Simple proverbs for students

A proverb is a short, generally known sentence of the folk which contains wisdom, truth, morals, and traditional views in a metaphorical, fixed and memorizable form and which is handed down from generation to generation.

-Mieder 1985:119; also in Mieder 1993:24

A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical.

As complicated as it sounds, it is good to introduce the pupils to proverbs at the stage of learning English. It helps them to be more familiar with the language and at the same time improving their language ability.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

(Being away from someone makes you like them more)

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

(It is better to accept something that you have than to hope to get two things which you may not get)

Actions speak louder than words

(Saying something is not as important as doing it)

A friend in need is a friend indeed

(Someone who helps you when you are in need is a true friend)

A bad workman always blames his tools.

(Someone unskilled or who does his job badly blames his tools instead of himself

A Penny saved is a penny gained

Even if you save only a little, you will slowly have more money.

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Stupid people lose their money easily.

Beggars can’s be choosers

Those who have no money or power have no choice but to take whatever is offered

Better half a loaf than no bread. / Half a loaf is better than no bread.

It is better to have something than nothing at all.