The definition of “proverb” is “a short, pithy saying stating a general truth or piece of advice.” Proverbs are meant to convey common wisdom or prudent counsel about how the world usually works.

A proverb is most often a phrase or saying that gives advice in an obscure way. The phrase usually has an allegorical type of message behind that when first heard may seem a little odd. Usually a proverb is very well known because of its popular use in colloquial language.

A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or experience.

An adage is a saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use or a pithy saying in current use; a brief familiar proverb; an expression of popular wisdom, generally figurative, in a single phrase or sentence, and of remote origin.

• Actions speak louder than words.
• Beggars must not be choosers.
• A fool and his money are soon parted.
• No news is good news.
• It never rains but it pours.
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
• Birds of a feather flock together.
• The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
• A man’s home is his castle.
• Of two evils, choose the lesser.
• Money does not grow on trees.
• He that dances must pay the fiddler.
• He that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing.
• A burnt child dreads the fire.
• He who cannot do as he would must do what he can.
• The end justifies the means.
• Fortune favors the bold.
• Make hay while the sun shines.
• Faint heart never won fair lady.
• Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.
• Man proposes, but God disposes.
• Misfortunes never come singly.
• An ounce of prudence is worth a pound of wit.
• Be not a baker if your head be made of butter.
• What can’t be cured must be endured.
• He that is born to be hanged will never be drowned.
• It is easier to lead men than to drive them.
• Necessity is the mother of invention.

18th Century Proverbs