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English Proverbs
List of proverbs with their meaning.
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Alphabetical list  -  I

(An) idle brain is the devil's workshop.
    When you work you avoid temptation.

In times of prosperity friends are plentiful.
    You have many friends when you have no difficulties.
 
If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his body will follow.
    If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life will become difficult .

If in February there be no rain, 'tis neither good for hay nor grain.   
    Plants and crops will grow badly if there is no rain in early spring.
 
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will avoid 100 days of sorrow.
    Avoid regrets by taking time to think before speaking or acting angrily.
 
If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.   
    If you try to do two things at the same time, you won't succeed in doing either
    of them.
 
If two ride a horse, one must ride behind.
 When two people do something together, one will be the leader and the other
  will be the subordinate.
 
If you want a friend, be a friend.
    Friendship must be reciprocal.

If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
    Wishing alone is of no use;  you must act as well.

Ignorance is bliss.
    Possible interpretation: What you do not know causes no worry or sadness.
 
In for a penny, in for a pound.
    If you start something, it's better to spend the time or money necessary
    to complete it.
 
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
    A man of even limited ability has an advantage over a person who is less able.
 
It never rains but it pours.
  Misfortunes usually come in large numbers.

It is always darkest before the dawn
  The most difficult time is just before a problem is solved.
 
It's no use crying over spilt milk.
  Don't express regret for something that has happened and cannot be remedied.

It takes all sorts to make a world.
  People vary in character and abilities, and this is a good thing.

 


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