It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good
When all ocean-going ships depended upon the wind to blow them along, a wind favourable to a vessel travelling east was unfavourable to one... Read more →
It is a sad house where the hen crows louder than the cock
No home is happy in which the husband is such weakling that it is his wife who gives all the orders.
It is a sad heart that never rejoices
Sometimes 'poor' is used instead of 'sad'. Even the most confirmed of pessimists can't be miserable all the time. We can't look for ever on the... Read more →
It’s a long lane that has no turning
Bad times don't go on for ever. Sooner or later things will improve.
It is a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his confessor
Never confide in anyone unless you are sure that he will respect your confidence and will not turn to his own advantage what you have said to... Read more →
It is a foolish bird that soils its own nest
Just as a bird doesn't dirty its own nest, so human beings shouldn't do anything to harm what is close to them. In other words, don't commit... Read more →
In wine there is truth
A sober man keeps a guard on his tongue, holding back anything he wishes to hide. Strong drink unseals his lips and he tells everything. Hence a... Read more →
In vino veritas
This is the original Latin version of the proverb In wine there is truth.
In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
If a man shows greater ability than those around him he has a decided advantage, even though his talents are not really out-standing.... Read more →
In peace prepare for war
Another version of If you want peace, prepare for war.