proverbs

PROVERBS
        
 A proverb is a saying which imbibes wisdom in it. It is defined as " a short pithy saying in general use. " It is used in everyday speech and writing. Some proverbs with their meanings are listed below. Knowledge of these proverbs will enable the students to learn good English. :---


1. A good beginning makes a good end 

( If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be done well. )

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2. A good example is the best sermon 

( Giving an example is better than giving advice. )

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3. A good conscience is a soft pillow 

( One sleeps well when one has nothing to feel guilty about. )

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  4. A bad workman quarrels with his tools 

( An inefficient  worker blames others for his failure.)

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5. A bird in hand is worth two in bush 

( A thing which is sure and certain is better than an uncertain one.)

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6. A burnt child dreads the fire 

( One who has once got hurt by anything will avoid it afterwards. )

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7. A friend in need is a friend indeed 

( A true friend heps and supports in adversity.)

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8. A rolling stone gathers no moss 

( An unsteady man never achieves success.)

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9. All that glitters is not gold 

( Appearances are often deceptive. )

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10. An outwardly shining and charming   

( Thing does not have real worth.)

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11. A stitch in time saves nine 

( A defect removed in time, saves us from a great deal of trouble afterwards. )

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12. A little pot is soon hot 

( A narrow-minded person loses his temper very soon. )

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13. A sleeping fox catches no poultry 

( An idle man cannot get anything. )

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14. A drop in the ocean 

( To pay Rs. 200 per month to a clerk these days is just like a drop in the ocean.)

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15. A crowd is not a company 

( People assembled all of a sudden do not make a suitable company. )

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16. A fool and his money are soon parted 

( a foolish is easily deprived of his money. )

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17. A flow of words is no proof of wisdom 

( A talkative man is not neccessarily a wise man. )

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18. A great cry and little wool 

( A great deal of clamour for a petty thihg. )

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19. An idle mind is the devil's workshop 

( An idle man always thinks of mischief.)

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20. A common horse is the worst shod 

( A business started by several parteners does not run for long. )

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21. A man without purpose is a ship without a rudder

 ( A man who has no clear aim is likely to fail. )

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22. A rotten sheep infects the whole flock 

( A bad man currepts the whole company. )

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23. All asses wag their ears 

( All foolish persons talk and show as if they are very wise. )

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24. A tree is known by its fruit 

( The character of a man is judged by hs actions. )

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25.A guilty conscience needs no accuser 

( A guilty man betrays his crime of his own accord .)

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26.As you sow so shall you reap 

( One will have to suffer the consequences of one's acts. )

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27. An empty vessel makes much noise 

( A man who has no real worth, always boasts of his qualities. )

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28. A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody 

( One who tries to be wellwisher of everyone cannot be that of anyone.)

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29. A full purse never lacks friends 

( A rich man is never in want of friends. )


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  30. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy 

( Recreation is as important in life as serious work. )

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  31. All's well that ends well 

( All defects vanish if a thing ends successfully. )

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32. All doors are open to courtesy 

( A man of courtesy can get any work done. )

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33.A woman's strength is in her tongue 

( A woman's power lies in her loose talks only. )

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  34. A wooden leg is better than no leg 

( It is better to have a little support than to have none. )

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  35. A penny saved is a penny gained 

( If one saves a little money it is as good as gaining it. )

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  36. A reconciled friend is a double enemy  

( A friend lost and won is more dangerous than an enemy. )

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  37. A good presence is a letter of recommendation 

( A man of graceful nature needs no letter of recommendation . )

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38. A bald head is soon shaved 

( A simple and innocent man is soon deceived . )

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39. An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes  

( An  angryman is governed by passios and loses self-control. )

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40. As are the gods, so are the worshippers 

( The character of public is formed by the leaders. )

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41. All are no saints that go to church 

 A man should be judged by his inward character and not by his outward conduct. )

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  42. A leopard cannot change its spots 

( It is not possible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good or pleasant. )

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43. A loaded wagon makes no noise 

( Really wealthy people don't talk about money. )

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44. A fool at forty  is a fool forever 

( If a person hasn't matured by the age of forty, he never will. )

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45. A flower blooms more than once 

 ( If you miss an occassion, you can avail of it at another time.)

