Important Proverbs for Completing Sentences   

 

A proverb is a short, concise saying that conveys a general truth or piece of wisdom based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often passed down through generations and reflect the values, beliefs, and cultural norms of a particular society. They are meant to provide guidance, offer insights, or teach important lessons about life, human nature, and moral values. Proverbs are characterized by their memorable and rhythmic nature, making them easy to remember and share in oral tradition. They are a form of traditional wisdom that encapsulates the collective knowledge and observations of a community.

Proverbs are really very important for your examination. Have look on the examples of recent Board examination Questions:
There goes a proverb that time and tide wait for none. So, we must make proper use of time[Dhaka Board-2019]

He who follows two hares catches neither. [Rajshahi Board-2019]

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1. A bad workman quarrels with his tools.

2. A blunt child dreads the fire.

3. A cat loves fish but loath to wet her feet.

4. A drowning man catches at a  straw.

5. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

6. A little learning is a dangerous thing.

7. A man is known by the company he keeps.

8. A stitch in time saves ten.

9. A tree is known by its fruits.

10. A woman’s weapon is her tongue

11. After rain comes fair weather.

12. All that glitters is not gold

13. All that is old is not bad

14. All’s well that ends well.

15. As is the evil, so is the remedy

16. As you so , so you will reap.

17. Avarice begets sin and sin begets death.

18. Barking dogs seldom bite.

19. Before you marry, be sure of a house where in to tarry.

20. Beggars must not be a choosers.

21. Better alone an evil company.

22. Birds of a feather flock together.

23. Black will take no other hue.

24. Cheap goods dear in the long run.

25. Cut your coat according to your cloth.

26. Danger often comes where danger is feared.

27. Diet cures more than the doctor.

28. Diligence is the mother of good luck.

29. Do not speak an unpleasant truth.

30. Fair words do not fill the pocket.

31. Faults are thick where love is thin.

32. Fool to others, himself a sage.

33. Fools rush to where angels fear to tread.

34. Give him an inch and he will take an ell.

35. Grasp all, lose all.

36. Half a loaf is better than no loaf.

37. He who gets the power, misuse it.

38. He who hunts two hares leave the one and loses the other.

39. If the sky falls , we shall catch larks.

40. Ill got ,ill spent.

41. Ill news runs apace.

42. Indolence is the mother of poverty.

43. It hard to sit at Rome and strive with the pope.

44. It takes two to make a quarrel.

45. Jack of all trades master of none.

46. Let by-gone be by-gone.

47. Life is short, art is long.

48. Look before you leap.

49. Make hay while the sun shines.

50. Many a little makes a mickle

51. Many men many minds.

52.  Misfortune never comes alone.

53. Money is the root of all evils.

54. Necessity is the mother of invention.

55. Necessity knows no laws.

56. Nero fiddles while Rome burns.

57. No pains, no gains.

58. None but the brave deserves the fair.

59. Non-violence is a supreme virtue.

60. Once unlucky, always unlucky.

61. One doth the scath and another hath the scorn.

62. One raven will not pluck another’s eye.

63. One swallow does not  make a summer.

64. Out of sight out of mind.

65. Penny wise pound foolish.

66. Pride goeth before itself.

67. Procrastination is the thief of time.

68. Respect yourself that you may be respected by others.

69. Self preservation is the first law of nature.

70. Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

71. Some thing is better than nothing.

72. Spare the rod and spoil the child.

73. Strike the iron while it is hot.

74. Study is the main pursuit of students.

75. The master may do as he pleases.

76. The more they get, the more they want.

77. The saucepan should not call the kettle black.

78. There can be no effect without reason.

79. To blow hot and cold in the same breath.

80. To bring on calamity by one’s own imprudence

81. To count one’s chickens before  they are hatched

82. To cut off  one’s nose to spite one’s face.

83. To get rid of one who has served the purpose.

84. To rob Peter to pay Paul

85. To sail over the sea in an egg or in a nut-shell.

86. To set a thief to catch a thief.

87. To strike the iron while it is hot.

88. To the pure all things are pure.

89. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

90. Too much courtesy, full of craft.

91. Too much cunning overreaches itself.

92. United we stand divided we fall

93. Waste not, want not.

94. weal and woe come by turns.

95. What God wills is for good.

96. What is lotted cannot be blotted.

97. What is sport to the cat is death to the rat.

98. Where there is a will, there is a way.

99. While there is life, there is hope.

100. Things done by halves are never done.

101. Habit is the second nature.

102. Man is the architect of his own future.

103. One is not so soon healed as hurt.

104. Prevention is better than cure.

105. The pen is mightier than the sword.

106. We live in deeds not in years.

107. Too much cunning overreached itself.

108. Grasp all , lose all.

109. All covet, all lost.

110. Pride goeth before a fall.

111. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

112. Necessity knows no law.

113. A little learning is a dangerous thing.

114. To the pure all things are pure.

115. Self preservation is the first law of nature.

116. Some have the hop , some stick in the gap.

117. Nero fiddles while Rome burns.

118. A fool to others, himself a sage.

119. When danger is gone, God is forgotten.

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                                        English Proverbs with Meaning

1. "A cat has nine lives." - Cats are often able to survive dangerous or risky situations.

