Full of courtesy, full of craft
Beware of a man who is too extravagantly polite, for he is probably trying to cheat you.
Proverbs starting with letter F
From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step
This is an English translation of Napoleon’s famous remark after the retreat from Moscow in 1812 .We use it when anyone in an important... Read more →
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Your real friends are those who remain your friends when you are really in need of help.
Fortune knocks at least once at every man’s gate
Opportunity comes to everyone at least once, and when it does come we should seize it, for Opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Fortune favours the bold
The successful people in life are those who have the courage to try. The lesson the proverb can be given in three words: 'Have a go!'
Forgive and forget
Generally when someone forgives another person for a mistake they have suffered, they don't forget what has happened. They are cautious in case... Read more →
Forewarned is forearmed
If we are warned beforehand that something is going to happen we are able to take all necessary steps in advance. 'A little bird has told me,'... Read more →
A forced kindness deserves no thanks
No doubt the doer of the kindness is thanked, but he does not deserve to be if he has done it against his will – or to further his own ends.
Forbidden fruit is sweetest
If we are told that we must not have a thing, we want it more than ever. And if we are told not to do a thing, we feel impelled to do it. A... Read more →
For want of a nail…
For a want of a nail the shoe is lost,for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost. This proverb which stresses... Read more →