Contentment & Happiness, Sense of Belonging, Negative Feelings and 5 More Topics · English Proverbs: Notions Feelings

used as a reminder that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that a person who is satisfied with what they have will always feel fulfilled and satisfied

"She had little money but was always cheerful — a contented mind is a perpetual feast."

"Despite the modest surroundings, the team was deeply satisfied with their work — a contented mind is a perpetual feast."

used to suggest that modest and unpretentious people tend to have more realistic expectations and are less likely to be disappointed or frustrated by unattainable goals or desires

"He never asked for much — humble hearts often have humble desires."

"She lived simply and wanted little — humble hearts tend to have humble desires."

used to imply that it is better to hold onto something you already have for sure, rather than risking it for the possibility of getting more in the future

"Keep the job you have — a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

"She was tempted by the risky new offer but decided a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

used to emphasize that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that material wealth is not a guarantee of happiness or fulfillment

"She was poor but always happy — a happy heart is better than a full purse."

"He gave up the high salary for a job he loved, believing a happy heart is better than a full purse."

used to emphasize that having a peaceful and contented life is more important than having wealth or material possessions that come at the cost of constant conflict or stress

"A small quiet life is better than a stressful one — better an egg in peace than an ox in war."

"She turned down the prestigious but chaotic role, reminding herself that better an egg in peace than an ox in war."

used to emphasize the importance of valuing what one has in the present moment instead of waiting for something better in the future, which may not materialize

"Take the small opportunity now — better an egg today than a hen tomorrow."

"He accepted the modest early offer rather than waiting indefinitely — better an egg today than a hen tomorrow."

used as a reminder to be grateful for what one has and to appreciate the value of even small possessions or accomplishments

"Something is better than nothing — better half an egg than an empty shell."

"The partial solution was not ideal, but the team agreed that better half an egg than an empty shell."

used to imply that one should appreciate and value the small things in life, as even small pleasures or accomplishments can bring joy and satisfaction

"Simple pleasures have real value — little fish are sweet."

"The small daily wins kept the team motivated — little fish are sweet, as the manager often said."

used to suggest that when one's first choice or preferred option is not available, one should be flexible and willing to accept something else that may be less desirable but still of value

"When the best option is gone, take what is left — when all fruit fails, welcome haws."

"With the top candidates unavailable, they hired the next best option — when all fruit fails, welcome haws."

used to emphasize that pursuing a purposeful and fulfilling life is more valuable than simply living a long time

"Make the most of your time — if you cannot live longer, live deeper."

"She spent her retirement travelling and learning new skills — if you cannot live longer, live deeper."

used to imply that the experience of working towards a goal can be fulfilling in itself, and that the journey is often more valuable than the destination

"The journey matters as much as the result — it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive."

"She found more joy in building the company than in its eventual sale — it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive."

used to emphasize that personal happiness and contentment are more important than power or status, as material possessions do not necessarily lead to happiness

"Fame and power mean nothing without happiness — being happy is better than being king."

"He left a senior position for a simpler life, convinced that being happy is better than being king."

used to imply that it is better to achieve a peaceful resolution, even if it means making some compromises, rather than achieving a victory that comes at a high cost

"A calm agreement is better than a costly victory — better a lean peace than a fat victory."

"They settled the dispute quietly rather than going to court — better a lean peace than a fat victory."

used to imply that personal happiness and fulfillment are more important than knowledge or academic achievement

"Happiness is worth more than cleverness — it is better to be happy than wise."

"She chose a fulfilling but less prestigious path, believing it is better to be happy than wise."

used to imply that one's own home is the most comfortable and enjoyable place to be, where one can feel safe, relaxed, and content

"There is no place like home after a long trip."

"After six months abroad, she stepped through her front door and sighed — there is no place like home."

used to emphasize the idea that home is the most comfortable, safe, and familiar place where one can relax and be oneself

"He missed his home country — East or West, home is best."

"No matter how beautiful the new city was, she always felt that East or West, home is best."

used to say that a physical structure or dwelling does not necessarily become a home until it is filled with love, warmth, personal memories and experiences, and a sense of belonging

"They have a house, but it does not feel warm — a house is not a home."

"The new building was impressive but cold and impersonal — a house is not a home without the people who fill it."

used to imply that even if a home is modest or plain, it still holds a special place in one's heart because it is a place of comfort and familiarity

"It is small and simple, but it is mine — home is home, be it ever so homely."

