Famous Proverbs

Proverbs can sound deep and wise. But it is the cultural context of these proverbs that lend them meaning. Without context, these proverbs can be interpreted in light of one's personal experience. Here is a collection of famous proverbs from around the world.

Egyptian Proverb
We tell them it is a bull, they say milk it.

African Proverb
A king's child is a slave elsewhere.

Bulgarian Proverb
Tell me who your friends are, so I can tell you who you are.

African Proverb
What forgets is the axe, but the tree that has been axed will never forget.

Chinese Proverb
If you're poor, change and you'll succeed.

Bulgarian Proverb
The wolf has a thick neck, because he does his job on his own.

Chinese Proverb
Big fish eat small fish.

Croatian Proverb
The way it came is the way it will go.

African Proverb
It is no shame at all to work for money.

Chinese Proverb
No one knows a son better than the father.

Dutch Proverb
Cost goes before the profit.

African Proverb
A loose tooth will not rest until it's pulled out.

Bulgarian Proverb
Measure thrice, cut once.

Dutch Proverb
Do not wake sleeping dogs.

Croatian Proverb
Hasten slowly.

Dutch Proverb
Every little pot has a fitting lid.

African Proverb
He who digs too deep for a fish, may come out with a snake.

Egyptian Proverb
Go far, you'll be loved more.

Egyptian Proverb
Do a good deed and throw it into the sea.

African Proverb
The path is made by walking.

Dutch Proverb
Think before acting; and whilst acting, still think.

Bulgarian Proverb
Help yourself to help God help you.

Hungarian Proverb
Who is curious gets old quickly.

Chinese Proverb
No shame in asking questions, even to people of lower status.

Croatian Proverb
All that's well lasts short.

Egyptian Proverb
Time never gets tired of Running.