2. "A change is as good as a rest." - Making a change in routine or environment can be as rejuvenating as taking a break.

3. "A drowning man will clutch at a straw." - In desperate situations, people will grasp at even the slightest hope or possibility.

4. "A drowning man will clutch at a straw." - When someone is in desperate circumstances, they will grasp at any possible solution, no matter how unlikely or ineffective.

5. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." - A true friend is someone who helps and supports you when you're in trouble or in need.

6. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." - A true friend is someone who helps and supports you when you're in trouble or in need.

7. "A friend to all is a friend to none." - Being overly friendly with everyone may result in not having genuine or close friendships.

8. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Every great accomplishment starts with a small action or effort.

9. "A leopard cannot change its spots." - People cannot easily change their fundamental nature or character.

10. "A penny saved is a penny earned." - Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.

11. "A picture is worth a thousand words." - Visual images can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.

12. "A problem shared is a problem halved." - Discussing or sharing a problem with others can make it feel less burdensome.

13. "A rolling stone gathers no moss." - A person who is always moving or changing does not accumulate obligations or responsibilities.

14. "A stitch in time saves nine." - Taking timely action to address a problem can prevent it from becoming worse or more difficult to fix.

15. "A watched kettle never boils." - Time seems to move slower when you're eagerly waiting for something.

16. "Actions have consequences." - The choices and actions we make can have both positive and negative outcomes.

17. "Actions speak louder than words." - What someone does is more significant than what they say they will do.

18. "All good things must come to an end." - Even enjoyable experiences or situations eventually come to a conclusion.

19. "All is fair in love and war." - In situations of intense emotions or conflicts, any strategy or action is permissible.

20. "All that ends well is well." - When something concludes positively, it erases any previous negative experiences.

21. "All that glitters is not gold." - Not everything that appears attractive or valuable is actually worthwhile.

22. "All's fair in love and war." - In intense emotional or competitive situations, any strategy or action is permissible.

23. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." - A healthy lifestyle can prevent illness or health issues.

24. "Beauty is fleeting." - Physical attractiveness or appeal is temporary and will diminish over time.

25. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." - The perception of beauty varies from person to person.

26. "Beauty is only skin deep." - A person's true worth or character is more important than their physical appearance.

27. "Beauty is only skin deep." - A person's true worth or value lies beyond their physical appearance.

28. "Beggars can't be choosers." - When in a position of need, you can't be too selective or demanding about what you receive.

29. "Better late than never." - It is preferable to do something, even if delayed, than not do it at all.

30. "Better safe than sorry." - It's better to be cautious and take precautions than to regret not doing so later.

31. "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." - It's safer to deal with a familiar problem or situation than to face an unknown or uncertain one.

32. "Birds of a feather flock together." - People with similar characteristics or interests tend to group or associate with one another.

33. "Blood is thicker than water." - Family bonds are stronger than other relationships.

34. "Charity begins at home." - Taking care of one's own family or close ones should be a priority before extending help to others.

35. "Cleanliness is next to godliness." - Being clean and maintaining good hygiene is considered virtuous.

36. "Curiosity killed the cat." - Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble.

37. "Don't bite off more than you can chew." - Don't take on more responsibilities or tasks than you can handle.

38. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." - Do not harm or show ingratitude towards those who support or assist you.

39. "Don't burn your bridges." - Avoid damaging relationships or closing off opportunities that may be valuable in the future.

40. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." - Don't anticipate success or results until they are guaranteed.

41. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." - Don't anticipate success or results until they are guaranteed.

42. "Don't cry over spilled milk." - There's no point in being upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

43. "Don't cry over spilt milk." - There's no use in being upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

44. "Don't judge a book by its cover." - Don't form an opinion based solely on appearance.

45. "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes." - You can't truly understand someone's experiences or perspective until you've experienced it yourself.

46. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." - Don't rely on a single thing or place for success or security.

47. "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today." - It's better to take care of tasks promptly instead of procrastinating.

48. "Don't put the cart before the horse." - Do things in the correct order; don't do things prematurely.

49. "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater." - Be careful not to discard something valuable while getting rid of something undesirable.

50. "Easier said than done." - It's easier to talk about doing something than actually doing it.

51. "Empty vessels make the most noise." - People who talk a lot often have little substance or knowledge.

