Velma's Proverbs
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
It is risky to sacrifice one thing or accomplishment which has been attained, for the uncertain hope of gaining more.
circa 1200s (Latin -- plus valet in manibus avis unica quam dupla silvis)
A friend in need is a friend indeed
English Proverb
A penny for your thoughts.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
A penny saved is a penny earned.
Scottish Proverb
A son is a son till he gets him a wife, But a daughter's a daughter the rest of your life.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
All is well that ends well.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As mad as a March hare.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As proud as a pea .
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As snug as a bug in a rug
describes someone happy in his/her safe, comfortable, secure situation
smugness cannot be attributed to bugs;
As we live, so we learn.
Yiddish Proverb
Beggars shouldn't be choosers.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Better late than never.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Birds of a feather flock together.
Like-minded people associate together, as do birds of the same species.
circa 1500s (Ecclesiasticus xxvii.9 / 1545 W.Turner)
Blood is thicker than water.
English Proverb (17th Century)
Children should be seen and not heard.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
Clouds gather before a storm.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
Curiosity killed the cat.
Too much curiosity can cause one to abandon caution and encounter unseen danger.
circa 1900s
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
One cannot rely on expectations or assumptions; it is better to only rely on what is certain.
circa 1570 (T.Howell, New Sonnets)
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Don't complain about the quality or newness of a gift.
[ A horse's age can be judged by the condition of it's teeth. ]
circa 400s (St. Jerome, Commentary on Epistle to the Ephesians)
Every cloud has a silver lining.
English Proverb
Every dog has its day.
English Proverb
Haste makes waste.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
He who lies down with dogs, gets up with fleas.
One who associates with people of bad character or habit are likely to pick up bad attitdudes and habits.
circa 1500s
He’s like a wolf in sheep's clothing
He's no spring chicken
describes a woman who is no longer young
(1800s) refers to a chick hatched in the spring of the year
His bark is worse than his bite.*
He sounds very fierce and threatening, but he won't actually do anything to hurt you. mid-1600s (England)
Honesty is the best policy.
English Proverb
I was as proud as a peacock
If a man deceives me once, shame on him; if he deceives me twice, shame on me.
Italian Proverb
It's an ill wind that blows no good.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
It’s like killing two birds with one stone
It’s like water off a duck's back
It's a dog-eat-dog world
It is better to be born a beggar than a fool.
Spanish Proverb
Lend your money and lose your friend.
English Proverb
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Don't stir up trouble when all is calm.
circa 1300s (French -- n'esveillez pas lou chien qui dort)
Like a fish out of water.
Latin Saying
Look before you leap.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Look what the cat dragged in
describes the rough appearance of one coming in from heavy drinking and/or fighting(1800s) refers to some cats' practice of bringing half-eaten carcasses to their owners
Many hands make light work.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.
The weather during the first of March is typically wild and windy, but by the end of March, all is calm.
circa 1600s (England -- J. Fletcher, Wife for a Month)
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Irish Proverb
Never put off till tomorrow what may be done today.
English Proverb
No time like the present.
English Proverb
One good turn deserves another.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Out of the frying pan into the fire.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Practice makes perfect.
English Proverb
Rome was not built in a day.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Strike while the iron is hot.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
The early bird catches the worm.
The one who rises early and is diligent reaps the rewards; the lazy may not find many rewards.
circa 1600s (England)
The darkest hour is that before the dawn.
English Proverb
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
The more the merrier.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Two heads are better than one.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
The straw that broke the camel's back.
When one is close to one's limits (of strength, tolerance, endurance, patience, etc.), an otherwise insignificant thing can surpass these limits and cause disaster.
circa 1600s (England)
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
Don't be discouraged if you don't get the one you want -- others are available.circa 1816 (T.L. Pea ,Headlong Hall)
Went in one ear and out the other.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
People should be treated equally, regardless of their gender.
circa 1670 (J.Ray,Collection of English Proverbs)
When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Those in charge do not see what their "underlings" do in their absence; the powerful know not what goes on behind their backs. Act when the opportunity presents itself.
circa 1300s (French -- ou chat na rat regne -- where there is no cat, the rat is king)
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
One may suggest something to another, but cannot force the other to do what he does not wish to do.
circa 1175 (Old English Homilies)
You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Irish Proverb
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.*
One keeps more habits and tastes acquired during youth than acquired after one is grown. Don't try to change someone who is set in their ways.
