What are proverbs?

Every culture has a collection of wise sayings that offer advice about how to live your life. These sayings are called "proverbs".

How can you use proverbs to learn English?

It's good to know the really common English proverbs because you hear them come up in conversation all the time. Sometimes people say the entire proverb to give advice to a friend. More often, someone will say just part of a proverb.

1.                 "Two wrongs don't make a right."

When someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will only make things worse.

2.                 "The pen is mightier than the sword."

Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.

3.                 "When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Act the way that the people around you are acting. This phrase might come in handy when you're traveling abroad notice that people do things differently than you're used to.

4.                 "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

You can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one's going to help you.

5.                 "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Strong people don't give up when they come across challenges. They just work harder.

6.                 "No man is an island."

You can't live completely independently. Everyone needs help from other people.

7.                 "Fortune favors the bold."

People who bravely go after what they want are more successful than people who try to live safely.

8.                 "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

Don't criticize other people if you're not perfect yourself.

9.                 "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Bad things might happen, so be prepared.

10.           "Better late than never."

It's best to do something on time. But if you can't do it on time, do it late