Proverbs and their meanings
| A bad excuse is better than none. | Always give an excuse, even if it’s a poor one. |
| A bad penny always turns up. | An unwanted or disreputable person constantly comes back. |
| A bad tree does not yield good apples. | A bad parent does not raise good children. |
| A bad workman blames his tools. | Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill. |
| A barking dog seldom bites. | Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries them out. |
| A bird in hand is worth two in a bush. |
It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by searching for something better. |
| A black plum is as sweet as a white. | People should not be judged by their appearance. |
| A book holds a house of gold. | There is a wealth of knowledge in books. |
| A broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound. | Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as before. |
| A burden of one’s own choice is not felt. | Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily. |
| A burnt child dreads the fire. | A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things. |
| A burnt child dreads the fire. | A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things. |
| A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor. | A person shows their competence or ability when difficulties arise. |
| A cat has nine lives. | 1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury. 2) Nine lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay. |
| A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. | The strength of a group depends on each individual member. |
| A change is as good as a rest. | A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a holiday. |
| A constant guest is never welcome. | If you come to visit too often, your host will be less pleased to see you. |
| A danger foreseen is half avoided. | If you are prepared to face a problem or difficulty, it will be easier to deal with. |
| A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy. | Times goes by very quickly when you are happy and very slowly when you are sad. |
| A drop of ink may make a million think. | A thought expressed in writing (perhaps published in a newspaper) can influence a large number of people. |
| A dry March, a wet April and a cool May fill barn and cellar and bring much hay. | Harvest predictions are made according to the weather. |
| A fault confessed is half redressed. | Confession is the beginning of forgiveness. |
| A flower blooms more than once. | If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself of it another time. |
http://www.learn-english-today.com/proverbs/proverbs-A1.html
540
