Important Proverbs for Competitive Exams PDF in English – 100 Common English Proverbs with Meanings
Top 100 Proverbs for Competitive Exams
1. Still waters run deep.
Hindi: शांत दिखने वाले व्यक्ति में गहराई होती है।
English Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts and strong feelings.
Example: He speaks very little, but his ideas are excellent—still waters run deep.
2. To err is human, to forgive divine.
Hindi: गलती करना मानव स्वभाव है, क्षमा करना ईश्वर का गुण है।
English Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes; forgiving others is a noble act.
Example: She forgave him for the mistake—after all, to err is human.
3. Practice makes a man perfect.
Hindi: अभ्यास से मनुष्य पूर्णता प्राप्त करता है।
English Meaning: Regular practice helps improve skills.
Example: He became a good singer because practice makes a man perfect.
4. Prevention is better than cure.
Hindi: इलाज से बेहतर सावधानी है।
English Meaning: It is better to avoid problems than fix them later.
Example: Wearing a helmet is wise—prevention is better than cure.
5. All is well that ends well.
Hindi: अंत भला तो सब भला।
English Meaning: A happy ending makes everything acceptable.
Example: The project was stressful, but it succeeded— all is well that ends well.
6. All that glitters is not gold.
Hindi: हर चमकने वाली चीज़ सोना नहीं होती।
English Meaning: Appearances can be misleading.
Example: The job looked attractive, but the salary was low—all that glitters is not gold.
7. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Hindi: केवल काम करने से व्यक्ति नीरस हो जाता है।
English Meaning: Lack of recreation makes life boring.
Example: Take a break sometimes— all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
8. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Hindi: बहुत लोग मिलकर काम करें तो काम बिगड़ जाता है।
English Meaning: Too many people managing a task can ruin it.
Example: The plan failed because everyone interfered—too many cooks spoil the broth.
9. No news is good news.
Hindi: कोई खबर न होना अच्छी खबर है।
English Meaning: If there is no bad news, things are probably fine.
Example: I haven’t heard from the hospital—no news is good news.
10. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Hindi: जो हाथ में है वही बेहतर है।
English Meaning: What you have is better than what you might get.
Example: Don’t quit your job for uncertain offers—a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
11. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Hindi: संकट में काम आने वाला मित्र सच्चा मित्र है।
English Meaning: A true friend helps in difficult times.
Example: He supported me during exams—a friend in need is a friend indeed.
12. A man is known by the company he keeps.
Hindi: व्यक्ति की पहचान उसकी संगति से होती है।
English Meaning: People are judged by their friends.
Example: Choose good friends—a man is known by the company he keeps.
13. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Hindi: थोड़ा ज्ञान खतरनाक होता है।
English Meaning: Incomplete knowledge can cause harm.
Example: He gave wrong advice because a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
14. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Hindi: बचाया हुआ पैसा कमाए हुए पैसे के बराबर है।
English Meaning: Saving money is equal to earning money.
Example: She saves every month—a penny saved is a penny earned.
15. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Hindi: जो स्थिर नहीं रहता उसे स्थायी लाभ नहीं मिलता।
English Meaning: Constantly changing prevents stability.
Example: He keeps changing jobs—a rolling stone gathers no moss.
16. A stitch in time saves nine.
Hindi: समय पर किया गया काम बड़ी परेशानी से बचाता है।
English Meaning: Early action prevents bigger problems.
Example: Fix the leak now—a stitch in time saves nine.
17. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Hindi: सुंदर वस्तु सदा आनंद देती है।
English Meaning: Beautiful things give lasting happiness.
Example: This painting proves a thing of beauty is a joy forever.
18. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Hindi: दूरी से प्रेम बढ़ता है।
English Meaning: Love increases when people are apart.
Example: They missed each other deeply—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
19. Silence precedes the storm.
Hindi: तूफान से पहले शांति होती है।
English Meaning: Trouble often comes after calm.
