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 W and Y
Flick through this page to learn some common proverbs beginning with W and Y.
I’ve included pictures to help you understand the meaning.
Proverbs beginning with W
- walk before you can run (don’t run before you can walk) – don’t try to do something difficult before you’ve mastered the basics
- walls have ears – be careful what you say as someone may be listening
- waste not want no -use resources carefully, don’t waste them
- what goes around comes around – if you treat people badly, you will be treated badly at some point
- what goes up must come down – good things don’t last forever
- what’s good for the goose is good for the gander – if something is acceptable for one person, it should be for everyone
- when in Rome, do as the Romans do – behave in the same way as people around you do (especially in a foreign country)
- when the going gets tough, the tough gets going – strong people don’t give up when they encounter difficulties
- where there’s a will, there’s a way – if you really want something, you will find a way to achieve it
- where there’s smoke, there’s fire – signs of trouble mean there probably is trouble
- while the cat is away, the mice will play – when the boss is away, the lower ranks will misbehave
Proverbs beginning with Y
- you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar – 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 – you can give people advice, but they choose whether to accept it or not
- you can’t always get what you want – life is unfair
- you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs – you can’t achieve something without having bad effects
- you can’t teach an old dog new tricks – it’s difficult to make others change their habits
- youth is wasted on the young – young people waste opportunities
