proverbs

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that the things other people have or their situations always look better than your own,
even when they are not really so.

It is often shortened to "The grass is greener on the other side," or even 'The grass is greener."

Example:

Don't compare your talents with others. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Just do your best.

You might think you'd be happy if you were working in my company, but, well, the grass is greener on the other side.

Home is where the heart is.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say if you are with the person or at the place you love most, it becomes your true home.

Example:

Don't worry about where you're going to live next year. Home is where the heart is.

It's no use crying over spilled (spilt) milk.
There's no use crying over spilled (spilt) milk.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you shouldn't worry about something that has already happened.
It is no use being angry over or upset about something that has already happened and/or you cannot change.

Example:

I failed the exam, but it's no use crying over spilled milk. I'll try it again.

You've broken the vase now! There's no use crying over spilt milk. We will buy a new one.

A kite rises against the wind.

Meaning:

A person grows when he/she faces opposition and conquers it.

People say this: Don't be afraid of opposition; remember a kite rises against, not with the wind.

Example:

Don't worry about opposition from those groups. You are doing the right thing. A kite rises against the wind.

Opposites attract.

Meaning:

People use this proverb to say people tend to be attracted to those who are not like them. People feel those who have different talents, personality, appearance, etc. are attractive to them.

This proverb expresses the idea opposite to the idea of "Birds of a feather flock together."

Example:

A: It looks your mom and dad don't have anything in common. Your mom is plump and outgoing, but your dad is skinny and shy, and loves being alone. He likes math and philosophy, but she likes music and sports.
B: I know that, but they love each other and get along very well. Some people say, "Birds of a feather flock together," but others say, "Opposites attract." That's their case.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that it is much easier to do something to prevent a problem than to deal with it after it has happened.

This proverb expresses a similar idea to that of A stitch in time saves nine.

Example:

I strongly recommend backing up your data at least once a day. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

This vaccine costs $25, but it would cost you at least $1500 if you caught the disease and had to be treated in a hospital. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Procrastination is the thief of time.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you are wasting your time if you keep delaying something that must be done instead of doing it today.. Edward Young (1683–1765), a British poet, was the first one who said this.

If someone says, "Procrastination is the thief of time," he/she advises you not to procrastinate (put off doing something that you must do) and use your precious time wisely.

Example:

Don't put off the things you must do today. Procrastination is the thief of time

Safety lies in the middle course.

Meaning:

This proverb teaches us that it is best to act in a way between two opposite (especially extreme) ones to solve a problem or to deal with something.

If you say "Safety lies in the middle course," you mean it is safe to act or do something in a moderate way.


Example:

I think those two parties need to take more time to negotiate. We cannot accept either of their proposals. One is extremely conservative, and the other is extremely radical. Safety lies in the middle course

A stitch in time saves nine.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that it is better to spend a little time to deal with problems or act right now than wait. If you wait until late, things will get worse, and it will take much longer to deal with them.

It is often shortened to "A stitch in time." This proverb expresses a similar idea to that of An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Example:

I advise fixing the leak now. If not, you might need to replace the whole engine later. Fixing the leak costs $50, but you need to pay at least $1,000 to replace the engine. A stitch in time, you know.

If you have an idea for your final research paper, start writing today. Don't wait until the end of the semester. A stitch in time saves nine.

Variety is the spice of life.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that if you do a lot of different things and meet different people, etc., your life becomes more interesting.

Having and experiencing a lot of different things is what makes your life interesting.

Example:

Variety is the spice of life, and there's a lot of it at the English Language Center . You can meet people from many different countries, and there are a lot of activities you can participate in

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

Meaning:

You can give someone the opportunity to learn or to do something, but you can never force him to accept that opportunity.

This proverb is often shortened to you can lead a horse to water. . . .

Example:

Hannah and Jack are married and have a twelve year old daughter named Nicole. Hannah is trying to help Nicole with her English homework. Nicole doesn't care about school. She just wants to go play soccer with her friends. Hannah becomes angry and finally lets Nicole go.

"Nicole just doesn't understand how important school is. She just wants to play," Hannah tells Jack.

"She'll understand someday. But right now, you have to remember that you can lead a horse to water, but you can make it drink. When she wants to do better, she will ask for your help. You can't force her to learn."

"I guess you're right, but I don't like it."

You can't judge a book by its cover.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you can't tell what something/someone is really like just by looking at it. It might be different from what it looks.

If someone says, "You can't judge a book by its cover," he/she advises you not to judge someone or something only by its appearance.

People also say, "You can't tell a book by its cover."

Example:

A: I want to buy this car. It looks great.
B: Have a test drive with someone who knows cars well before you decide. You can't judge a book by its cover.

I know you want to think he's honest and trust him, but be careful. You can't tell a book by its cover.