No man is content with his lot
Here 'lot' means 'condition', 'share of worldly reward'. We are none of us satisfied with the way we have to live and the work we have to do.
Proverbs with the word Man
No man is a hero to his valet
A valet is a manservant who attends to his master's person and to his clothes. He knows more about his master than anyone else does, since his... Read more →
No man can serve two masters
A man with two employers cannot be faithful to both. Nor can a man support two conflicting causes. The source is Matthew, vi, 24: 'No man can... Read more →
Manners maketh man
Another version is 'Manners make the man.' A person is often judged by his manners rather than his character, especially on first acquaintance,... Read more →
A man without a smiling face must not open a shop
This comes to us from the Chinese. A shopkeeper who behaves in a surly way is unlikely to attract customers.
Like master, like man
Here 'man' means 'servant' or 'workman'. If the master is a good employer, the man is a good employee – and vice versa. 'Like mistress, like... Read more →
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 a calm sea every man is a pilot
We are all ready to do the other fellow's job – or offer advice – when there is no risk attached, but we are not so eager to volunteer when... Read more →
If two men ride on a horse, one must ride behind
There cannot be two leaders in any enterprise. The man riding behind must leave it to the man in front to guide the horse. Similarly, on a... Read more →
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.