Folk Sayings on Good and Evil
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	English speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: Folk Sayings or Proverbs on Virtue -- Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance*             A             o Ability may get you to the top but it's character that will keep you there.       o Actions speak louder than words.       o Adversity is a gift.       o All experience is education for the soul.       o All of us, the great and the little have need of each other.       o All in good time.       o All the world is your country, to do good is your religion.       o All that glitters is not gold.       o All things are easy that are done willingly.       o All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third it is accepted as being self-evident.       o All's well that ends well.       o Always be prepared.       o Always care about your flowers and your friends. Otherwise they'll fade, and soon your house will be empty.       o Always keep an open mind.       o An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.       o Any port in a storm (Meaning: In times of need, kindness is especially sweet).       o As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.       o As long as you live, keep learning how to live.       o As you make your bed, so must you lie in it.       o As you sow, so you shall reap.             B       o Beauty is only skin-deep.       o Be care what you wish for.       o Be ever so humble there's no place like home.       o Be ever vigilant but never suspicious.       o Be gracious in defeat.       o Be just before you are generous.       o Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy.       o Be it ever so humble there's no place like home.       o Be just before you are generous.       o Be neither intimate nor distant with the clergy.       o Be not overcome by evil but repay evil with good.       o Be slow in choosing a friend, slower still in changing.       o Be sure you are right, then go ahead.       o Be true to yourself.       o Bear and forbear.       o Beauty is only skin deep.       o Before criticizing a man, walk a mile in his shoes (Meaning: One should not criticize a person without understanding their situation.).       o Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.       o Believe in yourself.       o Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.       o The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.       o The best things in life are free.       o The best is yet to come.       o The best of friends must part.       o The best of friends need not speak face to face.       o The best things come in small packages.       o The best things in life are free.       o The best way to sole a problem is to attack its cause.       o Better be safe than sorry.       o Better late than never.       o Better die with honor than live with shame.       o Better good manners than good looks.       o Better one good thing that is than two good things that were.       o Better slip with foot than tongue.       o Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.       o Better to ask the way than go astray.       o Better to be a man of character than a man of means.       o Better to be alone than in bad company.       o Better to be safe than sorry.       o Better to give than to receive. [New Testament]       o Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.       o Beware the fury of a patient man.       o Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.       o Bloom where you're planted.       o Brain is better than brawn. Or Brains are better than brawn.       o Brevity is the soul of wit (Meaning: Be concise, don't ramble.).       o Buyer beware.                   C             o A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.       o Character building begins in infancy and continues until death.       o Charity begins at home.       o Choose to be forgiven.       o Christmas comes but once a year.       o Civility costs nothing and buys everything.       o Cleanliness is next to godliness.       o Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.       o Confession is good for the soul.       o Crafty advice is often got from a fool.       o Crime does not pay.       o Count your blessings.       o Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the conquest of it.       o Courtesy costs nothing.                   D             o Deeds are fruits; words are leaves.       o Destroy your enemy by making him your friend.       o Different strokes for different folks.       o Diligence is the mother of good fortune.       o Discretion is the better part of valor (Meaning: Avoiding danger or unpleasant situations is the right thing to do.).       o Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.       o Do not wear out your welcome.       o Do your duty, come what may.       o Do unto others as you would have done to you. (New Testament)       o Do what comes natural.       o Do what is right, come what may.       o Don't bite the hand that feeds you.       o Don't burn your bridges behind you.       o Don't cross the bridge till you come to it.       o Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.       o Don't cry before you are hurt.       o Don't cry over spilled milk.       o Don't expect things to go right the fist time.       o Don't find fault, finda remedy.       o Don't give up the ship.       o Don't go barking up the wrong tree.       o Don't judge a book by its cover.       o Don't judge a man by the size of his hat, but by the angle of his tilt.       o Don't leave till tomorrow what can be finished today.       o Don't let anyone get your goat.       o Don't let the critics get you down.       o Don't look a gift horse in the mouth (Meaning: Don't criticize gifts).       o Don't go looking for trouble.       o Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.       o Don't mend what ain't broken. Or If it ain't broke, don't fix it.       o Don't pretend to be something you aren't.       o Don't put the cart before the horse.       o Don't rest on your laurels (Meaning: Don't cease to make an effort just because you did well in the past).       o Don't talk unless you can improve the silence.       o Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.       o Don't toot your own horn.       o Don't treat the symptom, instead find the cause.       o Don't wish your life away.       o The doors of wisdom are never shut.       o Doubt is the beginning, not the end of wisdom.       o Drive gently over the stones.       o A dull pencil is greater than the sharpest memory.                   E             o Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.       o The early bird gets the worm (Meaning: God helps those who help themselves, or Initiative will be rewarded).       o Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.       o The eyes are the windows of the soul.       o Enjoy what you don't know.       o Enough and no waste is as good as a feast.       o Every cloud has a silver lining (Meaning: Something good is bound to come out of some bad situation).       o Every man's mind is his kingdom.       o Everything comes to those who wait.       o Everything in moderation.       o Example is the best precept.       o Expect the worst, but hope for the best.       o Experience is the best teacher.       o Experience is the mother of wisdom.       o Experience teaches slowly and at the cost of mistakes.       o The eyes are the window of the soul.                   F             o Failure teaches success.       o Faith will move mountains.       o A fault confessed is half redressed.       o The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.       o First deserve, then desire.       o The first step is the hardest.       o First things first.       o First think, and then speak.       o A friend in need is a friend indeed (Meaning: It's when one is in need that one knows who are one's true friends.       o A friend is a gift you give yourself.       o A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.       o Friends ae like fiddle strings, they must not be screwed too tight.       o Friends are God's way of taking care of us.       o Friendship increases by visiting friends but visiting seldom.       o Focus on what's right in your world instead of what's wrong.       o Follow your dreams.                   G             o Genius is ninety percent perspiration and ten percent inspiration.       o Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.       o Give assistance not advice in a crisis.       o Give and ye shall receive. (New Testament)       o Give credit where credit is due.       o God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. [Jewish proverb].       o God helps those who help themselves. Or, God helps them that help themselves.       o God prefers prayers to tears.       o God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.       o Good counselors lack no clients.       o Good example is the best sermon.       o A good name is better than riches.       o Good things come in small packages.       o Good things come when you least expect them.       o Good to forgive, better to forgive.       o Good words are worth much and cost little.       o Good words break no bones.       o Goodness is better than beauty.       o Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.       o Great ideas are the fuel of progress.       o Great minds think alike.       o Great oaks from little acorns grow.       o Grin and bear it.                   H             o Happiness is a state of mind.       o Haste makes waste.       o Have the courage of your convictions.       o He is not wise that is not wise for himself.       o He is the best general who makes the fewest mistakes.       o He that cannot obey, cannot command.       o He that is master of himself, will soon be master of others.       o He that plants a tree plants for posterity.       o He that plants trees loves others besides himself.       o He that respects himself is safe from others.       o He who hesitates is lost.       o He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.       o Help yourself and God will help you.       o Home is where the heart is.       o Honesty is the best policy.       o Honey catches more flies than vinegar.       o Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.       o Hope is life.       o Hope springs eternal.       o However if it is said sarcastically, that it refers to those who will only be very friendly if they need something from you.).                   I             o If a job is worth doing it is worth doing well.       o If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.       o If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.       o If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.       o If you don't want trouble, don't go looking for it.       o If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.       o If you want something done, do it yourself.       o If you wish good advice, consult an old man.       o Ignorance of the law excuses no man.       o Ignorance is bliss.       o Ill weeds grow fast.       o Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.       o It is best to be on the safe side.       o It's a blessing in disguise.       o It's better to be safe than sorry.       o It is better to be on your own than with people you don't like.       o It is better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.       o It's better to begin in the evening than not at all.       o It's better to give than to receive.       o It is better to take many injuries than to give one.       o It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission.       o It is more difficult to maintain honor than to become prosperous.       o It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.       o It's never to late to mend.       o It is no use crying over split [spilled] milk.       o It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.       o It's not the end of the world.       o It's not what you say but the way you say it.       o It's O.K. to make a mistake, as long as you learn from it.       o It's the little things that count.       o It is wise not to seek a secret and honest not to reveal it.       o It pays to be nice.       o It pays to pay attention.                   J             o Judge not, lest ye be judged. (New Testament)       o Just because everybody's doing something, doesn't mean it's right.       o Just go with it.       o Justice is truth in action.                   K             o Keep a thing for seven years and you'll find a use for it.       o Keep an open mind.       o Keep your chin up.       o Keep your head about you.       o Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.       o Keep your nose to the grindstone.       o The key to all action lies in belief.       o Kill someone with kindness.       o Kindness is more persuasive than force.       o Know thyself.       o Know which side your bread is buttered on.       o Knowledge is more than equivalent to force.       o Knowledge is power.                   L             o Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone.       o Laughter is the best medicine.       o The laws of love are written in the heart of every human being by the hand of God.       o Learn from other peoples mistakes.       o Learn from your mistakes.       o Learning is best when put into practice.       o Learning is better than house and land.       o Leave no stone unturned.       o Lest said, soonest mended.       o Less is more.       o Let bygones be bygones.       o Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. (New Testament)       o Let the punishment fit the crime.       o Let sleeping dogs live.       o Let's get things straight.       o Liars often set their own traps.       o Life is what you make it.       o Like cures like (Meaning: A person can better help another if they have something in common.).       o Little strokes fell great oaks.       o Live and learn.       o Live and let live.       o A lock is better than suspicion.       o Look before you leap.       o Look on the bright side. Or, Look at the bright side.       o Look on the sunny side of life.       o Looks can be deceiving.       o Love conquers all.       o Love makes the world go round.       o Love will find a way.       o A loving heart is the truest wisdom.                   M             o Make do with what you have.       o Make haste slowly.       o Make the best of a bad situation.       o Make the most of every situation.       o A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience.       o Man cannot live by bread alone (Bible).       o A man does not have to attend church to be a Christian.       o A man is known by the company he keeps.       o A man is often a bad adviser to himself and a good adviser to another.       o A man may live after losing his life but not after losing his honor.       o Man wasn't born to suffer but to carry on.       o Many hands make light work.       o Many have quarreled about religion that never practiced it.       o May the wind be always at your back.       o Melodious is the closed mouth.       o Mind your P's and Q's (Mind your manners).       o Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.       o Monkey see, monkey do.       o Money cannot buy happiness.       o Most people are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.       o Most smiles are started by another smile.       o Music has charms to soothe a savage beast.                   N             o Nature is the art of God.       o Necessity is a great teacher.       o Necessity is the mother of invention.       o Neither a borrower nor a lender be.       o Never apologize before you are accused.       o Never give advice unasked.       o Never judge a book by its cover.       o Never judge from appearances.       o Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.       o Never say die (Meaning: Never give up).       o Never say never (Meaning: Never give up).       o Never speak ill of the dead.       o Never stop learning.       o Never take anything for granted.       o Never too late to do well.       o Never too late to learn.       o Never too late to repent.       o Never trouble trouble 'til trouble troubles you.       o No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.       o No gains without pains.       o No legacy is as rich as honesty.       o No man can serve two masters (New Testament).       o No man is an island (Everyone needs others).       o No need to cry over spilled milk.       o No offense taken when none is meant.       o No one can make us feel inferior without our consent.       o No one is easy to live with all of the time.       o No one is good at everything but everyone is good at something.       o No one is hurt by doing the right thing.       o No one should be be judge in his own cause.       o No pain, no gain.       o No rest for the weary.       o No time like the present.       o Nobody's perfect.       o Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.       o Nothing goes on forever.       o Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.       o Nothing is black and white.       o Nothing is impossible to the willing heart.       o Nothing remains constant except change itself.       o Nothing succeeds like success.       o Nothing ventured, nothing gained.                   O             o Obedience comes before leadership.       o Of two evils one must choose the lesser.       o Often, less is more.       o Once bitten, twice shy.       o One day at a time.       o One can never know too much.       o One good turn deserves another.       o One man can make a difference.       o One should mind one's own business.       o The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.       o Open confession is good for the soul.       o An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit (Meaning: It's wiser to keep your mouth shut than try to appear clever and get into trouble.)       o Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.                   P             o Patience is a virtue.       o Patience is the companion of wisdom.       o Patience, time and money accommodate all things.       o People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.       o A place for everything and everything in its place.       o Persevere no matter what.       o The person bringing good news knocks boldly on the door.       o Persuasion is better than force.       o Plan your life like you will live forever, and live your life like you will die the next day.       o Practice makes perfect.       o Practice what you preach.       o Prevention is better than cure.       o Procrastination is the thief of time.       o Promise is in honor's debt.       o Promises are made to be kept.       o A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience.       o A proverb is one's wit and all men's wisdom.       o Put on your thinking cap.                   Q             o A quiet tongue shows a wise head.       o Questioning is the door of knowledge.                   R             o Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.       o A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.       o A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.       o A rule isn't unfair if it applies to everyone.                   S             o Say it short.       o Say something nice, or say nothing at all.       o Seek and you shall find. (New Testament)       o Seeing is believing, but feeling is the God's own truth.       o Self-help is the best help.       o Seize the day.       o A silent mouth is sweet to hear.       o Silence is golden. Or, Talk is cheap, silence is golden.       o Silence is the hardest argument to refute.       o Sleep on it (Don't do anything rash or you might come to regret it.).       o Slow and steady wins the race.       o A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger [Old Testament].       o Something is better than nothing.       o Something worth doing is worth doing well.       o A small benefit obtained is better than a great one in expectation.       o Smiles open many doors.       o Some things are better left unsaid.       o Speak when you are spoken to.       o Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.       o The strong should help the weak so that the lives of both shall be made easier.                   T             o Take life as it comes.       o Take no notice of the stupid things people say.       o Talk is cheap, silence is golden.       o The best mirror is an old friend.       o The teacher has not taught, until the student has learned.       o Temper justice with mercy.       o There are no endings, only new beginnings.       o There are none so blind they cannot see.       o There are none so distant that fate cannot bring together.       o There are so many things to say that are better left unsaid.       o There are two sides to every question.       o There is a time and place for everything.       o There is honor even among thieves.       o There is no god except God.       o There's no place like home.       o There is no point of knowledge or wisdom if not dotted.       o There is none so deaf as he who will not hear.       o There is safety in numbers.       o Things come to those who wait.       o Think before you speak.       o Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.       o this above all, to thy own self be true.       o This, too, shall pass.       o Time and patience would bring a snail to America.       o Time cures all things.       o Time is a great healer.       o Tit for tat (Meaning: One good turn deserves another.).       o Today is the first day of the rest of your life.       o To err is human; to forgive, divine.       o To give and not expect return, that is what lies at the heart of love.       o To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching.       o To Thine own self be true.       o Tomorrow is another day.       o A tree falls the way it leans.       o Trouble shared is trouble halved.       o A true friend is the best possession.       o True love never grows old.       o Truth will out.       o Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.       o Try to strike a happy medium.       o Turn the other cheek (New Testament).       o Two in distress makes sorrow less.       o Two heads are better than one.       o Two wrongs don't make a right.                   U             o United we stand, divided we fall.             V       o The value is determined by the agreement of two people.       o Variety is the spice of life.       o Virtue is its own reward.                   W             o Waste not, want not.       o We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord.       o What I am afraid to hear I'd better say first myself.       o The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.       o Where there is a will, there's a way.       o Where there is no trust, there's no love.       o Who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.       o The whole dignity of man lies in the power of thought.       o The whole is greater than its parts.       o A weed is a plant we've found no use for yet.                   Y             o You are as nice as can "bee."       o You are responsible for you.       o You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.       o You can judge a man by the company he keeps.       o You don't have to be different to be good. You have to be good to be different.       o You have to crawl before you can walk.       o You have to earn respect.       o You have to take the bitter with the sweet.       o You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.       o You must face the consequences of your actions.       