"The apartment was nothing special, but she loved it — home is home, be it ever so homely."

used to imply that one's true home or place of belonging is where one's loved ones, family, and cherished memories are, rather than a physical location or a specific house

"He moved many times but always felt drawn back — home is where the heart is."

"Despite living abroad for decades, she always said home is where the heart is and eventually returned."

used to emphasize the importance of having control over one's living space and the happenings therein, and the right to privacy and security within the home

"Nobody tells him what to do in his house — a man's home is his castle."

"He refused to let anyone make changes to his property without asking — a man's home is his castle."

used to suggest that people tend to feel more comfortable, confident, and powerful in their own familiar surroundings

"The small dog barks at everything near the gate — every dog is a lion at home."

"He was confident and assertive in his own office but quiet in external meetings — every dog is a lion at home."

used to imply that people or animals tend to be more confident and assertive in their own familiar surroundings, and may show more courage when defending their own territory

"She stands up to anyone who comes near her front door — every dog is valiant at his own door."

"He challenged every decision made within his department but stayed silent in company-wide meetings — every dog is valiant at his own door."

used to suggest that people may feel more confident and assertive in their own familiar surroundings, where their behavior is unlikely to be challenged or tested

"Every cock crows on his own dunghill."

"Every cock crows on his own dunghill, which means people feel most confident in their own familiar territory."

used to imply that people have a natural attachment to their own home or familiar surroundings and may find it difficult to adjust to new environments or ways of life

"She always wants to go back to her hometown — every bird likes its own nest."

"No matter how far he travelled, he always came home — every bird likes its own nest."

used to highlight the importance of controlling emotions and suggests that delaying a response to situations that cause anger can lead to a more appropriate reaction

"Wait before you reply when you are angry — anger is made better by delay."

"She learned over the years that anger is the one thing made better by delay before responding."

used to imply that one should not hold onto feelings of anger or resentment for too long and should strive to resolve conflicts or issues before the end of the day

"Do not go to sleep still angry — let not the sun go down on your wrath."

"They resolved the argument before bedtime, both believing let not the sun go down on your anger."

used to suggest that stress and anxiety can be more harmful to one's health and well-being than hard physical labor

"Hard work is fine — it is the constant worry that exhausts you — it is not work that kills, but worry."

"The manager noted that burnout in the team came not from workload but from uncertainty — it is not work that kills, but worry."

used to suggest that excessive worry and anxiety can be more harmful than the actual event that is causing the worry

"Do not worry so much — you can only die once, so do not die a thousand times worrying."

"Her therapist reminded her that you can only die once, so do not die a thousand times worrying about it."

used t suggest that being envious of others does not lead to personal success or enrichment, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's own strengths and accomplishments

"Jealousy never helped anyone — envy has never enriched any man."

"He watched his competitors obsessively but gained nothing from it — envy has never enriched any man."

used to suggest that envy can harm oneself more than the person one is envious of, emphasizing the negative impact of envy on personal well-being and success

"Envy only hurts the person who feels it — envy shoots at others and wounds itself."

"She spent years resenting her colleague's success until she realised that envy shoots at others and wounds itself."

used to highlight the negative impact of jealousy on personal relationships, emphasizing its potential to breed resentment, suspicion, and destructive behavior

"He watches everything she does with suspicion — jealousy is a green-eyed monster."

"The colleague who tracked her every achievement was clearly driven by jealousy, that green-eyed monster."

used to imply that while aging may cause physical changes, a lack of passion or enthusiasm can have a more profound effect on one's inner self and sense of fulfillment

"Stay curious and passionate — age may wrinkle the face, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

"She remained energetic and engaged well into her seventies — age may wrinkle the face, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

used to imply that joy can be found even in difficult circumstances, and that a life without joy or happiness is lacking in richness and fulfillment

"Even in hard times, try to find some joy — it is a poor heart that never rejoices."

"Despite the difficult year, the team found moments to celebrate together — it is a sad heart that never rejoices."

used to suggest that with the passage of time, the intensity of grief gradually decreases

"Time heals most things, but grief grows with time — all things grow with time except grief."

"She understood the paradox well — all things grow with time except grief, which slowly fades."

used to suggest that feelings of guilt or unease can be a powerful motivator for someone to confess or seek forgiveness, even if no one else is aware of their wrongdoing

"He felt guilty before anyone said a word — a guilty conscience needs no accuser."

