List of common proverbs WITH PICTURES | V – Z

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 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