o You must never confuse your feelings with your duties.       o You reap what you sow.       o Your times is the greatest gift you can give to someone.                   W             o Walk the walk and talk the talk.       o Waste not, want not.       o When the going gets tough, the tough get going.       o We have nothing to fear but fear itself.       o We must take the bad with the good.       o A weed is no more than a flower in disguise.       o What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.       o What you sow is what you reap.       o When in doubt, forbear.       o When one door closes, another door opens.       o When you're sad, learn something.       o Where there's a will there's a way.       o Without kindness there can be no true joy.       o Willful waste makes woeful want.       o A word to the wise may be sufficient.       o Would you persuade, speak of interest, not or reason.                   *May include quotes from famous authors (e.g. Shakespeare)that have become part of the English language. 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	English speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: Folk Sayings, Famous Quotes or Proverbs on Vice -- Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth                   A             o Abundance of things engenders disdainfulness.       o Advice most needed is least heeded.       o All evils are equal when they are extreme.       o All frills and no knickers (Meaning: All style and no substance.)       o All hat and no cattle (Meaning: All style and no substance.)       o All sizzle and no steak (Meaning: All style and no substance).       o All that glisters is not gold (Meaning: Not everything is what it appears to be).       o Ambition is a good servant but a bad master.       o An hour may destroy what an age was building.       o An open foe may prove a curse but a pretended friend is worse.       o Anger and hate hinder good counsel.       o Anger is often more hurtful than the injury that caused it.       o Anger is short madness.       o Anyone who will gossip to you, will gossip about you.       o Appearances are deceptive. Or, Appearances can be deceptive.       o As sly as a fox.       o Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. Or, Ask no questions and hear no lies.                   B             o The bad gardener quarrels with his rake.       o Bad news travels fast.       o A bad penny always turns up (Meaning: Your mistakes will come back to haunt you. Or, Bad people will always return).       o Barking dogs seldom bite.       o A bean in liberty is better than a comfit in prison.       o Behind every argument lies someone's ignorance.       o Better fifty enemies outside the house than one within.       o Better the devil you know (than the one you don't).       o Better the trouble that follows death than the trouble that follows shame.       o Between the devil and the deep blue sea (Meaning: Choosing the lesser of two evils makes for a difficult situation.).       o Beware of Greeks bearing fits.       o Beware of the Bear when he tucks in his shirt.       o Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, and inwardly are ravening wolves (New Testament).       o A big tree attracts the woodsman's ax.       o A blind man can see his mouth.       o Both your friend and your enemy think you will never die.       o A burnt child dreads fire (Meaning: A bad experience affects you for a lifetime.).                   C             o Character is easier kept than recovered.       o A constant guest never welcomes.       o Corruption starts at the top.       o The covetous person is always in want.       o The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime.       o As cross as a bear with a sore head.       o Cunning men deal in generalizations.       o Curses like chickens, come home to roost.                   D             o A dead man cannot make war.       o Devil quoting scripture.       o The devil dances in empty pockets.       o The devil finds work for idle hands.       o The devil looks after his own.       o The devil's boots don't creak.       o The devil is in the details.       o The devil owed a cake and paid a loaf.       o The devil takes the hindmost (Meaning The last one gets hurt.).       o The devil wipes his breech with poor folks' pride.       o A dimple in the chin; a devil within.       o Dirt settles to the bottom but trash floats.       o Do as I say, not as I do.       o Don't air your dirty laundry in public (Meaning: Don't let everyone know the bad things you did.).       o Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.       o Don't keep a dog and bark yourself.       o Don't rob Peter to pay Paul.       o Dressed up like a Baptist preacher.                   E             o Empty vessels make the most sound. or An empty vessel makes the most noise (Meaning: Those who know little, talk the most).       o The end justifies the means.       o Evil be to he who evil thinks.       o An evil weed is soon grown.       o Even a dog can distinguish between being stumbled over and being kicked.       o Even a tin knocker will shine on a dirty door.       o Even the best laid plans go awry.       o Envy is based on an incomplete understanding of the other person's situation.       o Envy of others always shows.       o Every ass loves to her himself bray.       o Every dog is allowed one bite.       o Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard.       o Every garden may have some weeds. Or, Every garden has some weeds.       o Every man is his own worst enemy.       o Every man for himself.       o Every man has his price.       o Every man is the architect of his own fortune.       o Every one can find fault, few can do better.       o Everyone gets his comeuppance in the end.       o Everyone gets their just deserts. Or, Everyone gets his just deserts sooner or later.       o Everyone is ignorant only on different subjects.       o Evildoers always think the worse of others.       o An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.                   F             o Falling is easier than rising.       o False friends leave you in times of trouble.       o Fame is a magnifying glass.       o Fear is stronger than love.       o Fine words butter no parsnips (Meaning: Actions speak louder than words).       o A fly may sting a horse and make him wince.       o A friend to all is a friend to none (Meaning: Friendship with all is impossible; disagreement and friction in relations are natural).       o Friends are like fiddle strings, they must not be screwed too tight.       o Folks like the truth that hits their neighbor.       o Forgetting a debt doesn't mean it's paid.       o Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.       o A fox smells its own stink first (Meaning: One knows where one belongs and knows when one makes a mistake.)                   G             o Give a thing and take a thing, to wear the devil's gold ring.       o Give a dog a bad name and hang him.       o Give him an inch and he'll take a yard.       o Give the devil his due.       o Good fences make good neighbors.       o A good servant makes a bad enemy.       o A good man in an evil society seems the greatest villain of all (Meaning: society is what makes good good and bad bad).       o A goose quill is more than dangerous than a lion's claw.       o A great talker is a great liar.       o Greed often overreaches itself.       o A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.       o A guilty conscience needs no accuser.       o The guilty dog barks the loudest.                   H             o A half truth is a whole lie. Or, Half the truth is often a whole lie.       o Hang a thief when he's young, and he'll no' steal when he's old.       o Hard words break no bones.       o Hard cases make bad law.       o "He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." [Oscar Wilde]       o He is not wise that is not wise for himself.       o He steals a goose, and gives the giblets in alms (from the Old Testament).       o He that first cries out "stop thief" is often he that has stolen the treasure.       o He that knows nothing, doubts nothing.       o He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. [Old Testament].       o He that plants thorns must never expect to gather roses.       o He that scatters thorns must not go barefoot.       o He that seeks trouble never misses.       o He that steals an egg will steal an ox.       o He that takes the devil into his boat must carry him over the sound.       o He that waits on fortune is never sure of a dinner.       o He who excuses himself accuses himself.       o He who fails to study the past is doomed to repeat it.       o He who hesitates is lost.       o He who is good at excuses is seldom good at anything else.       o He who knows does not speak. HE who speaks does not know.       o He who laughs last is the slowest to think.       o He who lives by the sword is shot by those who don't (A parody of the Biblical "He who lives by the sword dies by the sword").       o He who lives too fast, goes to his grave too soon.       o He who stands for nothing will fall for everything.       o He who says what he likes will hear what he does not like.       o He who stands for nothing will fall for everything.       o He who sups with the devil has need of a long spoon.       o He who will steal an egg will steal an ox.       o The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail.       o The honey is sweet but the bee has a sting.       o A house divided cannot stand.                   I             o I wants, don't gets.       o An idle brain is the devil's workshop (Meaning: Those who don't have much to do, will do bad things.).       o Idle hands are the devil's playthings.       o If God lived on earth, people would break his windows. [Jewish proverb]       o If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.       o If you can't be good, be careful.       o If you can't be good, be good at it (Often said in jest).       o If you can't beat them, join them.       o If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.       o If you come up in this world be sure not to go down in the next.       o If you fake it, you can't make it.       o If you snooze you lose.       o If you talk too much you're likely to give yourself away.       o If you think the worst, you won't be far from wrong.       o If you were born to be shot, you'll never be hung.       o Ignorance is bliss.       o Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Or, Ignorance of the law excuses no man.       o I'll be there for you.       o I'll be there come hell or high water (Meaning: I'll be there for you.).       o I'll be there if the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise.       o Ill-gotten gains seldom prosper (Meaning: Goods badly acquired never profit.)       o Ill weeds grow fast.       o Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.       o In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.       o Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.       o It's a dirty bird that won't keep its own nest clean.       o It is an equal failing to trust everybody, and to trust nobody.       o It's an ill wind that blows no good. Or, It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.       o It is easy to despise what you cannot get.       o It is easy to kick a person when he is down.       o It is foolish to try to imitate the skills of others.       o It's like talking to a brick wall.       o It's often a person's mouth broke their nose (Meaning: People talk themselves into trouble).       o It's no crime to steal from a thief.       o It's not a secret if it is known by three people.       o It's not what you say; it's how you say it.       o It's the empty can that makes the most noise.       o It's the same people under a different name.       o It takes one to know one.       o It takes two to lie -- one to lie and one to listen.       o It takes two to tango.                   J             o Jealousy is a disease for the weak.       o Just because everybody's doing something, doesn't mean it's right.       o Justice is truth in action.                   K             o Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.       o A kingdom is lost for want of a shoe (or want of a nail).       o Kingdoms divided soon fall.                   L             o Lack of resource has hanged many a person.       o Laziness is a heavy burden.       o Liars often set their own traps.       o Liars need good memories.       o Lend your money and lose your friend.       o Let bygones be begones (Equivalent: Forgive and forget).       o A lie can be halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on (Meaning: A great lie may be widely accepted before the truth comes to light).       o Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.       o A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.       o The leopard does not change his spots.       o Looks can be deceiving.       o Loose lips sink ships (Meaning: If you say too much or gossip, you might hurt the people you love.).       o The love of money is the root of all evil (Old Testament).                   M             o A man who desires revenge should dig two graves.       o Meaner than a junk-yard dog.       o Mischief comes by the pound and goes away by the ounce.       o Misery loves company.       o Monkey see, monkey do.       o The more you get, the more you want.       o Murder will out.                   N             o Neglect kills injuries, revenge increases them.       o Never apologize before you are accused.       o No one will notice (in the dark).       o No two people ever lit a fire without disagreeing.                   O             o Old Satan couldn't get along without plenty of help.       o Once a thief, always a thief.       o One scabbed sheep mars the whole flock.       o One man's meat is another man's poison.       o Only a fool burns his coal without warming himself.       o Opinions are like assholes: everyone has them and they usually stink.       o Opportunity makes the thief.                   P             o People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.       o Plenty breed pride.       o Pity him who makes an opinion a certainty.       o Poverty waits at the gates of idleness.       o Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.       o Pride comes before a fall.       o Pride said to be the last vice the good man gets clear of.       o Pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt.       o A pot of milk is ruined by a drop of poison.                   Q             o A quarrel is like buttermilk -- once it's out of the churn, the more you shake it, the more sour it grows.                   R             o Rats desert a sinking ship.       o Revenge is a dish best served cold.       o Revenge is sweet.       o The road to hell is paved with good intentions.       o Robbing Peter to pay Paul.       o A rolling stone gathers no moss.       o Ruse only flourishes if it be stolen.                   S             o Self conceit may lead to self destruction.       o Send a thief to catch a thief.       o Set a thief to catch a thief.       o Setting a fox to guard the hen house.       o Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden but it is forbidden because it is hurtful.       o Skeletons in the closet.       o A sly rogue is often in good dress.       o Small choice in rotten apples.       o A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger [Old Testament].       o Some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you.       o Someone who gossips to you will gossip about you.       o Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear.       o A spoon does not know the taste of soup, nor a learned fool the taste of wisdom.       o Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.       o Still waters run deep.       o Stupid is as stupid does.       o Stolen fruit is the sweetest.       o Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.                   T             o Talk of the devil and he's sure to appear.       o Talkers are not doers.       o That which comes of a cat will catch mice.       o There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.       o There are three types of lies -- lies, damned lies and statistics.       o There is a black sheep in every family.       o There's no arguing with the barrel of a gun.       o There is no little enemy.       o There is no honor among thieves.       o There's no peace for the wicked.       o There's no smoke without fire.       o There is nothing so bad that it couldn't be worse.       o There's one law for the rich, and another for the poor.       o There is something rotten in the State of Denmark.       o They are not all saints who use holy waters.       o Things are not always what they seem.       o Thinking the worst always prepares you for the worst.       o A thorn between two roses.       o Those who are feared are hated.       o To envy others is foolish indeed.       o To trust the cat to keep the cream.       o Touting one's own horn (Meaning: bragging).       o A trade not properly learned is an enemy.       o Two wrongs don't make a right.                   U             o Unwillingness easily finds an excuse.                   V             o Vices are their own punishment.       o Violence begets violence.                   W             o The wages of sin is death.       o Walls have ears.       o We fear what we don't understand.       o What goes around, comes around (Meaning: You will eventually have to face the consequences of your actions towards others as people tend to behave towards you as you have behaved towards others).       o When drums beat, laws are silent.       o When a proud man hears another praised, he feels himself injured.       o When the cat's away, the mice will play.       o When the fox preaches, beware the geese.       o When you see a snake, never mind where the came from.       o Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.       o Where there's gossiping, there's lying.       o Where there is muck there's brasss.       o Where there is no trust, there is no love.       o Where there's smoke, there's fire.       o Where there's whispering, there's lying.       o Who gossips with you will gossip of you.       o Who receives a gift, sells his liberty.       o A wicked book is the wicker because it cannot repent.       o Witches cast the devil's nets.       o With friends like these, who needs enemies?       o A wolf in sheep's clothing (Someone who pretends to have good intentions, when he has anything but).             Y             o You're casting pears before swine.       o You can fool people some of the time, but you can't fool them all of the time.       o You must face the consequences of your actions.       Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery 102831 View full size image
	Spanish speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: Folk Sayings or Proverbs on Good and Evil -- Virtue -- Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance                   B             o The best mirror is an old friend.             o in English translation: Big horse, whether or not it can trot.       - Meaning: A good thing, even if it can't do something basic.       - Spanish original: Caballo grande, ande o no ande.                         C             o in English translation: Cowl does not make the friar.       - Meaning: Clothes don't make the man, or don't judge a book by its cover.       - Spanish original: El habito no hace al monje.                   o in English translation: Create fame, and go to sleep.       - Meaning: Do things right the first time and your tranquility is assured.       - Spanish original: Crea fama y acuestate a dormir.                         D             o in English translation: Do not check the teeth of a horse given as a present.       - Meaning: Don't criticize gifts, or Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.       - Spanish original: Caballo regalado no se le mira el diente.                         o in English translation (literally): Don't speak of the noose in the hanged man's house.       - Meaning: Don't talk about others' problems in their own home.       - Spanish original: No hables de la soga en casa del altorcado.                         o in English translation: Don't speak unless you can improve on silence.                   o in English translation: Don't wait for tomorrow to do something you can do today.       - Spanish original: No dejes para manana lo que puedas hacer hoy.                   o in English translation: Dress me slowly, since I'm in a hurry.       - Meaning: Do things as best as you can even if you are running out of time.       - Spanish original: Vistanme despacio que estoy de afan.                         E             o Even the best writer has to erase.             o in English translation: Even the wisest makes mistakes.       - Spanish original: Hasta el justo se euivoca.                   o in English translation: Eyes that don't see, heart that doesn't feel.       - Meaning: If you don't see something happen, you never feel sorry for it.       - Spanish original: Ojos que no ven, corazon que no siente.                         G             o in English translation: God helps those who get up early. - Meaning: God helps those who help themselves or Initiative will be rewarded.       - Spanish original: A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.                         H             o in English translation: He/She who does not limp, hobbles. - Meaning: We are all the same.       - Spanish original: Quien no cojea, renquea.                   o in English translation: He who rises early gathers clear water.       - Meaning: First come, first served or Early bird gets the worm.       - Spanish original: El que madruga coge agua clara.                         I             o in English translation: If there's no bread, cakes will do.       - Meaning: Settle for the next best thing.       - Spanish original: A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.                   o If you are not good for yourself, how can you be good for others?             o If you want to be respected, you must respect yourself.             o If you want the dog, accept the fleas.             o in English translation: Impossible only exists in the world of the incapables.       - Meaning: Anything is possible if you put your mind toward it.       - Spanish original: Imposible sol existe en el mundo de los incapaces.                   o in English translation: In a shut mouth, flies cannot get in.       - Meaning: Sometimes silence is the best option.       - Equivalent: A closed mouth gathers no flies.       - Spanish original: En boca cerrada no entran moscas.                   o It is better to conceal one's knowledge than to reveal one's ignorance.             o It is better to weep with wise men than to laugh with fools.                         G             o God comes to see without ringing the bell.       o God will listen to you whatever cloak you wear.                   H             o in English translation: He who is to receive, some is saved for him, and if he is late it will be warmed up again. - Meaning: Sometimes people help others no matter what.                   I             o in English translation: It is better to arrive at the right moment than to be invited.       - Meaning: It is better to be prepared than to depend on others.       - Spanish original: Mais vale llegar a tiempo que en convidado.                   K       o Knowledge, teaching and words may be deeds.                   L             o in English translation: Let waters you will not be drinking run freely.       - Meaning: If you don't need something, leave it for others to use; be generous.       - Spanish original: Agua que no has de beber, dejala correr.                         M             o A man who develops himself is born twice.                   N             o Necessity is a great teacher.             o Never ask God to give you anything; ask him to put you where things are.                   O             o in English translation: Of that which you have done take it on the chest.       - Meaning: Take it like a man, or Accept the consequences of what you do.       - Spanish original: A lo hecho, pecho.                         P             o in English translation: Pray to God, but also hit with the mallet.       - Meaning: Pray to God but you also have to do your part.       - Spanish original: A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando.                   o in English translation: Put a nice face to the bad times. - Meaning: Be positive even in bad situations.             o in English translation: Put the candle not so close that it would burn the saint, nor so far that it will fail to light it.       - Meaning: Don't be careless or shoddy.       - Spanish original: Ni tanto que queme al santo, ni tan poco que no lo alumbre.                         S             o in English translation: The shrimp that falls asleep is swept away the current.       - Meaning: You should never take things for granted nor cease to make an effort.       - Spanish original: Camaron que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.                   o in English translation: Skill is better than strength.       - Spanish original: Mas vale mana que fuerza.                   o in English translation: Spices are good but not too much       - Meaning: There's no need to overdo it.       - Spanish original: Bueno es culantro, pero no tanto.                         T             o in English translation: Tell me who you hang around with and I'll tell you who you are.       - Meaning: Your choice of friends is a sign of your character.       - Spanish original: Dime con quien andas, y te dire quien eres.                   o in English translation: The man who is aware is worth two men.       - Equivalent: Forewarned is forearmed.       - Spanish original: Hombre prevenido vale por dos.                   o in English translation: There is no honey without gall.       - Meaning: There is nothing good in life without a downside.       - English equivalent: No pain, no gain.       - Spanish original: No hay miel sin hiel.                   o in English translation: There is no teacher like your own flesh.       - English equivalent: Experience is the best teacher.       - Spanish original: No hables a menos que puedas mejorar en el silencio.       - Spanish original: No hay maestro como carne propia.                         o There is nothing hidden between Heaven and Earth.             o in English translation: The time wasted the saints cry for.       - Meaning: be productive.       - Spanish original: El tiempo perdido los santos lo lloran.                   o in English translation: To the good "understander" few words are needed.       - Meaning: To a good listener, few words are enough, understanding comes easy.                         W             o in English translation: Walk safe and slow to go far and well.       - Meaning: Slow and steady wins the race.       - Spanish original: El que va piano, va lontano.                   o in English translation: What does not kill, fattens.       - Meaning: What doesn't kill me, strengthens me.       - Spanish original: Lo que no mata, engorda.                   o in English translation: Where there is room for two, there is room for three.       - Spanish original: Donde caben dos, caben tres.                   o in English translation: Who doesn't cry, doesn't nurse.       - Meaning: if you never ask for help, probably you will never receive it.       - Spanish original: Quien no llora, no mama.                   o in English translation: Whoever leans close to a good tree is blanketed by good shade.       - Meaning: Seek out the good in life.       - Spanish original: Quien a buen arbol se arrima buena sombra le cobija.                   o Who knows most speaks least.             o in English translation: Who looks for something will find it.       - Spanish original: El que busca encuentra.                   o A wise man learns at the fool's expense.                         Y             o in English translation: You look prettier when you're quiet.       - Meaning: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.       - Spanish original: Calladita se ve mas bonita.                                                                                                                                                                                     Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #827742 View full size image
	Spanish speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: Spanish Proverbs or Folk Sayings on Good and Evil -- Vice -- Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth                   B             o Beads about the neck, and the devil in the heart.             o Better a quiet death an a public misfortune.             o Between brothers, two witnesses and a notary.             o Books are hindrances to persisting stupidity.                         C             o in English translation (literally): Cat for a rabbit.       - Meaning: To try to cheat someone [Skinned rabbits look like cats, so butchers in the old days might have tried to pass a cat for a rabbit].       - Spanish original: Gato por liebre.                         D             o The devil is seldom out shot in his own bow.             o in English translation (literally): Don't blame the pig, blame the one who scratches his back.       - Meaning: Bad things' blame goes to the ones who allowed them besides the ones who actually do them.       - Spanish original: La culpa no es del chancho, sino del que le rasca el lomo.             o Do not rejoice at my grief, for when mine is old, yours will be new.                   o A dog that barks all the time gets little attention.                         E                   o in English translation (literally): Everyone makes lumber from a fallen tree.       - Meaning: Anyone can make a profit from someone's grace. Or, Opportunities need to be taken when they show up.       - Spanish original: Del arbol caido todos hacen lena.                   o Envious persons never compliment, they only swallow.                         F             o Flattery makes friends and truth makes enemies.             o in English translation (literally) Fleas jump on a skinny dog.       - Meaning: The weak attract problems.       - Spanish original: A perro flaco se le suben las pulgas.                   o A friend to everybody and to nobody is the same thing.                         H             o He that doth not rob makes not a robe or garment.                   o in English translation (literally): He went looking for wool and came back shorn.       - Meaning: If you go for something, it might end up hurting you.       - English equivalent: All that glitters isn't gold.       - Spanish original: Fue por lana y solia trasquilado.                   o in English translation (literally): He who doesn't scheme, doesn't get ahead. Or, if You don't scheme, you don't get ahead.       - Meaning: Saying is usually used as a justification for illegal or questionable activities.       - Spanish original: El que no transa, no avanza.                   o in English translation (literally): He who hangs out with wolves will learn how to howl.       - Meaning: Bad influences transform you.       - Spanish original: Quien anda con lobos a aullar aprende.                   o in English translation (literally): He who is silent, consents.       - Meaning: Consenting to injustice by doing nothing to stop it.       - Spanish original: Quien calla, otorga.                   o in English translation (literally): He who keeps quiet, grants consent.       - Spanish original: El que calla, otorga.                   o He who knows nothing, doubts nothing.             o He who goes with wolves learns to howl.                         I             o in English translation (literally): In a land of blind people a one-eyed is king.       - Meaning: The value of your capacities is relative, and depends on the context (Usually used for making vain people to come back to reality.).       - Spanish original: En la sala una dama, una puta en la cama.             o It is better to conceal one's knowledge than to reveal one's ignorance.             o in English translation (literally): It's easier to see the straw in someone else than the beam in oneself.       - Meaning: Normally you see defects on other people easier than in yourself.       - Spanish original: Es mas facil ver la paja en ojo ajeno que la viga en el propio.                   o It is good to have friends even in hell.                         L             o Laws catch flies but let hornets go free.             o Let your heart guide your head in evil matters.             o in English translation (literally): A loudmouth/big talker will on on his face faster than a lame man.       - Meaning: A braggart will quickly be revealed as a fraud when he can't back up what he says.       - Spanish original: Cae mas rapido un hablador que un cojo.                         P             o in English translation (literally): The poor writer blames the pen.       - Meaning: It is a poor workman who complains about his tools.       - Spanish original: El mal escribano le echa la culpa a la pluma.                   o in English translation (literally): Priest Gatica preaches but doesn't practice (what he preaches).       - Meaning: What he says is not what he does.       - Spanish original: Cura Gatica, predica pero no practica.                   o Punishment is a cripple but it arrives.                   R             o in English translation (literally): Raise crows and they will peck your eyes out.       - Meaning: No good can come of doing unworthy deeds.       - Spanish original: Cria curvos y te sacaran los ojos.                   S             o in English translation (literally): A scalded cat flees from cold water.       - English equivalent: Once bitten, twice shy.       - Spanish original: Gato escaldado del agua fria huye.                   o The stolen ox sometimes puts his head out of the stall.                   T                   o in English translation (literally): Tell me what you praise yourself of, and I'll you what you suffer from.       - Meaning: Tell me what you boast about and I'll tell you what you lack.       - Spanish original: Dime de que te alabras, y te dire de que padeces.                   o in English translation (literally): There is no honey without gall.       - Meaning: There is nothing good in life without a downside.       - Equivalent: No pain, no gain.       - Spanish original: No hay miel sin hiel.                   o in English translation (literally): There is no misfortune that doesn't come with good.       - Meaning: Don't take for granted that with good luck won't come misfortune.       - Equivalent: The road to Hell is paved by good intentions.       - Spanish original: No hay mal que por bien no venga.                   o in English translation (literally): To a car that's half closed, all are roads.       - Meaning: To a corrupt person, everyone is a road -- usable.       - Spanish original: A carro entornado, todos son caminos.                   o To deny all, is to confess all.                   o in English translation (literally): To a skinny dog all are fleas.       - Meaning: To the weak of character, everything seems to be problem, and/or responsibiities are irritating.       - Spanish original: A perro flaco todo son pulgas.                         W             o We make more enemies by what we say than friends by what we do.             o in English translation (literally): When the river makes noise, it's because it's carrying water.       - Meaning: Every rumor has probably a true part.       - Spanish original: Cuando el rio suena, agua lleva.                   o in English translation (literally): Where they give things, they can take them too.       - Meaning: Sentence used as a threat when someone wants to pay somebody back.       - Spanish original: Donde las dan, las toman.                   o Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.             o The wolf and the dog agree, at the expense of the goat which together they eat.             o The wolf loses his teeth, but not his inclinations.                   Y             o in English translation (literally): You give them a hand and they take your elbow.       - Meaning: When you help someone, it might end up backfiring.       - Equivalent: Give him an inch and he'll take a mile.       - Spanish equivalent: Les da uno la mano y se toman hasta el codo.                                                                                                                         Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #87522 View full size image
	French speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: French Proverbs or Folk Sayings on Virtue -- Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance                   A             o in English translation: As one makes one's bed, one lies in it.       - Meaning: One needs to take responsibility for one's actions.       - French original: Comme on fait son lit on se couche.                   B             o in English translation: Better is the enemy of good.       - Meaning: Let well alone.       - French original: Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.                   o in English translation: Better to be alone than in bad company.       - French original: Mieux vaut etre seul que mal accompagne.                   o in English translation: Better to bend than to break.       - Meaning: Adapt and survive.       - French original: Mieux vaut plier que rompre.                   o in English translation: Better to do than to say.       - Meaning: Actions speak louder than words.       - French original: Mieux vaut faire que dire.                         C             o in English translation: Charity begins at home.       - French original: Charite bien ordonnee commence par soi-meme.                   o Common sense is not so common.             o in English translation: Crime does not pay.       - French original: Le crime ne paie pas.                   D             o in English translation: Don't poke your finger 'twix the bark and the tree.       - Meaning: Do not meddle in other people's family affairs.       - French original: Entre l'arbre et l'ecorce, il ne faut pas mettre le doight.             o Don't make use of another's mouth unless it has been lent to you.             o in English translation: Do your duty come what may.       - French original: Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra.                         E             o in English translation: Each to his craft, and the cows will be well looked after.       - Meaning: One should mind one's own business.       - French original: Chacun son metier, les vaches seront bien gardees.                   o in English translation: Excess in anything is a fault.       - Meaning: Too much is too much.       - French original: L'exes en tout est un defaut.                   F             o in English translation: A fault confessed is half redressed.       - French original: Faute avouee est a moitie pardonne.                   G             o Good advice is often annoying, bad advice never.             o in English translation: A good name is worthier than a golden belt.       - Meaning: A good name is better than riches.       - French original: Bonne renommee vaut mieux que ceinture doree.             o Gratitude is the heart's memory             o in English translation (literally) Great spirits meet one another.       - Equivalent: Great minds think alike.       - French original: Les grands esprits se rencontrent.                         I             o If you want the truth, ask a child.             o in English translation: It is better to address God than his saints.       - French original: Mieux vaut s'adresser a Dieu qu'a ses saints.                   o in English translation: It is better to lose a good word than a friend.       - French original: Il vaut mieux perdre un bon mot qu'un ami.                   o in English translation: It is necessary to learn how to obey to know to command.       - French original: Il faut apprendre a obeir pour savoir commander.                   o in English translation: It is never too late to do well.       - Meaning: It's never too late to mend.       - French original: Il n'est jamais trop tard pour bien faire.                   o in English translation: It is one loaned for one returned.       - Meaning: One good turn deserves another.       - French original: C'est un prete pour un rendu.                   o in English translation: It's the melody that makes the song.       - Meaning: It's not what you say but the way you say it.       - French original: C'est le ton qui fait la chanson.                   o in English translation: It's when in need that one recognizes his friends.       - Meaning: A friend in need is a friend indeed.       - French original: C'est dans le besoin qu'on reconnait ses vrais amis.                   L             o Learning is there for every man.             o in English translation (literally): Little by little the bird builds its nest.       - French original: Petit a petit l'oiseau fait son nid.                         M             o Mingle just a little folly with your wisdom.                         N             o in English translation: The night brings advice.       - Meaning: Sleep on it.       - French original: La nuit porte conseil.                   o Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.                   O             o in English translation: Obedience comes before leadership.       - French original: Il faut savoir obeir avant que de commander.                   o in English translation: Of two evils one must choose the lesser.       - French original: Entre deux maux, il faut choisir le moindre.                   o in English translation (literally): On a given horse one doesn't look at the teeth.       - Meaning: Don't criticize gifts.       - French original: A cheval donne on ne regarde pas les dents.                   o in English translation: One is never so well served as by oneself.       - Meaning: If you want something done right, do it yourself.       - French original: On n'est jamais si bien servi que par soi-meme.                   o in English translation: One must turn the tongue seven times in the mouth before speaking.       - Meaning: Think before you speak.       - French original: Il faut tourner sa langue spet fois dans sa bouche avant de parler.                   o in English translation: One needs to wash one's dirty laundry with family around.       - Meaning: Don't air your dirty laundry in public.       - French original: Il faut laver son linge sale en famille.                   o in English translation (literally): Only mountains never meet.       - Meaning: There are none so distant that fate cannot bring together.       - French original: Il n'y a que les montagnes qui ne se rencontrent jamais.                   o in English translation: Only truth hurts.       - French original: Il n'y a que la verite quie blesse.                   o in English translation: Out of discussion springs forth the light.       - Meaning: Two heads are better than one.       - French original: Deux avis valent mieux qu'un.                   P             o Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.                   o in English translation: Punctuality is the politeness of kings.       - French original: L'exactitude est la politesse des rois.                         R             o in English translation: Receiving without giving turns the friendship.       - French original: Recevoir sans donner fait tournee l'amitie.                         S             o in English translation: Soft words don't scratch the tongue.       - Meaning: Good words break no bones.       - French original: Douce parole n'ecorche pas langue.                   o in English translation: The spit of the toad doesn't reach the white dove.       - Meaning: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.       - French original: L'hommme est un loup pour l'homme.                   o in English translation: The sun shines for everybody.       - French original: Le soleil luit pour tout le monde.                         T             o in English translation: Talk is silver, silence is golden.       - Equivalent: Silence is golden.       - French original: La parole est d'argent, mais le silence est d'or.                   o in English translation (literally): Tell me whom you haunt and I will tell you who you are.       - Meaning: A man is known by the company he keeps.       - French original: Dis-mois qui tu hantes, je te dirai qui tu es.                   o in English translation: There are none so blind as they who will not see.       - French original: Il n'est pire aveugle que celui qui ne veut pas voir.                   o There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.             o in English translation: There is none so deaf as he who will not hear.       - French original: Il n'est pire sourd que celui quie ne veut pas entendre.             o in English translation: Thing promised, thing owed.       - Meaning: Promises are made to be kept.       - French original: Chose promise, chose due.                   o in English translation: Travels train young people.       - French original: Les voyages forment la jeunesse.                   o in English translation: The truth comes from the mouth of children.       - French original: La verite sort de la bouche des enfants.                         W             o in English translation: What is done no longer needs to be done.       - Meaning: Don't leave till tomorrow what can be finished today.       - French original: Ce qui est fait n'est plus a faire.                   o When in doubt, forbear.             o The wise do as much as they should, not as much as they can.             o Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.                   Y             o in English translation: You don't catch flies with vinegar.       - Meaning: Honey catches more flies than vinegar.       - French original: On ne prend pas les mouches avec du vinaigre.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #832441 View full size image
