Some English proverbs

Hi, guys! In today’s lesson we are going to learn some very common English proverbs that will broaden your vocabulary. Let’s get to work!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

This proverb is used to mean that somebody should behave similarly to the way people behave around him or her. For example, if you are going to attend a conference and you know that everybody is going to dress very elegantly, then you could say, ‘I don’t like smart clothes, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do.’

Example: I’m not used to drinking alcohol, but when in Rome… (meaning that everybody around you is drinking alcohol and you are going to do so too).

The squeaky wheel gets the grease

This proverb means that somebody who complains a lot is more likely to get what he or she wants. For instance, a student who complains to the teacher about a grade that she or he doesn’t agree with is no doubt more likely to get its grade increased than other student who hasn’t talked to the teacher.

Example: I talked to my mother and tell her I was hard up (=without any money). Finally, she gave me twenty dollars. You know, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

This is one of my favorite proverbs. As you may have guessed, it means that strong people don’t give up when they face a difficulty; instead, they try even harder. For example, if you fail an exam, you should keep this proverb in mind and not get depressed.

Example: Algebra is so difficult for me to understand… But I won’t give up! When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones

This is a proverb I like a lot too. It’s used when somebody is criticizing people for a fault that he or she also has.

Example: I won’t criticize you for being too honest, because I’ve just told Anne she looks horrible in that dress. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Birds of a feather flock together

This proverb is used to say that people enjoy hanging out with others who are similar to them.

Example: I’m not surprised that they are going out together, for both of them like the same things. Birds of a feather flock together.

To finish, I would like to add that many times native speakers leave out the second part of proverbs. It is very likely that you come across with sentences like When in Rome… or Birds of a feather…. This is so because the speaker understands that the hearer knows the ending of the proverb (and the meaning too, of course). So study hard and you will master all these wise sayings!

That has been all! I hope this lesson has been interesting to you!

SEE YOU SOON!