Human Bonding, Trust & Reliability, Help & Support and 4 More Topics · English Proverbs: Human Relationship

used to emphasize the value of genuine connections and meaningful interactions over superficial or extravagant experiences

"A simple kind meal beats a lavish one filled with conflict — better a dinner of herbs than a stalled ox where hate is."

"She preferred the modest staff lunches to the tense client dinners — better a dinner of herbs than a stalled ox where hate is."

used to imply that good company can enhance the enjoyment of a meal or gathering, emphasizing the value of social connections and relationships in creating a positive atmosphere

"Good company makes any gathering enjoyable — the company makes the feast."

"The venue was ordinary but the people made the evening — the company makes the feast."

used to imply difficult situations can bring together unlikely allies, as people may put aside their differences to work toward a common goal in the face of adversity

"Adversity makes strange bedfellows."

"During the economic crisis, two rival companies joined forces to survive, proving once again that adversity makes strange bedfellows, as they had been fierce competitors for over a decade."

used to suggest that being separated from someone or something can increase one's affection and appreciation for them

"Absence makes heart fonder."

"After being away for a year, their reunion showed that absence makes the heart grow fonder."

used to emphasize the importance of choosing one's companions carefully and avoiding negative influences, even if it means being alone

"Being alone is better than being with bad people — better be alone than in bad company."

"She walked away from the toxic team without regret — better be alone than in bad company."

used to imply that while new things may bring temporary joy, long-lasting relationships are more valuable and worthy of cherishing

"Relationships improve with time — clothing is cherishable when new, but relationships when old."

"The long-standing partnership was far more valuable than the newer ones — clothing is cherishable when new, but relationships when old."

used to suggest that the more familiar one becomes with someone or something, the more likely one is to develop a negative attitude or lack of respect toward them

"They work together too closely and now argue all the time — familiarity breeds contempt."

"After years of working in the same small office, tensions rose — familiarity breeds contempt."

used to imply that having good companionship on a journey can make the journey seem shorter and more enjoyable

"Good company makes travel short."

"The difficult project felt manageable with the right team — good company on the road is the shortest cut."

used to imply that when someone is away for a long time, people tend to forget about them or lose interest in them

"People forget those who are absent for too long — long absent, soon forgotten."

"He had been away from the organisation for so long that his influence had faded — long absent, soon forgotten."

used to imply that people tend to forget about things or people that are no longer visible or present in their lives

"The old toys are out of sight."

"Once the project was completed and the team dispersed, it was out of sight, out of mind."

used to suggest that when people or things are physically distant, there is a tendency for individuals to forget about them and feel less emotionally attached

"She moved away, far from eye, far from heart."

"The old saying far from eye far from heart means you forget about people when you do not see them often."

used to imply that people who have passed away continue to live on through the memories and love they leave behind in the hearts of those who knew them

"Her memory lives on."

"Her mentor had been gone for years but guided every decision she made — they are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind."

used to suggest that chosen relationships based on shared experiences and mutual loyalty are more important than those based solely on blood ties that are not chosen

"Friends are chosen family."

"The team she had built felt more like family than her own relatives — the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."

used to advise against trusting or believing in someone or something without first verifying their reliability or effectiveness, as it may lead to regret or negative consequences in the future

"Trust too early and you will regret it — if you trust before you try, you may repent before you die."

"She had taken the partnership at face value and paid dearly — if you trust before you try, you may repent before you die."

used to advise patience and careful consideration in forming close relationships, indicating that trust and loyalty are built over time and through experience

"Take time to know someone before becoming close — you should know a man seven years before you stir his fire."

"She was cautious about new relationships, believing you should know a man seven years before you stir his fire."

used to imply that a person who shares gossip with one cannot be trusted, as they are likely to spread gossip about one as well

"Gossips will gossip."

"She shared nothing with him, knowing a dog that will bring a bone will carry a bone."

used to suggest that promises are often insincere or easily broken, and should not be relied upon too heavily

"His promises were empty."

"She made dozens of promises about the project, yet promises are like pie crust, made to be broken."

used to emphasize that one should not make promises lightly or without careful consideration, but once a promise is made, it should be fulfilled promptly and without delay

"Act fast after promising."

"She committed only when she was certain she could deliver — be slow to promise but quick to perform."

used to caution people against being deceived or distracted by empty promises that offer future rewards or benefits that are not fulfilled in the present moment

"Future rewards are fake."

"The bonus was always promised for next quarter — jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today."

used to suggest that the words spoken by a fool lack substance or depth, and therefore should not be trusted or taken seriously

"Foolish words are empty."

