Content updated on 24 April 2026
"A stitch in time saves nine." "Actions speak louder than words." Proverbs are short, well‑known sayings that carry a piece of wisdom or advice. They make your writing and speech richer and more reflective. This lesson for Class 9, 10, and 11 students brings together 200 commonly used proverbs and sayings, divided into four easy‑to‑learn groups of 50. Each one comes with a simple meaning and an example sentence so you can understand and use it naturally. Click any group to expand and discover timeless wisdom you can use in your essays, speeches, and everyday conversations.
✅ Recommended for: Class 9–11 (Wisdom & Expression) | CBSE & UP Board
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Group 1: Proverbs 1–50 (A–F)
๐ View Group 1 (50 proverbs)
1. A bad workman blames his tools. – someone who does poor work blames the equipment.
Sentence: Don't blame the pen; it's the writer—a bad workman blames his tools.
2. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. – what you already have is better than a risk.
Sentence: Keep your job; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
3. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. – a group is as strong as its weakest member.
Sentence: The team lost because one player was out of form—a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
4. A closed mouth catches no flies. – it's safer to keep quiet.
Sentence: I decided not to argue; a closed mouth catches no flies.
5. A fool and his money are soon parted. – a foolish person spends money quickly.
Sentence: He wasted his pocket money on silly things—a fool and his money are soon parted.
6. A friend in need is a friend indeed. – a true friend helps in trouble.
Sentence: He stayed by me when I was sick; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
7. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – big things start small.
Sentence: Don't be afraid to start studying; a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
8. A leopard cannot change its spots. – a person's nature is hard to change.
Sentence: He lied again; a leopard cannot change its spots.
9. A little learning is a dangerous thing. – knowing a little can lead to mistakes.
Sentence: He read one article and started arguing—a little learning is a dangerous thing.
10. A penny saved is a penny earned. – saving money is like earning it.
Sentence: Instead of buying that toy, I saved—a penny saved is a penny earned.
11. A picture is worth a thousand words. – an image can convey a lot.
Sentence: The photo explained it better; a picture is worth a thousand words.
12. A problem shared is a problem halved. – talking about a problem makes it smaller.
Sentence: Tell me your worry; a problem shared is a problem halved.
13. A rolling stone gathers no moss. – moving often prevents accumulation.
Sentence: He keeps changing jobs; a rolling stone gathers no moss.
14. A stitch in time saves nine. – fix a problem early to avoid a bigger one.
Sentence: Repair the bike now; a stitch in time saves nine.
15. A watched pot never boils. – time feels slower when you wait.
Sentence: Stop checking your phone; a watched pot never boils.
16. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. – missing someone increases affection.
Sentence: After he left, I realised how much I care—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
17. Actions speak louder than words. – what you do matters more than what you say.
Sentence: He promised to help, but didn't show up—actions speak louder than words.
18. All good things must come to an end. – good times don't last forever.
Sentence: The vacation ended, but all good things must come to an end.
19. All that glitters is not gold. – not everything that looks good is good.
Sentence: That beautiful website is a scam—all that glitters is not gold.
20. All's fair in love and war. – rules are relaxed in emotional or competitive situations.
Sentence: He used a strong tactic to win—all's fair in love and war.
21. Among the blind, the one‑eyed man is king. – a little advantage makes a big difference.
Sentence: He became team leader because he had some experience—among the blind, the one‑eyed man is king.
22. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. – healthy habits prevent illness.
Sentence: I eat fruit daily; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
23. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. – without purpose, people get into trouble.
Sentence: Get a hobby; an idle mind is the devil's workshop.
24. Appearances can be deceptive. – don't judge by looks.
Sentence: The small restaurant served amazing food—appearances can be deceptive.
25. As you sow, so shall you reap. – your actions determine your rewards.
Sentence: Study now; as you sow, so shall you reap.
26. Barking dogs seldom bite. – people who talk a lot are often harmless.
Sentence: Don't fear his threats—barking dogs seldom bite.
27. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. – what is beautiful is subjective.
Sentence: I like this painting; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
28. Beggars can't be choosers. – those in need must accept what they get.
Sentence: I wanted a new phone, but got a used one—beggars can't be choosers.
29. Better late than never. – doing something late is better than not at all.
Sentence: He finally submitted the assignment; better late than never.