	French speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: French Proverbs, Famous Quotes, or Folk Sayings on Vice -- Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth                   A             o in English translation: The absent are always in the wrong.       - French original: Les absents ont toujours tort.                   o in English translation (literally): Appearances are deceptive.       - Equivalent: All that glitters is not gold.       - French original: Les apparences sont trompeuses.                   B             o Better the foot slip than the tongue.             o in English translation: The Bible as read by the devil.       - English equivalent: Devil quoting scripture.       - French original: La bible comme lu par le diable.                   o in English translation: Big talkers are not big doers.       - French original: Les grands diseurs ne sont pas les grands faiseurs.                   C       o Cats like men are flatterers.             o in English translation (literally) Comparison is no reason.       - Meaning: Comparisons are misleading.       - French original: Comparaison n'est pas raison.                   o in English translation (literally): Curiosity is a wicked fault.       - Equivalent: curiosity killed the cat.       - French original: La curiosite est un vilain defaut.                   D             o in English translation (literally): The devil always shits in the same place.       - Meaning: The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime.       - French original: Le diable chie toujours au meme endroit.             o The devil is a busy bishop in his own diocese.             o in English translation: Do as I say, not as I do.       - French original: Fais ce que je dis, ne fais pas ce que je fais.                   o Don't bark if you can't bite.             o in English translation (literally) Don't undress Peter to dress Paul.       - Equivalent: Don't rob Peter to pay Paul.       - French original: Il ne faut pas deshabiller Pierre pour habiller Paul.                   E             o in English translation (literally): The end justifies the means.       - French original: La fin justifie les moyens.                   F             o Feather by feather the goose can be plucked.             o in English translation (literally): The festival has passed, goodbye to the saint.       - Equivalent: The river passed, and God forgotten.       - French original: La fete passee, adieu le saint.                   o Fools are wise until they speak.             G             o A good lawyer, a bad neighbor.             o in English translation (literally): Goods badly acquired never profit.       - English equivalent: Ill-gotten gains seldom prosper.       - French original: Bien mal acquis ne profite jamais.                   o The great thieves lead away the little thieves.                         H             o He that asks what he should not, hears what he would not.             o He that seeks trouble never misses.             o He who is near the church is often far from God.             o in English translation: He who takes without giving makes a friendship go sour.       - French original: Recevoir sans donner fait tourner l'amiti.                   o in English translation (literally): Hell is paved with good intentions.       - Equivalent: The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.       - French original: L'enfer est pave de bonnes intentions.                         I             o in English translation (literally): Idleness is the mother of all sins.       - Equivalent: An idle mind is the devil's workshop.       - French original: L'oisivete est la mere de tous les vices.                   o It is easier to criticize than to do better.             o in English translation (literally): It is the hen which sings which has laid the egg.       Equivalent: The guilty dog barks the loudest.       French original: C'est la poule qui chante qui a fait l'oeuf.             o It is only the tree loaded with fruit that the people throw stones.                         L             o Liars need good memories.             o A lie travels round the world while truth is putting her boots on.             o Little thieves are hanged but great ones escape.             o in English translation (literally): Look for the woman.       - Meaning: A woman is probably at the heart of the quarrel.       - French original: Cherchez la femme.                   M             o in English translation (literally) The man is a wolf for the man.       - Equivalent: Brother will turn on brother.       - French original: L'homme est un loup pour l'homme.                   o Man is not man, but a wolf to those he does not know.             o Many come to church to air their finery.             o in English translation (literally): The misfortune of some makes the joy of others.       - Equivalent: One man's meat is another man's poison.       - French original: Le malheur des un fait le bonheur des autres.                   o in English translation (literally): The motive of the strongest is always the best.       - Equivalent: Might is always right.       - French original: La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure.                         N             o Nothing is as burdensome as a secret.                   O             o in English translation (literally) One needs to wash one's dirty laundry with family around.       - Equivalent: Don't air your dirty laundry in public.       - French original: Il faut laver son linge sale en famille.                   o in English translation: Opportunity makes the thief.       - French original: L'occasion fait le larron.                   P       o Politicians are like weather vanes.                         R             o Rats desert a sinking ship.             o in English translation (literally): Revenge is a dish that is eaten cold.       - Equivalent: Revenge is a dish best served cold.       - French original: La vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid.                   S       o Save a thief from the gallows and he will cut your throat.             o in English translation (literally): A scaled cat fears cold water.       - Equivalent: Once bitten, twice shy.       - French original: Chat echaude craint l'eau froide.                   o in English translation (literally): Shameful be they who thinks badly of it.       - Equivalent: Evil be to he who evil thinks.       - French original: Honni soit qui mal y pense.                   o The slowest barker is the surest biter.                   o in English translation (literally): The spit of the toad doesn't reach the white dove.       - Equivalent: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.       - French original: La bave du crapaud n'atteint pas la blanche colombe.                         T             o in English translation: There's no smoke without fire.       French original: Il n'y a pas de petit chez soil.             o There's none so blind as those who will not see.             o There's none so deaf as those who will not hear.                   W             o in English translation: Walls have ears.       - French original: Les murs ont des oreilles.             o "We confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no large ones." [Francois de la Rochefoucauld, author]             o in English translation: We often need someone smaller than ourselves.       - French original: On a souvent besoin d'un plus petite que soi.                   o in English translation: Where the wolf finds a lamb, there one seeks a new one.       - French original: Ou le loup trouve un agneau, il y en cherche un nouveau.                   o in English translation: Who makes herself an ewe, the wolf eats her.       - French original: Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange.                   o Who spits against the wind, spits in his own face.                   Y             o in English translation: Your spluttering insults do not reach the umbrella of my indifference.       - French original: La pluie de vois injures n'atteint pas le parapluie de mon indifference.                                                                                                                                                 Contributed by: Image courtesy of The Library of Congress #0923r View full size image
	German speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: German Proverbs or Folk Sayings on Virtue -- Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance                   A             o in English translation: All good things are three.       - English equivalent: Good things come in numbers of three.)       - GERMAN original: Aller guten dinge sind drei.             o All good comes from above.       - Meaning: God gives us all good things, sometimes used ironically when something falls on someone's head.                         B             o in English translation (literally): Better to lick the knife than to give up the spoon.       - Meaning: It is preferable to face adversity than to die.       - German original: Lieber das messer ablecken als den loffel abgeben.                   o The blind man explains the colors to the one-eyed man.       - English equivalent: The blind leading the blind.                         C             o A clean mouth and honest hand, will take a man through any land.             o A close mouth and open eyes never did any one harm.             o Charity see the need not the cause.                         D             o in English translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.       - German original: Einem geschenkten gaul schaut man nicht ins maul.                   o in English translation: Don't talk operas.       - Meaning: Say it short.       - German original: Quatsch kein opern.                         E             o in English translation: Every loony is different.       - Meaning: Show some broad-mindedness.       - German original: Jeder Jeck ist anders.                         F             o in English translation: First think, then steer.       - English equivalent: Think before you act.       - German original: Erst denken, dann lenken.                   o in English translation: Four eyes see more than two.       - Equivalent: Two heads are better than one.       - German original: Vier augen sehen mehr als zwei.                   o From damage one becomes intelligent.       - Meaning: One learns from one's mistakes.                         G             o God gave us the nuts but he doesn't crack them.             o God gives the nuts, but he doesn't crack them.       - English equivalent: God helps those who help themselves.             o A good book praises itself.             o A good conscience is a soft pillow.             o A good name is a rich inheritance.                   o in English translation: Gratitude and wheat prosper only on good soil.       - German original: Dankbarkeit und weiszen gedeihen nur auf gutem boden.                         H             o Humility, this beautiful virtue, honors the age and the youth.       - German original: Demut, diese schone tugend, ehrt das alter und die jugend.             I             o If God were not willing to forgive sin, heaven would be empty.                   o in English translation (literally): If time comes, advice comes.       - Meaning: With time comes insight.       - German original: Kommt zeit, kommt rat.                   o in English translation: It's indeed hard to talk cleverly, still harder to be silent cleverly.       - Meaning: Know when to keep your mouth shut.       - German original: Klug zu reden ist doch schwer, klug zu schweigen noch viel mehr.                   o in English translation: In briefness lies the spice.       - Equivalent: Brevity is the soul of wit.       - German original: In der kurze liegt die wurze.                   o in English translation: It went well everything.       - Meaning: Do not fear the future.       - German original: Et hat noch immer joot jejange.                   L       o A lean agreement is better than a fat lawsuit.             o in English translation: Learned is learned.       - Meaning: If you really learned something, you tend to be good at it.       - German original: Gelernt ist gelernt.                         M             o in English translation (literally): A master has never yet fallen from the sky.       - Meaning: No one is an expert right away without any practice.       - Equivalent: Practice makes perfect.       - German original: Es is noch kein meister von himmel gefallen.                   o in English translation (Literally): The mouths of children proclaim the truth.       - English equivalent: From the mouths of babes.       - German original: Kindermund tut wahrheit kund.                         N             o in English translation: No diligence, no prize.       - Equivalent: NO pain, no gain.       - German original: Ohne fleib kein preis.             o Noble and common blood is of the same color.                         O             o in English translation: One shouldn't praise the day before the evening.       - Meaning: Avoid premature judgement.       - German original: Man soll den tag nicht vor dem abend loben.                   P             o in English translation: Practice makes the master.       - Equivalent: Practice makes perfect.       - German original: Ubung macht den meister.                   o Pray as if no work could help and work as if no prayer could help.                   o in English translation: A present is a present -- you'll go to hell if you are taking it back.       - Meaning: Gifts are final (or should be).       - German original: Geschenkt ist geschenkt - wiedergenommen in die holle gekommen.                         S             o in English translation (literally): Shoemaker, stick to your last.       - Equivalent: Just do what you can do best.       - German original: Schuster, bleib bei deinem leisten.                   o in English translation: A steady drop will carve the stone.       - Meaning: Continuous effort will eventually lead to success.       - German original: Steter tropfen hohlt den stein.                   o in English translation: Sweep the ground in front of your own door.       - Meaning: Don't mess with other people's business, better take care of your own.       - German original: Kehre vor deiner eigenen tur.                         T             o in English translation: Talking is silver, silence is gold.       - Equivalent: Talk is cheap, silence is golden.       - German original: Reden ist silbr, schweigen ist gold.                   o A teacher is better than two books.             o in English translation: Trust is good, but verification is better.       - Equivalent: Trust but verify.       - German original: Vertrauen ist gut, kontrolle ist besser.                                                                                                 Contributed by: Image courtesy of The New York Public Library, Digital Gallery #832786 View full size image
	German speaking countries Date: Centuries-old Notes: German Proverbs or Folk Sayings on Vice -- Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth                         A             o in English translation: All sins flow into one.       - GERMAN original: Adel verpflichtet.                   o in English translation (literally): Among the blind, the one - eyed man is king.       - Meaning: Someone with limited means can only be considered superior by people with even more limited means.       - GERMAN original: Unter den blinden ist der eindugige der konig.             o Anger without power is folly.             o in English translation: Arrogance comes before the fall.       - Meaning: People tend to be arrogant until tehy fall.       - Equivalent: Pride cometh before the fall.       - German original: Hochmut kommt vor dem fall.                               B             o A bad cause requires many words.                   C             o in English translation: A cock that crows too early gets a twisted neck.       - German original: Dem han, der zu fruh kraht, dreht man den hals um.                         D             o The devil catches most souls in a golden net.             o in English translation (literally): The devil hides himself in the details.       - German original: Der teufel steckt in detail.                         E             o in English translation: The eavesdropper at the wall hears only his own dishonor.       - German translation: Der lauscher on der wand hort nur die eigene schand.                         F             o Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.             o in English translation (literally): The fish stinks from the head.       - Meaning: Corruption starts at the top.       - German original: Der fisch stinkt vom kopf her.             o A flatter has water in one hand and fire in the other.                   o in English translation: Fraud is a shopkeeper's field and plow.       - Meaning: Shopkeepers deal in fraud.       - German original:Betrug ist der kramer acker und pflug.                         G             o A glutton young, a beggar old.             o A good speaker makes a good liar.                   H                   o in English translation (literally): He who doesn't want to listen will have to experience.       - Meaning: If you don't want to listen to what I tell you, you will get to feel a spanking [a threat to children].       - German original: Wer nicht horen will, muss fuhlen.             o He who has once burnt his mouth always blows his soup.             o He who holds the ladder is as bad as the thief.             o He who would rule must hear and be deaf, see and be blind.             o A hundred years of wrong do not make an hour of right.                         I             o It is an ill procession where the devil bears the cross.             o in English translation (literally): It seems Spanish to me.       - Equivalent: That's a bit fishy.       - German original: Das kommt mir spanisch vor.                         J             o in English translation (literally): Joy from other's misfortune is the best joy.       - German original: Schadenfreude ist die beste freude.                   o in English translation (literally): Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.       - Meaning: Do not expect friendly reply when being obnoxious.       - German original: Wie man in den wald hineinruft so schallt es zuruck.                   L                   o in English translation (literally): The last one is bitten by the dogs.       - Equivalent: The devil takes the hindmost.       - German original: Den letzten beiben die hunde.                   o in English translation (literally): Lies have short legs.       English equivalent: All lies come back to haunt you.       - German original: Lugen haben kurze Beine.                         M             o in English translation: Modesty is the highest form of arrogance.       - German original: Bescheidenheit ist die hochste form der arroganz.                         O             o One does evil enough when one does nothing good.             o in English translation (literally): Only dead fish swim with the stream.       - Meaning: People who do not possess willpower will simply follow the majority, doing what everyone else are doing, without thinking.       - German original: Nur tote fische schwimmen mit dem strom.                   N             o in English translation (literally): Not all that glitters is gold.       - Meaning: Beware of a superficial impression.       - German original: Es ist nicht alles gold, was glanzt.                   o in English translation (literally): Not to paint the devil on the wall.       - Meaning: Do not make it out to be worse than it actually is.       - German original: Den teufel nicht an die wand malen.                   P             o in English translation (literally): Paper is patient.       - Meaning: Just because it is in writing doesn't mean it's true.       - German original: Papier ist geduldig.                         S       o The silent dog is always the first to bite.             T       o There are many preachers who don't hear themselves.             o in English translation: To have a corpse in the basement.       English equivalent: Skeletons in the closet.       - German original: Eine leiche in keller haben.                   o in English translation (literally): To saw off the branch you're sitting on.       - Equivalent: To bite the hand that feeds you.       - German original: Den ast absagen, auf dem man sitzt.                   o in English translation (literally): Turn a billy-goat into a gardener.       - Meaning: To disregard a trustee's harmful conflict of interests.       - German original: Den bock zum gartner machen.                   V             o in English translation (literally): Vanity is also an education.       - German original: Einbildung ist auch eine bildung.                   W             o When God says today, the devil says tomorrow.             o Where God has a temple, the devil has a chapel.             o in English translation (literally): When scoundrels argue, the truth is revealed.       - Meaning: Secret or criminal acts can only be kept a secret as long as the perpetrators do not quarrel among themselves.       - German original: Wenn gauner sich streiten kommt die wahrheit ans licht.                   o Where the devil cannot come, he will send.             o in English translation (literally) With such friends, one doesn't need enemies anymore.       - German original: Mit solchen freunden braucht man keine feinde mehr.                   o in English translation (literally): Who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.       - German original: Wer anderen ein grube grabt, fallt selbst hinein.                                                                                                                                           Contributed by: Image courtesy of The Library of Congress #0687r View full size image