"His confident prediction turned out to be entirely without substance — a fool's speech is a bubble of air."

used to suggest that people or things that seem harmless or kind may conceal hidden dangers or harmful intentions, advising one to be wary and cautious of potential risks or threats

"Sweet words hide danger."

"He was charming in every meeting but ruthless in every contract — bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in their tails."

used to imply when people are honest and accurate in their accounting, they are less likely to have disagreements about money which can help to keep friendships peaceful and harmonious

"Honest money keeps friends."

"They kept a precise record of every shared expense — good accounting makes good friends."

used to imply that helping others or sharing knowledge and resources does not diminish our own abilities or resources, and can lead to mutual benefit and growth

"Helping others is good."

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle, so share your knowledge freely."

used to suggest that sharing one's resources or knowledge with others does not diminish one's own value or worth

"Sharing does not diminish."

"He shared his expertise freely with the whole team, proving that the sun loses nothing by shining into a puddle."

used to say that one should never stop helping others or being kind to them as one's actions, no matter how small, can make the world a better place for others

"Helping one helps all."

"The community leader always believed that when you help someone, you help everyone, because kindness spreads through a neighborhood like ripples in a pond, inspiring others to do the same."

used suggest that if one does a favor for someone, they will be more likely to reciprocate that favor in the future

"You scratch my back."

"If you help me with this project, you scratch my back and I will scratch yours later."

used to suggest that people may be inclined to respond to aggression or hostility with aggression of their own, leading to a cycle of violence or animosity

"Hurt me, I hurt you."

"He threatened to retaliate if they attacked him first, believing claw me, and I will claw thee."

used to suggest that sharing one's troubles with someone who is going through a similar experience can help to ease the burden of sorrow or hardship

"Shared problems feel lighter."

"Knowing her colleague was going through the same thing made it easier — two in distress makes sorrow less."

used to suggest that sharing one's problems with others who are going through similar experiences can make those difficulties easier to bear and provide comfort and support

"Shared problems feel lighter."

"They talked through their problems together and both felt lighter — company in misery makes it light."

used to suggest that when people come together to share their grief, they can help one another through the difficult period and find a way to cope with the pain

"Sharing grief makes it lighter."

"The memorial brought the whole community together — grief divided is made lighter."

used to imply that facing difficulties together with others can provide comfort and support, and can make the situation more bearable

"Company makes trouble less."

"She called a friend immediately and felt the weight lift — company in distress makes trouble less."

used to imply that sharing one's problems or worries with others can help to reduce the emotional burden and make them easier to bear

"A problem shared is halved."

"She told her manager what was wrong and immediately felt better — a trouble shared is a trouble halved."

used to suggest that the success of a man is often due to the support, hard work, and sacrifices of a woman in his life

"He became very successful, and people always said behind every great man stands a woman."

"The CEO openly credited his wife's support and advice, acknowledging that behind every successful man stands a woman."

used to suggest that the most effective way to get things done is by relying on one's own skills, abilities, and resources, rather than depending on others for assistance

"Help is in your sleeve."

"Instead of waiting for her colleagues to fix the problem, she took action herself because the best helping hand is at the end of your sleeve."

used to imply that one should not be insensitive or thoughtless by bringing up trivial or joyful matters to someone experiencing difficulty or suffering

"Don't bring bagpipes to trouble."

"He tried to cheer her up with jokes at the worst moment — bring not a bagpipe to a man in trouble."

used to imply that by giving help or support immediately when it is needed, one can have a greater impact and make a bigger difference

"Quick giving helps twice."

"She responded to the request immediately — he gives twice who gives quickly."

used to imply that acts of kindness and generosity should be repaid with similar acts, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefit and showing gratitude for the kindness of others

"Good turn deserves another."

"He had helped her last year and she was glad to return the favour — one good turn deserves another."

used to imply that the act of giving can bring greater joy, satisfaction, and personal growth than simply receiving something

"Giving is better than receiving."

"She found more satisfaction in supporting others than in any recognition she received — it is far better to give than to receive."

used to emphasize that temporary aid may solve immediate needs, but teaching skills and knowledge empowers individuals to become self-sufficient and independent in the long term

"Teach to fish for life."

"The organization focused on vocational training, believing that teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

used to imply that one should focus on taking care of their own family and community first, before extending acts of kindness to others

"Charity starts at home."

"He prioritized his children's needs before volunteering, as charity begins at home."

used to imply that kind and compassionate people can form effortless and meaningful connections with others, as they are more receptive to simple acts of kindness and affection

"Kind people are easily moved — a gentle heart is tied with an easy thread."

"She responded to every appeal for help — a gentle heart is tied with an easy thread."

used to emphasize that one should treat others in the same way that one would like to be treated themselves

"Treat others as you wish to be treated — do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"She applied the same standard to others that she expected for herself — do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

used to imply that there is a strong connection between the emotions of pity and love, as feeling sorry for someone can lead to empathy and affection toward them

"Feeling sorry for someone is close to love — pity is akin to love."

