Idioms in Use – Proverbs

The grass is always greener on the other side – Other people’s lives or situations always seem better than your own

A picture is worth a thousand words – Often complex multiple ideas can be better conveyed by a single still image

Don’t judge a book by its cover – One shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone

Good things come to those who wait – Patience is often rewarded

If you can’t beat them, join them – If your opponents are stronger than you, it is better to join their side

When in Rome, do as the Romans do – You should follow the habits and ways of the people of the area in which you are residing or visiting

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink it – You can give someone an opportunity but not force them to take it

A watched pot never boils – Time seems to drag endlessly when you’re waiting for something to happen

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – That, which one person finds beautiful or admirable, may not appeal to another

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket – Don’t risk losing everything, by having only one plan or idea, and depend entirely on it

The early bird catches the worm – The person who arrives first has the best chance for success

Actions speak louder than words – What someone actually does means more than what they say they will do

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – A person must begin his or her journey to reach their goal or destination

Better late than never – It is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than not do it or arrive at all

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst – Be optimistic but ready for hard times as well

Beggars can’t be choosers – People with no other options must be content with what is offered

Birds of a feather flock together – People of the same sort or with the same tastes and interests will be found together

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Do not depend on something that has not yet happened

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today – You should not delay doing something if you can do it immediately

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones – You shouldn’t criticise others, when you have similar faults of your own