All cats love fish but hate to get their paws wet
Everyone wants success but many lack the self-discipline to become successful. They might hope in luck, but fortune favours the bold.
Proverbs starting with letter A
What one loses on the swings one makes up on the roundabouts
The proprietor of a fair ground does not mind running his swings at a loss if his roundabouts bring him in a handsome profit. He can afford to provide swings for the few people who enjoy them and who... Read more →
Avoid a questioner, for he is also a tattler
A person who asks a lot of questions will waste no time in passing your answers on to other people, however confidential they may be.
Ask no questions and be told no lies
This is often the reply of parents to children who ask too many awkward questions. It means that if you ask many questions about things you cannot grasp at the age you are or it is hard for the... Read more →
As you sow, so shall you reap
You will be punished or rewarded according to whether you have lad a virtuous or a sinful life. The source of the proverb is Galatians, v, 7: 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also... Read more →
As you make your bed, so you must lie in it
Should you make your bad badly, you will probably have an uncomfortable night, for which you will have only yourself to blame. In much the same way, all of us are responsible for the consequences of... Read more →
As well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
In olden times a person found guilty of sheep-stealing was sentenced to death because stealing a lamb was as great a crime as stealing a sheep and the penalty was the same, the thief might just as... Read more →
Art is long, life is short
This proverb is frequently misunderstood. It does not mean: 'Human life is short, but art goes on forever.' Its real meaning is: 'There is so much art to learn and so little time to learn it in.' Art... Read more →
The apples on the other side of the wall are the sweetest
Our neighbour's apples may be no longer and riper than our own, but always appear to be so. Even on our own tree the best apples seem to be high up and out of our reach. And this doesn’t apply... Read more →
Appearances are deceptive
Do not judge a thing by its appearance. As another proverb reminds us, All that glitters is not gold. Why did you believe him? Why he said he wasn’t married? Asked Mary. Because, replied Pamela,... Read more →