"Her compassion for his situation gradually became something deeper — pity is akin to love."

used to imply that when one truly loves another, they are more likely to overlook or forgive their faults or mistakes, emphasizing the power of love to overcome shortcomings or flaws

"Love forgives many faults."

"Despite his mistakes, she stayed with him because love covers a multitude of sins."

used to suggest that when someone is comfortable or satisfied, they may view things more positively and underestimate the difficulties faced by others

"Those who are comfortable assume everyone is — he that is warm thinks all so."

"The well-paid executive had no idea of the financial pressure his team were under — he that is warm thinks all so."

used to suggest that in order to truly understand someone, one must possess similar qualities, experiences, or characteristics themselves

"You need similar experience to recognise something — it takes one to know one."

"Only someone who had experienced real hardship could recognise the signs in others, because it takes one to know one."

used to imply that if one understands the full context or circumstances behind someone's actions or behavior, they will be more likely to forgive them

"Understanding someone fully means forgiving them — to know all is to forgive all."

"Once she heard his full story, her anger dissolved — to know all is to forgive all."

used to emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and avoiding actions that cause harm or suffering, recognizing the finite and precious nature of life

"Don't make others sad."

"She refused to spread gossip, remembering that life is too short to make others' shorter."

used to encourage gratitude and empathy, reminding individuals that they could have been in a similar situation as those facing difficulties if not for external factors beyond their control

"There but for the grace of god go I."

"Seeing their misfortune, I thought, 'there but for the grace of god go I.'"

used to refer to the strong and loyal bond between dogs and humans, and their ability to provide comfort, companionship, and protection

"Dogs are loyal companions — a dog is man's best friend."

"Through every difficult period, the only constant presence was his dog — a dog is man's best friend."

used to imply that a true friend is someone who supports and helps one during difficult times, showing their loyalty and trustworthiness

"Friend in need indeed."

"He helped me move when I was in trouble, proving that a friend in need is a friend indeed."

used to imply that a person's character and reputation can be influenced by the qualities and behavior of their friends and associates

"Your friends reveal your character — a man is known by the company he keeps."

"She chose her associates carefully, knowing a man is known by the company he keeps."

used to imply that a true friend is someone who is considerate and respectful of their friends' feelings, avoiding actions or words that could be hurtful or damaging to the relationship

"A real friend does not hurt you — a good friend never offends."

"He knew their friendship was real because a good friend never offends without cause."

used to suggest that someone who tries to be friends with everyone is not truly a loyal friend to anyone, as they may not prioritize any one person's needs or interests over another's

"Trying to please all fails."

"He tried to be everyone's friend but ended up alienating them, proving all men's friend is no man's friend."

used to imply that one has the freedom to choose one's friends, but not one's family, emphasizing the need to accept and navigate familial relationships with patience

"You can choose friends but not family — you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family."

"She got along perfectly with her chosen circle and struggled only with relatives — you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family."

used to suggest that repairing a damaged friendship or relationship is possible, but it will never be as strong and reliable as before due to lingering mistrust or resentment

"A repaired friendship is never as strong — a broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound."

"They patched things up but something was permanently different — a broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound."

used to suggest that having boundaries and some privacy in a friendship can help to maintain its health and longevity, as it can prevent conflict and strain

"A little distance keeps friendships healthy — a hedge between keeps friendship green."

"They maintained boundaries that allowed the relationship to thrive — a hedge between keeps friendship green."

used to imply that a person who tries to be friends with everyone often lacks genuine loyalty and deep connections, as true friendship requires personal investment and a certain level of exclusivity

"Being friends with all fails."

"His superficial connections meant he had no one to rely on; a friend to all is a friend to none."

used to imply that while it is easy to form new friendships, maintaining them over time requires effort and investment

"Friendships are easy to start and hard to maintain — friendship is like money, easier made than kept."

"They had connected easily but maintaining the relationship required real effort — friendship is like money, easier made than kept."

used to imply that it is better to avoid making a joke that might offend a friend and risk damaging the friendship

"Don't risk friendship for joke."

"He decided not to tell the potentially offensive joke, realizing better lose a jest than a friend."

used to advise one to be cautious and deliberate in choosing friends, but to be loyal and patient with them once they are chosen

"Choose friends slowly and change them even more slowly — be slow in choosing a friend but slower in changing him."

"She had very few close friends but was fiercely loyal to them — be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him."

used to suggest that lending money to a friend can strain the relationship and potentially lead to the loss of the friendship

"Mixing money and friendship causes problems — lend your money and lose your friend."

