What Is a Proverb? | Definition & Examples
A proverb is a short popular saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or practical experience. Proverbs are short and memorable and are commonly used in daily life to give advice or express a general truth about life.
When announcing the company reorganization, the CEO reminded everyone that you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
Tom blamed the oven for burning the turkey on Thanksgiving, but as they say, a bad workman blames his tools.
Proverb definition
A proverb is a brief statement expressing conventional wisdom or a principle generally thought to be true. It is used to teach moral lessons, give advice, or as a shortcut for explaining something.
Proverbs are easy to remember and often use figurative language to convey an idea. For example, the proverb “The early bird catches the worm” uses metaphor to illustrate that those who start or act early are more likely to succeed
Because their message is timeless, proverbs are passed down from one generation to the next. They come from various sources, such as literature, religious texts, or observation.
Sometimes we can find variations of the same proverb in different languages. For example, “Actions speak louder than words” can be found in many countries because it conveys a universal truth: what people do carries more weight than what they say.
Proverb examples
Below are some examples of proverbs used in daily life to offer advice or express commonly held beliefs.
| Proverb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Revenge is a dish best served cold | Revenge is best or most satisfying when delayed | Despite their betrayal, I will bide my time. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold. |
| Don’t count your chickens before they hatch | You should not make plans that depend on something good happening before you know that it has actually happened | He wanted to buy a new suit just in case they invited him for a job interview, but I told him not to count his chickens before they hatch. |
| A stitch in time saves nine | It is better to act or deal with problems immediately because if you wait, things will get worse and the problems will take longer to deal with | You’d better check that noise in your car because a stitch in time saves nine. |
| Good things come to those who wait | Patience is rewarded | “Grandpa, when are we getting our presents?”
“Good things come to those who wait”. |
| The grass is always greener on the other side | Other people always seem to be in a better situation than you, although they may not be | She keeps changing apartments every year in search of the perfect place, proving that the grass is always greener on the other side. |
| Every cloud has a silver lining | There is a positive side to negative situations or events | If they hadn’t missed the plane, they wouldn’t have met. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. |
| Caught between a rock and a hard place | To be in a very difficult situation and to have to make a hard decision | Our company was caught between a rock and a hard place. If we laid people off, we would tarnish our reputation; if we didn’t, we would suffer a monetary loss. |
| Don’t cry over spilled milk | Don’t be upset about something that cannot be undone | We have lost the game, but it’s no use crying over spilled milk. We have to focus on our next game. |
| Birds of a feather flock together | People from the same group or with the same interests like to be with each other | At the university, students from small towns quickly became friends, proving that birds of a feather flock together. |
| People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones | People who have faults should not criticize other people for having the same faults | You can’t criticize me for getting a parking ticket when you got a speeding ticket just last week. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. |
| A penny saved is a penny earned | It is as useful to save money that you already have as it is to earn more | Every time my aunt gave me money on my birthday, she would advise me to save it. “A penny saved is a penny earned,” she used to say. |
| An apple a day keeps the doctor away | Eating healthy foods will help you stay healthy and avoid visiting the doctor | Don’t forget to take an apple with your lunch today. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. |
| A friend in need is a friend indeed | A friend who helps you when you really need help is a true friend | When I was in the hospital, Kate visited me every day. A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
| Absence makes the heart grow fonder | When people we love are not with us, we love them even more | Even though they moved to different cities, the couple managed to stay together, proving that absence makes the heart grow fonder. |
| Too many cooks spoil the broth | When there are too many people involved in trying to do the same thing, the final result will not be good | Getting feedback from all stakeholders is important, but we should not overdo it. As the saying goes “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” |
| You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink | You can’t force someone to make the right decision | The career counselor provided comprehensive information about suitable career paths to the students, but they did not take action. I guess you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. |
Frequently asked questions about proverbs
- What is the difference between proverbs and idioms?
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Proverbs and idioms both convey meaning beyond the literal meaning of the words; however, there is a difference between them.
A proverb is a traditional saying that is used in daily life to give advice based on common sense or cultural experience. Proverbs can be metaphorical, but their meaning is easy to understand.
An idiom, on the other hand, is a phrase or expression whose literal meaning cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words. For example, “break the ice” means to initiate small talk to make others feel comfortable, but this is not evident.
In short, proverbs are well-known sayings that offer guidance, while idioms are figurative expressions used in a variety of contexts.
- What is the difference between proverbs and aphorisms?
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Proverbs and aphorisms both express general truths, and sometimes they may overlap; however, there is a difference between them.
A proverb is a short well-known saying that typically originates from folk culture and common human experience. Proverbs are used in everyday speech to give advice or guidance.
An aphorism, on the other hand, is a personal observation typically attributed to a writer or philosopher. It is a concise and witty statement expressing a truth about life.
In short, a proverb originates from folk wisdom and is used to give advice, whereas an aphorism is often attributed to a specific individual and is more thought-provoking.
- What is the difference between a proverb and an adage?
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The words “proverb” and “adage” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
A proverb is a short traditional saying that expresses a universal truth and is known by many people. Proverbs typically give practical advice about how to live and behave. For example, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
An adage, on the other hand, also expresses accepted wisdom about the people or the world, but it is not always in the form of advice. For example, “Love is blind.”
However, in common usage, the distinction between the two is not always clear.
- What is an example of a proverb?
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An example of a proverb is the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” It means that when visiting a foreign land, it is best to follow the local customs. In a broader sense, it can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, it is best to take the lead from those who are familiar with it.
