proverb meaning

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 M, N and O

Flick through this page to learn some common proverbs beginning with M, N and O.

 

I’ve included pictures to help you understand the meaning.

Proverbs beginning with M

proverbs - make hay while the sun shines
English proverbs list - make one’s bed and lie in it
English proverbs list - man cannot live on bread alone
proverbs - many a true word is spoken in jest
proverb about work - many hands make light work
English proverbs list - misery loves company
proverbs - money doesn’t grow on trees
proverbs - money is the root of all evil
proverbs - money talks
English proverbs list - more haste less speed
  • make hay while the sun shines – make the most of an opportunity while you have the chance
  • make one’s bed and lie in it – face the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions
  • man cannot live on bread alone – food is not enough, people need spirituality, art, music etc.
  • many a true word is spoken in jest – even though a person may be joking, there`s still some truth in
  • many hands make light work – large tasks become easy if many people help
  • misery loves company – unhappy people like it when others are unhappy too
  • money doesn’t grow on trees – don’t waste money, it’s not unlimited
  • money is the root of all evil – people do evil things to get money
  • money talks – money = power and influence
  • more haste, less speed – if you work too quickly you will end up taking more time in the end

Proverbs beginning with N

proverbs - necessity is the mother of invention
proverbs - never judge a book by its cover
English proverbs list - no man is an island
proverbs - no news is good news
English proverbs list - no pain, no gain
proverbs - nothing ventured, nothing gained
  • necessity is the mother of invention – when people really need something, they will think of ways to achieve it
  • never judge a book by its cover – don’t base your opinion on appearance
  • no man is an island – no one can live completely alone; we need the support/company of others
  • no news is good news – if you hear no information, you assume everything is ok
  • no pain, no gain – if you don’t have to work for it, it won’t be worth it
  • nothing ventured, nothing gained – if you want to achieve something, you have to take risks

Proverbs beginning with O

English proverbs list - old habits die hard
English proverbs list - once bitten, twice shy
proverbs - one good turn deserves another
English proverbs list - one mans junk
proverbs - opposites attract
English proverbs list - out of sight, out of mind
proverbs - only fools and horses work
proverbs - opportunity never knocks twice at a man’s door
  • once bitten, twice shy – if you’ve been hurt or had a bad experience you will avoid it the next time
  • one good turn deserves another – if someone does something nice for you, you should do something nice for them
  • one man’s junk is another man’s treasure – everyone has different ideas about what is precious
  • only fools and horses work – intelligent people will look for an easy way to earn money
  • opportunity never knocks twice at a man’s door – take advantage of an opportunity when it arises
  • opposites attract – people who are very different are often attracted to each other
  • out of sight, out of mind – if you can’t see it, it’s not happening