"She walked into the room looking nervous before anyone raised the issue — a guilty conscience needs no accuser."

used for expressing jealousy over what someone already has or achieved without putting much effort

"A well-paid job with short hours — nice work if you can get it!"

"She works from home, sets her own hours, and earns well — nice work if you can get it."

used to imply that opinions can vary widely from person to person, and everyone is entitled to their own viewpoint or perspective

"Everyone has a view on this — opinions are like noses, everyone has one."

"As soon as the new policy was announced, opinions flooded in — opinions are like noses, everyone has one."

used to imply that if someone is forced to accept an idea or belief against their own will, may still hold onto their original beliefs and opinions, even if they do not express them openly

"You cannot force someone to change their mind — a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

"No matter how strong the evidence presented, the committee remained unmoved — a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

used to highlight the importance of considering multiple perspectives when evaluating a situation or concept

"Both sides have valid points — there are two sides to every coin."

"Before making a judgement, she reminded herself that there are two sides to every coin."

used to suggest that those with a pure and innocent nature tend to see the world in a positive light, interpreting people and situations with goodwill and purity of intention

"He saw no offence in anything because to the pure all things are pure."

"She interpreted the comment generously, as she always did — to the pure all things are pure."

used to imply that our desires and wishes can influence the way we think and perceive things, leading us to believe what we want to believe, rather than what is objectively true

"He says he wants peace, but the wish is father to the thought."

"She claimed not to want the promotion but spoke about it constantly — the wish was clearly father to the thought."

used to imply that human perception and experience are the basis for all knowledge and understanding, which makes it inherently subjective and lacking an objective or absolute truth

"Everything is relative to the observer — man is the measure of all things."

"The debate over value and quality comes back to the same truth: man is the measure of all things."

used suggest that people who are not directly involved in a situation or activity often have a clearer or more objective perspective than those who are directly participating

"Outsiders often see problems more clearly — lookers-on see most of the game."

"The external consultant spotted the flaw immediately — lookers-on see most of the game."

used to imply that people who are not directly involved in a situation often have a better understanding of it than those who are deeply involved, and so, are able to make more objective judgments

"Those watching can see what players miss — standers-by see more than gamesters."

"The intern noticed the tension between the two directors long before anyone inside acknowledged it — standers-by see more than gamesters."

used to imply that people are more likely to believe something if they can see it or experience it for themselves, rather than relying on hearsay or second-hand information

"I did not believe it until I saw it — seeing is believing."

"The prototype had been described for months, but seeing is believing — the demo convinced every investor in the room."

used to suggest that prolonged absence can create unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment when reunited with what was missed

"Being apart made her see him differently — absence is the mother of disillusion."

"After the long separation, she returned with new eyes — absence is the mother of disillusion."

used to imply that someone who lacks knowledge or experience in a particular area cannot make accurate judgments or opinions about it

"He had never experienced it and spoke as if he knew — blind men can judge no colours."

"She had never worked in that industry yet offered confident opinions — blind men can judge no colours."

used to advise people to avoid being critical or judgmental of others, as they may be judged in the same manner themselves, encouraging compassion and understanding instead

"Do not criticise others too harshly — judge not, that ye be not judged."

"The manager who condemned every mistake was later found to have made far worse ones — judge not, that ye be not judged."

used to suggest that things or people are often not as bad as they seem or as they are portrayed

"He is strict but not cruel — the devil is not as black as he is painted."

"The new director had a fierce reputation, but the devil is not so black as he is painted — she was fair and reasonable."

used to suggest that comparing people or things is often unproductive and can lead to negative feelings or judgments

"Comparisons are odious."

"The annual performance rankings caused resentment throughout the team — comparisons are odious, as several employees noted."

used to imply that unfinished work should not be shown to inexperienced or uninformed individuals, as it may lead to negative perceptions or incorrect assumptions about the final outcome

"Don't show them half-done work."

"She kept the prototype hidden until it was ready, knowing fools and bairns should never see half done work."

used to imply that individuals should be open-minded and consider different perspectives before making a judgment or decision

"Consider both sides of issues."

"Before you take sides in this argument, remember that there are two sides to every question worth considering."

used to imply that people tend to believe that their problems, responsibilities, or burdens are more difficult than those of others, and may lack empathy towards others' struggles

"My problems feel heaviest."

"Both teams complained they were overworked — every horse thinks its own pack is the heaviest."

used to suggest that the way people perceive someone or something during their initial encounter can have a strong and lasting impact on their opinion

"First impressions matter most."