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46. Better today than tomorrow 

( One should not delay what one can do at the moment. )

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47. Birds of same feather flock together 

( Persons of the same nature often come together in one company.)

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48. Barking dogs seldom bite 

( Those who warn and threaten others hardly harm anyone. )

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  49. Better late than never 

( It is better to do a thing belatedly than never to do it all. ) 

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50. Better to wear out than to rust out 

( Doing something is better than doing nothing. )

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51. Better flatter a fool than fight him 

( It's better to avoid dispute with stupid people. )

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52. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know 

( It's better to deal with somebody difficult but familiar than change and risk dealing with somebody worse. )

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53. Better to be alone  than in tha bad company 

( Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with. )

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54. Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion 

( It's better to be the leader of a small group than a subordinate in a bigger group. )

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55. Better lose the saddle than the horse 

( It's better to stop and accept a small loss. rather than continue and risk losing everything. )

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56. Better safe than sorry 

( It's betterto be careful than to be careless and regret it later.) 

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57. Better to drink the milk than to eat the cow 

( Be careful not to destroy the source of your income and welfare.)

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58.  Better untaught than ill taught

 ( It's better not to be taught at all than to be taught badly. )

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59. Beauty is but skin deep 

( A person's character is more important than his appearance.)

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60. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholders 

( Different people have different tastes. )

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61. Bad news travels fast 

( People tend to circulate bad news very quickly. )

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62. Be swift to hear, slow to speak 

( Listen carefully before speaking. )

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63. Beggars should not be chooser 

( Those who seek favours should not impose their choice. )

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64. Blood is thicker than water 

( Kinship is stronger than friendship. )

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65. Beware of greeks bearing gifts 

( Don't trust your enemies. )

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66. Blood will out 

( A person's background or education will eventually show. )

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67. Better face danger once than be always in fear 

( It is better to fight out a danger once than to fear it for long. )

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68. Beware of silent dog and still water 

( Silent people are often very dangerous. )

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69. Brevity is the soul of wit 

( Short and precise answers are the best ones. )

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70. Ball is in your court 

(  It is upto you to decide. )

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71. Before criticizing a person, walk a mile in his shoes 

( One should not criticize a person without understanding his situation. )

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72. Cast not pearls before swine  

( It is no good telling good things to those who cannot appreciate it. )

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73. Caesar's wife must be above suspicion 

( The reputation of a great man's wife must be without blames. )

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74. Carry coal to Newcastle 

( To carry something to a place where it is already plentiful. )

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75. Charity begins at home 

( We favour our relationship first and others afterwards. )

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76. Choose a wife rather by your ear than by your eye 

( Select a wife of good conduct and not of good external appearance. )

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77. Clear moon frost soon 

( If the atmosphere is clear, frost may form. )

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78. Cleanliness is next to godliness 

( A clean body is just as important as a pure soul. )

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79. Clothes don't make the man 

( Appearances can be deceiving. )

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80. Constant occupation prevents temptation  

( When you work you avoid temptation. )

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81. Critics are like brushers of other man's clothes 

( Critics cleanse us of our defects and evils. )

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82. Cut your coat according to your cloth 

( One must spend within the limits of one's income. )

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83. Dead men tell no tales 

( A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing something that would be preferable to conceal. )

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84. Death keeps no calendar 

( One may die at any moment. )

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85. Desperate maladies require desperate means 

( The worst type of evil can be abolished only by evil means. )

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86. Diamond cuts diamond 

( Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.)

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87. Diligence is mother of good fortune 

( Hardwork brings rewards.)

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88. Discreation is the better part of valour 

( It is useless to take unneccessary risks. )

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89. Distance makes the heart grow fonder 

(When you are separated from the person you love, your feelings are even stronger.)

