Life Proverbs

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... Read more →

Excusatio non petita accusatio manifesta

The word-for-word translation is: An excuse that has not been sought [is] an obvious accusation. It's English equivalent is: 'He who excuses... Read more →

Qui s’excuse, s’accuse

This French proverb that means the same as: He who excuses himself accuses himself. In other words, the more excuses you make for yourself, the... Read more →

A problem shared is a problem halved

Here 'shared' means to tell your problem to someone else. The process of verbally sharing what is bothering you gives you a sense of... Read more →

Like mother, like daughter

Many daughters, take after their mothers, not only in looks but also in character. Sometimes the inherited characteristics are not good... Read more →

The apple never falls far from the tree

The descendants are usually very much like the ancestors. Children grow up to be similar to their parents and people who know the parents will... Read more →

Better to be a live dog than a dead lion

The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Thus, it is better to be a live coward... Read more →

Better safe than sorry

It is preferable to be cautious in your choices and actions than to suffer afterwards. The proverb teaches prudence and planning, and should not... Read more →

Keep a thing seven years and you will find a use for it

If you keep a seemingly useless thing for a long enough time, you will probably have some occasion to use it during that time. The proverb does... Read more →

While there is life there is hope

The outlook may be grim and the future dark, yet while we still have life within us there is always the possibility that he situation will... Read more →