	Around the World Date: Centuries-old Notes: The following list was taken from the book, "Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages" classified by subject, arranged alphabetically, compiled by Robert Christy (New York: Putnam's Sons, 1887).             Enemy.             1. A dead enemy is as good as a cold friend.       Ger,             2. A sly enemy is Worth more than ten others.       Ger.             3. An enemy does not sleep. Fr,             4. An enemy has sharp eyes and acute ears.             Ger,             5. An enemy is a perpetual spy.             6. An enemy is a thorn in the quilt.             7. An enemy may chance to give good counsel.             8. An enemy's envy is an honor. Latin.             9. An enemy's envy is his own punishment.       Tamil.             10. An enemy's present is no favor. M. Greek,             11. An enemy to beauty is a foe to nature.             12. An enemy who begging forgiveness lies at       thy feet must not feel thy sword.             13. An old enemy becomes not a friend.       M. Greek.             14. An open enemy is better than a false friend,       Ger.             15. Be my enemy and go to my mill. Sp.             16. Be my enemy far from me he may live a       thousand years. Turk.             17. Be thine enemy an ant, see in him an ele-       phant. Turk.             18. Best dealing with the enemy when you take       him at the weakest.             19. Better a wise enemy than a foolish friend.       M. Greek.             20. Better to have the enemy in front than in the       rear.             21. Beware of enemies reconciled and of meat       twice boiled. Sp.             22. Build golden bridges for the flying foe. Ger.             23. Consider that an enemy may become a friend       Syrus,             24. Do not despise your enemy.             25. Do not spread your corn to dry at an en*       emy's door. Austrian,             26. Every man carries an enemy in his own       bosom.             27. ?very one has both enemies and friends.       Ger.             28. For a flying enemy make a silver bridge.             29. He is above his enemies that despises their       injuries.             30. He that dallies with his enemy gives him       leave to kill him.             31. He who feeds a wolf strengthens his enemy.       Dan,             32. He who has enemies let him not sleep. Sp.             33. He who has three enemies must agree with       two. Ger,             34. He who makes light of his enemy dies by       his hand. Sp.             35. His own enemy is no one's friend. Ger,             36. How learned a thing it is to beware of the       humblest enemy. Benjonsov.             37. If I wished to punish an enemy, I would       make him hate somebody. Hanfiah More.             38. If we are bound to forgive an enemy, we are       not bound to trust him.             39. If we be enemies to ourselves, whither shall       we fly.             40. If you have no enemies it is a sign fortune       has forgot you.             41. If you would make an enemy, lend a man       money and ask it of him again.             42. In an enemy spots are soon seen.             43. It is a miserable lot to be without an enemy,       Syrus.             44. Little enemies and little wounds are not to       be despised. Ger.             45. Look with suspicion upon the flight of an       enemy. Ital.             46. Make a silver bridge for a flying enemy.       Sp., For,             47. Make no enemies. Cingalese.             48. Man has not a greater enemy than himself.       Petrarch.             49. Many enemies, much honor. Ger.             50. Never fight an enemy while it is possible to       cheat him.             51. No enemy is so despicable but he may do one       a vexatious turn. V Estrange.             52. No man Is without enemies. Arabian.             53. Once an enemy always an enemy.             54. One can learn even from an enemy. Ger.       55. One enemy can harm you more than a hun-       dred friends can do you good. Ger.             56. One should not believe the enemy though he       tell the truth. Ger.             57. Out of a secret enemy one must make an open       one. Ger,             58. Receive instruction from an enemy. Ovid,             59. So many slaves so. many enemies. Ger,             60. That is a most wretched fortune which is       without an enemy. Latin,             61. The body of a dead enemy always smells       well. Charles IX, of France,             62. The enemy is sleepless. Ger,             63. The officer who grapples with the enemy       can never be wrong. Nelson.             64. The stouter the enemy the more glorious the       victory. Ger,             65. The weakness of the enemy makes our own       strength. Fr,             66. There is no enemy that cannot do harm.             Ger,             67. There is no little enemy.             68. There is no such thing as an insignificant       enemy. Fr,             69. Though thy enemy seem a mouse, yet watch       him like a lion.             70. Though you are bound to love your enemy,       you are not bound to put your sword in his hand.             71. To learn of an enemy has always been ac*       counted honorable. Dr, Johnson             72. Water sleeps, the enemy wakes. Turk             73. We carry our greatest enemies within us.             74. We have met the enemy and he is ours.       Perry.             75. What signifies dying the day after thine       enemy, Arabian Nights,             76. When thine enemy retreateth make him       a golden bridge. Dutch.             77. When two enemies blow one horn the third       will have to suffer for it. Dan.             78. When you are on the road speak not ill of       your enemy Sp.             79. Who is your enemy? A man of your own       trade. Sp.             80. Your enemy makes you wise. Ital                         Envy.       I. A man envies every other man except his son       and his pupil. Hebrew,             2. A quarrel in a neighbor's house is refreshing.       />., to envious persons, Tamil,             3. After honor and state, follow envy and hate.       Dutch,             4. All envy is between neighbors. Ger,             5. An envious man is a squint-eyed fool.             6. An envious man waxes lean with the fatness       of his neighbor.             7. As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy       consume a man. Chrysostomus,             8. As love thinks no evil, so envy thinks no       good.             9. As rust corrupts iron, so envy corrupts man.       Anisthenes,             10. Bad eyes never see any good.             11. Base envy withers at another's joy.       And hates the excellence it cannot reach.       Thomson,             12. Better the envy of enemies than the pity of       friends. Ger.             13. Envy always pursues the fortunate and meri-       torious. Arabian,             14. Envy assails the noblest, the winds howl       around the highest peaks. Arabian,             15. Envy and covetousness are never satisfied.             16. Envy beats itself. Ger.             17. Envy crieth of spite where honor rideth.       Dutch.             18. Envy does not enter an empty house. Dan.             19. Envy doth merit like its shade pursue.       Aristophanes.             20. Envy envies itself. Ger.             21. Envy feeds on the living, it ceases when they       are dead. Ovid,             22. Envy follows good fortune. Ger,             23. Envy goes beyond avarice. Fr             24. Envy has made no man rich. Ger,             25. Envy is a kind of praise. Gay,             26. Envy is an awkward homage that inferiority       pays to merit. La Motte,             27. Envy is blind and is only clever in depreciat-       ing the virtues of others. Livy,             28. Envy is its own torture.             29. Envy is productive of hatred, and pity borders       on contempt. Gibbon,             30. Envy is the mean man's gratitude. Bulwer,             31. Envy is the sorrow of fools. Ger,             32. Envy is the worst disease. Ger,             33. Envy like fire soars upward. Livy,             34. Envy makes sorrow. Ger,             35. Envy which turns pale,       And sickens even if a friend prevail.             Churchill             36. Envy never has a holiday. Latin,             37. Envy never yet enriched any man.             38. Envy no man.             39. Envy not the store             Of the greatest man that grinds the poor.       Dryden.             40. Envy sets the stronger seal on desert.             Ben Jonson,             41. Envy shoots at others and wounds herself,             42. Envy ? the dyspepsia of the mind. Punch,             43. Envy was never a good spokesman.             44. Envy will be science when it learns the use       of the microscope. Bulwer,             45. He who envies suffers. Ger.             46. He who envies us admits his inferiority.       Latin,             47. If envy were a fever all the world would be       ill.             48. Many owe their fortunes to their enviers.             49. No one lives who does not envy. Ger,             50. Nothing can allay the rage of biting envy.             51. Nothing sharpens sight like envy.             52. The envious hurts others on everything, but him-       self more.             53. The envious man grows lean at the success of       his neighbors. Horace,             54. The envious man's face grows sharp and his       eyes big. Sp, Por.             55. The envious 'man, who sends away his       mutton because the person next him is eating ven-       ison. Punch,             56. The envious die, but envy never. Fr,             57. The fortunate or the brave can, afford to       laugh at envy. Syrus,             58. The greatest mischief you can do to the en-       vious is to do well.             59. The over envious are not over wise.       Massinger^             60. The Sicilian tyrants never devised a greater       punishment than envy. Juvenal,             61. The smoke (envy) follows the fairest.             62. There are some who see ill and would like to       see worse. Ital             63. Those that are advanced by degrees are less       envied than those that are advanced suddenly.       Bacon,             64. Those who raise envy will easily incur cen-       sure. Dr, Johnson.             65. Two things ought to be the object of our fear,       the envy of our friends and the hatred of our en-       emies. Bias,             66. When fortune's chariot rolls easily, envy and       shame cling to the wheels. Dan,             67. With fame in just proportion envy grows,       The man that makes a character makes foes.       Young,                   Evil.       1. A Small evil is a great good, Greek.       2. An evil lesson is soon learned.       3. An evil life is a kind of death. Ovid,       4. Better suffer a great evil than do a little one.             5. Better to suffer a known evil than to change       for uncertain good. Sp,             6. Depart from evil and do good. Bible,             7. Do not stir up an evil that has been fairly       buried. Latin,             8. Evil to him who evil thinks. Motto of Great Britain,             9. Evil comes not amiss if it comes alone.       Don Quixote.             10. Evil comes to us by ells and goes away by       inches.             11. Evil communications corrupt good manners.             12. Evil conduct is the root of misery. Chinese.             13. Evil doing costs more than well doing. Ger,             14. Evil fall on him who goes to seek it.       Don Quixote,             15. Evil gains are as bad as a loss. Hesiod,             16. Evil got, evil spent.             17. Evil habits soil a fine dress more than mud.       Flautus,             18. Evil is fittest to consort with evil. Livy,             19. Evil is soon believed.             20. Evil is soon done but slowly mended. Dan,             21. Evil must be drawn out by evil. Dan,             22. Evil they sow and sorrow will they reap for       their harvest. Southey,             23. Evil wastes itself. Dan,*             24. Evils that are past should not be mourned.             25. He sucked evil from the dug.             26. How much pain the evils have cost us that       have never happened.             27. Let us permit men to speak evil of us ; is it       not sufficient they cannot do it Augustus,             28. Never do evil that good may come of it. Ital,             29. No evil is great if it is the last. Nepos             30. No face all ugly e'er was seen on earth,       No heart all evil e'er from Eve had birth,             31. Of two evils choose the least.             32. Some evils are cured by contempt.             33. That evil which is old at night is yet the off       spring of every morning. Hebrew             34. That which is evil is soon learnt.             35. The evil comes upon us all at once like sticks       upon a dog. Don Quixote,             36. The evil is lessened when it is seen before-       hand. Latin,             37. The evil that men do lives after them ;       The good is oft interred with their bones.       Shaks,             38. The evil which issues from thy mouth falls       into thy bosom. Sp,             39. The evil wound is cured but not the evil       name.             40. The last evil smarts the most.             41. There are evils which compared to others are       benefits.             42. Three great evils come out of the north, a       cold wind, a cunning knave and a shrinking cloth.             43. To a mortal man no evil is immortal.             44. To every evil doer his evil day. Sp,             45. We will not believe the existence of evil until       it is upon us. La Fontaine,             46. Who does not punish evil invites it. Ger,             47. Who doth no evil is apt to suspect none.                   God.       1. Against God's wrath no castle is thunder       proof.             2. All things proclaim the existence of a God.       Napoleon,             3. Better God than gold.             4. Every little blade of grass declareth the pres-       ence of God. Latin,             5. Every one in his own house and God in all       men's. Sp,             6. Every one is as God made him and very       often worse. Don. Quixote,             7. Everything has an end excepting God.             Dutch.             8. Father and mother are kind, but God is       kinder. Dan.       9. Get thy spindle and thy distaff ready and       God will send the flax.             10. God alone understands fools.             11. God arms the harmless.             12. God blesses the seeking, not the finding.             13. God comes at last when we think he is far-       thest off. Dan.             14. God comes with leaden feet but strikes with       iron hand.             15. God deals his wrath by weight but without       weight his mercy.             16. God defend me from the still water, and VW       keep myself from the rough.             17. God defend me from the devil, the eye of a       harlot and the turn of a die. Sf.             18. God delays but does not forget. Af, Greek,             19. God deliver me from a man of one book.             20. God deprives him of his bread who likes not       his drink.             2 1. God does not pay weekly but he pays at the       end, Dutch.             22. God does not smite with both hands. Sp.             23. God extends from eternity to eternity.             Aristotle.             24. God gives a cursed cow short horns. Ital             25. God gives almonds to some who have no       teeth. Sp.             26. God gives bread but we must creep along       ourselves also. M. Greek.             27. God gives every bird its food but does not       thrust it into its nest Dan.             28. God gives little folks small gifts. Dan,             29. God gives strength to bear a great deal if       we only strive ourselves to endure. Hans Andersen,             30. God gives the milk but not the pail. Ger,             31. God gives the wine but not the bottle. Ger,             32. God gives wings to the ant that she may per-       ish the sooner.             33. God grant me to contend with those who       understand me.             34. God grant you fortune, my son, for knowledge       avails you little. Sp,             35. God has given nuts to some that have no       teeth. For,             36. God has given us the earth, but left the sea       to the infidels. Turk,             37. God has many names though he is only one       being. Aristotle,             38. God helps the sailor but he must row. Ger,             39. God helps those who help themselves.             40. God helping, nothing need be feared.             41. God helps the early riser. Sp,             42. God helps the strongest. Ger,^ Dutch.             43. God helps three sorts of people : fools, chil-       dren, and drunkards. Fr,             44. God is always at leisure to do good to those       that ask it.             45. God is everywhere except where he has his       delegate. {Ironical Ital,             46^ God is not hasty but he forgets nothing. Ger.       47. God is patient because eternal. St, Augustine,       48. God keeps the nobleman no more than the       peasant. Ger.             49. God is the enemy of the proud. Turk.             50. God is where he was.             51. God keep you from ? "It is too late." Sp.             52. God knows who are the best pilgrims.             53. God looks to pure hands, not full ones. Syrus.             54. God loves good accounts.             55. God made the country, man made the town.       Byron,             56. God made us and we wonder at it. Sp,             57. God never sends mouths but he sends meat.             58. God, our parents and our master can never       be requited.             59. God permits nothing to happen which is not       the best for us. Hans Andersen,             60. God permits the wicked but not forever.             61. God postpones, he does not overlook. Turk,             62. God puts a good root in the little pig's way.             Fr,             63. God reaches us good things by our own       hands.             64. God save me from one who does not drink.             Ital,             65. God save me from the man of one occupa-       tion. Ital,             66. God save me from those I confide in. Fr,             67. God save me from a bad neighbor and from       a beginner on the fiddle. Ital,             68. God saves the moon from the wolves. Fr,             69. God sells knowledge for labor, honor for       risk. Dutch,             70. God send me a friend that may tell me my       faults, if not an enemy and to be sure he will.             71. God send you readier meat than running       hares.             72. God sends clothes after clothes.             73. God sends corn and the devil rtiars the sack.             74. God sends enough to all. Latin,             75. God's mills turn slow, but they grind woe.       Oriental,             76. God sends meat and the devil sends cooks.             77. God sends no greater evil than many children       and little bread. Ger.             78. God sends nothing but what can be borne. Ital             79. God sent him meat but the devil cooked it.             Dutch.             80. God stands in need of nothing ; he is forever       above and beyond want. Aristotle,             81. God stays long but strikes at last.             82. God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.             Sterne Fr.             83. God made the world so wisely, so wisely       governs it             84. God's help is nearer than the fair even.             85. God who sends the wounds, sends the cure.       Don Quixote,             86. God will provide, but a bundle of straw will       not be amiss.             87. God's mill goes slowly, but it grinds well.       Ger,                   88. God*s providence is the sweet and best inheri-       tance,             89. God's work is soon done. Fr             90. Good is God and long is eternity.             91. Hae God hae a.             92. He loseth nothing that keeps God for his       friend.             93. If God be with us everything that is impossi-       ble becomes possible.             94. If God be with us who shall stand against us.       Latin,             95. If God bids thee draw, he will find thee a rope,       and if he bid thee ride, he will find thee a horse.       Dan,             96. If God give not bushelfuis, he gives spoon-       fuls. Dan,             97. If God proposes the destruction of an ant he       gives her wings. Arabian,             98. If things go well it is God's will, and if they       don't go well it is his will also.       Bombay the African speaking to Captain Speke,             99. It is better to have to do with God than with       his saints. Fr.             100. It is impossible to do anything against the       will of God. Hannibal,             101. Laugh where we must, be candid where we       can.       But vindicate the ways of God to man. Pope,             102. Man doth what he can and God what he will.       No threshold without God. Russian             103. Not God above gets all men's love.             104. Preserve thyself from the occasion and God       will presence thee from the sin.             105. That man is to be feared who fears not God.             Turk.             106. The most High God sees and forbears; my       neighbor knows nothing and yet is always finding       fault.             107. To God's counsel chamber there is no key.       Dan,             108. Unless God be with us all labor is in vain,       Latin,             109. Whom God will help none can hinder,             110. What God will, no frost can kill.             111. What we have in us of the image of God, is       the love of truth and justice. Demosthenes,             112. Whatever happens, happens by the will of       God. Last Knight of Delphi,             113. When God gives light he gives it for all. Sp,             114. When God means to punish a nation he de-       prives its rulers of wisdom. Ger., Dutch,             115. When God pleases it rains in fair weather. Sp,             116. When God pleases it rains with every wind.       Sp,, Dutch,             117. When God says to-day the devil says to-       morrow. Ger             118. When God sends flour the devil carries off       the sack. Fr.             119. When God sends the dawn he sends it for all.       Don Quixote,             120. When God will not the saints cannot.       Ital, Sp Dutch.             121. When it is God's will to plague a man a mouse       can bite him to death.             122. When it pleaseth not God, the saint can do       little.             123. When the anguish is greatest, God's help is       highest. Ger.             124. Where God bestows an office he provides       brains to fill it. Ger,             125. Where God builds a churchy the devil builds       a chapel. Ger,             126. Who hath God hath all, who hath him not       hath less than nothing.             127. Whom God loves, his house is savory to him.             128. You cannot serve God and mammon.       Nov Testament.                   Gods.       1. The gods are just and of our pleasant vices,       Make instruments to scourge us. Shaks,             2. The gods are on the side of the stronger.       Tacitus.             3. The gods cannot help a man who loses oppor-       tunity. Chiruse.             4. The gods delight to see a man struggling to       succeed.             5. The gods did not send com only for the rich.             6. Whom the gods love die young.             7. Whom the gods would destroy they first make       mad.                         Good.       1. All good is the better for being diffusive.             2. And learn the luxury of doing good.       Goldsmith.             3. Be good and refrain not to do good.             4. Be good in your office, you'll keep the longer       on.             5. Do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.             Pope.             6. For he that once is good is ever great.             Ben Jonson,             7. Good and bad make up a city. Por,             8. Good and quickly seldom meet.             9. Good at a distance is better than evil at hand.             10. Good comes to better and better to bad. Fr.             11. Good for good is natural, good for evil is       manly. Turk,             12. Good is good but better carrieth it.             13. Good never comes too often. Dan,             14. Good the more communicated more abundant       grows. Milton,             15. Good that comes too late is good as nothing.             16. Good though long stayed for is good.       Good.             17. Great and good are seldom the same.             18. Good folk are scarce, take care of them.             19. He begins to grow bad who believes himself       good. Ital.             20. He cannot be good that knows not why he is       good.             21. He is not good himself who speaks well of       everybody alike.             22. He knows best what good is who has endured       evil.             23. He that does good shall find good, he that       does evil shall find evil. Turk,             24. He that hath plenty of good shall have more,       he that hath but little shall have less.             25. He that helps the evil hurts the good.       Socrates.             26. He that returns good for evil obtains the       victory.             27. How few know their own good, or knowing it       pursue. Juvenal.             28. If they say you are good, ask yourself if it be       true.             29. It you pursue good with labor, the labor       passes away but the good remains ; if you pursue       evil with pleasure, the pleasure passes away and the       evil remains. Cicero,             30. In avoiding that which is evil I have found       that which is good. Latin,             31. It is as hard for the good to suspect evil, as it       is for the bad to suspect good. Cicero,             32. It is good if it were but caught             33. Men resemble the gods in nothing so much as       I in doing good to their fellow creatures. Cicero.             34. No man is good unless others are made bet-       ter by him. Welsh,             35. None can be good too soon.             36. Out of a great evil comes a great good. Ital             37- So good that he is good for nothing. Ital             38. Some good, some bad as sheep come to the       fold.             39. That's my good that does me good.             40. The good are joyful in the midst of poverty,       but the wicked are sad in great riches.             