🎙Let's Learn English With OMAR🗝(05)

Proverbs are traditional sayings that are particular to a certain country. They are short, wise sayings that usually offer some kind of advice, or capture an idea found in life. Native English speakers frequently use proverbs in their conversations, and they often do this without even realizing it. Proverbs sometimes reveal more about the culture of a country than any textbook can. The values of the population are reflected in its proverbs. Proverbs are also a critical part of engaging fluently with people of a particular culture. Ask any English tutor from the UK what some common English proverbs are, and they are sure to be different from those of an English tutor from the USA. That’s why we put together this guide of the 30 most popular proverbs in English, so you can know them when you see them (and maybe dish a few of your own).

1. A bad workman always blames his tools. This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly. Example: X: The food isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

2. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Certainty of having something in hand is better than mere probability of having even more things. Example: X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

3. Absence makes heart grow fonder. When we’re away from loved ones, we long for their company more than in normal times. Example: When I was with him, he always fought with me, but now he cries for me on phone. I think distance made his heart grow fonder.

4. A cat has nine lives. Cat can survive seemingly fatal events. Example: I haven’t seen him in months, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.

5. Action speaks louder than words. Action is a better reflection of one’s character than words because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through. Example: The interviewee had an impressive resume, but he struggled to perform the task given during the interview. Actions speak louder than words, don’t they?

6. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect. A rare, precious opportunity that comes with some problems is better than a regular opportunity that seems to be perfect. Example: I would advise you to work in a market that is growing fast than in a mature market. The former has its own problems, but that’s where you grow fast in your career. A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.

7. A drowning man will clutch a straw. When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to come out of it. Example: After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his baldness. A drowning man will clutch a straw.

8. A fool and his money are soon parted. Fools lose money because of their foolish conduct. Example: He shared his credit card details on a phishing call and lost more than $10,000. A fool and his money are indeed parted sooner or later.

9. After victory, tighten your helmet chord. There is no room for complacency. Get down to work after a victory. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, calls it Day 0 mentality. Example: Our Company has won a major deal worth $600 M, but we can’t relax as many more deals are up for grabs, with the competition gnawing at our heels. After the victory, it’s time to tighten our helmet chord.

10. A good listener is a silent flatterer. Human beings have an innate desire to be listened, but only few are good listeners. So, if you listen to someone attentively, you’ll flatter them. Example: One of the reasons I could build such a network of friends is my ability to listen (more than speak) to people. A good listener is a silent flatterer, after all.

11. A goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw. Foul, inconsiderate words can cause more pain than a physical attack. Example: Even when you’re angry, convey your point politely because a goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

12. A happy heart is better than a full purse. What’s the use of money if you’re unhappy despite loads of it? Happiness is better than plenty. A 2010 study at Princeton University points that happiness increases with money but only till basic needs are met. After that, money matters much less. Example: My cousin is a multi-millionaire, but he is super-busy and stressed, with little time to spend time with his family. I guess a happy heart is better than a full purse.

13. A jack of all trades is master of none. A person with some knowledge of several fields (jack of all trades) can’t be a master in any of them. Example: You’ve hopped from marketing to sales to business development in your organization. That’s too many. A Jack of all trades is master of none.

14. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step. Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step. Example: I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

15. A lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit. In disputes, it’s better to compromise and get only part of the potential outcome than to contest an expensive lawsuit for years, with no guarantee on the outcome.