30. Better safe than sorry. – it's wise to be cautious.
Sentence: I carried an umbrella; better safe than sorry.
31. Birds of a feather flock together. – similar people stay together.
Sentence: The artists all sat at one table—birds of a feather flock together.
32. Blood is thicker than water. – family bonds are strongest.
Sentence: My brother came to help despite our fight—blood is thicker than water.
33. Charity begins at home. – help your own family first.
Sentence: Donate to your cousin's education; charity begins at home.
34. Cleanliness is next to godliness. – being clean is very important.
Sentence: Wash your hands; cleanliness is next to godliness.
35. Curiosity killed the cat. – being too curious can lead to trouble.
Sentence: Don't open that box; curiosity killed the cat.
36. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. – treat others how you want to be treated.
Sentence: Be kind; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
37. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. – don't harm those who help you.
Sentence: Respect your parents; don't bite the hand that feeds you.
38. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. – don't plan on results before they are certain.
Sentence: Wait for the result; don't count your chickens before they hatch.
39. Don't cry over spilled milk. – don't worry about past mistakes.
Sentence: I lost my money, but I won't cry over spilled milk.
40. Don't judge a book by its cover. – don't form an opinion based on appearance.
Sentence: He looks rough but is very kind—don't judge a book by its cover.
41. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. – don't risk everything on one plan.
Sentence: Invest in different schemes; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
42. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. – a good routine brings benefits.
Sentence: I wake up at 5 AM; early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
43. Easy come, easy go. – things gained easily are lost easily.
Sentence: He won a prize and spent it in a day—easy come, easy go.
44. Every cloud has a silver lining. – there is hope in every bad situation.
Sentence: I failed, but I learned; every cloud has a silver lining.
45. Every dog has its day. – everyone gets success eventually.
Sentence: Keep trying; every dog has its day.
46. Failure is the stepping stone to success. – mistakes lead to learning.
Sentence: Learn from your errors; failure is the stepping stone to success.
47. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. – inexperienced people take risks others avoid.
Sentence: He invested all his money in a scam—fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
48. Fortune favours the bold. – those who take risks often succeed.
Sentence: Ask for the opportunity; fortune favours the bold.
49. Give credit where credit is due. – acknowledge someone's effort.
Sentence: She designed the poster; give credit where credit is due.
50. God helps those who help themselves. – you must make your own effort.
Sentence: Don't just pray; study too—God helps those who help themselves.
Group 2: Proverbs 51–100 (G–L)
๐ View Group 2 (50 proverbs)
51. Good things come to those who wait. – patience brings rewards.
Sentence: After years of practice, he won; good things come to those who wait.
52. Great minds think alike. – smart people have similar ideas.
Sentence: We both chose the same topic; great minds think alike.
53. Half a loaf is better than none. – a little is better than nothing.
Sentence: I got fewer marks but passed; half a loaf is better than none.
54. Haste makes waste. – rushing causes mistakes.
Sentence: Write slowly; haste makes waste.
55. He who laughs last laughs best. – final victory matters most.
Sentence: Ignore their teasing; he who laughs last laughs best.
56. Health is wealth. – good health is the greatest asset.
Sentence: Eat well and exercise; health is wealth.
57. Honesty is the best policy. – telling the truth is always wise.
Sentence: Admit your mistake; honesty is the best policy.
58. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. – be optimistic but ready for failure.
Sentence: I studied hard and kept a backup plan—hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
59. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. – don't try to improve something that works.
Sentence: That old code still runs; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
60. If the shoe fits, wear it. – accept criticism if it's true.
Sentence: When they called him lazy, he realised—if the shoe fits, wear it.
61. Ignorance is bliss. – sometimes it's better not to know.
Sentence: I didn't read the spoilers; ignorance is bliss.
62. In the land of the blind, the one‑eyed man is king. – a small advantage feels huge among the disadvantaged.
Sentence: He led the team because he knew basic coding—in the land of the blind, the one‑eyed man is king.
63. It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. – act instead of complaining.
Sentence: Start cleaning your area; it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
64. It takes two to tango. – a conflict needs both sides.
Sentence: Don't just blame him; it takes two to tango.
65. It's a small world. – surprising coincidences happen.
Sentence: I met my teacher in another city—it's a small world.
