Learning commonly used proverbs in English is essential for your language-learning journey. Check out a list of 70 provers in English here!

A proverb is a a short, well-known pithy saying, that states a general truth or piece of advice. They’re well-known in each country and take part in their culture. Native English speakers often use proverbs in their conversations unconsciously. 

Learning English proverbs is also crucial in order to speak fluently. When I was first starting, learning about proverbs in English gave me a unique insight into the culture. They helped me communicate with locals more efficiently and start thinking like a native.

This is why I’ve made a list of 70 commonly used proverbs in English that every language learner should know. These proverbs are widely known and used in daily conversation. 

Are you ready to learn? Let’s get started!

70 Commonly Used Proverbs in English

1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This proverb indicates that being separated from someone or something for a lengthy period of time makes you appreciate that person or thing even more when you see them again.

2. Actions speak louder than words.

This proverb expresses the importance of actions over words.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words.

This suggests that a picture or image conveys more meaning or tells a more compelling story than words.

4. The early bird catches the worm.

This means that people who act quickly or arrive first are more likely to succeed.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

This is used to express that you should not base your opinion solely on appearances. People and things are more than just what they appear to be.

6. Honesty is the best policy.

This one means that being truthful is always the best course of action.

7. Strike while the iron is hot.

This proverb in English means that you should take advantage of a favorable situation before it changes.

8. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

This proverb means that eating nutritious food contributes to good health and fewer visits to the doctor.

9. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

This one is used to convey that if you hope to finish something, you must start it first. Something that takes a long time to finish begins with one simple start.

10. Better late than never.

This means that it’s better to do something late than not do it at all.

11. Every cloud has a silver lining.

This proverb in English is used to say that there’s always something good in every bad situation.

12. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

This means that it is best to adapt to the customs of the place you’re in.

13. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

This one tells you not to treat badly the person or people on whom you depend on, or who take care of you in some way.

14. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

This proverb says that good and important things need time. 

15. Practice makes perfect.

This means that you become better at something the more you do it.

16. All good things must come to an end.

This proverb says that everything ends and good times don’t last forever.

17. A watched pot never boils

This means that if something takes time to do, it doesn’t help to constantly check on it. You just have to give it time.

18. Two heads are better than one.

This proverb means that collaboration often leads to better results than working alone.

19. Birds of a feather flock together.

This proverb says that people who are similar tend to associate with each other.

20. It’s no use crying over spilled milk.

This English proverb means you shouldn’t waste time crying or complaining about something bad that has happened that cannot be changed.

21. Still waters run deep.

This proverb implies that people who are quiet or reserved frequently have profound, complicated thoughts, feelings, or talents.

22. Beggars can’t be choosers.

This one says that if you’re in a position of need or desperation, you must accept what is offered without being picky or demanding.

23. A stitch in time saves nine.

This proverb in English says that you should take care of problems early to prevent them from getting worse.

24. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

This English proverb warns you not to risk everything on one plan or opportunity.

25. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

This means that if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.

26. Curiosity killed the cat.

This one warns you against being too curious or too interested in something that doesn’t concern you.

27. Out of sight, out of mind.

This one indicates that when something or someone is not present or visible, it’s easy to forget about them or stop thinking about them. 

28. Easy come, easy go.

This proverb suggests that money can be readily obtained, squandered, or lost.

29. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

This one tells you that what is considered “beautiful” will depend on each person.

30. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

This proverb in English warns you not to expect a positive result before you actually see it.

31. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

This one tells you not to procrastinate. If you can do something today, do it. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

32. Fortune favors the bold.

This proverb indicates that people who are brave and who take risks are more successful than people who do things safely all the time.

33. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.

This one means that you can’t do something good or accomplish an important task without encountering some problems or making sacrifices along the way.

34. Good things come to those who wait.

This English proverb says that patience and perseverance are often rewarded.

35. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

This means that you can’t enjoy two desirable things that are mutually exclusive.

36. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

This proverb tells you that you can offer someone an opportunity, but you can’t force them to take it.

37. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

This proverb means that too many people trying to manage something can ruin it.

38. The grass is always greener on the other side.

This proverb conveys that people often think others have it better than they do, even when that’s not the case.

39. Learn to walk before you run

This tells you that you must learn the basic skills before you attempt to do something more difficult.

40. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

This English proverb is used to signify that you shouldn’t take on more work or responsibility than you can handle at one time.

41. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This one tells you to be careful and exercise caution so you can avoid potential problems that could arise later.

42. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

This proverb in English tells you to be optimistic about the result, but always be ready for the worst outcome.

43. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

This one says that if something is already working well, don’t try to change it or improve it.

44. If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.

This proverb warns you that if you get involved in something dangerous or beyond your abilities, you will probably experience negative consequences.

45. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

This means that if your desire to accomplish something is strong enough, you will find a way to do it.

46. Blood is thicker than water.

This one means that family relationships are stronger and more important than friendships or other connections.

47. A penny saved is a penny earned.

This one tells you that saving money is just as important as earning it.

48. The devil is in the details.

This one conveys that small, overlooked details can cause problems in what seems like a simple task.

49. It takes two to tango.

This English proverb tells you that in any conflict or relationship, both parties are usually responsible or involved.

50. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

This means that it’s difficult to change someone’s habits or ways, especially as they get older.

51. Always put your best foot forward.

This one tells you that you should always try your best to make a good impression on others and show your best traits and qualities

52. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

This proverb in English tells you that the most noticeable problems or the loudest complaints get attention.

53. Look before you leap.

This one warns you to think carefully before taking action or making a big decision.

54. No pain, no gain.

This proverb tells you that you have to work hard or endure discomfort to achieve success or improvement.

55. You reap what you sow.

This English proverb means that your actions, whether good or bad, will come back to you in the future.

56. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

This one means that a busy person will not become stagnant but will remain creative and productive.

57. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

This one tells you that if someone is your enemy, treat them like a friend so you can be ready if they ever try to betray you.

58. Knowledge is power.

This one conveys that the more you know, the more powerful you can be in different areas of your life.

59. Laughter is the best medicine.

This proverb in English tells you that when you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can make it easier to get through that situation.

60. Like father, like son.

This one indicates that sons tend to resemble their fathers, either in appearance, behavior, or personality. 

61. No man is an island.

This proverb means that no one can live completely independently; everyone needs help and connections with others at some point.

62. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

This warns you against criticizing others for faults that you also have. Be mindful of your own vulnerabilities before pointing out the flaws of others.

63. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This one means that two people or groups with a common enemy can become allies, even if they are not normally friends or share interests.

64. There is no place like home.

This English proverb tells you that home is the most comfortable and satisfying place to be, no matter where else you go.

65. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

This one says that everything has a cost, even if it seems free at first. There’s always a hidden price to pay, whether it’s time, effort, or something else.

66. There is no time like the present.

This proverb means that now is the best time to take action or do something, rather than postponing it.

67. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

This means that responding to one wrong or bad action with another wrong action doesn’t solve the problem or make things better.

68. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

This one tells you that if there are signs of a problem or suspicion, there’s usually some truth behind it. Rumors or indications often point to a real issue.

69. You can’t always get what you want.

This one says that life doesn’t always go the way you hope or plan, and you won’t always achieve or receive everything you desire.

70. God helps those who help themselves.

This proverb means that you should take initiative and make an effort rather than waiting for divine intervention or others to fix your problems.

Keep Learning English!

Now you know 70 commonly used proverbs in English! You can start making your conversations more interesting and start speaking fluently. I hope these proverbs in English help you improve your English as much as it did me!

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