"The disorganised opening presentation cost them the contract — first impressions are the most lasting."

used to indicate that a single occurrence or piece of evidence is insufficient to establish a trend or draw a firm conclusion

"One swallow does not make a summer."

"Just because you passed one test does not mean you will pass all, remember one swallow does not make a summer."

used to imply that intense emotions, whether they be love or hatred, can cloud one's judgment and make one unable of seeing things objectively

"Hatred is blind."

"The rivalry between the two managers was so intense that hatred had become as blind as love."

used to suggest that those who create or present their work to the public should be willing to listen to criticism and feedback and use it to improve the quality of their work

"Accept criticism for your book."

"She released her first article and was surprised by the backlash — whoever writes a book should be ready to accept criticism."

used to imply that a person's behavior reflects their character, emphasizing the ability to make judgments about a person based on their actions

"Show me the man."

"Show me the man, and I will show you the rule, because a person's actions always reveal their true character."

used to encourage empathy and understanding by emphasizing that an individual should not judge or criticize someone's situation or behavior without experiencing it themselves

"Walk in his shoes."

"Before criticising his decisions, try to understand his constraints — do not judge a man until you have walked in his shoes."

used to suggest that the dreams one has in the early morning hours may predict future events

"Early morning dreams come true."

"She always believed that early morning dreams come true if you work hard."

used to suggest that the opposite of what one dreams about may happen in reality

"I dreamed of sunshine so I brought an umbrella — dreams go by contraries."

"She dreamed everything went wrong, so she was confident it would go well — dreams go by contraries."

used to imply that dreaming of a funeral can signal a positive event like a wedding, suggesting that negative dreams can have positive outcomes

"She dreamed of a funeral last night — dream of a funeral and you hear of a marriage, they say."

"According to the old saying, dream of a funeral and you hear of a marriage — she was curious to see if it held true."

used to suggest that misfortune or bad luck often happens in groups of three, and when one negative event occurs, two more will follow

"First I lost my keys, then my wallet — bad things come in threes."

"The team suffered two major setbacks and nervously joked that bad things come in threes."

used to suggest that cats are resilient creatures that can survive dangerous situations

"That cat has survived everything — a cat has nine lives."

"He crashed his bike, broke his arm, and recovered in weeks — that man has a cat's nine lives."

used to suggest that being overly optimistic or confident at the start of the day can lead to disappointment or failure later on, as unforeseen events or circumstances may arise

"She was singing at breakfast and was crying by dinner — sing before breakfast, you will cry before night."

"Don't count your profits before the deal is signed — sing before breakfast, and you will cry before night."

used to acknowledge the arrival of someone who was being discussed, suggesting that talking about someone who is absent can attract their attention or presence unexpectedly

"Speak of the devil, he appears!"

"We were just talking about John, and speak of the devil, he walked right through the door."

used to imply that those who are superstitious and rely on omens may be more likely to experience misfortune, as their beliefs can become a self-fulfilling prophecy

"He looks for bad signs everywhere and keeps finding them — he that follows freits, freits shall follow him."

"She was superstitious about every small sign, and her anxiety grew — he that follows freits, freits will follow him."

used to suggest that the children that are born in May are more vulnerable to illness or health issues

"The lambs born in May are always weak — May chickens come cheeping."

"The new hires who joined in the slow summer period struggled to adapt — May chickens come cheeping, as the old hands noted."

used to refer to the traditional belief that a clear moonlit sky is often associated with the prediction of frost or cold weather in the near future

"The sky is very clear tonight — clear moon, frost soon."

"The farmers checked the sky and nodded — clear moon, frost soon, time to cover the crops."

used to warn one to be cautious of large trees, especially oak trees, during thunderstorms as they are more likely to be struck by lightning

"Stand away from the oak in a storm — beware of an oak, it draws the stroke."

"The safety officer reminded everyone that beware of an oak, it draws the stroke — never shelter under tall trees in lightning."

used to imply that engaging in immoral or sinful behavior leads to negative consequences, which may be fatal or result in spiritual death or separation from God

"Every bad choice has consequences — the wages of sin is death."

"He had cut corners on safety for years, and the lawsuit that followed was a reminder that the wages of sin is death."

used to suggest that taking action and starting a project or pursuing a goal is the most important step, and that the necessary resources and support will come as one goes along

"Just start the project — begin to weave and God will give the thread."