41. The good for virtue's sake abhor to sin. Creech,             42. The good fear no law ; it is his safety and the       bad man's awe. Massinger,             43. The good or evil we confer on others often       recoils on ourselves. Fielding.             44. The good palliate no bad action.             45. The good that is done to bad men is as often       productive of injury as the milk which is given to a       snake is converted into poison. M, Greek.             46. The good you do is not lost though you for-       get it.             47. There are good and bad everywhere. Ital.             48. There is none that doeth good, no not one.       Bible.             49. There is not the thickness of a sixpence be-       tween good and evil.             50. There is nothing either good or bad but       thinking makes it so. Shaks,             51. They are aye guide that are far away.       52. Though good be good, better is better (or       better carries it).             53. What is good is never too abundant.             54. What is good is difficult. Plato,             55. Where there is no good within, no good       comes out. Dutch,             56. Worldly good is ebb and flood. Dutch,                   Good-faith.       1. Good-faith is a seldom guest ; when you have       him, hold him fast. Ger.             2. Good-faith stole the cow.                   Good Turn.       1. Nothing is more easily blotted out than a       good turn.             2. One good turn deserves another.             3. One never loseth by doing good turns.             4. There is as much greatness in owning a good             turn as in doing it.                   Goodness.       1. Goodness moves in a larger sphere than justice. Plutarch,             2. Goodness still delighteth to forgive. Bums.             3. There is nothing so popular as goodness.       Cicero.                   Law.             1. A bad (or lean or meager) compromise is better than a fat lawsuit.       Fr., Ital., Ger., Sp., Dutch, Dan.             2. A case well stated is half tried.             3. A common error makes law. Coke,       4. A corrupt society has many laws. Dr, Johnson,             5. A foolish judge passes a brief sentence.             6. A fox should not be on the jury at a gooses trial.             7. A friend in court is as good as a penny in       pocket.             8. A friend in court makes the process short.             9. A good cause and a good tongue, yet money       must carry it.             10. A good king is better than an old law. Dutch,             11. A good word in court is better than a pound       in the purse. Irish,             12. A lawsuit for a maravedi consumes a real worth of paper. Sp.             13. A lawsuit is civil war. Ger,             14. A litigious man, a liar.             15. A long lawsuit is the lawyer's vintage. Ger,             16. A pennyweight of love is worth a pound of law.             17. A person ought not to be judge in his own cause.             18. A pretty woman wins the lawsuit. Ger,             19. A prisoner is covered all over with the armor       of the law.             20. A promise against law or duty is void in its       nature.             21. A rat may very ill plead the law.             22. A rich knave is a libel on the laws.             23. A silent man's words are not brought into       court.             24. Abundance o' law braks nae law.             25. Accusing is proving where malice and force       sit judges.             26. Agree, for the law is costly.             27. Agree with thine adversary quickly.       New Testament.             28. All the matter's not in my lord judge's head.             29. An indifferent agreement is better than carry-       ing a cause at law.             30. An ounce of favor goes further than a pound       of justice. Fr,             31. An upright judge has more regard to justice       than to men.             32. Arms and laws do not flourish together.       Ceasar,             33. As the man is friended, so the law is ended.             34. As fast as laws are devised, their evasion is       contrived. Ger,             35. Better no law than law not enforced. Dan,             36. Better ten guilty escape than one innocent       man suffer.             37. By lawsuits no one has become rich, Ger.             38. Courts for cowards were erected. Bums,             39. Custom becomes law. Sp       40. Don't hear one and judge two. M. Greeks       41. Favor and gifts disturb justice.             42. First hang and draw, then hear the cause by       Lindford*s law.             43. Fond of lawsuits, little wealth; fond of doctors, little health.             44. For the upright there are no laws, Ger             45. Give me the making of the songs of the people; I care not who makes their laws.             46. God gives the will, necessity gives the law.       Dan,             47. God help the sheep when the wolf is judge.       Dan.             48. God keep me from judge and doctor. Turk.             49. Good laws often proceed from bad manners.             50. Hard is a new law imposed on an old license.       Ital.             51. He goes safely to trial whose father is a judge.       Sp.             52. He is the best judge who knows the least.             53. He that buys magistracy must sell justice.             54. He that goes to law does as the sheep that in       a storm runs to a briar. Burton.             55. He that goes to law holds a wolf by the ears.       Burton.             56. He that goes to law should have his brother       for the judge. South American.             57. He that has the worst cause makes the most       noise.             58. He that is mediator between two litigants       loses his money. Turk.             59. He that passeth a judgment as he runs over-       taketh repentance.             60. He that would thrive by law, must see his en-       emy's counsel as well as his own.             61, He wastes his tears who weeps before the       judge. Ii            62. He who goes to law for a sheep loses his cow.       Ger,             63. He who is fond of maintaining an action will       soon be without the means of maintaining himself.       Punch,             64. He who makes a law should keep it.             65. He will embark in litigation even if d donkey       has bitten his dog. Latin.             66. He will go to law for the wagging of a straw.             67. Hell and chancery are always open.             68. Human laws reach not thoughts.             69. If the judge be your accuser, may God be       your help. Turk,             70. If you would be a good judge hear what every       one says. For.             71. ril make him water his horse at Highgate; ni sue him,             72. In a thousand pounds of law there is not an       ounce of love.             73. In giving judgment haste is criminal. Syrus,             74. It becomes not a law-maker to be a law-       breaker.             75. It is better to be tried than suspected.       English State Trials,             76. Judges should have two ears, both alike. Ger,             77. Justice, but not in my own house. Sp,             78. Justice oft leans to the side where the purse       hangs. Dan.             79. Law cannot persuade where it cannot punish.             80. Law helps the waking; luck may come to the       sleeping. Dan,             81. Law is a bottomless pit ; it is a cormorant, a       harpy that devours everything. Arbuthnot,             82. Laws are not made for the good. Socrates,             83. Laws catch flies and let hornets go free.             84. Laws go the way kings direct. Sp,             85. Laws go where dollars please. Por.             86. Laws grind the poor, and rich men rule the       law. Goldsmith,             87. Laws have wax noses. Fr,             88. Laws were made for rogues. Ital,             89. Lawsuits and wine lead to the poor-house.       Ger             90. Like king, like law ; like law, like people.       Por,             91. Like the judges of Gallicia, who for a half       dozen chickens will dispense with a half dozen penal statutes. Sp,             92. Litigation and gaming bring many to want.       Cingakse.             93. Little do you know what a gloriously uncertain thing the law is. Plautus,             94. Little thieves are hanged by the neck, and       great thieves by the purse. Ital Dutch,             95. Little thieves have iron chains and great       thieves gold ones. Dutch,             96. Men who go to law must expect to eat their       'taters without salt. Detroit Free Press,             97. Money and friendship break the arms of justice. Ital             98. Money and friendship bribe justice,             99. New laws, new roguery. Ger.             100. New lords, new laws.             101. No man may be both accuser and judge.       Plutarch.             102. No man testifying to his own baseness ought       to be heard.             103. No one is a good judge in his own cause. Por,             104. Nothing is law that is not reason. Powell.             105. One lawsuit begets another. Latin.             106. Some go to law for the wagging of a straw.             107. Strict law is often great injustice. Cicero.             108. Take a pint an* 'gree the law's costly. Scotch.             109. That trial is not fair where affection is the       judge.             no. The best judge must drink water. Ger,             111. The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,       And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.       Pope,             112. The hurrying of justice is the stepmother of       misfortune.             113. The Jews spend at Easter, the Moors at mar-       riages, and the Christians in suits of law.             114. The judge is condemned when the guilty are       acquitted. Syrus.             115. The law blushes when children correct their       parents. Coke,             116. The law devised, its evasion contrived.             117. The law guards us from all evils but itself.             118. The law has a nose of wax; one can twist it       as he will. Ger.             119. The law is not the same at morning and       night.             120. The law says what the king pleases. Fr,             121. The laws go as kings please. Don Quixote,             122. The laws of a nation form the most instructive part of their history. Gibbon,             123. The laws sometimes sleep but never die.             124. The litigious man ; ? who goes to law in hopes       of ruining his opponent and gets ruined himself.       Puncg\h.             125. The magistrate's sow gets out of every scrape.       sp.             126. The man goes to court with one suit and re-       turns with two. Ger,             127. The more laws the less justice. Ger.       128. The more laws, the more offenders.             129. The nobleman is always in the right when the       peasant sues. Russian,             130. The only thing certain about litigation is its       uncertainty. Bove             131. The rich man transgresses the law and the       poor man is punished. Sfi.             132. The strictest law is oft the highest wrong.       Terence,             133. The worst of a lawsuit is that out of one there       grow a hundred. Sf             134. There is never a lawsuit but a woman is at       the bottom of it.             135. There is no law without a hole in it if one       could find it out. Ger,             136. There is scarcely a lawsuit unless a woman is       the cause of it. Juvenal             137. Those who begin a lawsuit, plant a palm tree       which never gives fruit to those who plant it.             138. Tis but to hazard my pretence       Where nothing's certain but the expense.       {To go to law) Butler,             139. To know the law and do the right are two       things. Dan,             140. To live by the bar you must live like a hermit       and work like a horse. Lord Eldon,             141. To violate the law is the same crime in the       emperor as in the subject Chinese,             142. Truth is straight but judges are crooked.       Russian,             143. When you go to law against the emperor, God       himself should be the judge. Russian,             144. Where law ends tyranny begins.       William Pitt.             145. Where there are many laws there are many       enormities.             146. Where your father has been with ink, go not       you with a bag; what your father has sold, go       not to law for it, Sp,             147. Who had a lawsuit about his cow, lost his       calf also. Ger,             148. Who sues a mite will catch a mite. Oriental,             149. Who will prosecute a lawsuit must have much       gold, good lawyers, much patience and much) luck.             150. Who will win a lawsuit must have three sacks;       one with briefs, one with gold and one with luck.             151. Who will live in peace must keep himself       from women and lawsuits. Ger,             152. Who would win his suit must invite the judges       to his table. Ger.             153. With law must the land be built. Ilan.             154. You little know what a ticklish thing it is to       go to law. Plautus.                         Lawyers.             1. A captain and a lawyer are rare guests in       heaven. Ger.             2. A good lawyer is an evil neighbor.             3. A hungry man discovers more than a hundred       lawyers. Sp.             4. A lawyer and a cart-wheel must be greased.       Ger.             5. A lawyer is a learned gentleman who rescues       your estate from your enemies and keeps it to himself. Brougham,             6. A lawyer is an odd sort of a fish, first rotten,       then green, then ripe.             7. A lawyer, that entangles all men's honesties       And lives like a spider in a cobweb lurking.       And catching at all flies that pass his pitfalls.             8. A lawyer without cunning, a peasant without       manure, a merchant without gold, remain poor. Ger.             9. A peasant between two lawyers is like a fish       between two cats. Catalan,             10. A wise lawyer never goes to law himself.             11. An old physician and a young lawyer.             12. Fair and softly as lawyers go to heaven.             13. Fools and obstinate men make lawyers rich.             14. Fools and the perverse, fill the lawyer's purse.       Sp., Ger.             15. From confessors, doctors and lawyers, do not       conceal the truth of your cause. Fr.             16. Go not for every grief to the physician, for       every quarrel to the lawyer, nor for every thirst to       the pot.             17. God grant that disputes may arise that I may       live. {Lawyer's prayer Sp.             18. Good counsellors lack no clients. Shaks.             19. Good lawyers, bad neighbors.             20. Go not to your doctor for every ail,       Nor to your lawyer for every quarrel.       Nor to your pitcher for every thirst.             21. He is a bad lawyer that drinks only water.       Ger.             22. Hide not the truth from your confessor, your       doctor or your lawyer. Ital.             23. I know you lawyers can with ease.       Twist words and meanings as you please.             24. It is an ill cause that the lawyer thinks       shame o.             25. It's aye the cheapest lawyer's fee to taste the       barrel. Bums,             26. Lawsuits make the parties lean, the lawyers       fat. Ger,             27. Lawyers and painters can soon change white       to black. Dan,             28. Lawyers and soldiers are the devil's play-       fellows             29. Lawyers are bad Christians. Ger,             30. Lawyers are men who hire out their words       and anger. Martial.             31. Lawyers don't stick at trifles.             32. Lawyers' houses are built of fools* heads. Fr,             33. Lawyers' robes are lined with the obstinacy       of suitors. Ital.             34. Lawyers strive mightily in court, then eat and       drink as friends.             35. Lawyers will live so long as miiie and thine       exist. Ger.             36. No good lawyer ever goes to law himself.             37. Nothing is the breath of an unfeed lawyer.             38. Of three things the devil makes a salad ; lawyers' tongues, notaries' Angers, and the third shall       be nameless. Ital,             39. One may steal nothing but a lawyer's purse.       Fr.             40. One must knock at a lawyer's door with an       iron hammer. Ger,             41. Plenty of words when the cause is lost. Fr,             42. Put a lawyer on your horse and he'll soon       drive you to the devil. Punch.             43 The better lawyer, the worse Christian. Dutch.             44. "The case is altered," quoth Plowden. {Plow-       dm was a lawyer who gave an opinion to a client and       when he found that he himself was the wrong-doer,       used this expression.             45. The Isle of Wight hath no monks, lawyers or       foxes.             46. The king can make a sergeant, but not a       lawyer.             47. The lawyer can direct the matter as he will       when it does not lie before his own door. Ger,             48. The lawyer dreams his life long of quarrels       and contentions. Ger.             49. The lawyer has long day's work.             50. The lawyer with a face demure, hangs him       who steals your self.       Because the good man endures no robber but       himself. Fielding,             51. The lawyer's pouch is a mouth of hell. Fr,             52. The lawyer's vocation is to make the worse       appear the better reason.             53. The lives of doctors, the souls of priests and       the property of lawyers are in great danger, Ital,             54. The more lawyers the more processes (suits).       Ger.             55. The nobleman fleeces the peasant, and the       lawyer the nobleman. Ger,             56. "The suit is ended," said the lawyer ;       "neither party has anything left." Ger,             57. The wise man seeketh the lawyer early;       before his rights are lost, A. Lipscomb,             58. Until hell is full no lawyer will be saved. Fr,             59. "Virtue in the middle," said the devil when       seated between two lawyers. Dan.             60. War, hunting and law are as full of trouble       as pleasure.             61. We think lawyers to be wise men and they       us to be fools.             62. When the lawyer acts according to his con-       science the blind man will believe what his eyes       see. Ger,             63. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have stolen       away the key of knowledge. New Testament.                         Contributed by: Courtesy of www.archive.org View full size image
	Around the World Date: Centuries-old Notes: The following list was taken from the book,       "THE ANTIQUITY OF PROVERBS, Fifty Familiar Proverbs and Folk Sayings with Annotations and Lists of Connected forms,       Found in All Parts of the World" by Dwight Edwards Marvin       (New York: Putnam's Sons, 1922).                   1. A BURNT CHILD DREADS THE FIRE             VARIANT PROVERBS             A beaten dog is afraid of the stick's shadow. (Italian).             A beaten soldier fears a reed. (Japanese).             A bitten child dreads a dog. (English).             A burnt cat dreads the fire. (Louisiana Creole).             A burnt cat shuns the fireplace. (Tamil).             A burnt child dreads the fire and a bitten child dreads a       dog. (Danish).             A crane, frightened at the roar of thunder, fears even a       jackal's howl ? cranes are said to fall on the ground       when they hear thunder. (Pashto).             A dog once struck with a firebrand dreads even the sight       of lightning. ( Behar) .             A dog that has been beaten by a stick is afraid of its       shadow. (English).             A fisherman once stung will be wiser. (Latin).             A man once struck with a firebrand rims away on seeing a       glow worm. (Bengalese).             A man who has once been bitten by a snake is afraid of       every piece of rope. (Assamese, Japanese).             A scalded cat dreads cold water. (English, Scotch,       French, Spanish, Portuguese, Malay, Behar).             A scalded dog fears cold water. (English).             A snake bite you, an' you see a lizar (lizard), you mus* run.       (British Guiana).             Burnt bairns dread the fire. (Scotch).             Having burnt his mouth with milk he now blows even on       buttermilk before drinking it. (Marathi).             He that has been bitten by a serpent fears a rope.       (Hebrew, Hindoo, Assamese, English, Persian).             He that has been scalded with milk blows when he drinks       buttermilk. (Persian, Hindustani, Behar, Kumaun, Garhwal).             He that is bitten by a snake is terrified by a cord.       (Persian).             He who has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of an eel.       (English, Danish).             He who has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of a lizard.       (Italian, Serbian).             He who has been burnt by the hot blows even upon the       cold. (Modem Greek).             He who has been kicked by a bear fears the sight of one       who sells cucumbers. (Tamil).             He who has been stung by a scorpion is afraid of its       shadow. (Spanish).             He who has once burnt his mouth always blows his soup.       (English, German).             He who has seen a black serpent is afraid of a black stick.       (Armenian).             He whom a serpent has bitten dreads a slow worm ? The       slow, or blind) worm of West Africa is a harmless       reptile. (Oji-West Africa).             Once bitten by a snake fears a rope. (Marathi, Assamese) .             Once bitten, twice shy. (English).             Singed by lightning he rims from a burning stick. (Hindustani).             The animal escapes the trap and stands in dread of a bent       stick. (Efit, West Africa).             The cow that has been burnt out of its shed sees the even-       ing sky red (with the setting sun) and trembles.       (Bengali).             The horse that is struck in the head will be full of fear ? ^he       will expect a blow when none was intended and start       when his owner moves. (Gaelic).             The man who has been beaten by a firebrand runs away       at the sight of a firefly. (Cingalese).             When a cat has been once burned by the fire it is even       afraid of cinders. (Mauritius Creole).             Who has burnt himself with hot food blows at cold.       (Pashto).             A blind man loses his staff only once. (Hindustani).             A dog steals a leg (of mutton) from the butcher*s shop, but       he cuts off his own leg ? i.e. He will not be allowed       to go to the butcher's shop again. (Syriac).             A fox is not caught twice in a snare. (Greek).             A man deceives a man only once. (Osmanli).             JA scalded dog thinks cold water hot. (Italian).             After mischance everyone is wise. (French).             Boys avoid the bees that sting 'em. (English)             By falling we learn to go safely. (Dutch).             Do not show a man that is hanged, a rope; nor a burnt man       fire. (Syrian).             Experience keeps a dear school, but fools learn in no other.       (English).             Experience is the best teacher. (English).             Experience is the great baffler of speculation. (English).             Experience makes fools wise. (English).             Experience purchased by suffering teaches wisdom.       (Latin).             Experience teaches fools and he is a great one that will not       learn by it. (English).             