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90. Dogs of the same street bark alike 

 ( People from the same background have the same behaviour. )

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91. Don't bark if you can't bite  

( Don't complain if you can't enforce your point of view. )

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92. Don't count your chicken before they are hatched 

( You must not be too confident that something will be successful. )

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93. Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork 

( Don't do something yourself which causes your own downfall. )

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94. Don't judge a book by its cover 

( Don't  judge by appearances. )

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95. Drowning man catches a straw 

( Those who are in danger try to save themselves with the least possible support they can get. )

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96. Do as you would be done by 

( Behave others in the way you expect others to behave with you. )

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97. Death is a great leveller  

( Death makes no distinction between the high and the low. )

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98. Easy come easy go 

( What is required without effort, is spent without thought. )

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99. Every dog has his day 

( Everybody has some period of success. )

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  100. Example is better than precept 

( Action is better than teaching . )

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  101.Eat to live but not live to eat 

( Do not be a glutton but eat what and how much is neccessary. )

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102. Every man thinks his own geese swans 

( Everyone thinks his articles to be of high quality. )

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103. Every cloud has a silver lining 

( Every evil thing has some or the other quality. )

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104. Easier said than done 

( What is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it. )

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105. Elbow grease is the best polish 

( Hard work gives the best results. )

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 106. Empty vessels make the most noise 

( The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or boastful. )

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107. Every ass likes to hear himself bray 

( People like to hear themselves talking. )

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108. Every man for himself 

( You must think about your own interests before the interests of others. )

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109. Every man has his price 

( Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price. )

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  110. Every man is the architect of his own fortune 

( Life is what you make it. )
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  111. Every path has its puddle 

( Progress is rarely without difficulty. )

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112. Every rose has its thorn 

( Every good thing has an unpleasant side. )

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113. Every why has a wherefore 

( There is an explanation for every thing. )

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  114. Every thing in the garden is rosy 

( Every thing is satisfactory. )

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  115. Experience is the father of wisdom 

( Experience and knowledge result in better judgement. )

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116. Facts speaks louder than words 

( People show what they are really like by what they do than by what they say. )

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117. Failure teaches success 

(One should learn from one's mistakes. )

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  118. Familiarity breeds contempt 

(Knowing somebody very well may lead to a lack of respect for them.)

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119. First come, first served 

( The first person in the line will be attended to first. )

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120. First weigh then say 

( Consider well before you act. )

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  121. Fast bind , fast find 

( One should take proper precaution in regard to any property, and you will not lose it. )

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  122. First catch your hare and then cook it 

( The present must preprare for the future. )

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123. First deserve and then desire 

( One should desire a thing only when one is eligible for it. )

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124. Fortune favours the brave  

( Those who are brave always succeed. )

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125. Forgiveness is the noblest revenge 

( Forgive your enemy who has caused you harm and that is the greatest revenge. )

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126. Fools make feast, and wise men eat them

 ( Wise men enjoy themselves at the cost of foolish people. )

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127. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread 

( Inexperienced people act in situations that more intelligent people would avoid. )

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128. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me 

( One should learn from one's mistakes. )

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  129. Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade 

( Nothing is achieved without efforts. )

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130. Give and spend, God will send 

( One should spend for his needs and charity. It is God who looks to everybody's needs. )

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  131. Give someone an inch and he will take a mile 

( Give someone a little and he will want more )

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132. Give someone enough rope and he will hang himself  

( Give someone enough time and freedom and he will get into the trouble. )

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133. God helps those who help themselves 

(A man should do his best befforts to do a thing and leave the result into the hands of God. )

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  134. Grasp all, lose all 

( A man who tries to get everything will get nothing. )

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  135. Go to bed with the lamb, and rise with the lark 

( Early to bed early to rise. )

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  136. Good swimmers are often drowned 

( Too much of confidence often brings about failure. )

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137. Good accounting makes good friends 

( You will keep your friends if you avoid dispute over money. )

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  138. Great minds think alike 

( When two persons express the same opinion. )

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  139. Great oaks grow from little acorns 

( Large successful operation can begin in a small way. )

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 140. Grief divided is made lighter 

( If you share your grief it is easier to bear. )

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141. Habit is second nature 

( Custom makes all things easy. )

