Importance of Proverbs with Meaning and Usage

Proverbs are wise sayings that give advice about life. They are the gems of wisdom. Proverbs are culturally specific, yet their meaning has the universality; everyone can relate to them in some way and on some level. There is a proverb for almost any situation. We may sometimes not understand a big lecture but we understand a small proverb very easily because the truth they speak can span the globe. They can also give a greater potency to what is being conveyed. For example, in trying to explain the consequences of evil deeds, the proverb " As you sow, so shall you reap." teaches the lesson- "You can’t escape the consequences of your actions."

If you really want to take your English to a higher level, or you want to speak English like a native speaker, it is important to learn as many proverbs as possible. If you are preparing for an exam like the TOEFL or the IELTS, it would definitely be worthwhile to learn and practice all the proverbs listed below.

(Here is the complete list of proverbs)

Proverbs

1. A bad man is better than a bad name.

Meaning: A bad name spreads very fast and reaches everywhere before a bad

man even reaches there

2. A bad workman quarrels with his tools.

Meaning: Blaming tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.

3. A bird in hand in worth two in the bush.

Meaning : It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by

searching for something better.

4. A burnt child dreads the fire.

Meaning: A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.

5. A drop in the ocean.

Meaning: a very small amount compared to the amount needed

6. A drowning man catches at a straw.

Meaning: someone who is in a very difficult situation, and who will take any available opportunity to improve it.

7. A figure among ciphers.

Meaning: In the kingdom of the blind the one-eyed man is king

8. A guilty conscience is always suspicious.

Meaning: the guilty feel bad about what they've done,and are suspicious of others doing the same thing to them

9. A hard nut to crack.

Meaning: a problem that is very difficult to solve or a person who is very difficult to understand

10. A honey tongue, a heart of gall.

Meaning: Someone who speaks very sweetly, but who has a heart which is very bitter!

(Here is the complete list of proverbs)

11. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Meaning: A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking that they are more expert than they really are.

12. A nine day's wonder.

Meaning: something that people talk about a lot but only for a short time

13. A rotten apple injures its companions.

Meaning: A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a group.

14. A stich in time saves nine.

Meaning: If you deal with a problem at an early stage you will save time and prevent it from getting worse.

15. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

Meaning: a person or thing that appears friendly or harmless but is really hostile.

16. All's well that ends well.

Meaning: There is a solution to everything even if there are doubts.

17. An empty vessel sounds much.

Meaning: The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or noisy.

18. As the king, so are the subjects.

Meaning: the quality of the people in a family or a team depends a lot the quality head of the family/ captain of the team.

19. As you sow, so shall you reap.

Meaning: You have to accept the consequences of your actions.

20. Avarice is the root of all evils.

Meaning: Greediness is the cause of all evils.

(Here is the complete list of proverbs)