A bad excuse is better than none. Always give an excuse, even if it's a poor one.
A bad penny always turns up. An unwanted or disreputable person constantly comes back.
A bad tree does not yield good apples. A bad parent does not raise good children.
A bad workman blames his tools. Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.
A barking dog seldom bites. Someone who constantly makes threats rarely carries them out.
A bird in hand is worth two in
a bush. It is better to keep what you have rather than to risk losing it by searching for something better.
A black plum is as sweet as a white. People should not be judged by their appearance.
A book holds a house of gold. There is a wealth of knowledge in books.
A broken friendship may be soldered but will never be sound. Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as before.
A burden of one's own choice is not felt. Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.
A burnt child dreads the fire. A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.
A burnt child dreads the fire. A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.
A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor. A person shows their competence or ability when difficulties arise.
A cat has nine lives. 1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury.
2) Nine lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay.
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. The strength of a group depends on each individual member.
A change is as good as a rest. A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a holiday.
A constant guest is never welcome. If you come to visit too often, your host will be less pleased to see you.
A danger foreseen is half avoided. If you are prepared to face a problem or difficulty, it will be easier to deal with.
A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy. Times goes by very quickly when you are happy
and very slowly when you are sad.
A drop of ink may make a million think. A thought expressed in writing (perhaps published in a newspaper) can influence a large number of people.
A dry March, a wet April and a cool May fill barn and cellar and bring much hay. Harvest predictions are made according to the weather.
A fault confessed is half redressed. Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.
A flower blooms more than once. If you miss an occasion, you can avail yourself of it another time.
A fly will not get into a closed mouth.
A closed mouth catches no flies. If you learn when to keep silent you will avoid trouble.
A fool and his money are (soon) easily parted. A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.
A fool at forty is a fool forever. If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.
A friend to all is a friend to none. Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them feel special.
A friend's eye is a good mirror. A real friend will tell you the truth.
A good beginning makes a good end. If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be well done.
A good conscience is a soft pillow. You sleep well when you have nothing to be guilty about.
A good example is the best sermon. Giving a good example is better than giving advice.
A good name is better than a good face. A good reputation is better than a good appearance.
A growing youth has a wolf in his belly. Young boys eat a lot / are often hungry.
A guilty conscience needs no accuser. If you know that you have done something wrong, you don't need anyone to tell you that you're guilty.
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains. Patience is more precious than intelligence.
A happy heart is better than a full purse. Happiness is better than wealth.
A heavy purse gives to a light heart. When you have money you feel more cheerful
and secure.
A hungry belly has no ears. A hungry person is totally concentrated on their need for food and nothing else interests them.
A hungry wolf is fixed to no place. A desperate person will go from place to place when they need to satisfy their needs.