A proverb is a short saying/phrase about life that comes from way back in ancient times. They are usually based on some sort of truth with the purpose giving advice or imparting wisdom.
Whether you’re having a casual chat with friends or in a business meeting, you will probably hear proverbs being quoted.
proverbs list A, B and C
Flick through this page to learn some common proverbs beginning with A, B and C.
I’ve included pictures to help you understand the meaning.
Proverbs beginning with A
- a bad penny always turns up – an unwelcome person always returns/reappears
- a bad workman blames his tools – if a person does a bad job, they will blame the equipment rather than take responsibility.
- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – be happy with what you have rather than risking it to try and find something better
- a broken clock is right twice a day – people who are usually wrong are occasionally right by luck
- a chain is only as strong as its weakest link – if one member of a team underperforms, the whole team fail
- a change is as good as a rest – a change of job can be as refreshing as relaxation
- a fool and his money are soon parted – it is easy to get money from a stupid person
- a friend in need is a friend indeed – a true friend helps you when you need it most
- a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – even the most difficult tasks have a starting point
- a leopard never changes its spots – people don’t change
- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing – a small amount of knowledge can make people falsely believe they are experts
- a miss is as good as a mile – If you lose, you didn’t win, there`s no ‘almost’`’.
- a penny saved is a penny earned – saving money is like making money
- a person is known by the company he keeps – if you hang around with the wrong people, others will associate you with them
- a picture speaks a thousand words – a picture can convey a meaning much better than any written language
- a problem shared is a problem halved – a problem is easier to deal with when you ask for help/talk about it
- a rolling stone gathers no moss – if you keep moving, you won’t get bored
- a stitch in time saves nine – correct a mistake immediately to save time later
- a woman’s work is never done – women are always busy
- absence makes the heart grow fonder – being away from someone you love makes you appreciate them more.
- actions speak louder than words – words don’t mean anything, doing something is more meaningful
- all good things must come to an end – nothing lasts forever
- all publicity is good publicity – it’s better to be talked about than forgotten about.
- all roads lead to Rome – there are many ways to reach a goal
- all that glitters is not gold – things that look attractive often aren’t as valuable as they seem
- all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy – if you work too much, you become bored and boring
- all’s fair in love and war – there are no rules in love or war.
- always put your best foot forward – try as hard as you can and make a good impression
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away – eating an apple a day will keep you healthy
- an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth – the punishment should suit the crime
- as thick as thieves – two or more people are very close and secretive
- ask no questions, hear no lies – don’t ask questions about a particular topic as the response will be a lie
Proverbs beginning with B
- barking dogs seldom bite – people who appear aggressive are often harmless
- be careful what you wish for – don’t wish for something if you don’t really mean it
- beauty is in the eye of the beholder – what one person finds ugly or disgusting, another may love
- beauty is only skin deep – it`s what is inside that really matters, not the outer shell
- beggars can’t be choosers – accept what is given to you and don’t complain, especially if you are in need
- better late than never – it’s better to do something after it’s supposed to be done than not to do it at all
- better safe than sorry – it’s better to prevent the problem than to deal with the consequences
- better the devil you know than the devil you don’t – It’s better to deal with someone you know (even if you don’t like them) rather than someone you don’t
- better to be poor and healthy rather than rich and sick – health is more important than money
- beware of strangers bearing gifts – don’t trust enemies who suddenly start being kind to you
- birds of a feather flock together – people are friends with like-minded people
- blood is thicker than water – family before friends
Proverbs beginning with C
- call a spade a spade – talk about something truthfully even if it’s not polite
- charity begins at home – you should take care of your family first before other people
- cheaters never win and winners never cheat – real talent wins in the end
- cheats never prosper – people who cheat will never find true success
- cleanliness is next to godliness – being clean is a sign or purity, self-control and intellect
- clothes don’t make the man – don’t judge a person based on their appearance
- cold hands, warm heart – describes someone who doesn’t always show their feelings but is kind and thoughtful
- cowards die many times before their deaths – brave people only feel fear when they are about to die
- crime doesn’t pay – criminals will be caught and punished eventually
- curiosity killed the cat – being inquisitive can get you into trouble