Some expressions stick around for centuries — and for good reason. This collection of around 728 common English proverbs pulls together the sayings you’ve probably heard in movies, conversations, and maybe even from your grandma.
Inside the interactive table, you’ll find each proverb with a clear meaning, a realistic example sentence, easy-to-read IPA pronunciation, and a play button so you can hear it spoken aloud. When you’re ready to take the list offline, just click the PDF download button sitting below the table — it’s completely free.
Proverbs are powerful because they pack a lot of meaning into few words. Knowing them helps you sound more natural and understand cultural references. Work through a few each day, or use the search and sort features to focus on ones that match your mood.
Want to move from knowing proverbs to speaking with confidence? Our free chunk-based English lessons teach you the phrases people actually use in real conversations — not just textbook lines. Start with Lesson 1 — First Greetings, or explore the full intro to lessons if you’re looking for a guided path.
English Proverbs Quiz
Before you dive in, try the quick quiz below to see how many proverbs you already have under your belt. It’s a fun way to warm up.
English Proverbs List with Meanings
| Expression | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Of course my horse | /əv kɔrs maɪ hɔrs/ | An expression of enthusiastic agreement. | Q: Will you come? A: Of course my horse! |
| Oil and water do not mix | /ɔɪl ænd ˈwɔtər du nɑt mɪks/ | Two incompatible things cannot be combined. | They argued constantly; oil and water do not mix. |
| Old sins cast long shadows. | /oʊld sɪnz kæst lɔŋ ˈʃædoʊz/ | Past wrongdoings have lasting consequences. | His crime haunted him for years; old sins cast long shadows. |
| Old soldiers never die, (they simply/just fade away). From a Great War soldiers' song; the phrase was most notably referred to by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) in his farewell address to the Congress. | /oʊld ˈsoʊldʒərz ˈnɛvər daɪ, ðeɪ ˈsɪmpli feɪd əˈweɪ/ | Veterans are never forgotten, they just gradually disappear. | The veteran said, 'Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.' |
| Once a(n) \_, always a(n) \_ | /wʌns ə, ˈɔlweɪz ə/ | A person's essential nature doesn't change. | Once a cheater, always a cheater. |
| Once bitten, twice shy | /wʌns ˈbɪtən, twaɪs ʃaɪ/ | A bad experience makes you cautious. | After being scammed, he's wary; once bitten, twice shy. |
| One good turn deserves another | /wʌn ɡʊd tɜrn dɪˈzɜrvz əˈnʌðər/ | Kindness should be repaid with kindness. | She helped me move, so I helped her study. One good turn deserves another. |
| One half of the world does not know how the other half lives | /wʌn hæf əv ðə wɜrld dʌz nɑt noʊ haʊ ði ˈʌðər hæf lɪvz/ | People are unaware of others' different circumstances. | The rich don't understand poverty; one half of the world does not know how the other half lives. |
| One hand washes the other | /wʌn hænd ˈwɑʃɪz ði ˈʌðər/ | Mutual cooperation benefits both. | They helped each other; one hand washes the other. |
| One kind word can warm three winter months | /wʌn kaɪnd wɜrd kæn wɔrm θri ˈwɪntər mʌnθs/ | Kindness has a lasting positive effect. | Her compliment cheered him for weeks; one kind word can warm three winter months. |
| One law for the rich and another for the poor | /wʌn lɔ fɔr ðə rɪtʃ ænd əˈnʌðər fɔr ðə pʊr/ | Justice is applied unfairly based on wealth. | The rich man got a light sentence; one law for the rich and another for the poor. |
| One man's meat is another man's poison | /wʌn mænz mit ɪz əˈnʌðər mænz ˈpɔɪzən/ | What one likes, another dislikes. | He loves spicy food, but I hate it; one man's meat is another man's poison. |
| One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter | /wʌn mænz ˈtɛrərɪst ɪz əˈnʌðər mænz ˈfridəm ˈfaɪtər/ | Perspective determines labeling. | The rebel is seen as a hero by some; one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. |
| One man's trash is another man's treasure | /wʌn mænz træʃ ɪz əˈnʌðər mænz ˈtrɛʒər/ | What is worthless to one person may be valuable to another. | I found a vintage lamp at a garage sale. One man's trash is another man's treasure. |
| One might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb | /wʌn maɪt æz wɛl bi hæŋd fɔr ə ʃip æz ə læm/ | If the punishment is the same, commit the greater crime. | He stole a car; one might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. |
| One might as well throw water into the sea as to do a kindness to rogues | /wʌn maɪt æz wɛl θroʊ ˈwɔtər ˈɪntu ðə si æz tu du ə ˈkaɪndnəs tu roʊgz/ | Helping dishonest people is futile. | He lent money to a known swindler; one might as well throw water into the sea. |
| One swallow does not make a summer | A single positive sign does not mean a situation is completely good or certain. | Q: I got one good grade, so I'll pass the class. A: One swallow does not make a summer; keep studying. | |
| One who believes in Sword, dies by the Sword | Those who rely on violence will ultimately be destroyed by violence. | The warlord learned too late that one who believes in the sword dies by the sword. | |
| One who hates gifts shall live | A person who dislikes receiving gifts will live a long life. | Q: Why does Grandpa refuse every birthday present? A: He believes 'one who hates gifts shall live' and wants to stay healthy. | |
| One who speaks only one language is one person, but one who speaks two languages is two people. Turkish Proverb | Learning another language gives you a new perspective and identity. | After moving abroad, she felt like a different person when speaking English—truly, one who speaks two languages is two people. | |
| One year's seeding makes seven years weeding | A single mistake or bad decision can cause long-term problems. | He cheated on his taxes and now faces audits for years—one year's seeding makes seven years weeding. | |
| Only fools and horses work | Working hard is for fools and animals; clever people avoid unnecessary labor. | Q: Why won't you take the overtime? A: Only fools and horses work; I'd rather enjoy my free time. | |
| Open confession is good for the soul. | Admitting your mistakes honestly brings relief and moral cleansing. | He felt guilty until he told the truth—open confession is good for the soul. | |
| Opportunity does not knock until you build a door | Opportunities come only after you prepare and create the conditions for them. | Stop waiting for a lucky break; remember, opportunity does not knock until you build a door. | |
| Opportunity never knocks twice at any man's door | A unique opportunity rarely comes again; seize it when it appears. | Q: Should I apply for that job? A: Yes, opportunity never knocks twice at any man's door. |