Having had experience he fears it. (Latin).             He knows the water best who has walked through it.       (Danish).             He remembers the burning of his finger. (Gaelic).             He starts at sight of a log whose relative was devoured by       a crocodile. (Bengali).             He who has been burnt fears. (Latin, English).             He who has been hurt fears. (Latin).             He who has crossed the ford knows how deep it is.       (Italian).             He who has led a wicked life is afraid of his own memory.       (English).             He who is a man does not make a mistake twice.       (Osmanli).             He who is deceived once is (not) deceived again. (Osmanli).             He whose father was killed by a bear is afraid of a black       stump. (Hindi).             If a snake bite you an' you see lizard you must run. (British       Guiana).             If the timid sees a glow worm he shouts : Fire ! (Armenian).             Is the weaver so mad that he will again steal wool? (Kashmiri).             It is shameful to stumble twice against the same stone.       (Greek).             None know the danger of the fire more than he who falls into it. (English).             The fish which has once felt the hook suspects the crooked       metal in every food which offers. (Latin).             The fisherman when stung will learn wisdom. (Latin,       Greek).             The leaf cracked and you have fled. (Hindi).             Trembling at a bit of rope thinking it to be a snake.       (Tamil).             You will not go into those coals a second time. (Bechuana,       South Africa).                         2. A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE COMPANY HE KEEPS             Variant Proverbs             A man's character is judged by the character of his companions. (Arabian).             A man is judged by his companions. (Latin).             Show me your company and I'll tell thee what thou art.       (Spanish).             Tell me the company you keep and Til tell you what you are.       (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch).             Tell me whom you love and I'll tell you who you are.       (Louisiana Creole).             Tell me with whom thou goest and I'll tell thee what thou       doest. (English).             Tell me with whom you go and I'll tell you your value.       (Modern Greek).             Tell me with whom you live and I'll tell you what you are.       (Spanish, French, Dutch and Italian).             You may know him by the company he keeps. (English).             ALLIED PROVERBS       A loose horse is sure to stand near the chaff house ? i.e.       An idle man can be found in the hatmts of his associates. (Behar).             Attach thyself to honorable people and men will bow to       thee. (Hebrew).             A wicked companion invites us all to Hell. (English).             He who associates with a suspicious person will himself       be suspected. (Arabian).             If bad be the raven, his company is no better. (Gaelic).             If you drink milk under a date tree they will say it is toddy.       (Telugu).             Join with good men and you will be one of them. (Spanish).             Keep company with the good and you will be one of the       number. (Portuguese).             Smoke is no less an evidence of fire than that a man's             character is that of the character of his associates.       (Arabian).             Take your son to the market place and see with whom he       associates. (Syrian).             With whom you are such one you are. (Syrian).                         3. AN OUNCE OF MOTHER WIT IS WORTH A POUND OF LEARNING                   VARIANT PROVERBS       A gram of discretion is worth a pound of wisdom. (German, Italian).             A drop of fortune rather than a cask of wisdom. (Latin).             A grain of good luck is better than an ass load of skill.       (Persian).             A handful of good life is better than a bushel of learning.       (English, French).             A handful of good life is better than seven bushels of       learning. (English, French).             A handful of luck is better than a sack full of wisdom.       (German).             An ounce of mother-wit, is worth a pound of clergy.       (Scotch).             An ounce of favor goes further than a pound of justice.       (English, French).             An ounce of fortune is worth a pound of forecast. (English).             An ounce of discretion is better than a pound of knowledge.             (Italian).             An ounce of luck is worth a pound of wisdom. (English,       French).             An ounce of mother-wit is worth a pound of school-wit.       (German).             An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains. (Dutch)             An ounce of practice is worth a pound of preaching.       (English).             An ounce of state to a pot of gold. (Spanish).             An ounce of wit that's bought (through experience) is       worth a pound that's taught. (English).             A pot full of luck is better than a sack full of wisdom.       (Russian).             Better an ounce of luck than a pound of intelligence.       (Belgian).             Good luck is better than brains. (Serbian).             Half an ounce of luck is better than a pound of sense.       (German).             ALLIED PROVERBS             A cart load of friendship is not worth a barley com of kin.       (Hindustani).             An honest penny is better than a stolen dollar. (English).             A single penny fairly got is worth a thousand that are not.       (German).             Better a little good than much bad. (German).             Better a little peace with right than much with anxiety       and strife. (Danish).             Better a little with honor than much with shame. (English).             Better to be born lucky than wise. (English).             Better untaught than ill taught. (English).             Learning is worthless without mother-wit. (Spanish).             One penny is better on land than ten on the sea. (Danish) .             Patience surpasses learning. (Dutch).             Penny wise and pound foolish. (English).             Science is madness if good sense does not cure it. (Spanish).             Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of       themselves. (English).             Who has luck needs no understanding. (German).             CONTRADICTING PROVERBS       An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit. (English).       An ounce of wisdom is worth a pound of wit. (English).                   4. AS WISE AS A MAN OF GOTHAM             ALLIED PROVERBS             As wise as an ape. (English).       Used ironically.             As wise as a hare. (English).       Used ironically.             As wise as a woodcock. (English).       Used ironically.             As wise as a wren. (English).       Used ironically.       As wise as the Mayor of Danbury who would prove that             Henry III was before Henry H. (English).             A wise man and a fool together know more than a wise man       alone. (Italian).             A wise man may look ridiculous in the company of fools.       (English).             He is not a wise man who cannot play the fool on occasions.       (Italian).             If wise men play the fool they do it with a vengeance.       (Italian).             It takes a wise man to be a fool. (English).             Nobody is so wise but has a little folly to spare. (German).       None can play the fool as well as a wise man. (English) .             'Tis wisdom sometimes to seem a fool. (English).             To fence in the cuckoo. (English).             To put gates to the fields. (Spanish).                         5. A TALE NEVER LOSES IN THE TELLING                   Allied proverbs             A crow (another) crow (a third) crow, a hundred crows. (Kashmiri).       A good tale ill told is a bad one. (English).             A good tale is not the worse for being twice told. (English).             A large fire often comes from a small spark. (Danish).             A louse exaggerated into a buffalo. (Kumaun, Garhwal).             A story grows by telling, a bit of straw makes the hole in       the ear larger, a girl grows up best at her mother's       house, paddy grows best on the pathar. (Assamese).             Falsehood never tires of going round about. (Danish).             From long journeys long lies. (Spanish).             Great talkers are commonly liars. (English).             Hear say is half lies. (German).             He may lie boldly who comes from afar. (French, Italian).       He who prates much lies much. (German).             In the fair tale, is foul falsity. (English) .             In the report of riches and goodness always bate one-half.       (Spanish).             Lies and gossip have a wretched offspring. (Danish).             Lying and gossiping go hand in hand. (Spanish).             Much talking, much erring. (English, Spanish).             Old men and far travelers may lie by authority. (English) .             Report can never be brought to state things with precision.       (Latin).             Report makes the crows blacker than they are. (English) .             Report makes the wolf bigger than he is. (German).             Talking very much and lying are cousins. (German).             The dirt of a jackal is made into a mountain. (Behar).             The nimblest footman is a false tale. (English).             The tale runs as it pleases the teller. (English).             "They say so " is half a lie. (English).                         6. CONSISTENCY, THOU ART A JEWEL             ALLIED PROVERBS             A clean cheese in a dirty cheese-vat. (Welsh).             Consistency of action is the measure of greatness. (Tamil).             His words accord not with his acts. (Osmanli).             Like a chameleon, he changes from color to color. (Osmanli).             The government official while laughing at the same time bites. (Osmanli).             The healthy seeking a doctor. (Welsh).             The mouth of a blackbird with the request of a wolf.       (Welsh.)             There are words that do not agree with words. (Osmanli) .             The voice of a lamb with the heart of a wolf. (Welsh).             To keep a dog and bark yourself. (Welsh).             What! Is it for an evil doer to teach religious precepts?       (Tamil).             What is this fast? What is this pickled cabbage? Why       do you talk about fasting while eating? (Osmanli) .                               7. DO NOT COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED             ALLIED PROVERBS             Bargaining for fish that is in the water. (Osmanli).             Before the bear be struck (slain) his skin is not sold. (Osmanli).             Boil not the pap before the child is born. (English).             Calculating at home on the fish in the sea. (Marathi).             Catch the bear before you sell his skin. (English).             Chickens are slow in coming from laid eggs. (German).             Count not four except you have them in a wallet. (English).             Do not bless the fish till it gets to land. (Irish).             Do not build the sty before the litter comes. (Irish).             Do not sell the hide before you have caught the bear.       (Dutch, Italian).             Do not sell the hide before you have caught the fox. (Danish).             Do not speak ill of the year until it be past. (Spanish).             Don't cry "chue " to the chick till it be out of the egg.       (Italian, Gaelic).             Don't sell the skin before the bear is shot. (Dutch).             Don't cry "Herring" until they are in the net. (Dutch).             Don't cry "Dried Fish" before they are caught. (Italian) .             Don't reckon your eggs before they are laid. (Italian).             Don't skin the deer till you get it. (Gaelic).             Eating sweet-meats of fancy. (Kumaun, Garhwal).             Estimating the value of the skin before you catch the badger. (Japanese).             First catch your hare. (English).             Grass at a distance looks thick. (Bengalese).             He gave a name to an unborn child. (Telugu).             He gives away the deer before it is caught. (Persian).             He that lives on hope will die fasting. (English).             He that waits for dead men's shoes may go long barefoot. (English).             It is ill waiting for dead men's shoes. (English).             Like the man who went stooping down from the place       where he intended to hang the lamp before he built       the house. (Bengalese).             Make not your sauce until you have caught your fish.       (English).             Never count the fish till they come out of the sea. (Irish, Gaelic).             Never praise a ford till you are over. (English).             One must catch the bear before he draws a ring through       its nose. (German).             One must not make the crib before the calf is born. (Guernsey).             Rubbing the lips with oil while the jack fruit is still on the       tree. When jack fruit, which is a glutinous fruit, is eaten       without putting oil on the lips it sticks and produces sores. (Assamese.)             Sell not the bear skin before you have caught him. (English, German, French, Italian, Dutch).             Soon enough to cry "Chick" when it's out of the shell.       (Scotch).             The cow had not been slaughtered, yet he had put the       soup tureen on his head for it. (Pashto).             The father is not yet born, but the son has taken his stand       behind.             This is a riddle: The father represents fire; the son,       smoke. As smoke generally precedes fire, the son in the proverb is said to come before the father. (Behar).             The trees in the orchard have not yet been planted, but       the woodworms have settled down there beforehand. (Behar).             They don't sell the duiker walking in the bush. (Ibo).             To build castles in the air. (English) .             To celebrate the triumph before the victory. (Latin).             To grind peppers for a bird on the wing. (Malayan).             To sell the bird in the bush. (Italian).             To take of one's boots before seeing the water. (Persian).             Twist a chain for the boy who is yet in the womb. (Kumaun, Garhwal).             Tying beads around an unborn child. (Telugu).             Unlaid eggs are uncertain chickens. (German, Dutch).             Wait till the hare's in the pot before you talk. (Mauritius       Creole).             We have no son and yet are giving him a name. (Spanish).             Ye must not sell the bear skin before the bear is killed.       (English, German, French, Italian, Dutch).             You cannot contract for the fish in the sea. (Turkish).             8. EVERY MAN THINKS HIS OWN GEESE SWANS             ALLIED PROVERBS       A son, although full of faults, is perfect in his father's eyes.       (Persian).             A son, although he is a lump of earth (worthless) still is the       light of the eyes to his parents. (Persian).             Black as the raven, he thinks his children fair. (Gaelic).             Black is the berry but sweet, black is my lassie but bonnie.       (Gaelic).             Every crow cry for he own calf. (British Guiana).             Every cow licks her own calf. (Serbian).             Every crow thinks her own birds whitest. (Scotch).             Every crow thinks her own nestlings the fairest. (English) .             Every man thinks his own chickens are the best. (English).             Every monkey thinks its young ones pretty. (Tamil, Louisiana Creole).             Every mother's child is handsome. (German).             Every mother thinks it is on her own child the sun rises.       (Irish).             Every owl thinks all her children the fairest. (Danish).             Every owl thinks her young ones beautiful. (English).             If they (my children) were a thousand, they would be dearer than my eyes. (Arabian).             If our child squints, our neighbor's child has a cast in both       eyes. (Livonian).             I love my dear one were he a black slave. (Syrian) .             Monkey never says its young are ugly. (Trinidad Creole) .             My heart is for my child and my child's heart is for a stone. (Syrian).             My own heart (I will sacrifice) rather than my children. (West African).             My own son is a son, a stranger's good for nothing. (Hindustani).             No ape but swears he has the handsomest children. (English, German).             Our own child is tender, another's is (as tough as) leather.       Marathi).             Sweepings, but from our own field; halt and lame, but our       own child ? hence valuable. (Marathi).             The beetle is a beauty in the eyes of its mother. (Arabian,       Egyptian).             The beetle is a bride in the arms of its mother. (Arabian) .             The crow likes her greedy blue chick. (Gaelic).             The crow's chick is dear to the crow. (Telugu).             The crow thinks her own ghastly chick a beauty. (Gaelic) .             The love of the ghoul is for his own son. (Syrian).             The monkey is a gazelle in the eyes of his mother. (Arabic,       Syrian).             The porcupine says, "Oh, my soft little son, softer than       butter," and the crow says, "My son, whiter than muslin." (Pashto).             The raven always thinks that her young ones are whitest.       (Danish).             The raven thinks her own bird the prettiest bird in the       wood. (Irish-Famey).             The scald crow thinks her daughter is the prettiest bird in       the wood. (Irish-Farney).             They asked the raven, " Who is the beautiful?" " My       little ones," he said. (Osmanli).             Though but a young crow, it is golden to its mother.       (Tamil).             Though earthen, one's own child is precious. (Tamil).             To everyone his own son appears the most beautiful.       (Persian).             To the eye of a crow, its young one has milk white feathers.       (Japanese).             Whether it is black, or dun, or brown; it is to her own kid       the goat gives all her affection. (Gaelic).             ALLIED PROVERBS             Every bird admires (loves) its own nest. (Osmanli).             Every bird thinks her own family the nicest in the world.       (Irish-Ulster).             Every bird thinks its own nest beautiful. (Italian).             Everybody thinks his own cuckoo sings better than       another's nightingale. (German).             Every man thinks his own copper gold. (German, Danish) .             Every man thinks his own owl a falcon. (German, Dutch) .             Every one's own property is precious to himself. (Osmanli).             Every peddler praises his own needles. (Spanish, Portuguese).             Every peddler praises his pot and more if it is cracked.       (Spanish, Italian).             Every potter values his own pot. (French).             My own crow (is better) than the nightingale of other folk. (Osmanli).             The hen he has caught has four legs. (Telugu).             The beloved is the object that thou lovest were it even a       monkey. (Arabian).             To everyone, what belongs to himself, is beautiful. (Modern Greek).             9. BY HOOK OR BY CROOK             VARIANT PROVERBS             A bad bush is better than the open field. (English).             A blind mother-in-law is better than none at all. (Telugu).             A blind uncle is better than no uncle. (Assamese).             A little is better than nothing. (British Guiana).             A man were better to be half blind than have both eyes out. (English).             Better a bare foot than none. (English).             Better a blind horse than an empty halter. (Dutch).             Better a lame horse than an empty saddle. (German).             Better a lean jade than an empty halter. (English, Scotch).             Better a mouse m the pot than no flesh at all. (Scotch).             Better a poor horse than an empty stall. (Danish).             Better are small fish than an empty dish. (English, Scotch,       Gaelic).             Better coarse cloth than the naked thighs. (Danish).             Better half a loaf than none at all. Better a little furniture       than an empty house. (Danish).             Better half an egg than an empty shell. (German, English,       Dutch).             Better my hog dirty home than no hog at all. (English).             Better one eye than stone blind. (German, Spanish).             Better rags than nakedness. (Haytian).             Better something than nothing. (German).             Better straw than nothing. (Portuguese).             Small fish are better than none. (Scotch).             The something is better than its want. (Arabian).             ALLIED PROVERBS       Better lose the anchor than the whole ship. (Dutch).             Better lose the saddle than the horse. (German, Italian).             Better lose the wool than the sheep. (French, Portuguese).             Better ride a lame horse than go afoot. (German).             Better some of a pudding than none of a pie. (English).             From the debtor accept even bran in payment. (Ancient       Hebrew).             If I have lost the ring, I still have the fingers. (Spanish,       Italian).             It is better to lose than to lose more. (Spanish, Portuguese).             Many see more with one eye than others with two.       (German).             One day is better than sometimes a whole year. (English) .             One foot is better than two crutches. (English).             To whom a little is not sufficient to him nothing will be       sufficient. (Modern Greek).                   10. HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY             ALLIED PROVERBS       A clean mouth and an honest hand will take a man through       any land. (German).             A few things gained by fraud destroy a fortune otherwise       honestly won. (Latin).             A thief seldom grows rich by thieving. (German) .             Honesty is better than ill gotten wealth. (English).             Honesty makes rich, but she works slowly. (German).             I never saw a tortuous person satisfied, nor a straight       forward person in want of food. (Osmanli).             Knavery may serve a turn but honesty is best at long run.       (English).             Look not at thieves eating flesh, but look at them suffering       punishment. (Chinese).             No honest man ever repented of his honesty. (English).             None can be wise and safe but he that is honest. (English).             Of all crafts, to be an honest man is the best craft. (English).             The best investment for income is honesty. (German).             The thief proceeds from a needle to gold and from gold to       the gallows. (Portuguese).             The thief steals until he comes to the gallows. (German).             Virtue triumphs, vice decays. (Bengali.)             CONTRADICTING PROVERBS             A good honest man now-a-days is but a civil word for a fool.       (English).             Curved (crooked) ship; straight voyage. (Osmanli).             Honest men are easily humbugged. (English).             Honesty is ill to thrive by. (English) .             Honesty is praised and starves. (Latin).                   OTHER PROVERBS ABOUT HONESTY             All the honesty is in the partings. (English).             A man never surfeits of too much honesty. (English).             An honest countenance is the best passport. (English).             An honest look covers many faults. (English) .             An honest man does not make himself a dog for the sake       of a bone. (Danish).             