English has many short proverbs that carry deep meaning.
Here are 20 easy-to-remember proverbs you can use in daily conversation.
1. No pain, no gain.
Meaning: You must work hard to achieve success.
Example: If you want to get fit, remember — no pain, no gain.
2. Better late than never.
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example: I finally finished the report. Better late than never.
3. Time is money.
Meaning: Time is valuable and should not be wasted.
Example: Let’s not waste time — time is money.
4. Practice makes perfect.
Meaning: The more you practice, the better you become.
Example: Keep practicing the piano. Practice makes perfect.
5. Easy come, easy go.
Meaning: Things gained easily can be lost easily.
Example: I lost my bonus at the casino. Easy come, easy go.
6. Actions speak louder than words.
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: Don’t just promise — show me. Actions speak louder than words.
7. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Meaning: Important things take time to complete.
Example: Learning English takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
8. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone.
Example: He looks strict, but he’s kind. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
9. Honesty is the best policy.
Meaning: Telling the truth is always the best choice.
Example: Tell the truth. Honesty is the best policy.
10. Better safe than sorry.
Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than to regret later.
Example: Take an umbrella. Better safe than sorry.
11. The early bird catches the worm.
Meaning: People who start early have an advantage.
Example: We should start early — the early bird catches the worm.
12. Look before you leap.
Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
Example: Think carefully. Look before you leap.
13. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Meaning: Follow the customs of the place you are in.
Example: In Japan, take off your shoes indoors. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
14. Knowledge is power.
Meaning: Knowledge makes you stronger and more capable.
Example: Read more books. Knowledge is power.
15. Silence is golden.
Meaning: Sometimes it’s better to say nothing.
Example: Sometimes it’s better to say nothing. Silence is golden.
16. You reap what you sow.
Meaning: Your actions will have consequences.
Example: If you don’t study, you’ll fail. You reap what you sow.
17. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Meaning: Don’t harm those who help you.
Example: Be grateful to your boss. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
18. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Meaning: True friends help you in difficult times.
Example: She helped me when I was sick. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
19. Strike while the iron is hot.
Meaning: Take advantage of an opportunity right away.
Example: We should apply now. Strike while the iron is hot.
20. All’s well that ends well.
Meaning: If the ending is good, the difficulties along the way don’t matter.
Example: It was a tough project, but all’s well that ends well.
Conclusion
Short proverbs are easy to remember and useful in conversation.
By using them regularly, you’ll make your English sound more natural and expressive.