* An old dog can learn new tricks, but it is much easier to train a puppy.
circa 1500s (J. Fitztherbert, Husbandry)
You’re barking up the wrong tree
to be mistaken; to go off in the wrong direction
(1800s) racoon hunters train dogs to bark at the tree where a racoon is found
You’ve got to take the bull by the horns
It is risky to sacrifice one thing or accomplishment which has been attained, for the uncertain hope of gaining more.
circa 1200s (Latin -- plus valet in manibus avis unica quam dupla silvis)
A friend in need is a friend indeed
English Proverb
A penny for your thoughts.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
A penny saved is a penny earned.
Scottish Proverb
A son is a son till he gets him a wife, But a daughter's a daughter the rest of your life.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
All is well that ends well.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As mad as a March hare.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As proud as a pea .
Proverb of Unknown Origin
As snug as a bug in a rug
describes someone happy in his/her safe, comfortable, secure situation
smugness cannot be attributed to bugs;
As we live, so we learn.
Yiddish Proverb
Beggars shouldn't be choosers.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Better late than never.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Birds of a feather flock together.
Like-minded people associate together, as do birds of the same species.
circa 1500s (Ecclesiasticus xxvii.9 / 1545 W.Turner)
Blood is thicker than water.
English Proverb (17th Century)
Children should be seen and not heard.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
Clouds gather before a storm.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
Curiosity killed the cat.
Too much curiosity can cause one to abandon caution and encounter unseen danger.
circa 1900s
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
One cannot rely on expectations or assumptions; it is better to only rely on what is certain.
circa 1570 (T.Howell, New Sonnets)
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Don't complain about the quality or newness of a gift.
[ A horse's age can be judged by the condition of it's teeth. ]
circa 400s (St. Jerome, Commentary on Epistle to the Ephesians)
Every cloud has a silver lining.
English Proverb
Every dog has its day.
English Proverb
Haste makes waste.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
He who lies down with dogs, gets up with fleas.
One who associates with people of bad character or habit are likely to pick up bad attitdudes and habits.
circa 1500s
He’s like a wolf in sheep's clothing
He's no spring chicken
describes a woman who is no longer young
(1800s) refers to a chick hatched in the spring of the year
His bark is worse than his bite.*
He sounds very fierce and threatening, but he won't actually do anything to hurt you. mid-1600s (England)
Honesty is the best policy.
English Proverb
I was as proud as a peacock
If a man deceives me once, shame on him; if he deceives me twice, shame on me.
Italian Proverb
It's an ill wind that blows no good.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
It’s like killing two birds with one stone
It’s like water off a duck's back
It's a dog-eat-dog world
It is better to be born a beggar than a fool.
Spanish Proverb
Lend your money and lose your friend.
English Proverb
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Don't stir up trouble when all is calm.
circa 1300s (French -- n'esveillez pas lou chien qui dort)
Like a fish out of water.
Latin Saying
Look before you leap.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Look what the cat dragged in
describes the rough appearance of one coming in from heavy drinking and/or fighting(1800s) refers to some cats' practice of bringing half-eaten carcasses to their owners
Many hands make light work.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.
The weather during the first of March is typically wild and windy, but by the end of March, all is calm.
circa 1600s (England -- J. Fletcher, Wife for a Month)
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Irish Proverb
Never put off till tomorrow what may be done today.
English Proverb
No time like the present.
English Proverb
One good turn deserves another.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Out of the frying pan into the fire.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Practice makes perfect.
English Proverb
Rome was not built in a day.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Strike while the iron is hot.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
The early bird catches the worm.
The one who rises early and is diligent reaps the rewards; the lazy may not find many rewards.
circa 1600s (England)
The darkest hour is that before the dawn.
English Proverb
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Proverb of Unknown Origin
The more the merrier.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
Two heads are better than one.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
The straw that broke the camel's back.
When one is close to one's limits (of strength, tolerance, endurance, patience, etc.), an otherwise insignificant thing can surpass these limits and cause disaster.
circa 1600s (England)
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
Don't be discouraged if you don't get the one you want -- others are available.circa 1816 (T.L. Pea ,Headlong Hall)
Went in one ear and out the other.
John Heywood "The Proverbs of John Heywood" (1546)
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
People should be treated equally, regardless of their gender.
circa 1670 (J.Ray,Collection of English Proverbs)
When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Those in charge do not see what their "underlings" do in their absence; the powerful know not what goes on behind their backs. Act when the opportunity presents itself.
circa 1300s (French -- ou chat na rat regne -- where there is no cat, the rat is king)
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
One may suggest something to another, but cannot force the other to do what he does not wish to do.
circa 1175 (Old English Homilies)
You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Irish Proverb
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.*
One keeps more habits and tastes acquired during youth than acquired after one is grown. Don't try to change someone who is set in their ways.
