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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repetition is the mother of learning | Repeating something helps you learn and remember it. | Practice your vocabulary daily—repetition is the mother of learning. | |
| Respect is not given, it is earned. | You must act in a way that deserves respect; it is not automatic. | Q: Why don't they respect me? A: Respect is not given, it is earned—show them your integrity. | |
| Revenge is a dish best served cold | Revenge is more satisfying when delayed and carried out calmly. | He waited years to expose his rival's fraud—revenge is a dish best served cold. | |
| Revenge is sweet | Getting back at someone who wronged you feels satisfying. | When she won the award over her critic, she smiled—revenge is sweet. | |
| Right or wrong, my country | Loyalty to one's country regardless of its actions. | Q: Do you support the government's decision? A: Right or wrong, my country—I stand by it. | |
| Risk it for the biscuit | Take a chance to get a reward. | Q: Should I invest in that startup? A: Risk it for the biscuit—it could pay off big. | |
| Rome wasn't built in a day | /roʊm ˈwʌzənt bɪlt ɪn ə deɪ/ | Great achievements take time. | Don't rush the project. Rome wasn't built in a day. |
| Rules for thee, not for me. | Hypocritical application of rules where the speaker exempts themselves. | The manager fines employees for lateness but arrives late himself—rules for thee, not for me. | |
| Rules were made to be broken | Rules are not absolute; sometimes breaking them is acceptable or necessary. | Q: Why did you ignore the dress code? A: Rules were made to be broken—I wanted to express myself. | |
| See a pin and pick it up, all the day you will have good luck; See a pin and let it lay, bad luck you will have all day | A superstition: picking up a pin brings good luck; ignoring it brings bad luck. | Q: Why did you pick up that pin? A: See a pin and pick it up, all the day you will have good luck. | |
| See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil | Ignore wrongdoing by not seeing, hearing, or talking about it. | When asked about the corruption, he just smiled—see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. | |
| Seeing is believing | /ˈsiːɪŋ ɪz bɪˈliːvɪŋ/ | You need to see something to believe it exists or is true. | Q: Do you think the magician really sawed that woman in half? A: Seeing is believing, and I saw it with my own eyes. |
| Seek and ye shall find | If you look for something diligently, you will find it. | Q: I can't find my keys. A: Keep looking—seek and ye shall find. | |
| Set a thief to catch a thief | Use someone with similar skills or background to catch a wrongdoer. | The police hired a former hacker to trace the cybercriminal—set a thief to catch a thief. | |
| Shiny are the distant hills | Things far away seem more attractive than what you have nearby. | Q: Why does she want to move abroad? A: Shiny are the distant hills—she thinks it's better there. | |
| Shrouds have no pockets | You can't take material possessions with you after death. | Q: Why does he give away so much money? A: Shrouds have no pockets—he values generosity. | |
| Sit crooked and talk straight | Even if you are in a difficult position, speak honestly and fairly. | Q: How can he be honest after cheating? A: He sits crooked but talks straight—he admitted his mistake. | |
| Slow and steady wins the race | /sloʊ ænd ˈstɛdi wɪnz ðə reɪs/ | Consistent effort is more effective than speed. | He studied a little each day and passed. Slow and steady wins the race. |
| Slow is smooth, smooth is fast | Taking deliberate, careful action leads to efficiency and speed in the long run. | Q: Why are you going so slowly? A: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast—I'll make fewer mistakes. | |
| Slowly but surely | Making steady progress even if it's slow. | She's learning piano slowly but surely. | |
| Snake in the grass | A deceitful or treacherous person who seems harmless. | Q: I trusted him with my secret. A: Be careful—he's a snake in the grass. | |
| Softly, softly, catchee monkey | Proceed gently and patiently to achieve a goal. | Q: How do you negotiate with him? A: Softly, softly, catchee monkey—don't rush. | |
| Some are more equal than others | Despite claims of equality, some people have more privileges. | Q: Isn't everyone treated equally? A: In practice, some are more equal than others. | |
| Spare the rod and spoil the child | Without discipline, a child will become unruly. | Q: Why is he strict with his kids? A: He believes spare the rod and spoil the child. | |
| Speak as you find | Give your honest opinion based on your own experience. | Q: What do you think of the restaurant? A: I speak as I find—the food was great. |