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142. Half a loaf is better than no bread 

( Something is better than nothing. )

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  143. Handsome is that handsome does 

( Areally handsome person is he who does handsome deeds. )

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  144. Haste makes waste 

(If something is done too quickly, it may be done carelessly and needs to be redone)

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  145. Hatred is blind as love 

( A person who feels hatred does not see any quality in the person he/she hates. )

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  146. He lacks most who longs most 

( He who has endless wants will never be happy . )

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  147. Hanging and wiving go by destiny 

( The hand of fate dictates joys and sorrows. )

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  148. He has enough who is content 

( A happy person needs nothing more. )

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  149. He who hesitates is lost 

( If you delay your decision too long, you may miss a great opportunity. )

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  150. He who is everywhere  is nowhere 

( It's not good to do many things at the same time. )

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  151. He laughs best who laughs last 

( Don't express your joy or your triumph, too soon. )

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  152. Health is better than wealth 

(It's better to be in good health than to be rich . )

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  153. Home is where the heart is

 ( You call home the place where the people you love are. )

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  154. Honesty is the best policy 

( Honest people succeed the most. )

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  155. Hunger is the best sauce 

( A hungry person is never particular about the quality of food. )

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  156. Idleness is the rust of mind 

( A man is spoiled if he does not work.)

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  157. It is hard to sit at Rome and fight with Pope 

( We cannot fight with those whom we depend on. )

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  158. If two ride a horse, one must ride behind 

( When two people do something together, one will be the leader and other will be the subordinate. )

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  159. If wishes are horses, then beggar would ride 

( Wishing alone is of no use, you must act as well. )

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  160. Ignorance is bliss 

( What you do not know causes no worry or sadness. )

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  161. Ill got ill spent 

( Wealthgot by unfair or dishonest means is usually squandered sinfully. )

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  162. In for a penny, in for a pound 

( If you start something, it is better to spend the time or money neccessary to complete it. )

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  163. It never rains but it pours 

( Misfortune never comes alone. )

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  164. It is always darkest before the dawn 

( The most difficult time is just before a problem. )

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  165. It is no good crying over spilt milk 

( It is useless to feel sorry for the mistakes done. )

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  166. It is never too late to learn 

( Knowledge may be aquired at any time and any stag. )

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  167. It takes all sorts to make a world 

( People vary in character and abilities, and this is a good thing. )

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  168. It takes two to make a quarrel 

( One cannot quarrel all alone. )

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  169. Jack of all trades and master of none 

( One who can do a little of many things and is an expert in none )

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  170. Justice delayed is justice denied 

( If the law is applied too late, there is no justice. )

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  171. Kill one to warn a hundred 

( Warn many by punishing a few. )

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  172. Kill the goose tha lays the golden eggs 

( Destroy a source of wealth or success. )

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  173. Kill two birds with one stone 

( Try to get two things by one effort. )

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  174. Kindness begets kindness 

( If you are kind to p-eople, they will be kind to you. )

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  175. Knowledge is power 

( Knowledge makes it possible for you to act. )

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  176. Knowledge in youth is wisdom in age 

( What you learn when you are young will be invaluable when you grow up. )

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  177. Learn to walk before you run 

( Don't rush into doing something until you know how to it. )

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178. Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere 

( Education is something you keep forever. )

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179. Least said soonest mended 

( The more discreet you are, the less damage you cause. )

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180. Let bygones be bygones 

( Let's forgive and forget past quarrels. )

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  181. Lightning never strikes in the same place twice 

( An unusual event is not likely to occur again in exactly the same circumstances. )

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182. Like father like son 

( A son's character can be expected to resemble to his father's. )

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  183. Little strokes fell great oaks 

( If you divide a task into small parts, it becomes easier to do. )

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184. Look before you leap 

( First think then act. )

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  185. Make hay while the sun shines 

( To do a thing at the most opportune time. )

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186. Man a little makes a mickle 

( Great numbers are made of small units. )

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187. Man proposes, God dispses 

( Wishes of men are subjected to God's mercy. )

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 188. Manners maketh a man 

( Manners increase the importance of man. )

