Words of Wisdom: 14 English Proverbs for Better Living
We’ve already written a few articles on quotes. Some have been from famous people, while others are from books or movies.
In addition to popular quotes, however, there are also "proverbs," which are short, well-known phrases that give advice or share wisdom about life. We often don't know who originally wrote or said these lines. Even so, people still remember them in important moments when they want to make good decisions.
This article will introduce 14 proverbs commonly quoted by English speakers. You may be able to understand the meaning of some immediately. Others may require reading the explanation first! But if you learn to use these properly, you will sound more fluent and you will have gained some timeless advice!
“Necessity is the mother of invention”
Meaning: Having a need for something is what inspires creativity and new development.
"Necessity" is the noun form of "necessary."
A
This process is so slow and inefficient!
B
Well, necessity is the mother of invention. What can we design to improve it?
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Meaning: Eat healthy foods to have a healthy body.
- It's important to have a proper diet. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, as they say.
“Haste makes waste”
Meaning: If you work quickly, you are more likely to make mistakes.
- Haste makes waste, so slow down and do it properly, please.
"Haste" means speed. The adjective version, "hasty," is commonly used in expressions like "Don't be hasty," which cautions people not act too quickly or without thinking carefully.
“All that glitters isn’t gold”
Meaning: Just because something looks nice doesn't mean it actually is.
Real value is more than just appearance, so we must examine things closely to learn if it is truly good.
- I should have known this deal was too good to be true. All that glitters isn't gold.
“Variety is the spice of life”
Meaning: Trying different things is what makes life interesting.
We use salt, pepper and other spices to add more flavor to the food we eat. Similarly, when we have new and different experiences, we add excitement and unpredictability to our everyday lives.
A
I've never gone skydiving before.
B
Neither have I, but variety is the spice of life. Let's try it!
“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”
Meaning: If you are given a gift, accept it with thanks, not criticism.
This proverb is a reference to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. Rather than being critical about gifts we are given, we should simply accept them with appreciation.
- The sweater they gave me doesn't fit, but I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth.
“Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration.”
Meaning: Great ideas still require hard work.
The origin of this quote is actually known; it comes from American inventor Thomas Edison. The "perspiration" he mentions here is a fancy word for "sweat." In other words, we must be prepared to work to make our ideas succeed.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Meaning: Don't change things that are already working successfully.
Some people always want to try new things and take risks. In some situations, however, it may be best to continue using older strategies that have been reliable in the past.
Technically, "ain't" isn't standard English, although it is commonly used in very informal situations. You can learn more about standard and non-standard English in this article: Standard English: What it is (And Isn't)
A
I'm going to use some different ingredients in this recipe.
B
But the original recipe tastes great already. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
“Hindsight is 20/20”
Meaning: It's easy to clearly see (and understand) events in the past.
Eyesight is measured in two sets of numbers, and "perfect" eyesight is 20/20 (pronounced "twenty-twenty").
"Hindsight," meanwhile, means "looking behind or into the past."
It's often difficult to fully understand situations we are currently experiencing, but it's much easier when we look back after they are finished. People often say this proverb to encourage someone who may be sad about decisions they made in the past.
A
That was such a dumb mistake I made. What was I thinking?
B
Don't worry about it. Hindsight is 20/20.
“A problem shared is a problem halved”
Meaning: Talking with others can help us to get through difficulties.
Trying to handle problems alone can be difficult and depressing. But if you talk about problems with friends, you can get support and encouragement to help you overcome them.
This is where the "halved" part of the proverb comes from; if you share your problem with someone, you only have to carry half of it instead of all of it.
- If you need help, let me know. A problem shared is a problem halved.
Related article: How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English
“Laughter is the best medicine”
Meaning: Laughing can make you feel better!
No matter what kinds of problems we may experience, laughing can always help to lighten our mood and increase our joy.
- I'm taking you to a comedy club tonight to cheer you up. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.
“Honesty is the best policy”
Meaning: Telling the truth is always the right thing to do.
In many cases, telling lies to fix a situation will only make the things worse. This proverb tells us that even if it is difficult, being honest is the simplest and most effective way to deal with problems.
- We believe that honesty is the best policy, so we will always be direct and truthful with our customers.
“Beggars can’t be choosers.”
Meaning: If you beg for something, you cannot choose what you receive.
It usually requires money or other resources to get exactly what you want — imagine ordering a custom suit, or choosing a fancy hotel for a nice vacation, for example.
However, those who beg for things must simply accept whatever they get; they cannot demand something different.
- I was able to get a ticket to the sold-out concert, but it's far from the stage. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. I'm just excited to go!
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Meaning: Everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful.
"Behold" is a very old-fashioned way to say "look."
Because everyone has a unique perspective and unique tastes, we cannot all agree on what is beautiful. Instead, what is beautiful to one person may not be beautiful to another, and vice versa.
Wrap-up
This list is only a small sample of the many famous proverbs English speakers often quote. These proverbs relate to all types of situations, both positive and negative, and remind us of simple truths that apply to everyone.
You may have similar sayings in your native language, but learning them in English will bring you even closer to fluency, so study them well!