Example: Everything was quiet before the protest—silence precedes the storm.
20. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Hindi: अधिक नज़दीकी से अनादर बढ़ता है।
English Meaning: Too much closeness reduces respect.
Example: Don’t take people for granted—familiarity breeds contempt.
21. All is fair in love and war.
Hindi: प्रेम और युद्ध में सब जायज़ है।
English Meaning: Any action is acceptable in extreme situations.
Example: He used clever tricks—all is fair in love and war.
22. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Hindi: जैसे को तैसा।
English Meaning: Equal punishment for a wrong.
Example: He believes in revenge—an eye for an eye.
23. As you sow, so shall you reap.
Hindi: जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।
English Meaning: Your actions decide your results.
Example: Work honestly—as you sow, so shall you reap.
24. Barking dogs seldom bite.
Hindi: जो ज्यादा बोलते हैं वे कम नुकसान करते हैं।
English Meaning: Loud threats are rarely serious.
Example: Ignore him—barking dogs seldom bite.
25. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
Hindi: सुंदरता देखने वाले पर निर्भर करती है।
English Meaning: Beauty is subjective.
Example: I like this art—beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
26. Beauty is only skin deep.
Hindi: सुंदरता केवल बाहरी होती है।
English Meaning: Appearance is less important than character.
Example: Choose kindness over looks—beauty is only skin deep.
27. Better late than never.
Hindi: कभी नहीं से देर से अच्छा।
English Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it.
Example: He finally apologized—better late than never.
28. Better safe than sorry.
Hindi: पछताने से बेहतर सावधान रहना।
English Meaning: Take precautions to avoid regret.
Example: Wear a helmet—better safe than sorry.
29. Birds of a feather flock together.
Hindi: समान प्रवृत्ति वाले लोग साथ रहते हैं।
English Meaning: Similar people associate with each other.
Example: They are all artists—birds of a feather flock together.
30. Brevity is the soul of wit.
Hindi: संक्षिप्तता बुद्धिमत्ता की पहचान है।
English Meaning: Expressing ideas briefly shows intelligence.
Example: His short speech was impressive—brevity is the soul of wit.
31. Charity begins at home.
Hindi: दान और सद्गुण घर से शुरू होते हैं।
English Meaning: One should first take care of family before helping others.
Example: Help your parents first—charity begins at home.
32. Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Hindi: स्वच्छता ईश्वर-भक्ति के समान है।
English Meaning: Clean habits reflect moral purity.
Example: Keep your surroundings clean—cleanliness is next to godliness.
33. Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant die but once.
Hindi: कायर कई बार मरते हैं, वीर केवल एक बार।
English Meaning: Fear causes repeated suffering, bravery faces death once.
Example: Face problems bravely—cowards die many times.
34. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Hindi: दूसरों से वैसा ही व्यवहार करो जैसा अपने लिए चाहते हो।
English Meaning: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Example: Be kind to others—do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
35. Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
Hindi: सफलता से पहले खुशी मत मनाओ।
English Meaning: Do not assume success before it actually happens.
Example: Wait for the result—don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
36. Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself.
Hindi: जिसके लिए रखा है उसी से काम कराओ।
English Meaning: Do not do work that you have assigned to someone else.
Example: Let the assistant handle it—don’t keep a dog and bark yourself.
37. Let the grass grow under one’s feet.
Hindi: बेकार बैठे रहना।
English Meaning: To waste time or delay action.
Example: Don’t wait too long—don’t let the grass grow under your feet.
38. All good things come to an end.
Hindi: हर अच्छी चीज़ का अंत होता है।
English Meaning: Nothing good lasts forever.
Example: The vacation is over—all good things come to an end.
39. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Hindi: चित्र शब्दों से अधिक प्रभावशाली होता है।
English Meaning: Visual images communicate better than words.
Example: This chart explains everything—a picture is worth a thousand words.
40. Beggars can’t be choosers.
Hindi: मांगने वाला चयन नहीं कर सकता।
English Meaning: One who depends on others must accept what is given.
