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 beginning with W
walk before you can run (don’t run before you can walk)
meaning – don’t try to do something difficult before you’ve mastered the basics
example – Get a small car to begin with, then you can get something bigger. Don’t run before you can walk.
walls have ears
meaning – be careful what you say as someone may be listening
waste not want not
meaning – use resources carefully, don’t waste them
what goes around comes around
meaning – if you treat people badly, you will be treated badly at some point
what goes up must come down
meaning – good things don’t last forever
what’s good for the goose is good for the gander
meaning – if something is acceptable for one person, it should be for everyone
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
meaning – behave in the same way as people around you do (especially in a foreign country)
when the going gets tough, the tough gets going
meaning – strong people don’t give up when they encounter difficulties
where there’s a will, there’s a way
meaning – if you really want something, you will find a way to achieve it
where there’s smoke, there’s fire
meaning – signs of trouble mean there probably is trouble
while the cat is away, the mice will play
meaning – when the boss is away, the lower ranks will misbehave
Proverbs beginning with Y
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
meaning – it’s easier to get what you want by being gentle than by being hostile
you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
meaning – you can give people advice, but they choose whether to accept it or not
you can’t always get what you want
meaning – life is unfair
you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs
meaning – you can’t achieve something without having bad effects
you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
meaning – it’s difficult to make others change their habits
youth is wasted on the young
meaning – young people waste opportunities