66. It's better to be safe than sorry. – risk nothing by being careful.
Sentence: I locked the door twice; it's better to be safe than sorry.
67. It's never too late to mend. – you can always correct mistakes.
Sentence: Start studying now; it's never too late to mend.
68. It's no use crying over spilled milk. – don't regret past actions.
Sentence: I failed the test, but it's no use crying over spilled milk.
69. Jack of all trades, master of none. – someone knows a bit of everything but excels at nothing.
Sentence: He can cook, paint, and code, but is a jack of all trades, master of none.
70. Kill two birds with one stone. – achieve two objectives with one action.
Sentence: I listened to the podcast while jogging—kill two birds with one stone.
71. Knowledge is power. – the more you know, the stronger you are.
Sentence: Read books; knowledge is power.
72. Laughter is the best medicine. – being cheerful helps healing.
Sentence: Watch a comedy; laughter is the best medicine.
73. Learn to walk before you run. – master basics before advanced tasks.
Sentence: Practise scales first; learn to walk before you run.
74. Let bygones be bygones. – forget past conflicts.
Sentence: We had a fight, but let's let bygones be bygones.
75. Let sleeping dogs lie. – don't restart old troubles.
Sentence: Don't bring up that old argument; let sleeping dogs lie.
76. Life is not a bed of roses. – life is full of challenges.
Sentence: Struggling is normal; life is not a bed of roses.
77. Like father, like son. – a son behaves like his father.
Sentence: He loves cricket too—like father, like son.
78. Look before you leap. – think before acting.
Sentence: Consider the risks; look before you leap.
79. Lost time is never found again. – time wasted is gone forever.
Sentence: Stop procrastinating; lost time is never found again.
80. Love is blind. – love ignores flaws.
Sentence: She forgave his mistakes—love is blind.
81. Make hay while the sun shines. – take advantage of good conditions.
Sentence: The market is up; invest now—make hay while the sun shines.
82. Man proposes, God disposes. – human plans depend on fate.
Sentence: I wanted to play, but it rained—man proposes, God disposes.
83. Many hands make light work. – teamwork makes tasks easier.
Sentence: Let's clean together; many hands make light work.
84. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. – great things start small.
Sentence: That huge company began in a garage—mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
85. Money doesn't grow on trees. – money is earned, not free.
Sentence: Don't waste your pocket money; money doesn't grow on trees.
86. Necessity is the mother of invention. – need drives creativity.
Sentence: He built a lamp from scraps; necessity is the mother of invention.
87. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. – don't delay tasks.
Sentence: Complete your homework now; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
88. No gain without pain. – effort is needed for success.
Sentence: Exercise hurts but helps; no gain without pain.
89. No man is an island. – everyone needs others.
Sentence: Ask for help; no man is an island.
90. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. – risk is needed for reward.
Sentence: Try the audition; nothing ventured, nothing gained.
91. Old habits die hard. – it's difficult to change routines.
Sentence: He still bites his nails; old habits die hard.
92. Once bitten, twice shy. – bad experience makes you cautious.
Sentence: After the scam, he checks twice—once bitten, twice shy.
93. One good turn deserves another. – kindness should be returned.
Sentence: Help me later; one good turn deserves another.
94. Out of sight, out of mind. – when something isn't seen, it's forgotten.
Sentence: I forgot the cake in the oven—out of sight, out of mind.
95. Patience is a virtue. – being patient is a good quality.
Sentence: Wait your turn; patience is a virtue.
96. Practice makes a man perfect. – repeated effort leads to excellence.
Sentence: Play the piano daily; practice makes a man perfect.
97. Prevention is better than cure. – stopping a problem is easier than fixing it.
Sentence: Wear a helmet; prevention is better than cure.
98. Pride comes before a fall. – arrogance leads to failure.
Sentence: He boasted and then lost—pride comes before a fall.
99. Procrastination is the thief of time. – delaying steals time.
Sentence: Start your project; procrastination is the thief of time.
100. Rome wasn't built in a day. – great things take time.
Sentence: Be patient with your learning; Rome wasn't built in a day.
Group 3: Proverbs 101–150 (M–R)
๐ View Group 3 (50 proverbs)
101. Slow and steady wins the race. – consistent effort beats speed.
Sentence: I revise slowly every day; slow and steady wins the race.