Example: Take what you get—beggars can’t be choosers.
41. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Hindi: बाहरी रूप से किसी का मूल्यांकन मत करो।
English Meaning: Do not judge people by appearance.
Example: He looks simple but is brilliant—don’t judge a book by its cover.
42. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Hindi: सारा दांव एक जगह मत लगाओ।
English Meaning: Do not risk everything on one plan.
Example: Invest wisely—don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
43. Don’t put too many irons in the fire.
Hindi: एक साथ बहुत काम मत लो।
English Meaning: Do not try to do too many things at once.
Example: Finish one task first—don’t put too many irons in the fire.
44. Easy come, easy go.
Hindi: जो आसानी से मिलता है वह आसानी से चला जाता है।
English Meaning: Things gained without effort are easily lost.
Example: He spent the money quickly—easy come, easy go.
45. God helps those who help themselves.
Hindi: ईश्वर उनकी मदद करता है जो खुद मेहनत करते हैं।
English Meaning: Self-effort is rewarded by success.
Example: Work hard—God helps those who help themselves.
46. Honesty is the best policy.
Hindi: ईमानदारी सर्वोत्तम नीति है।
English Meaning: Being honest is always the best choice.
Example: He admitted his mistake—honesty is the best policy.
47. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Hindi: अच्छे की आशा रखो, बुरे के लिए तैयार रहो।
English Meaning: Stay optimistic but be ready for difficulties.
Example: Study well—hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
48. If you can’t beat them, join them.
Hindi: यदि हरा नहीं सकते तो साथ हो जाओ।
English Meaning: Accept the situation instead of fighting it.
Example: He joined the group—if you can’t beat them, join them.
49. You must endure what you cannot cure.
Hindi: जिसे सुधार नहीं सकते, उसे सहन करना पड़ता है।
English Meaning: Accept things you cannot change.
Example: Be patient—endure what you cannot cure.
50. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Hindi: दुश्मनों पर अधिक नज़र रखो।
English Meaning: Watch your enemies more carefully than friends.
Example: Stay alert—keep your enemies closer.
51. Like father, like son.
Hindi: जैसा बाप, वैसा बेटा।
English Meaning: Children resemble their parents.
Example: He loves sports like his dad—like father, like son.
52. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Hindi: खुद दोषी होकर दूसरों पर आरोप नहीं लगाना चाहिए।
English Meaning: Do not criticize others when you have faults.
Example: Mind your own mistakes—people in glass houses should not throw stones.
53. The early bird catches the worm.
Hindi: जो पहले प्रयास करता है वही सफल होता है।
English Meaning: Early action leads to success.
Example: Reach early—the early bird catches the worm.
54. The grass is always greener on the other side.
Hindi: दूसरे की स्थिति बेहतर लगती है।
English Meaning: People think others are happier.
Example: Be satisfied—the grass is always greener on the other side.
55. Home is where the heart is.
Hindi: जहाँ मन लगे वही घर है।
English Meaning: Home is where one feels love and comfort.
Example: I feel happy here—home is where the heart is.
56. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Hindi: जो आवाज़ उठाता है उसी की सुनवाई होती है।
English Meaning: Complaints get attention.
Example: Speak up—the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
57. It takes two to tango.
Hindi: झगड़े में दोनों जिम्मेदार होते हैं।
English Meaning: Both sides share responsibility.
Example: Don’t blame one person—it takes two to tango.
58. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Hindi: जैसा देश वैसा भेष।
English Meaning: Follow local customs.
Example: Respect traditions—when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
59. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Hindi: कठिन समय में मजबूत लोग आगे बढ़ते हैं।
English Meaning: Strong people face challenges bravely.
Example: Stay strong—when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
60. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
Hindi: बिना कारण के अफवाह नहीं होती।
English Meaning: Rumors usually have some truth.
Example: The news may be true—where there is smoke, there is fire.
61. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Hindi: इच्छा के बिना किसी को मजबूर नहीं किया जा सकता।
English Meaning: You can offer help, but cannot force someone to accept it.
Example: I advised him many times, but he didn’t listen—you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
62. Blood is thicker than water.
Hindi: खून का रिश्ता सबसे मजबूत होता है।
English Meaning: Family relationships are stronger than others.
Example: He supported his brother—blood is thicker than water.
63. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Hindi: मूर्ख वह काम करते हैं जिससे समझदार डरते हैं।
English Meaning: Foolish people act without thinking of risks.
Example: Don’t act carelessly—fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
64. Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Hindi: अपनी हैसियत के अनुसार खर्च करो।
English Meaning: Live within your means.
Example: Buy what you can afford—cut your coat according to your cloth.
65. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Hindi: बुरे के साथ अच्छे को भी नष्ट मत करो।
English Meaning: Don’t lose something good while removing the bad.
Example: Improve the system, don’t discard it completely—don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
66. Don’t wash your dirty linen in public.
Hindi: घर की बातें सार्वजनिक न करो।
English Meaning: Don’t discuss personal problems openly.
Example: Settle the issue privately—don’t wash your dirty linen in public.
67. First impression is the last impression.
Hindi: पहली छाप सबसे महत्वपूर्ण होती है।
English Meaning: The first meeting strongly influences opinion.
Example: Dress well for interviews—first impression is the last impression.
68. Ignorance is bliss.
Hindi: अज्ञान में सुख है।
English Meaning: Not knowing something can sometimes bring peace.
Example: He stayed calm—ignorance is bliss.
69. When it rains, it pours.
Hindi: मुसीबतें एक साथ आती हैं।
English Meaning: Problems often come together.
Example: He lost his job and fell sick—when it rains, it pours.
70. There is no use crying over spilt milk.
Hindi: बीती बात पर पछताने से कोई लाभ नहीं।
English Meaning: Don’t worry about past mistakes.
Example: Focus on the future—there is no use crying over spilt milk.
71. Empty vessels make much noise.
Hindi: खोखले लोग ज्यादा शोर मचाते हैं।
English Meaning: People with little knowledge talk the most.
Example: Ignore him—empty vessels make much noise.
72. Make hay while the sun shines.
Hindi: अवसर का सही समय पर लाभ उठाओ।
English Meaning: Use opportunities while they last.
Example: Study now—make hay while the sun shines.
73. Nothing succeeds like success.
Hindi: सफलता सफलता को जन्म देती है।
English Meaning: Success brings more success.
Example: His first win motivated him—nothing succeeds like success.
74. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Hindi: एक साथ सब कुछ नहीं पाया जा सकता।
English Meaning: You cannot enjoy both alternatives.
Example: You must choose— you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
75. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
Hindi: डूबते को तिनके का सहारा।
English Meaning: A desperate person tries any solution.
Example: He tried every option—a drowning man will clutch at a straw.
76. Look before you leap.
Hindi: कूदने से पहले सोचो।
English Meaning: Think carefully before acting.
Example: Check details first—look before you leap.
77. Strike the iron while it is hot.
Hindi: सही समय पर कार्य करो।
English Meaning: Act at the right moment.
Example: Apply now—strike the iron while it is hot.
78. Rome was not built in a day.
Hindi: बड़े काम एक दिन में नहीं होते।
English Meaning: Great achievements take time.
Example: Be patient—Rome was not built in a day.
79. Actions speak louder than words.
Hindi: कर्म शब्दों से अधिक प्रभावी होते हैं।
English Meaning: What you do matters more than what you say.
Example: Show results—actions speak louder than words.
80. Time and tide wait for none.
Hindi: समय किसी का इंतज़ार नहीं करता।
English Meaning: Time never stops for anyone.
Example: Act fast—time and tide wait for none.
81. Necessity is the mother of invention.
Hindi: आवश्यकता आविष्कार की जननी है।
English Meaning: Need leads to innovation.