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189. Marriages are settled in heaven 

( Marriages are planned by fate and not by man's wishes. )

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190. Mice will play when the cat is away 

( A man enjoys freely when his master is absent. )

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191. Many men, many minds 

( Everybody has his own likes and dislikes. )

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  192. Many hands make light work 

( Sharing work makes work easier. )

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  193. Marry in haste, repent in leisure 

( If you get married too quickly you may spend all your life regretting it. )

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  194. Misfortune seldom come alone 

( Sorrows and sufferings surround man on all sides. )

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  195. Money begets money 

( If you have money you can make more money. )

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  196. Money is the root of all evil 

( Money is the main cause of all wrongdoings and problems. )

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197. Money makes the mare go

( Much can be done under the influence of money. )

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  198. More die by food than by famine 

(More people die of excess of food than by want of food. )

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  199. More haste, more waste 

(A man who is over hasty, spoils his work. )

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  200. Murder will out 

( None can conceal a murder. )

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  201. Need teaches a plan 

( Neccessity will make you find a solution. )

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  202. Neccessity has no law 

(Want compels a man to do every kind of work. )

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  203. Neccessity is the mother of invention 

( Every new invention  is caused by neccessity. )

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  204. Never say die 

( Never give up. )

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  205. No gains without pains 

( One cannot enjoy advantage until one is prepared for hard labour. )

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  206. No man is an island 

( We all need other people. )

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  207. No news is good news 

( If the news was bad, we would hear of it. Since we have heard nothing we can assume that all is well. )

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208. No rose without a thorn 

( Pleasure and pain go together. )

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  209. No man can serve two masters 

( It is impossible for one to satisfy two persons at one and same time. )

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  210. No smoke without fire 

( There could be some truth in the rumour. )

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  211. No wind, no waves 

( There could be some truth in the rumour. )

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  212. Nothing ventured nothing gained 

( One will not be able to get anything until and unless one is prepared for hard labour. )

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  213. Once bitten twice shy 

( After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to avoid something similar. )

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  214. One beats the bush, another catches the hare 

( People often enjoy the fruits of labour done by others. )

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  215. One today is worth two tomorrow 

( What you have today is better than what is promised or hoped for. )

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  216. One man's meat is another man's poison 

( What is good for one is bad for others. )

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  217. One man's trash is another man's treasure 

( What is useless to one could be valuable to others. )

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  218. One swallow does not make a spring 

( One man alone cannot do the whole thing. )

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  219. Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches 

( Only those who suffer best know their miseries. )

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  220. Opportunity makes the thief 

( Strong temptations oblige a man to yield. )

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  221. Opportunity seldom knocks twice 

( Don't miss opportunities that come along. )

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  222. Out of sight, out of mind 

( Even the nearest and dearest are forgotten when they are away. )

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  223. Patience is a virtue 

( It is good to be patient. )

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  224. Patience is a plaster for all sores 

( If one has patience, one is able to bear all the hardships whatever may come in life. )

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  225. Penny wise and  pound foolish 

( To attach importance to petty things and neglect great ones. )

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  226. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others 

(Those who have grating defects in their character should not criticise others. )

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  227. Practice makes perfect 

( A man can improve a lot by continuous practice. )

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  228.Practise what you preach 

( Do yourself what you advise others to do. )

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  229. Prevention is better than cure  

( It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair the damage. )

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  230. Pride goeth before a fall 

( A proud man is bound to be humbled one day. )

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  231. Prosperity gains friends, adversity tries them 

( A rich man may win a number of friends but they are put to test in hard times. )

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  232. Punctuality is the soul of business 

( You should balways be on time for your business appointments. )

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  233. Put all your eggs in one basket 

( Risk everything by putting all money in one business. )

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  234. Revenge is sweet 

( There is satisfaction in returning an injury. )

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  235. Riches have wings 

( None can remain rich for long. )

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  236. Rome was not built in a day 

( Nothing really great can be got in a short time. )

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  237. Saying is onething, doing is another 

( People don't always do what they announce. )

