Proverbs starting with letter M

Men leap over where the hedge is lowest

It is natural in human beings to take the easiest course. There is no sense in doing things the hard way, in making difficulties for oneself.

Men are not to be measured in inches

The greatness of a man does not depend on his physical stature. Napoleon Bonaparte, for example, was barely five feet inches in height.

Men are known by the company they keep

This is similar to Birds of a feather flock together. Benjamin Hapgood Burt, the American lyricst, wrote the following delightful jingle: One... Read more →

Men are blind in their own cause

They are so convinced that they are in the right that they can never see things from the other person's point of view. If, for example, you are... Read more →

May God defend me from my friends; I can defend myself from my enemies

A tactless or blundering friend can often cause more mischief than an enemy.

Marry in haste, and repent at leisure

You will have plenty of time to regret that you were in too much of hurry to get married, for Marriage is a lottery and Wedlock is a padlock.

Marriages are made in heaven

It is a matter of chance who marries whom. A dangerous proverb, for if you leave marriage entirely to chance (made in heaven) instead of... Read more →

Marriage is a lottery

It all depends on the luck of the draw. One can never tell beforehand what sort of partner one's wife or husband is going to turn out to be.

Many would be cowards if they had courage enough

The fact that they would be accused of cowardice if they showed signs of it in a dangerous emergency is enough to make most people act bravely,... Read more →

Many kiss the hand they wish to cut off

Don't be deceived by mere politeness, as people are often polite to those they intend to harm. Chaucer refers to 'the smiler with the knife... Read more →