English proverbs

Have you ever heard of proverbs? Proverbs are a collection of wise expressions or sayings which generally exist in every language. 

Instead of saying a full sentence to someone, we often just say a proverb and they are able then to understand what we mean. Proverbs are used to offer advice or warnings and do not seem to make much sense until learnt properly.

Let’s check out some common proverbs in English so you can memorise them and use them in everyday speech!

1- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

This generally means that you should act the way the people around you are acting or do what they are doing, for example, when you are on holiday in a different country. 

- I really don’t like Indian food. What am I going to do when we actually go to India?

- When in Rome, do as the Romans do. You are flying all that way so you should at least try it!

2- “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

When someone has done something wrong to you, trying to get back at them will make things worse. 

- I’m really upset about Jane borrowing my phone and dropping it! I’m going to do the same to hers.

- You know two wrongs don’t make a right. She didn’t do it on purpose. I’m sure she is sorry. 

3- “Better late than never.”

This proverb is used to suggest that even if something is late being done, it’s better than not doing it at all.

- Joseph has just called. He is going to be late again. Can you believe it?

- Oh well, better late than never. At least he is still coming!

4- “Birds of a feather flock together.”

People who have the same interests or people who enjoy similar things normally spend time together.

- All the art students at school never socialise with different people; they just sit and have lunch together without talking to anyone else!

- That’s natural, Mike. Birds of a feather flock together. They probably have a lot more in common than with the other students. 

5- “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

The meaning of this proverb is that you can’t be unhappy with what you are given. You need to accept whatever you are given. 

- I really wanted a bigger bike for my birthday!

- Beggars can’t be choosers, Eric. This small one is all we could afford!

Well, We hope you enjoyed those proverbs. Try using them in everyday speech and eventually they will come easily to you. Keep on learning! Join Aulaglobal!