102. Spare the rod and spoil the child. – without discipline, children become spoiled.
Sentence: Parents must set rules; spare the rod and spoil the child.
103. Still waters run deep. – quiet people have depth.
Sentence: Don't think she's simple; still waters run deep.
104. Strike while the iron is hot. – act quickly at the right moment.
Sentence: Ask now; strike while the iron is hot.
105. Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves. – small savings add up.
Sentence: I save my change; take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.
106. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. – children are like their parents.
Sentence: She sings like her mother—the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
107. The ball is in your court. – it's your decision now.
Sentence: I've done my part; now the ball is in your court.
108. The early bird catches the worm. – those who start early get the advantage.
Sentence: I went early to get tickets; the early bird catches the worm.
109. The grass is always greener on the other side. – other situations seem better.
Sentence: He envies his friend's job, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
110. The pen is mightier than the sword. – writing and ideas are more powerful than force.
Sentence: A good article can change minds—the pen is mightier than the sword.
111. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. – quality is tested by experience.
Sentence: Try the app before reviewing it; the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
112. There is no place like home. – home is the most comfortable place.
Sentence: I missed my room—there's no place like home.
113. There's no smoke without fire. – rumours usually have some truth.
Sentence: If everyone says so, there may be a reason—there's no smoke without fire.
114. Time and tide wait for none. – time passes relentlessly.
Sentence: Don't waste your youth; time and tide wait for none.
115. Time heals all wounds. – emotional pain fades with time.
Sentence: I was heartbroken, but time heals all wounds.
116. Time is money. – time is valuable.
Sentence: Don't make me wait; time is money.
117. To err is human. – making mistakes is natural.
Sentence: Forgive yourself; to err is human.
118. Too many cooks spoil the broth. – too many people involved can ruin a task.
Sentence: Let one person lead the project; too many cooks spoil the broth.
119. Truth is stranger than fiction. – real events can be more bizarre than stories.
Sentence: That news is unbelievable, but truth is stranger than fiction.
120. Two heads are better than one. – teamwork produces better ideas.
Sentence: Let's solve this puzzle together; two heads are better than one.
121. Two wrongs don't make a right. – retaliating doesn't fix a wrong.
Sentence: Don't hit him back; two wrongs don't make a right.
122. Variety is the spice of life. – new experiences make life exciting.
Sentence: Try a new hobby; variety is the spice of life.
123. Virtue is its own reward. – doing good is satisfying by itself.
Sentence: I don't need thanks; virtue is its own reward.
124. Walls have ears. – be careful what you say; someone may be listening.
Sentence: Whisper; walls have ears.
125. Waste not, want not. – if you don't waste, you will never lack.
Sentence: Finish your food; waste not, want not.
126. What goes around comes around. – your treatment of others returns to you.
Sentence: Help people; what goes around comes around.
127. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. – follow local customs.
Sentence: Eat with your hands if others do; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
128. Where there is a will, there is a way. – determination finds a solution.
Sentence: Don't give up; where there is a will, there is a way.
129. Where there is smoke, there is fire. – evidence points to a real cause.
Sentence: The repeated complaints hint at a real issue—where there is smoke, there is fire.
130. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. – you can offer help, but can't force acceptance.
Sentence: I gave him notes; he didn't read—you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
131. You can't have your cake and eat it too. – you can't have two incompatible things.
Sentence: You want to stay up late and wake up early—you can't have your cake and eat it too.
132. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. – being kind achieves more than being harsh.
Sentence: Smile and ask nicely; you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
133. You made your bed, now lie in it. – you must accept the consequences of your choices.
Sentence: You chose to skip revision; you made your bed, now lie in it.
134. A burnt child dreads the fire. – a painful experience makes one cautious.
Sentence: He avoids investments now—a burnt child dreads the fire.
135. A drowning man will clutch at a straw. – in desperation, any help is welcome.
Sentence: He asked the stranger for help; a drowning man will clutch at a straw.
136. A house divided against itself cannot stand. – a divided group will fail.
Sentence: The team must stop fighting; a house divided against itself cannot stand.
137. A man is known by the company he keeps. – your friends reflect your character.
Sentence: Choose good friends; a man is known by the company he keeps.
138. A new broom sweeps clean. – new leaders make changes quickly.
Sentence: The new manager changed everything—a new broom sweeps clean.