* An old dog can learn new tricks, but it is much easier to train a puppy.
circa 1500s (J. Fitztherbert, Husbandry)
You’re barking up the wrong tree
to be mistaken; to go off in the wrong direction
(1800s) racoon hunters train dogs to bark at the tree where a racoon is found
You’ve got to take the bull by the horns
Velma's other proverbial phrases
bone of contention
the cause of a dispute
(1800s) refers to a bone that is fought over by two or more dogs
to drink like a fish *
describes one who drinks too much alcoholic beverages
(1600s)* Fish do not drink in the sense that humans do;
fish breath by taking water in through the mouth and out the gills.
to rain cats and dogs *
refers to a heavy downpour of rain
(1700s) * origins of phrase unknown. Under unusual conditions, it has "rained frogs"
-- frogs lifted into the air by tornado-like action, which subsequently fall to the earth.
like a fish out of water
describes someone uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation or context
(1800s) a fish out of it's element (water) cannot breath
to fly the coop
As in "He flew the coop." -- to leave; to escape
refers to a coop (penned enclosure) in which chickens are kept
as eager as a beaver / to work like a beaver
describes an industrious, hard-working person
(1900s) beavers are known for their remarkable feats of tree-felling and
dam-building activities
cat got your tongue?
said to one (esp. a child) who gives no reply to a question or command
(1800s) might refer to cats' liking to be near the face in order to feel breath being exhaled
to eat like a pig / to be as fat as a hog
This decribes someone who eats a large quantity of food / is overweight
refers to swine being omnivorous and willing eat almost anything
the pecking order
describes the relative rank or importance of someone within a group
refers to hens establishing a dominance hierarchy by pecking
like water off a duck's back
describes someone remaining unbothered by events or circumstances
refers to the oily coating on duck feathers that sheds water easily
to kill two birds with one stone
describes accomplishing two separate tasks in a single effort
refers to the possibility of killing two birds with a slingshot
as free as a bird
describes someone who lacks responsibilities which limit one's options
refers to birds ability to fly away quickly in any direction they choose
(to go on) a wild goose chase
describes pursuit of something that can't be obtained
refers to what a difficult task it is for a person to catch a wild goose
as brave as a lion
describes great bravery and courage
refers to lions having few predators, thus "unafraid"
to take the bull by the horns
to take charge of a difficult or dangerous situation; a decision to take action
(1800s) refers to the difficulty of a human guiding a bull by taking hold of his horns
as slippery as an eel
describes someone difficult to hold accountable for his actions
refers to the slipperiness of an eel
to chomp at the bit
describes someone who is anxious to proceed; who can't wait to do something
refers to a horse biting on his bit in nervous anticipation of the start of a race
gentle as a lamb
describes a gentle, harmless personality or person
refers to the non-aggressive disposition of sheep
to have ants in your pants
describes someone who is figety, restless, can't sit still
refers to the animated actions one takes when ants have invaded one's trousers
happy as a clam (at high tide)
describes someone who is extremely happy and content
clams are dug from their sand bed at low tide, and are only safe at high tide
as quiet as a mouse
describes someone who is very quiet or completely silent
(1500s) refers to a mouse remaining quiet in the presence of a cat
sick as a dog *
describes someone who is very sick or feels really bad
* no reason to think that dogs get sick or are more sick than other animals
the black sheep (of the family)
describes someone who is very different from the rest of his or her family
refers to an occasional black sheep being born among white sheep
as sly as a fox
describes someone clever and coniving in obtaining what s/he wants
refers to the fox's well-known hunting abilities
the dark horse
describes someone who has hidden or unexpected abilities / qualities
(1800s) term: a horse about whose past record little is known
as strong as an ox
describes great physical strength
refers to the strengh of an ox -- a draft animal
a lone wolf
describes someone who is unusually solitary or independent
(1800s) refers to wolves being social animals and hunting in packs
as blind as a bat
describes someone with very poor eyesight or someone completely blind
refers to bats depending less on their eyesight than on sonar for detecting prey
a wolf in sheep's clothing
describes a dangerous person who appears gentle and mild, raising no suspicion (1400s) refers wolves as predators and sheep as their unaggressive prey
as busy as a bee
describes an industrious, always active person
refers to worker bees in a hive, who are constantly active
as proud as a pea
describes one "puffed up" with pride, too full of pride
refers to the spectacular display of a male pea
it's a dog-eat-dog world
describes a situation highly competitive to the point of desperation
cannablism is unusual, but has been documented in canids and humans
as drunk as a skunk *
describes someone who is falling-down drunk, completely intoxicated
* skunks are not known to imbibe; the meaning is only in the rhyme
the cause of a dispute
(1800s) refers to a bone that is fought over by two or more dogs
to drink like a fish *
describes one who drinks too much alcoholic beverages
(1600s)* Fish do not drink in the sense that humans do;
fish breath by taking water in through the mouth and out the gills.