52. "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Even in difficult or unfortunate situations, there is often something positive or beneficial to be found.

53. "Every dog has its day." - Everyone gets an opportunity to succeed or be recognized at some point.

54. "Every man for himself." - In difficult or challenging situations, individuals prioritize their own interests and survival.

55. "Every man has his price." - Everyone can be influenced or swayed by the right incentive.

56. "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." - Individuals are responsible for their own success or failure.

57. "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." - Individuals are responsible for creating their own opportunities and success.

58. "Familiarity breeds contempt." - Spending too much time with someone or something can lead to a loss of respect or appreciation.

59. "Familiarity breeds contempt." - Spending too much time with someone or something can lead to dislike or disrespect.

60. "Fight fire with fire." - Respond to an aggressive or harmful action with a similar approach.

61. "Forewarned is forearmed." - Being aware of a potential problem or danger helps you be prepared to deal with it.

62. "Fortune favors the bold." - Taking risks and being brave can lead to success and good luck.

63. "Fortune favors the bold." - Taking risks and being brave can lead to success and good luck.

64. "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." - It's more valuable to teach someone a skill than to provide for them temporarily.

65. "Give credit where credit is due." - Acknowledge and recognize someone's achievements or contributions.

66. "Good things come to those who wait." - Be patient, and good things will eventually come.

67. "Great minds think alike." - Intelligent or creative people often have similar thoughts or ideas.

68. "Haste makes waste." - Acting too quickly or impulsively can result in mistakes or inefficiency.

69. "He who laughs last laughs longest." - The person who succeeds or has the final say will have the greatest satisfaction.

70. "Honesty is the best policy." - Telling the truth is always the best approach.

71. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." - Maintain a positive outlook while being ready to face potential challenges or setbacks.

72. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." - Maintain a positive outlook while being ready to face potential challenges or setbacks.

73. "Idle hands are the devil's workshop." - If you have nothing to do, you're more likely to get into trouble or engage in unproductive activities.

74. "If the cap fits, wear it." - If something said applies to you, accept it rather than getting defensive.

75. "If the shoe fits, wear it." - If a description or criticism applies to you, accept it instead of denying it.

76. "If you can't beat them, join them." - If you can't defeat or overcome someone or something, it may be better to join or align with them.

77. "If you snooze, you lose." - If you hesitate or delay, you may miss out on an opportunity.

78. "Ignorance is bliss." - Not knowing certain things can sometimes be more comfortable or less worrisome.

79. "Ignorance is bliss." - Not knowing or being aware of certain things can be more comfortable or enjoyable.

80. "In for a penny, in for a pound." - Once committed to a course of action, it's better to fully commit rather than holding back.

81. "It takes two to tango." - Both parties involved are responsible for a situation or conflict.

82. "It's a piece of cake." - Something is very easy or simple to accomplish.

83. "It's never too late to learn." - It's always possible to acquire knowledge or develop new skills regardless of age or circumstances.

84. "It's not over until the fat lady sings." - A situation or outcome is not finalized until the very end.

85. "It's the calm before the storm." - A period of peace or tranquility that precedes a difficult or turbulent situation.

86. "It's the tip of the iceberg." - The visible or known part of a problem or situation is just a small portion of the whole.

87. "Keep your chin up." - Stay positive and optimistic in the face of adversity or challenges.

88. "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." - Stay vigilant and aware of the actions or intentions of those who may oppose you.

89. "Kill two birds with one stone." - Accomplish two tasks with a single effort.

90. "Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone." - People are more likely to support or join in during times of happiness rather than sadness.

91. "Let bygones be bygones." - Forget about past conflicts or grievances and move on.

92. "Let sleeping dogs lie." - Avoid bringing up old conflicts or stirring up trouble that has been settled.

93. "Like father, like son." - A son often displays similar qualities or behaviors to his father.

94. "Look before you leap." - Consider the consequences before taking action.

95. "Look on the bright side." - Focus on the positive aspects of a situation or view things optimistically.

96. "Make hay while the sun shines." - Take advantage of opportunities while they're available.

97. "Make love, not war." - Promote peace and harmony rather than conflict and aggression.

98. "Misery loves company." - Unhappy people find solace in the company of others who are also unhappy.

99. "Money doesn't grow on trees." - Money is not easy to come by and must be earned.

100. "Necessity is the mother of invention." - The need for a solution or improvement leads to creative or innovative ideas.

101. "Never say never." - Don't completely dismiss the possibility of something happening in the future.

102. "No man is an island." - People need social connections and interactions with others to thrive.

103. "No news is good news." - If you haven't heard any updates, it's likely that everything is going well.

104. "No pain, no gain." - Effort and sacrifice are necessary to achieve significant results or success.

105. "Old habits die hard." - It is difficult to change or break long-standing habits or behaviors.

