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Proverbs, Sayings, Maxims,
of the English Language
Foreword
Definitions of Terms Proverb [Etymology: from Latin] Pro (forward) + verb (word) Evidently, a proverb is collection of words (i.e. a phrase or sentence) that has been disseminated forth, and has become a common saying. It generally elucidates some truth. Saying [Etymology: from Old English] Say (tell) + ing (gerund suffix) Any common, colloquial expression Maxim [Etymology: from Latin] maximum (largest) Evidently, a maxim is a word or expression (generally the latter) that has become very "large" and well-known Adage [Etymology: from Latin] adage (saying) An adage is quite similar to that of proverb, yet according to Merriam-Webster, it is often metaphorical, and illustrates some truth. Cliche [Etymology: from French] cliche (printer's stereotype) A saying which has become OVER-used, and is considered trite, boring, a matter of course, not worth saying. [Note: to label any saying as "cliche" is very subjective]
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Now, for my patrons, I'd like to share of the most common proverbs and sayings (of English). Where a saying fits into a particular category, that will be elucidated. Furthermore, I hope to enlighten my readers (typically non-native English speakers) of the significance of the sayings. I shall give origins, if known. Many proverbs and sayings are metaphorical, and I shall explain the metaphors. (See also: Leon's Figures of Speech Page for some common metaphors). Okay, without further ado, I present some common proverbs and sayings of English.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings About Education
Classification: proverb/maxim/adage Meaning: the more one knows, the more one can manipulate one's environment to get what one wants.
Classification: proverb/maxim Meaning: Getting plenty of sleep (by going to bed early) certainly helps the body remain healthy. Getting up early and getting a "head-start" on one's studies or work, certainly makes wise or wealthy (respectively). But, this proverb presupposes that one does not squander one's time or money.
Classification: proverb/adage Meaning: this can be called an adage, because of the inherent metaphor. The metaphor is: Mind = something that can be wasted (i.e., can be used in a frivolous and/or unworthy manner) In fact, the mind is an abstract thing. It cannot be touched, nor heard, nor seen. It is only perceivable by the owner. Descartes's observation: "I think, therefore I am," is about the mind. Only the mind can think. Giving up one's education, is often considered to be "wasting" one's mind, or in other words: not using one's mind in a worthy manner.
Classification: proverb/adage Meaning: these are a metaphorical adages - little drops, a day, bite = small increments - making a mighty ocean, building Rome, eating an elephant = a large task When faced with a large task, such as learning a language, one must remember that it is best to set small goals for one's self, and focus on each individual small goal and not the whole task. Thinking about the whole task, can make one overwhelmed and depressed. But focusing on small, more rapidly achievable goals makes one feel confident, and encouraged.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Work
Classification: proverb/adage Meaning: it is a metonymy. "Making hay" is a task, which represents any/all tasks. "While the sun shines" means while the opportunity is there.
Classification: proverb Meaning: A good chance (opportunity) from ONE, particular person or company will come to you only once. If you pass it up, you will never get a chance with that person or company ever again.
Classification: saying Meaning: 1. "Back" means return to ((sth)). 2. "old" means something that one has known for a long time. It doesn't necessarily mean that the thing is old. 3. "a grind stone" is used for sharpening knives (and other tools). 4. Working on a grind stone, sharpening knives is said to be very boring and monotonous work; So, the saying means return to one's boring, tedious, monotonous work.
Classification: maxim/adage/possibly cliché Meaning: This is clearly a metaphor. Time is equated with money. The idea being conveyed here is that through the consumption of time (and work), one can make money. The implication is: "don't waste time."
Classification: saying/maxim Meaning: Another day of work means another (some) dollar(s) in my pocket.
Classification: proverb Meaning: by putting a penny in a savings account, you can earn a penny after many years.
Classification: proverb Meaning: There are no short cuts in life. Hard work is what is needed to succeed. Thomas Edison is credited with saying, "Success is 99% hard work... and only 1% genius."
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Play, Rest & Relaxation
Classification: Proverb Meaning: The meaning is fairly straight-forward. One must find a balance between work and play.