to rain cats and dogs *
refers to a heavy downpour of rain
(1700s) * origins of phrase unknown. Under unusual conditions, it has "rained frogs"
-- frogs lifted into the air by tornado-like action, which subsequently fall to the earth.
like a fish out of water
describes someone uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation or context
(1800s) a fish out of it's element (water) cannot breath
to fly the coop
As in "He flew the coop." -- to leave; to escape
refers to a coop (penned enclosure) in which chickens are kept
as eager as a beaver / to work like a beaver
describes an industrious, hard-working person
(1900s) beavers are known for their remarkable feats of tree-felling and
dam-building activities
cat got your tongue?
said to one (esp. a child) who gives no reply to a question or command
(1800s) might refer to cats' liking to be near the face in order to feel breath being exhaled
to eat like a pig / to be as fat as a hog
This decribes someone who eats a large quantity of food / is overweight
refers to swine being omnivorous and willing eat almost anything
the pecking order
describes the relative rank or importance of someone within a group
refers to hens establishing a dominance hierarchy by pecking
like water off a duck's back
describes someone remaining unbothered by events or circumstances
refers to the oily coating on duck feathers that sheds water easily
to kill two birds with one stone
describes accomplishing two separate tasks in a single effort
refers to the possibility of killing two birds with a slingshot
as free as a bird
describes someone who lacks responsibilities which limit one's options
refers to birds ability to fly away quickly in any direction they choose
(to go on) a wild goose chase
describes pursuit of something that can't be obtained
refers to what a difficult task it is for a person to catch a wild goose
as brave as a lion
describes great bravery and courage
refers to lions having few predators, thus "unafraid"
to take the bull by the horns
to take charge of a difficult or dangerous situation; a decision to take action
(1800s) refers to the difficulty of a human guiding a bull by taking hold of his horns
as slippery as an eel
describes someone difficult to hold accountable for his actions
refers to the slipperiness of an eel
to chomp at the bit
describes someone who is anxious to proceed; who can't wait to do something
refers to a horse biting on his bit in nervous anticipation of the start of a race
gentle as a lamb
describes a gentle, harmless personality or person
refers to the non-aggressive disposition of sheep
to have ants in your pants
describes someone who is figety, restless, can't sit still
refers to the animated actions one takes when ants have invaded one's trousers
happy as a clam (at high tide)
describes someone who is extremely happy and content
clams are dug from their sand bed at low tide, and are only safe at high tide
as quiet as a mouse
describes someone who is very quiet or completely silent
(1500s) refers to a mouse remaining quiet in the presence of a cat
sick as a dog *
describes someone who is very sick or feels really bad
* no reason to think that dogs get sick or are more sick than other animals
the black sheep (of the family)
describes someone who is very different from the rest of his or her family
refers to an occasional black sheep being born among white sheep
as sly as a fox
describes someone clever and coniving in obtaining what s/he wants
refers to the fox's well-known hunting abilities
the dark horse
describes someone who has hidden or unexpected abilities / qualities
(1800s) term: a horse about whose past record little is known
as strong as an ox
describes great physical strength
refers to the strengh of an ox -- a draft animal
a lone wolf
describes someone who is unusually solitary or independent
(1800s) refers to wolves being social animals and hunting in packs
as blind as a bat
describes someone with very poor eyesight or someone completely blind
refers to bats depending less on their eyesight than on sonar for detecting prey
a wolf in sheep's clothing
describes a dangerous person who appears gentle and mild, raising no suspicion (1400s) refers wolves as predators and sheep as their unaggressive prey
as busy as a bee
describes an industrious, always active person
refers to worker bees in a hive, who are constantly active
as proud as a pea
describes one "puffed up" with pride, too full of pride
refers to the spectacular display of a male pea
it's a dog-eat-dog world
describes a situation highly competitive to the point of desperation
cannablism is unusual, but has been documented in canids and humans
as drunk as a skunk *
describes someone who is falling-down drunk, completely intoxicated
* skunks are not known to imbibe; the meaning is only in the rhyme