List of proverbial phrases

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Below is an alphabetical list of widely used and repeated proverbial phrases. If known, their origins are noted.

Contents

A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2]

In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:

A proverb [or proverbial phrase] is usually defined, an instructive sentence, or common and pithy saying, in which more is generally designed than expressed, famous for its peculiarity or elegance, and therefore adopted by the learned as well as the vulgar, by which it is distinguished from counterfeits which want such authority

John Ray, A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs, 1798 [3]

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z

Notes

  1. "Meanings and Origins of Phrases, Sayings and Idioms". Gary Martin. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
  2. Benham, W. Gurney (1926). Putnam's Complete Book of Quotations, Proverbs, and Household Words. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

References

  1. Adams, Owen S. (17 September 2023). "Proverbial Phrases from California" . Western Folklore. 8 (2): 95–116. doi:10.2307/1497581. JSTOR   1497581.
  2. Arvo Krikmann "the Great Chain Metaphor: An Open Sezame for Proverb Semantics?", Proverbium:Yearbook of International Scholarship , 11 (1994), pp. 117–124.
  3. Ray, John (1768). A compleat collection of English proverbs. London: W. Otridge, S. Bladon. pp. xi–xii.
  4. Martin, Gary. "'A fool and his money are soon parted' – the meaning and origin of this phrase". Phrasefinder. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Top Ten Best Proverbs About Language Learning". Lingholic. 9 June 2014.
  6. Edward, John Emerich (1949). Dalberg-Acton – Essays on Freedom and Power. Boston: Beacon Press. p. 364.
  7. "Quotesyo.com | All Types Of Quotes". quotesyo.com. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  8. Milton, J., & Leonard, J. (2003). Paradise lost. Penguin Books. Book 1, line 263
  9. "Where Does the Expression "Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts" Come From?" . Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  10. Martin, Gary. "Curiosity killed the cat". The Phrase Finder. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Quotations by Lao Tzu" . Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  12. Newman, Danny (5 July 2023). "Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It's True". Wealthtender. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  13. "Sayings of Wilson Mizner" . Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  14. "Keep your chin up" . Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  15. "Oliver's Advice (Barossa)" . Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  16. Soniak, Matt (12 July 2012). "What's the Origin of "Let the Cat out of the Bag"?". Mental Floss.
  17. 1 Timothy 6:10
  18. "marriages are made in heaven". The Free Dictionary . Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  19. "'Marriages are Made in Heaven' – Origin, Meaning, Explanation, Importance". NMK. 16 January 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  20. Leo Tolstoy. War and Peace II:III:XXII
  21. "Never Let the Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story". 14 July 2017.
  22. "Charles Dickens Pickwick Papers". Dictionary.reference.com. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  23. "'No friends but the mountains': History repeats itself with latest US betrayal of Kurds". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  24. "Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary". www.yourdictionary.com. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  25. "African Proverbs". 8 November 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
  26. "Risk it for the Biscuit – Meaning, Origin and Usage – History of English". 4 September 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  27. "Armenian Proverbs You'll Love About Life – With English Translations". Digital Daybook. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  28. World of Quotes Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  29. Martin, Gary. "'The die has been cast' – the meaning and origin of this phrase". Phrasefinder. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  30. "The innocent seldom find an uncomfortable pillow" . Retrieved 6 April 2010.
  31. "Definition of uneasy lies the head that wears a crown | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  32. "Proverbs starting with letter U ‹ Proverb Hunter". Proverb Hunter. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  33. King, LaGarrett J. "When Lions Write History". ProQuest. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  34. "William Cowper Quotes" . Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  35. "Speak Softly. . ". Library of Congress. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  36. "English Phrase: What's the worst that can happen? | PhraseMix.com". www.phrasemix.com. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  37. "When in Rome..." Retrieved 8 April 2010.
  38. Hubbard, Elbert (1922). Selected Writings of Elbert Hubbard. Vol. V. Wm. H. Wise & Co./The Roycrofters. p. 237. Alt URL
  39. "Quotesyo.com | All Types Of Quotes". quotesyo.com. Retrieved 26 November 2024.

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