She had made her peace with mortality — dying is just as natural as living, an inevitable part of life's cycle."

used emphasize the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, as they will ultimately be equal in death regardless of any differences that may have existed during their lifetimes

"The end makes all equal."

"In the final accounting, every distinction of rank dissolved — the end makes all equal, regardless of earthly status."

used to emphasize the fragility of human life and the idea that death is an inescapable part of the human experience

"Death is always present in life — in the midst of life we are in death."

"The sudden loss reminded the whole community — in the midst of life we are in death."

used to express the idea that death is the ultimate end, and that nothing can compare to it or reverse its effects

"A dead person is beyond all remedies — stone-dead hath no fellow."

"Once the company had collapsed completely, there was nothing to salvage — stone-dead hath no fellow."

used to emphasize that while there may be solutions or cures for many of the difficulties we face in life, death is the one force that cannot be avoided or overcome

"Everything can be fixed except death — there is a remedy for everything except death."

"My grandmother always reminded us that there is a remedy for everything except death."

used as a reminder that people's lives are part of a larger cycle of existence, and that death is a natural and inevitable part of that cycle

"Life and death are part of the same continuum — life is not separate from death, it only looks that way."

"The philosopher had spent decades exploring how life is not separate from death, it only looks that way."

used to emphasize the importance of living in the present moment and not becoming overly attached to the past or to the dead

"Do not dwell on the past — let the dead bury the dead."

"She refused to revisit resolved conflicts — let the dead bury the dead."

used to suggest that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, and that all people, regardless of age, will eventually die

"Old people must die eventually — young men may die, but old men must die."

"He had lived a full life and accepted it — young men may die, but old men must die."

used to suggest that it is pointless to accumulate material possessions in life because they cannot be taken with us after we die

"You cannot take your wealth with you — shrouds have no pockets."

"He had spent the final years giving everything away — shrouds have no pockets."

used to imply that artistic creations have the ability to endure long after their creators have passed away, making them a kind of immortality

"Art is long, life is short."

"The enduring masterpieces remind us that art is long and life is short."

used to imply that when a person is good or virtuous, it is always too soon for them to die, regardless of their age

"The best people often die young — the good die young."

"He had been taken far too soon by everyone's reckoning — the good die young."

used to express the idea that life is unfair, and that sometimes individuals who are the most deserving of a long and fulfilling life are taken too soon

"The good die young."

"It feels like the good die young when such a kind soul is lost."

used to say that a person's age is not solely determined by the number of years they have lived, but by their physical and mental state

"A person is as old as they feel — a man is as old as he feels himself to be."

"At seventy she was more energetic than most people half her age — a man is as old as he feels himself to be."

used to imply that as a person ages, they become more childlike in their behavior and needs, emphasizing the importance of treating the elderly with care and respect

"Old man acts like child."

"With his increasing frailty and need for constant attention, it was clear that an old man is twice a child, requiring gentle care."

used to suggest that someone who achieves success or matures too quickly or too early in life may also experience a decline or downfall earlier than others

"The child genius burned out, early ripe, early rotten."

"The child star burned out quickly proving that early ripe early rotten is often true in show business."

used to imply that as a person reaches middle age, they either gain wisdom and expertise from their experiences or remain foolish due to their inability to learn from mistakes

"Man is fool or physician."

"Having learned from his mistakes and gained considerable knowledge, he was clearly a physician by forty, not a fool."

used to suggest that the second half of life can be as rewarding as the first, as the age of forty allows more time and resources to focus on personal interests

"Real life begins at middle age — life begins at forty."

"She had found her true calling only after forty — life begins at forty."

used to suggest that customs, behavior, and social norms change over time, and what is acceptable or expected in one era or culture may not be in another

"Different eras have different standards — other times, other manners."

"What was acceptable then would be condemned now — other times, other manners."

used to suggest that even though something or someone may be old and worn out, they can still be effective and have value

"Old things can still perform beautifully — there is many a good tune played on an old fiddle."

"She delivered her finest work in her late sixties — there is many a good tune played on an old fiddle."

used to imply that young people should be given opportunities to grow, learn, and express themselves while being treated with patience and understanding to nurture their potential

"Young people must be served."

"The youth must be served with patience and understanding, so we should give young people the space they need to grow and express themselves."

used to emphasize that young people should be allowed to explore and experiment with their lives, make mistakes, and learn from them

"Young people need to experience life fully — youth will have its fling."

"She let her children make their own choices, knowing youth will have its swing."

used to suggest that empty or unoccupied spaces tend to be filled quickly by other things or forces

"Empty spaces will always be filled — nature abhors a vacuum."

"As soon as the leadership gap appeared, several people moved to fill it — nature abhors a vacuum."

used to suggest that a lack of rain in March, abundant rain in April, and cooler temperatures in May, are beneficial for agriculture, leading to a bountiful harvest

"A dry March and wet April brings a good harvest — a dry March, a wet April and a cool May fill barn and cellar and bring much hay."

"Old farmers still believe that a dry March, a wet April and a cool May fill barn and cellar and bring much hay."

used to suggest that it is wise to wait and avoid making significant decisions or taking action until the situation or circumstances have become clearer or more certain

"Wait until May ends."

"Don't make any major investment decisions yet; it's best to wait until May is out."

used to highlight the importance of weather conditions during the early part of the year for agricultural purposes

"Rain in February is needed for crops — if in February there be no rain, it is neither good for hay nor grain."

"The dry February worried the farming community — if in February there be no rain, it is neither good for hay nor grain."

used to suggest that as winter continues and the days become shorter, the weather becomes colder and more severe, and people should prepare accordingly

"Cold strengthens as day lengthens."

"January's shorter days gave way to long cold February nights — as the day lengthens so the cold strengthens."

used to warn against discarding warm or heavy clothing until the end of May, as the weather can still be unpredictable and cold during the early spring months

"Not cast a clout until May."

"Don't cast a clout until May, as the weather can still be quite cold."

used to imply that that the rainy days of April contribute to the growth and blooming of flowers in May

"April showers bring May flowers."

"The persistent rain is a reminder that april showers bring may flowers."