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 →
Proverbs starting with letter A
As the twig is bent, so shall the tree grow
The proverb means that early influences have a permanent effect on a person. As they grow up, they will act the way they where taught to act as... 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 →
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.
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... 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... Read more →
As you sow, so shall you reap
You will be punished or rewarded according to whether you have led a virtuous or a sinful life. The source of the proverb is Galatians, v, 7:... 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... 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... Read more →