An honest man has half as much more brains as he needs;       a knave hath not half as much. (English).             An honest man is hurt by praise unjustly bestowed.       (French).             An honest man is not the worse because a dog barks at       him. (Danish).             An honest man's word is as good as his bond. (English).             An honest man's word is as good as the king's. (Portuguese).             An honest man's word is his bond. (Dutch).             A nod of an honest man is enough. (English).       As honest a man as any in the cards when the kings are out. (English).             As honest a man as ever broke bread. (English).             As honest a man as ever stepped. (English).             As honest a man as ever trod on shoe leather. (English).             As true as steel. (English).             As true as the dial to the sun. (English).             Clean hands want no wash ball. (English).             He is wise that is honest. (Italian).             He leaves his office with the beggar's staff in his hand,       (German).             He that builds his house with other men's money is like       one that gathers himself stones for the tomb of his       burial. (Hebrew).             Honest men and knaves may possibly wear the same       clothes. (English).             Honest men fear neither the light nor the dark. (English) .             Honest men marry soon, wise men not at all. (English).             Honest men never have the love of a rogue. (English).             Honest nobody is to blame for all. (English).             Honesty and plain dealing put knavery out of bias. (English).             Honesty is like an icicle ? if once it melts that is the end of       it. (American).             Honesty is the poor man's pork and the rich man's pudding.       (English).             Honesty lasts longest. (English, German).             Honesty may be dear bought but can ne'er be an ill penny-       worth. (Scotch).             Many an honest man stands in need of help that he has       not the face to beg for. (English).             No honest man has the leer of a rogue. (English).             Too much honesty never did man harm. (English).             Truth and honesty have no need of loud protestations. (English).             Truth and honesty keep the crown 0' the causey. (Scotch) .             We are bound to be honest, but not to be rich. (English).             You may trust him with untold gold. (English).             PROVERBS ABOUT DISHONESTY             As honest as the cat when the meat is out of reach. (English).             First a turnip, then a sheep, next a cow, and then the       gallows. (English).             He that resolves to deal with none but honest men must       leave off dealing. (English).             He that steals an egg will steal an ox. (English, German).             He that steals once is never trusted. (Spanish).             He that will steal a pin will steal a better thing. (English).             He that will steal a pin will steal an ox. (English).             Honesty has stolen the cow. (German).             Hypocritical honesty goes upon stilts. (English).             If he is very straight, he is still like a sickle. (Behar).             If I am seen I am joking: if I am not seen I steal.       (German).             It is a shame to steal, but a worse to carry home. (English).             It is a sin to steal a pin. (English) .             It is not enough to know how to steal, one must know how       to conceal. (Italian).             I would not trust him ? ^no, not with a bag of scorpions.       (English).             Never trust a black Brahmin or a white Pariah . (Hindu) .             Steal a horse and carry home the bridle. (German).             Straight as a sickle. (English).             They are all honest men but my cloak is not to be found.       (Spanish).             To hold the bag is as bad as to fill it. (English).             Trust him no further than you can see him. (English).             When it thunders the thief becomes honest. (Italian).             Who steals a calf will steal a cow. (German).             You are a fool to steal if you cannot conceal. (English) .             You measure every man's honesty by your own. (English) .                               11. LOOK NOT A GIVEN HORSE IN THE MOUTH                   VARIANT PROVERBS             A gift cow ? why has it no teeth? (Marathi).             A given horse look not at his teeth. (Modem Greek).             If anyone offers you a buffalo do not ask if she gives milk.       (Badaga).             If you are given a horse you won't insist on examining its       mouth. (Belgian).             The teeth of a gift horse are not inspected. (Osmanli).             The teeth of a horse presented are never observed.       (Turkish).             They made him a present of a beast of biffden and he       examined its teeth. (Modern Greek).             When somebody gives you a donkey, you musn't examine       the bridle. (Mauritius Creole).                         12. MISERY LOVES COMPANY             ALLIED PROVERBS       A friend in need is a friend in deed. (English).             A friend is best found in adversity. (English).             A good companion makes heaven out of hell. (German).             Another's misfortune does not cure my pain. (Portuguese).             A true friend is known in the day of adversity. (Turkish).             "Bad company," said the thief, as he went to the gallows       between the hangman and a monk. (English).             Between the blind soldier and his wall-eyed mare, providence has created friendship. (Hindustani).             Birds of a feather flock together. (English) .             Company in distress makes trouble less. (French).             Company in misery makes it light. (English) .             It is pleasant to die in company or to have companions in       misfortune. (Persian).             Misfortunes make friends. (Latin).             Misfortunes make strange bed-fellows. (English).             My friend is he who helps me in time of need. (German) .             One whose own barn is burned wishes the same misfortune to others. (Persian).             Pity him who turns his back on his own people. (Gaelic).             The afflicted cannot console the afflicted. (Arabian).                         13. NAME NOT A ROPE IN HIS HOUSE THAT HANGED HIMSELF             VARIANT PROVERBS             Do not show a man that is hanged a rope, nor a burnt man       fire. (Syrian).             Don't mention a rope in the house of him who has been       hanged. (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Modern Greek).             It is dangerous to mention ropes in the house of a man       who was hanged. (Spanish).             Mention not a halter in the house of him that was hanged. (English).             Never speak of a rope in the house of a thief. (Portuguese).             ALLIED PROVERBS       A bad word is like the sound of a dome ? The bad word is       returned by reason of an echo. (Persian).             A bridle for the tongue is a necessary piece of furniture.       (English).             A great spear wound is well to heal quickly; a severe       tongue wound becomes a sore in the heart and health       not. (Afghan).             A slip of the foot may be soon recovered, but that of the       tongue never. (English).             A slip of the tongue is worse than that of the feet. (Tamil) .             A tongue thrust is worse than a serpent's sting. (Martinique Creole).             A word once spoken, an army of chariots cannot overtake it. (Chinese).             Better a slip of the foot than of the tongue. (French).             Confine your tongue lest it confine you. (English) .             Don't make beans come from the mouth ? Do not tell       every thing that is in your mind. (Osmanli).             Don't mention the cross to the devil. (Italian).             He that knows not how to hold his tongue knows not how       to talk. (English).             He that restrains not his tongue shall live in trouble.       (Ancient Brahmin).             He who says what he likes hears what he does not like.       (English, Spanish).             His ear does not listen to what comes out of his mouth ?             He speaks without considering the import of his words.       (Osmanli).             If your foot slips you may recover your balance, but if your       mouth slips you cannot recall your words. (Telugu).             It is more necessary to guard the mouth than the chest.       (German).             Keep guard over the tongue that is in your mouth.       (Osmanli).             May you never eat that leek which will rise up in your own       throat ? May you never be forced to eat your own words. (Afghan).       Open your mouth for something good. (Osmanli).             People should talk not to please themselves but those who       hear them. (English).             Put a key on your tongue. (Modern Greek).             Should there be a case of hanging in one's family record,       say not to him " Hang up this fish." (Hebrew).             Speaking without thinking is shooting without taking aim.       (English).             Speak well of the dead. (English).             Speak well of thy friends, be silent as to thy enemies.       (German).             Speak well of your friend, of your enemy neither well nor       ill. (Italian).             Sugar flows from his mouth ? He speaks pleasantly of       people. (Osmanli).             Taste in the mouth, screaming in the throat ? It was a       pleasure for you to speak as you did but when you       consider the results of your words you will regret       having spoken as you did. (Osmanli).             The tongue breaketh bone, though itself have none.       (English, Modem Greek).             The tongue has no bone yet it crushes. (Turkish).             The tongue slays more than the sword. (Turkish).             The tongue wounds more than a lance. (French).             To slip on the pavement is better than to slip with the       tongue. (Hebrew).             Turn your tongue seven times before speaking. (English) .             Two ears to one tongue, therefore hear twice as much as       you speak. (Turkish).             Two words in speaking, two rounds in fastening.       In splicing bamboos two rounds or more of rope or       cane is required to fasten them together before       the knot is tied. (Assamese).             We heal the wounds of a knife but not those of the tongue.       (Turkish).             You might hold the hand that strikes you but you cannot       hold the tongue. (Urdu).             Your tongue runs before your wit. (English).                         14. NEVER RIDE A FREE HORSE TO DEATH             ALLIED PROVERBS       A borrowed horse and your own spurs make short miles.       (Danish, Italian).             A dapple gray horse will sooner die than tire. (Scotch).             A little more breaks a horse's back. (English).             A good horse has no need of the spur. (Italian).             A hired horse and your own spurs make the miles short.       (German, Dutch).             A hired horse tired never. (Scotch).             All lay loads on a village horse. (English).             Another man's horse and your own spurs outrun the wind.       (German).             Another man's horse and your own whip can do a great deal. (Danish).             Beggars mounted run their horses to death. (English).             Give them a pea and they will take a bean. (Guernsey).             Invite them to your home for a while and they will take       possession of the whole house. (India).             Milk the cow but don't pull off the udder. (Dutch).             Mount not a horse that does not belong to you ? Boast       not of things of which you are ignorant. (Syriac).             The horse that draws always gets the whip. (German,       French, Italian).                   15. NEVER BUY A PIG IN A POKE             VARIANT PROVERBS             A pig in a poke. (Modern Greek).             Buy no cats in bags. (Belgian).             You ne'er buy a blind bargain or a pig in a poke. (Scotch).             It is folly to buy a cat in a sack ? ^i.e. a game bag. (French).             To buy the cat in the bag. (German, Welsh) .             ALLIED PROVERBS             A cat is not sold in a bag, but openly produced. (African, Accra).             Do not look upon the vessel, but upon that which it contains. (English).             Don't bite till you know whether it is bread or a stone.       (Italian).             Nocturnal venison is not fat ? i.e. Game caught in the       night is poor. (Oji).             The horse is in the stable and you declare his price in the       market. (Hindustani).             To buy a cat for a hare . ( French) .             To settle the price of a buffalo while she is lying in the       water. (Marathi).             When the pig is proffered hold up the poke. (English).             When they give you a heifer make haste with the halter.       (Spanish).                         16. THEY THAT LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES                   Variant proverbs       He that has a roof of glass should not throw stones at his       neighbor. (Spanish, Danish, Italian, German, Dutch).             He that hath a body made of glass must not throw stones       at another. (English).             He who lives in a house of glass should not throw stones at       people. (Hebrew, Arabic).             If you have a head of glass do not throw stones at me.       (Spanish).             Let him that hath a glass skull not take to throwing stones.       (Italian).             Let him that hath glass panes not throw stones at his       neighbor's house. (Spanish).             Let him that hath glass tiles not throw stones at his neighbor's house. (Spanish).             When your house is of glass do not throw stones at your       neighbor's house. (Kurdish).             Who hath glass windows of his own must take heed how he       throws stones at his house. (English).                   ALLIED PROVERBS             Barefoot men should not walk on thorns. (English).             Don't laugh at me, you will catch the contagion.       This is an admonition to those that laugh at the       misfortunes of others. (Assamese).             Don't use ridicule, some of it is sure to fall on your own       head and feet. (Bannu).             He that courts injury will obtain it. (Danish).             He that flings dirt at another dirtieth himself most.       (English).             He that goes barefoot must not plant thorns. (English).             He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.       (English).             He that hath horns in his bosom, let him not put them on       his head. (English).             He that hurts another hurts himself. (English).             He that mischief hatcheth, mischief catcheth. (English).             He that strikes with his tongue must ward with his head.       (English).             He who throws a stone above himself may have it fall on       his own head. (German).             If dogs (busybodies) go about they must expect the stick.       (Japanese).             Look out as you move for there are many uneven places       within your own body and you might slip into one of       them. (Assamese).             Oil your own wheel first. (Bengalese).             A Mother-in-law should you accuse me and bring a reproach on yourself in return. (Telugu) .             One stone is enough to destroy a house which is made of       glass. (Persian).                   Spit at the sun and the spittle will fall on your own face.       (Hindustani).             Sweep away the snow from thine own door and heed not       the frost upon the neighbor's tiles. (Chinese).             The threatener sometimes gets a drubbing. (French).             They that do what they should not, should hear what they       would not. (English).             They who play with edged tools must expect to be cut.       (English).             Threats are arms for the threatened. (Italian).             What you put into the pot you will take out in the ladle.       (Arabian).             Who has a head of wax must not come near the fire.       (French).                   17. WHAT CAN'T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED             ALLIED PROVERBS             Gnaw the bone which is fallen to thy lot. (English).             Nothing is grievous which necessity enjoins. (Latin).             Of what use is it to call on one who is drowned. (Persian) .             There is no misfortune out of which some good fortune       may not be got. (Welsh).             There is nothing for it now but resignation ? generally used       by the Persians after the death of kindred or friends.       (Persian).             Whatever comes is endured. (Osmanli).             What is done can't be undone. (Danish).             What was hard to bear is sweet to remember. (Portuguese).             Where remedies are needed sighing avails nothing.       (Italian).             CONTRADICTING PROVERB             What you can't have, abuse. (Italian).             18. WHO KEEPS COMPANY WITH A WOLF LEARNS TO HOWL       VARIANT PROVERBS             A calf that goes with a pig will eat excrement. (Tamil).             A fowl brought up with a pig will eat dirt. (Tamil).             Amongst the honorable a man becomes honorable;       amongst the base, base. (Bannu).             Grapes derive their color from grapes. (Persian).             He who walks with the virtuous is one of them. (English) .             If you sit down with a lame man you will learn to halt.       (Modern Greek).             If you sit with one who squints before evening you will       become cat-eyed. (Modem Greek).             Keep company with good men and good men you'll imitate. (Chinese).             Keep company with good men and good men you'll learn       to be. (Chinese).             Live with him who prays and thou prayest; live with the       singer and thou singest. (Arabian).             Live with one who plays and thou playest. (Arabian).             Live with the singer and thou singest. (Arabian).             The manners of the flock one lives among will be followed.       (Gaelic).             The servant of a king is like a king. (Hebrew).             Who follows a thief learns to steal. (Ibo- Nigerian).             Who lives with a cripple learns to limp. (English, Dutch, Portuguese).             With the good we become good. (Dutch).             OTHER PROVERBS RELATING TO INFLUENCE             A bad friend is like a smith, who if he does not burrn you       with fire will injure you with smoke. (Arabian).             A collector of mummies will be one. (Japanese).             A crow learned to walk like a cuckoo and forgot his own       walk. (Kashmiri).             A crow tried to acquire the strut of the partridge and forgot       even its own ? On the Afghan frontier a red-legged       partridge is regarded as very graceful while the crow       is thought to be a t3rpe of awkwardness. (Pashto).             A little buttermilk, the size of a pearl, to a whole pail full of       milk. (Telugu).             A monkey sees its fellow jump and jumps too. (Nigerian).             A single scrap of spoiled meat taints the whole meat.       (Chinese).             A thief knows a thief and a wolf knows a wolf. (English) .             A thief knows a thief's ways. (Hindustani).             Approach the perfumer and thou wilt be perfumed. (Hebrew).             A wise man associating with the vicious becomes an idiot;       a dog traveling with good men becomes a rational       being. (Arabian).             Bad companions quickly corrupt the good. (German).             Bad company is friendship with a snake fencing with a       sword. (Telugu).             Blackness leaves the coal when the fire enters ? that is, the       evil becomes good by good association. (Bengalese).             Carry wood behind the owner of property ? i.e. Follow the       prosperous and you will prosper. (Hebrew).             Do not approach the black, there will be black contagion.       (Osmanli).             Evil companionships corrupt good morals. (Greek).             This proverb was probably in common use in the       first century. St. Paul quoted it in I Cor. 15: 33.       (Greek).             Follow the owl and he will lead you into a ruined place.       (Arabian).             He who goes to Ceylon becomes a demon. (Bengalese),             He who intimately frequents people for forty days becomes       one of their number. (Obsolete Arabian) .             He who introduces himself between the onion and its peel       goes forth with the onion smell. (Arabian).             He who lies down with dogs will get up with fleas. (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Danish).             He who mixes himself with draff will be eaten by the swine.       (Dutch).             He who sits among the rubbish must not be surprised if       pigs devour him. (Serbian).             He who speaks good hears good, he who speaks bad hears bad. (Osmanli).             If there be a Balija man as small as a clove of garlic, he will       ruin the whole village. (Telugu).             If you wrestle with a collier you will get a blotch. (English).             Near putrid fish you will stink. (Chinese).             Near to the perfumer is fragrance. (Hebrew).             Near vermillion one gets stained pink ; near ink one gets       stained black. (Chinese).             On account of the teacher the pupil has eaten ? i.e. Out of       respect to his teacher the pupil reflects his honors.       (Hebrew).             One bad goat will spoil the herd. (Vai-West African).             One ill weed mars the whole pot of pottage. (English).             One rotten apple in the basket infects the rest. (Dutch).             One scabby goat infects the flock. (Persian).             One scabby sheep's enough to spoil the flock. (English,       Italian, French).             Play with dogs and you will get fleas. (Martinique       Creole).             Should there be two dry logs and a fresh one together, the       dry logs set the fresh one on fire. (Hebrew).             The character of a man depends on whether he has good       or bad friends. (Japanese).             The goat and its companions eat palm leaves. (Nigerian).             The governor took us and the scent came into the hand. ?       i.e. He shook hands with us. (Hebrew).             The pickpocket is the thief's brother. (Hindustani).             The qualities of a tree depend on those of the seed from       which it sprung and those of a man on the company       he keeps. (Persian).             The rotten apple spoils its companions. (Spanish).             Thy neighbor is thy teacher. (Arabian).             Unless you had touched garlic your fingers would not have       smelt. (Telugu).             Vice and virtue arise from our associations. (Bengalese).             Whatever goes into a salt mine becomes salt. (Persian).             What is near vermillion becomes stained red; what is near       ink becomes stained black. (Chinese).             When one plum beholds another it sets forth color.       (Persian).             When the crow is your guide he will lead you to the corpses       of dogs. (Arabian).             When we strike mud we get smeared over. (Malabar).             Who lives with a blacksmith will at last go away with       burnt clothes. (Afghan, Bannu).             Who talks with a smith receives sparks. (Kurdish).             With whom you are, such one you are. (Dutch, Serbian).             You only stink your hand by killing a muskrat. (Bengalese) .                                           Contributed by: Courtesy of www.archive.org View full size image
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