106. "One good turn deserves another." - When someone does you a favor, it is customary to return the kindness.

107. "One man's loss is another man's gain." - What may be a loss or disadvantage for one person can be an opportunity for someone else.

108. "One man's meat is another man's poison." - What is desirable or beneficial to one person may be undesirable or harmful to another.

109. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." - Something that is considered worthless by one person may be highly valued by someone else.

110. .

111. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." - Something that one person considers worthless may be valuable to someone else.

112. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." - Something that one person considers worthless may be valuable to someone else.

113. "One step at a time." - Approach tasks or goals gradually and methodically.

114. "Out of sight, out of mind." - People tend to forget about things or lose interest when they're not visible.

115. "Out of sight, out of mind." - When something or someone is no longer visible or present, it is easy to forget about them.

116. "Out of the frying pan and into the fire." - Moving from a difficult situation to an even worse one.

117. "Patience is a virtue." - The ability to wait calmly and persistently is admirable and often leads to positive outcomes.

118. "Penny wise, pound foolish." - Being frugal or careful with small expenses while being extravagant with larger ones.

119. "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." - Those who have flaws or vulnerabilities should not criticize others.

120. "Practice makes perfect." - Repeatedly doing something improves your skills and performance.

121. "Practice what you preach." - If you advocate or promote certain behavior, you should also follow it yourself.

122. "Rome wasn't built in a day." - Great achievements or accomplishments take time and effort.

123. "Still waters run deep." - Quiet or reserved people often have profound thoughts or emotions.

124. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." - Children often share characteristics or behaviors with their parents.

125. "The best things in life are free." - Happiness and fulfillment come from experiences or relationships rather than material possessions.

126. "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." - Even well-thought-out or carefully prepared plans can go wrong.

127. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." - The more powerful or prominent someone is, the greater the impact when they fail or face defeat.

128. "The devil is in the details." - Paying attention to small details is important as they can have a significant impact.

129. "The devil is in the details." - Small or seemingly insignificant things can cause significant problems or complications.

130. "The early bird gets the worm." - Being prompt or proactive gives you an advantage or opportunity.

131. "The end justifies the means." - The desired outcome justifies any actions taken to achieve it, even if they are morally questionable.

132. "The grass is always greener on the other side." - People tend to think others have better circumstances or opportunities than they do.

133. "The more, the merrier." - The larger the group or gathering, the more enjoyable it becomes.

134. "The pen is mightier than the sword." - The power of words and communication is stronger than physical force.

135. "The proof is in the pudding." - The real value or quality of something is demonstrated by its results or outcomes.

136. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." - The real value or quality of something can only be determined by experiencing or testing it.

137. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." - Good intentions alone are not enough; one must follow through with actions.

138. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." - The person who speaks up or complains the loudest gets attention or assistance.

139. "There's no place like home." - Home is a unique and special place of comfort and familiarity.

140. "There's no smoke without fire." - Rumors or accusations usually have some basis or truth behind them.

141. "There's no time like the present." - The best time to take action or do something is now.

142. something.

143. "There's safety in numbers." - Being part of a group provides protection or security.

144. "Time heals all wounds." - With time, emotional pain or distress diminishes and eventually disappears.

145. "Time is money." - Time is valuable and should be used efficiently and productively.

146. "Time is of the essence." - Time is valuable and must be used effectively or efficiently.

147. "To each his own." - Different people have different preferences or opinions, and that should be respected.

148. "To err is human, to forgive divine." - People make mistakes, and it is virtuous to forgive them.

149. "Two heads are better than one." - Collaborating with others leads to better ideas or solutions.

150. "Two wrongs don't make a right." - Just because someone has done something wrong doesn't justify responding with another wrong action.

151. "When in doubt, do nothing." - If unsure about a decision, it is often best to avoid taking action until clarity is achieved.

152. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." - Adapt to the customs and behavior of the people in a new environment.

153. "When it rains, it pours." - Problems or difficulties often come all at once or in rapid succession.

154. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." - When faced with challenges or setbacks, try to make the best out of the situation.

155. "Where there is a will, there is a way." - If someone is determined to achieve something, they will find a means to do so.

156. "Where there's smoke, there's fire." - If there are signs or indications of a problem, it's likely there is a real issue.

157. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." - You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you can't force them to take advantage of it.

158. "You can't have your cake and eat it too." - You can't enjoy or possess something while still keeping it intact.

159. "You can't have your cake and eat it too." - You can't enjoy or possess something simultaneously if it conflicts with other choices or options.

160. "You can't judge a tree by its bark." - You can't determine someone's true nature or worth based solely on appearance.

161. "You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs." - Achieving something significant often requires sacrifices or negative consequences.

162. "You reap what you sow." - Your actions and decisions will have consequences, positive or negative, in the future.