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  238. Short reckonings make long friends 

( Debts paid quickly encourage friendships. )

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239. Silence is consent 

( If one remains silent, it shows one's acceptance of a thing. )

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  240. Snug as a bug in a rug 

( Feeling very comfortable. )

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  241. Soft words break no bones 

( Gentle and courteous speech harms none. )

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  242.Spare the rod and spoil the child 

( Children not kept under control get spoiled later. )

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  243. Speak the truth and shame the devil 

( If you resist the devil by speaking the truth, he will be put to shame. )

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  244. Still waters run deep 

( Quiet and reserved persons are generally intelligent. )

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  245. Stolen fruit is the sweetest 

(Things earned by evil means appear to be very charming. )

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  246. Time and tide wait for none 

( One cannot stay to course of time. )

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  247. Time has wings 

( Time goes by quickly. )

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  248. Time is money 

( Time is valuable and should not be wasted . )

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  249. To err is human, to forgive divine 

( It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one shall forgive. )

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  250. Too many cooks spoil the broth 

( If too many persons are involved in something, it will not be done properly. )

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  251. True friends are tested in adversity 

( It's when you have problems that you realise who your real friends are. )

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  252. Trust not a horse's heel nor a dog's tooth 

( Be careful of the reaction of animals. )

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  253. Truth is stranger than fiction 

( Events in real life are sometimes stranger than in fiction. )

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  254. Tall oaks grow from little acorns 

( Great things may come from small beginings. )

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  255. The best fish swims near the bottom 

(The valuable things can be attained only after a careful and deep search. )

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  256. The darkest hour is just before dawn 

( There is a hope even in the worst of time. )

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257. The early bird catches the worm 

(If you want to do the something successfully, you should do it as soon as you can. )

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258. The first step is the hardest

( The most difficult thing is to begin. )

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259. The pen is mightier than the sword 

( Words and communication have greater effect than war and fightings. )

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  260. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach 

( Feed a man well and he will love you. )

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  261. There is a black sheep in every flock 

( There is always one who doesn't behave or perform like others. )

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  262. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip 

( We should not count on anything until it is actally in our grasp. )

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  263. Union is strength 

( A group has more  force than an individual. )

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  264. United we stand divided we fall 

( Union is strength. )

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  265.  Unwillingness easily finds an excuse 

( A person who doesn't want to do something always finds a reason to avoid it. )

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  266. Variety is the spice of life 

( Doing a lot of things make life more interesting. )

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  267.  Virtue is its own reward 

( You could not expect praise for acting in a correct or moral way. )

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  268. Walls have ears 

( Be careful, people could be listening. )

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  269. Waste not, want not 

( If you never waste anything, you will have it when you need it. )

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  270. Watch how the wind blows 

( One should watch the development and only then speak. )

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  271. Well begun is half done 

(A good beginning a;lways ensures a good end. )

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  272. What cannot be cured must be endured. 

( Pains from which there can be no relief, must be borne patiently. )

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  273. When ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise 

( If a man does not understand fully, it is wise to keep silent. )

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274. When the cat is away mice play 

( People misbehave when their boss is absent. )

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275. When in Rome, do as the Roman do 

( One should keep in mind and follow the traditions of the place where he lives. )

  ........................................

276. When poverty come in the door, love goes out of the window 

( Nobody loves poor relatives. )

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277. When the wine is in , the wit is out 

( A man under intoxication, loses all senses. )

  ........................................

278. When there is smoke there is fire 

( Effect and cause theory applies everywhere. )

  ........................................

279. Where there is a will, there is a way 

( If one has a strong will to do anything, one can find out the way to get it done.)

  ........................................

280. Where there is life, there is hope 

( One should never lose hope to achieve his goal. )

  ........................................

281. You are what you eat 

( What you eat , has an effect on your well- being. )

  ........................................

282. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink 

( You can offer someone an opportunity to do something but you can't force him to do it. )

  ........................................

283. You can't teach an old dog new tricks 

( A person who is used to doing things in a certain way cannot change.)

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284. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours 

( You help me and I'll help you. )

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