139. A prophet is not honoured in his own country. – people don't value their own.
Sentence: The unrecognised scientist was famous abroad; a prophet is not honoured in his own country.
140. Adversity brings strange bedfellows. – trouble unites unexpected allies.
Sentence: Rivals teamed up for the project—adversity brings strange bedfellows.
141. All that ends well is well. – if the outcome is good, the difficulties are forgotten.
Sentence: The trip was messy but we reached safely; all's well that ends well.
142. An empty vessel makes the most noise. – those with little knowledge talk the most.
Sentence: He keeps boasting; an empty vessel makes the most noise.
143. Beggars cannot be choosers. – if you receive something free, don't complain.
Sentence: Take this shirt; beggars cannot be choosers.
144. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. – a familiar risk is better than an unknown one.
Sentence: I'll stay in my old job; better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
145. Birds of a feather flock together. – similar people gather.
Sentence: The artists became friends—birds of a feather flock together.
146. Blood is thicker than water. – family bonds are strongest.
Sentence: My sister helped me; blood is thicker than water.
147. Brevity is the soul of wit. – being brief is clever.
Sentence: Her short reply was perfect—brevity is the soul of wit.
148. Cheaters never prosper. – dishonesty leads to failure.
Sentence: You can't copy forever; cheaters never prosper.
149. Choose the lesser of two evils. – pick the less harmful option.
Sentence: I went to the boring meeting rather than the noisy party—chose the lesser of two evils.
150. Diligence is the mother of good fortune. – hard work leads to success.
Sentence: He studied daily and topped; diligence is the mother of good fortune.
Group 4: Proverbs 151–200 (S–Y)
๐ View Group 4 (50 proverbs)
151. Discretion is the better part of valour. – caution is better than reckless bravery.
Sentence: He chose not to fight; discretion is the better part of valour.
152. Don't bite off more than you can chew. – don't take on too much.
Sentence: Don't join three clubs; don't bite off more than you can chew.
153. Don't put the cart before the horse. – don't do things in the wrong order.
Sentence: Plan first, then act; don't put the cart before the horse.
154. Every man has his price. – anyone can be bribed or tempted.
Sentence: They offered enough, and he agreed—every man has his price.
155. Familiarity breeds contempt. – close association can lead to disrespect.
Sentence: They work together so much that they argue—familiarity breeds contempt.
156. Feed a cold, starve a fever. – eat when you have a cold, fast when you have a fever (traditional belief).
Sentence: My grandmother always said, "Feed a cold, starve a fever."
157. Finders keepers, losers weepers. – the finder of something can keep it.
Sentence: I found this coin; finders keepers, losers weepers.
158. Fine feathers make fine birds. – clothes can improve appearance.
Sentence: He looked smart in the suit—fine feathers make fine birds.
159. First come, first served. – earlier arrivals get priority.
Sentence: The tickets are limited; first come, first served.
160. Fish and guests smell after three days. – don't overstay your welcome.
Sentence: He stayed for a week; fish and guests smell after three days.
161. Flattery will get you nowhere. – insincere praise doesn't work.
Sentence: I know you're just complimenting me; flattery will get you nowhere.
162. Forgive and forget. – move on from past wrongs.
Sentence: We had a fight, but let's forgive and forget.
163. Give him an inch and he'll take a yard. – a small favour leads to demands for more.
Sentence: I let him borrow a pen, and then he asked for my book—give him an inch and he'll take a yard.
164. God helps those who help themselves. – you must make your own effort.
Sentence: Don't just pray; go and apply—God helps those who help themselves.
165. Good fences make good neighbours. – clear boundaries prevent conflicts.
Sentence: Keep your dog inside; good fences make good neighbours.
166. Half the world doesn't know how the other half lives. – people are unaware of others' hardships.
Sentence: Visit rural areas; half the world doesn't know how the other half lives.
167. He who pays the piper calls the tune. – the person paying controls decisions.
Sentence: The sponsor decided the event theme—he who pays the piper calls the tune.
168. Hunger is the best sauce. – everything tastes good when hungry.
Sentence: Plain roti felt delicious—hunger is the best sauce.
169. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. – wishes alone don't change anything.
Sentence: I wish for a car, but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
170. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. – copying someone shows admiration.
Sentence: He copied my style; imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
171. It is better to give than to receive. – giving brings more joy.
Sentence: Donate to charity; it is better to give than to receive.
