By definition, Proverbs are short witty or wise sayings. Proverbs are very important not only in passing WAEC/NECO and other relevant examinations but equip you generally in our daily spoken and written English.
Below are some common proverbs and their meanings:
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Meaning possession is better than expectation.
- A tree does not make a forest. Meaning it takes all sorts to make a world or more heads are better than one.
- A stitch in time saves nine – To do the right thing at the right time.
- Jack of all trades and master of none. One who does may different bobs can never be expert at any.
- A rolling stone gathers no moss. One who shifts from place to place never succeeds.
- A hungry man is an angry man. Meaning empty stomach has no ears or is aggressive.
- A living dog is better than a dead lion. Meaning a living citizen is more useful than a dead hero.
- Penny wise, pound foolish. Meaning a penny spared is twice gained.
- A friend in need is a friend indeed. Meaning a true friend helps in time of need.
- All roads lead to Rome. Meaning all people go to the scene of the action.
- All that glitters is not gold. Meaning outward appearances are in most cases deceptive.
- . Action speaks louder than words. Meaning a man is judged by his actions and not by his promises.
- Any time. Means no time
- Blood is thicker than water. Family relationships are the strongest ones.
- To call a spade a spade. Means speak plainly.
- Delays are dangerous. Meaning be quick.
- Better late than never. Meaning lateness is better than complete absence or better than to be late for ever.
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Meaning good diet keeps one healthy.
- All is well that ends well. Meaning well is he that does well.
- Birds of the same feather flock together. Meaning people of the same character move together.
- Half bread is better than none. A small quantity is better than nothing.
- Cut your coat according to your cloth. Means do not spend beyond your income.
- Do not lay eggs in one basket. Do not risk al that you have in one venture.
- As you make your bed, so you lie on it. Meaning one must accept the results of one’s own actions.
- All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Meaning work without exercises is useless.
- Don’t count your chicken before they are hatched. Meaning don’t lay all your hope in a yet realizable venture.
- Evil weeds grow apace. That bad news spread fast.
- Faint heart never won fair lady. Meaning fortune favours only the brave.
- First come, first served. Simply means promptness is rewarding.
- Forbidden fruit tastes sweetest. Meaning forbidden pleasures attracts or entice.
- Every Jack has his Jill. Meaning every man finds a mate.
- Fortune knocks once at every man’s door. Meaning an opportunity once lost can never be regained.
- Great minds think alike. Fools seldom differ.
- Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Meaning do not do something bad against others, as it will surely come back to you.
- Honesty is the best policy. An honest man is an ideal man.
- If wishes were horses, beggars might ride. Meaning if things could be gotten merely by wishful thinking, poor people will soon be rich.
- Ill-gotten goods never prosper. Meaning that anything gained by dishonesty never lasts.
- Hunger is the best sauce. This means hunger enjoys even poor food.
- Ill news travels fast. Meaning news has wings with which it flies fast.
- He who laughs the piper calls the tune. Meaning have the control of what you pay for.
- Good wine needs no bush. Meaning the merits of good things easily show themselves.
- Fore-warned is fore-armed. Meaning he that is warned is half armed.
- God’s will grinds slow but sure. Meaning God’s punishment will reach every sinner however long it may be.
- Habbit is second nature. Meaning bad habit is difficult to break.
- Kindness begets kindness. Meaning a good turn deserves another.
- Knowledge is power. Knowledge makes a man wise and intelligent.
- Look before you leap. Means think well before you do anything.
- Make hay while the sun shines. Use every opportunity.
- Man proposes, God disposes. Meaning man makes plans but God carries them out as He wishes.
- Manners make a man. Meaning good morals make a good man.
In summary, proverbs are wise sayings, meant to equip any individual to tackle any relevant examination or groom such person generally for good spoken and written English language. We must know them.