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Proverbs | List of Proverbs and Sayings

A List of proverbs and sayings. This page contains examples of proverbs and an ever growing list of proverbs. It is a good practice to avoid use of these proverbs in poetry unless used in a completely original way. See also: Idioms.

What is a Proverb?

A proverb is a brief and popular saying that typically gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is commonly thought to be true.

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Examples of Proverbs


Years know more than books.
Yes and no
Yorkshire fashion—every man pay his share.
You can't make a horn of a pig's tail.
You can't make omelettes without breaking eggs.
You can't make ropes of sand.
You cannot drive a windmill with a pair of bellows.
You cannot eat your cake and have it.
You cannot get blood out of a stone.
You cannot hide an eel in a sack.
You cannot hide an eel in a sack.
You cannot know wine by the barrel.
You cannot make a purse of a sow's ear.
You cannot see wood for trees.
You may as well bid me lade the sea with a nutshell.
You may be a wise man though you cannot make a watch.
You may draw him which way you will, with a twine thread.
You may go farther and fare worse.
You may know by a penny how a shilling spends.
You may pay too dear for your whistle.
You may truss up all his wit in an egg-shell.
You must ask your neighbour if you shall live in peace.
You must go into the country to hear what news at London.
You needn't lock the stable door when the steed is stolen.
You should never touch your eye but with your elbow.
You would make me believe the moon is made of green cheese.
Young men may die, old men must.
Youth and white paper take any impression.
Youth will have its swing.
Yule is good on Yule even.



Book: Shattered Sighs