Classification: Adage Meaning: This is a metaphor. "Unstringing the bow" means relax. "Snap" means go insane.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Love and Marriage
Classification: Proverb/adage Meaning: Love is a metonymy for the person in love. It means that a person in love, is blind to the faults of the object of his/her love.
Classification: Maxim Meaning: Because love tends to be blind, one should open BOTH eyes to the faults of one's fiance; and, after marriage, one should close one eye (and forgive) half of the faults of one's spouce.
Classification: less well-known saying Meaning: Sometimes although two people love each other, they cannot be together for one reason or another, usually, because of irreconcilable differences.
Classification: Adage Meaning: This is a metaphor. A "tango" is a kind of dance. It is a dance that requires two people, and each person must do his/her part. Otherwise, there can be no "tango". So, the meaning of the metaphor is that it takes two people, each doing his/her part, to make a relationship work out.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Fighting
Classification: maxim Meaning: "names" means derogatory words, such as: "stupid", "idiot", "moron", "four-eyes", etc. This is taught to children so that they do not worry or fight when called "names" by others.
Classification: proverb Meaning: the meaning is self-evident, is it not?
Classification: proverb, maxim Meaning: in any dispute, there are always two sides (points of view). The truth often lies somewhere in between.
Classification: Adage Meaning: It is said that words can "cut" into one's "heart". The Heart is a metonymy for the feelings/emotions that one feels. "Cut is also a metonymy meaning to injure or cause pain, in this case, mental anguish.
Classification: Proverb from the Judaeo-Christian Bible, Book of Proverbs, I believe. Meaning: The meaning is self-evident, I believe.
Classification: Maxim, Possibly Cliché This is commonly used by teachers and parents to teach children not to fight.
Classification: Proverb/adage Meaning: "Beget", means "Give birth to...". So, the adage means that violence initiates or provokes retaliation.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Life & Death
Classification: Maxim Meaning: The meaning is that since we only live once, we ought to live life to the fullest.
Classification: Maxim Meaning: "When you go", means: 'when you die'. "It" means: material posessions. The implication is that one should not place too much importance upon material possessions.
Classification: Maxim Meaning: meaning is self-evident (whether you agree or not is a different story)
Classification: not really a proverb... it's a quotation from my favorite book/movie: The Princess Bride.
Classification: maxim Meaning: life is terrible. And, then, to make matters worse, you have to die.
Classification: proverb Meaning: there are two things that everyone must endure: death and taxes.
*To see more idiomatic expressions and slang regarding death, click here
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings / Idioms about Cats
Classification: maxim/saying Meaning: Cats can have nine near-death experiences before they actually "kick the bucket" (for meaning of "kick the bucket" see slang page / death section).
Classification: idiom Meaning: Can't you speak?
Classification: proverb Meaning: One can get into trouble and possibly die by giving in to curiosity.
Classification: idiom Meaning: Allow a secret to escape from one's mouth/lips.
Classification: proverb/adage Meaning: There is more than one way to accomplish any given task.
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings / Idioms about Dogs
Classification: maxim; possibly cliché Meaning: Dogs are human's best friends.
Classification: idiom Meaning: following (one's trail)
NOTE: even though dogs are human's friends, the wild dog's life is not seen as a good one. Even some tame dogs' lives are not very good. Hence there are many negative idioms regarding dogs...
Classification: idiom Meaning: living a bad life
top dog, underdog, and other dog metaphors: click here Simile: sick as a dog
The most important proverb you'll ever learn
Sayings about Chickens
Classification: proverb Meaning: Don't "count on" something to happen before it actually happens.
Classification: saying (a question used by scientist and philosophers) Meaning: The meaning is both literal and figurative. In the literal sense, we wonder wether nature created the chicken first, or the egg first. In science, we are often face with a conundrum regarding a certain issue in science. An example: I recently read an article that suggests that fatter babies are smarter. I would ask (and any logically-minded scientist would ask): is it that the babies are smarter because they are fat, OR is it that they are fat because they are smarter? This one is easily answered, since the brain is composed mostly of fat, it would follow that the fat one has the healthier the brain and the healthier the brain, the smarter the child.
Books About Proverbs
The most important proverb you'll ever learn: Luck Favors the Prepared. It means: if you are prepared, you will get more luck.
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