"She refused to lend anything to people she cared about — lend your money and lose your friend."

used to suggest that even close friends can sometimes cause harm or trouble, and it is important to be cautious and protect oneself from negative consequences

"Friends can cause trouble."

"After her friend revealed her secret, she thought, save us from our friends."

used to suggest that family bonds are stronger and more significant than other relationships, indicating that familial ties should be prioritized over friendships or other associations

"Blood is thicker water."

"She chose to help her brother with his business, as blood is thicker than water."

used to highlight the notion that children often share similarities or traits with their parents or family members

"Children resemble their parents — the apple does not fall far from the tree."

"His stubbornness was identical to his father's — the apple does not fall far from the tree."

used to imply that bad parents are unlikely to raise good children

"Bad parents have bad kids."

"His upbringing was harsh and neglectful; a bad tree does not yield good apples."

used to imply that while raising children can bring happiness, it also brings a lot of responsibilities and worries

"Children bring worries too."

"The sleepless nights and constant demands confirmed that children are certain cares but uncertain comforts."

used to imply that poor men may lack material riches, but they can still find emotional fulfillment and pride in their children's accomplishments

"For those without money, children are their greatest wealth — children are poor men's riches."

"Although they had almost nothing financially, their proud parents knew that children are poor men's riches."

used to suggest that a parent's joy is not in their own achievements or possessions but in the well-being and happiness of their children

"A person with good children is truly blessed — happy is he that is happy in his children."

"She watched her daughter succeed and felt completely fulfilled — happy is he that is happy in his children."

used to suggest that one should make an effort to learn about one's roots and history in order to be wise

"Wise child knows father."

"Understanding your family history takes time; it is a wise child that knows its own father."

used to imply that a person's positive qualities and behavior can have a positive influence on their partner

"A good partner helps make the other good — a good Jack makes a good Jill."

"His support had made her into the person she had become — a good Jack makes a good Jill."

used to imply that a husband's happiness is closely linked to the happiness of his wife, and taking care of her needs and wants is important for a fulfilling marriage

"Wife's happiness is key."

"He always remembered that happy wife, happy life, so he made sure she felt appreciated."

used to imply that a husband and wife's partnership is essential for achieving success, and that the husband's willingness to listen to and consider his wife's opinion can lead to more favorable outcomes

"A wise husband consults his wife — he that will thrive must first ask his wife."

"Every major decision he made involved her input — he that will thrive must first ask his wife."

used to emphasize that rushing into a marriage without careful consideration can lead to regret and long-term consequences

"Rush into marriage and suffer for a long time — marry in haste, repent at leisure."

"They had known each other for only three months — marry in haste, repent at leisure."

used to imply that marrying at a young age can be detrimental to a person's personal and professional development, as it can create additional responsibilities and limit opportunities

"Marriage too young can ruin a man's development — a young man married is a young man marred."

"He had taken on responsibilities before he was ready — a young man married is a young man marred."

used to suggest that straightforward and sincere men tend to get married early in life, while more prudent men may choose to remain unmarried

"Honest men marry quickly."

"He was always upfront and sincere, so it was no surprise that honest men marry quickly, wise men not at all."

used to suggest that it is wise to achieve financial stability and independence before committing to the responsibilities of marriage and family

"Establish yourself before marrying — first thrive and then wive."

"She insisted on financial stability before considering marriage — first thrive, and then wive."

used to suggest that it is better to be cherished and valued by an older person than to be under the control and mistreatment of a younger person

"It is better to be cherished by someone older than dominated by someone younger — better be an old man's darling than a young man's slave."

"She chose a kind, mature partner over a controlling young one, believing better be an old man's darling than a young man's slave."

used to advise that it is wiser to marry someone who lives nearby, even if they are not perfect, than to seek a perfect partner far away in a remote place

"Marry someone nearby who you truly know — better wed over the mixen than over the moor."

"Her parents always reminded her that better wed over the mixen than over the moor, so she chose a kind local man."

used to suggest that someone who spends a lot of time gossiping or meddling in other people's affairs is unlikely to be a good homemaker or caretaker of their own household

"Gossips neglect their homes."

"She was always out at parties and never home, proving that a rouk-town's seldom a good housewife at home."

used to imply that a woman's behavior and character are influenced by the way her husband treats her, emphasizing that both parties are important in creating a successful marriage

"A respectful husband creates a good wife — a good husband makes a good wife."

"He brought out the best in her by treating her well — a good husband makes a good wife."

used to suggest that one should not choose a life partner based solely on their wealth, but it is important to consider financial stability when choosing a partner

"Marry where money is."

"While love is important, never marry for money, but marry where money is."