172. It takes all sorts to make a world. – diversity is natural.
Sentence: She is so different from me; it takes all sorts to make a world.
173. Let the cat out of the bag. – reveal a secret.
Sentence: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the party.
174. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. – the same misfortune never repeats.
Sentence: Don't worry about another earthquake; lightning never strikes the same place twice.
175. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. – small savings matter.
Sentence: I keep a budget; look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.
176. Misery loves company. – unhappy people want others to be unhappy.
Sentence: He complains endlessly; misery loves company.
177. Nature abhors a vacuum. – empty spaces are unnatural.
Sentence: The vacant lot soon filled with weeds—nature abhors a vacuum.
178. Never say die. – never give up.
Sentence: We are losing, but never say die!
179. One man's trash is another man's treasure. – something worthless to you may be valued by someone else.
Sentence: She bought my old painting; one man's trash is another man's treasure.
180. Opportunity seldom knocks twice. – seize a chance when it appears.
Sentence: Apply now; opportunity seldom knocks twice.
181. Out of the frying pan into the fire. – moving from a bad situation to a worse one.
Sentence: Quitting the job without a plan was out of the frying pan into the fire.
182. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. – don't criticise if you have faults too.
Sentence: He called me messy, but his room is worse—people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
183. Politeness costs nothing. – being polite is easy.
Sentence: Say "thank you"; politeness costs nothing.
184. Revenge is sweet. – getting even feels satisfying.
Sentence: After the insult, he felt great when he won; revenge is sweet.
185. Seeing is believing. – you need proof to accept something.
Sentence: I didn't trust the report until I saw it; seeing is believing.
186. Silence is golden. – sometimes it's better not to speak.
Sentence: In an argument, silence is golden.
187. Speech is silver, silence is golden. – speaking is good, but silence can be better.
Sentence: He just listened; speech is silver, silence is golden.
188. The customer is always right. – treat customers as if they are right.
Sentence: We refunded the money; the customer is always right.
189. The end justifies the means. – a good outcome excuses unethical methods.
Sentence: He cheated to win; he believed the end justifies the means.
190. The first step is always the hardest. – starting is the most difficult part.
Sentence: Write that first paragraph; the first step is always the hardest.
191. The more the merrier. – more people make it better.
Sentence: Bring your friends; the more the merrier.
192. The pot calling the kettle black. – a hypocrite criticising another.
Sentence: He called me lazy; it was the pot calling the kettle black.
193. You can't please everyone. – it's impossible to make everybody happy.
Sentence: Some people complained about the food; you can't please everyone.
194. Your guess is as good as mine. – I don't know either.
Sentence: What happened next? Your guess is as good as mine.
195. A man's home is his castle. – a person's home is their private place.
Sentence: I don't like uninvited guests; a man's home is his castle.
196. A rising tide lifts all boats. – economic improvement benefits everyone.
Sentence: When the company grew, even small vendors profited—a rising tide lifts all boats.
197. Better to be alone than in bad company. – bad company is worse than being alone.
Sentence: I left the group; better to be alone than in bad company.
198. Do not wash your dirty linen in public. – keep private problems private.
Sentence: Don't post that argument online; don't wash your dirty linen in public.
199. Fair exchange is no robbery. – a fair trade is not stealing.
Sentence: You gave me a book and I gave you a gadget—fair exchange is no robbery.
200. Handsome is that handsome does. – a good person is defined by their actions.
Sentence: She helps everyone; handsome is that handsome does.
How Proverbs Make You a Wiser Communicator
Proverbs are like small capsules of wisdom. They have been passed down through generations and carry deep truths about life, work, and relationships. Using a relevant proverb in your essay or speech can strengthen your argument and show maturity. For example, in an essay on perseverance, quoting "Where there is a will, there is a way" adds impact. Don't overuse them—one or two well‑placed proverbs are enough. Read them aloud, think about their meaning, and soon you'll use them naturally in your writing.
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๐ Proverbs & Sayings Worksheet – Class 9, 10 & 11
This worksheet matches proverbs to meanings, completes sentences with the correct proverb, and asks you to write paragraphs incorporating proverbs appropriately. Includes 50 questions.
Proverbs & Sayings Worksheet »Answer key included • Aligned with CBSE & UP Board curriculum