"She did not have a full plan but trusted that begin to weave and God will give the thread."

used to criticize people who only seek divine help during times of crisis but do not maintain a consistent practice of faith or spirituality

"They forgot all the help they received once things got better — the danger past, and God forgotten."

"As soon as the crisis passed, the promises made in desperation were quietly dropped — the danger past, and God forgotten."

used to emphasize the power of strong faith and belief in oneself, as it can overcome seemingly impossible challenges and enable individuals to accomplish difficult tasks

"Keep believing — faith can move mountains."

"The team had every reason to give up, but faith will move mountains kept the founder going through the hardest years."

used to suggest that shared faith and spirituality can strengthen family bonds and promote a sense of togetherness and support

"They pray together every morning and have a very strong bond — the family that prays together stays together."

"Community groups noted that the family that prays together stays together, pointing to lower conflict rates among households that shared rituals."

used to imply that being open to instruction and willing to learn leads to gaining knowledge and understanding, while rejecting wisdom and being closed-minded is foolish and hinders growth

"Wisdom starts with respect — the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom."

"She opened her lecture by quoting the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

used to highlight the importance of balance between relying on higher powers and taking responsible action

"Plan carefully and act — put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry."

"She was a woman of faith but also of action — put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry."

used to promote the value of human life and the importance of non-violence

"Killing is wrong in every context — thou shalt not kill."

"The principle of thou shalt not kill underpins legal and ethical systems across most of the world."

used to suggest that individuals who are highly favored or blessed by the gods are often taken away from the world at a young age

"He died young and brilliant — whom the gods love must die young."

"She was taken far too soon — whom the gods love shall die young, people said at the funeral."

used to suggest that even in difficult circumstances, those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged will be provided with the necessary strength and protection to overcome adversity

"He lost everything but somehow survived — God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb."

"The redundancy was brutal, but support came from unexpected places — God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb."

used to imply that everything happens for a good reason and the world is as good as it can be, emphasizing the idea of optimism and the belief that everything works out for the best

"Bad things happen, but it's okay."

"Despite the unexpected challenges, she maintained a positive outlook, believing all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds."

used for saying that admitting one's mistakes, sins, or wrongdoings can bring spiritual and emotional healing and relief

"Telling the truth felt like a weight lifted — confession is good for the soul."

"After months of hiding the mistake, she admitted it openly and felt much better — confession is good for the soul."

used to express a sense of humility and gratitude, acknowledging that one's circumstances could have been different if not for the benevolence or favor of a higher power

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

"Witnessing their misfortune, I couldn't help but think, 'There but for the grace of God go I,' feeling immense gratitude for my own stability."

used to imply that while fate may guide people toward their destined path, their willingness to cooperate with their circumstances and take action can greatly impact the outcomes they experience

"He resisted change but ended up being pulled along — fate leads the willing and drags the unwilling."

"The new system was adopted across the company — fate leads the willing and drags the unwilling, as the IT manager noted."

used to imply that some things are beyond human control and that events will unfold according to a predetermined plan or fate

"Do not force it — if it is meant to be, it will be."

"She stopped stressing about the outcome and reminded herself that if it is meant to be, it will be."

used to emphasize that a person's fate is predetermined and unchangeable, and that they will inevitably experience the fate that has been determined for them

"He survived every danger thrown at him — if you are born to be hanged, you will never be drowned."

"Despite every setback, he seemed untouchable — if you are born to be hanged, then you will never be drowned."

used to suggest that while people can make plans and decisions, ultimately the outcome of events is determined by fate or a higher power

"We make plans, but life decides — man proposes, God disposes."

"The carefully laid strategy collapsed within a month — man proposes, heaven disposes."

used to imply that despite one's careful planning and preparations, unforeseen circumstances or events may disrupt or alter one's intended outcomes

"He had everything planned perfectly, then life changed it all — you plan and God laughs."

"The business model was flawless on paper — you plan and God laughs, as the founder later admitted."

used to imply that destiny or fate determines who shall be killed, rather than chance or random occurrence

"Fate decides who dies."

"During the war, soldiers understood that every bullet has its billet, accepting their predetermined fates."

used to imply that destiny or fate determines who shall be killed, rather than chance or random occurrence

"Every bullet has a billet."

"In the chaos of battle, soldiers often muttered, 'Every bullet has a billet,' believing their fate was predetermined."