Example: The problem inspired a solution—necessity is the mother of invention.
82. A bad workman blames his tools.
Hindi: अयोग्य व्यक्ति दूसरों को दोष देता है।
English Meaning: Incompetent people blame others for failure.
Example: Improve skills—a bad workman blames his tools.
83. Slow and steady wins the race.
Hindi: धैर्य और निरंतरता से सफलता मिलती है।
English Meaning: Consistent effort leads to success.
Example: Keep working—slow and steady wins the race.
84. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Hindi: हर बुरे समय में कुछ अच्छा होता है।
English Meaning: Every difficulty has a positive side.
Example: Stay hopeful—every cloud has a silver lining.
85. Union is strength.
Hindi: एकता में बल है।
English Meaning: Unity makes people stronger.
Example: Work together—union is strength.
86. Knowledge is power.
Hindi: ज्ञान ही शक्ति है।
English Meaning: Education gives strength and confidence.
Example: Study well—knowledge is power.
87. Old is gold.
Hindi: पुराना मूल्यवान होता है।
English Meaning: Old things are valuable.
Example: Classical music proves old is gold.
88. Honesty pays in the long run.
Hindi: ईमानदारी अंत में लाभ देती है।
English Meaning: Honesty brings lasting success.
Example: Be truthful—honesty pays in the long run.
89. Time is money.
Hindi: समय बहुत मूल्यवान है।
English Meaning: Time should not be wasted.
Example: Finish work on time—time is money.
90. No pain, no gain.
Hindi: बिना मेहनत के सफलता नहीं।
English Meaning: Hard work is necessary for success.
Example: Train hard—no pain, no gain.
91. Health is wealth.
Hindi: स्वास्थ्य ही सबसे बड़ा धन है।
English Meaning: Good health is the greatest asset.
Example: Exercise daily—health is wealth.
92. A friend to all is a friend to none.
Hindi: जो सबका मित्र होता है, वह किसी का नहीं।
English Meaning: One who tries to please everyone is loyal to none.
Example: Be selective—a friend to all is a friend to none.
93. Experience is the best teacher.
Hindi: अनुभव सबसे बड़ा शिक्षक है।
English Meaning: Learning comes from real-life experience.
Example: Mistakes taught him—experience is the best teacher.
94. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Hindi: जहाँ इच्छा है, वहाँ रास्ता है।
English Meaning: Determination leads to success.
Example: Never give up—where there is a will, there is a way.
95. Money can’t buy happiness.
Hindi: पैसा खुशी नहीं खरीद सकता।
English Meaning: Happiness comes from within.
Example: Family matters—money can’t buy happiness.
96. Practice what you preach.
Hindi: जो कहो वही खुद भी करो।
English Meaning: Follow your own advice.
Example: Be honest—practice what you preach.
97. Silence is golden.
Hindi: मौन सबसे मूल्यवान होता है।
English Meaning: Silence is often wiser than speech.
Example: Stay quiet—silence is golden.
98. United we stand, divided we fall.
Hindi: एकता में शक्ति है।
English Meaning: Unity brings strength.
Example: Stay together—united we stand.
99. Half a loaf is better than none.
Hindi: कुछ मिलना, कुछ न मिलने से बेहतर है।
English Meaning: Something is better than nothing.
Example: Accept the offer—half a loaf is better than none.
100. The pen is mightier than the sword.
Hindi: कलम तलवार से शक्तिशाली होती है।
English Meaning: Ideas are more powerful than violence.
Example: Write to inspire—the pen is mightier than the sword.
Proverbs MCQs with Answers for Competitive Examinations
1. What does the proverb “Better late than never” mean?
(a) Never do the work
(b) Always be late
(c) Do work only on time
(d) It is better to do something late than not do it at all
Answer: (d)
2. “Actions speak louder than words” means —
(a) Words are powerful
(b) Talking is important
(c) Silence is best
(d) What you do is more important than what you say
Answer: (d)
3. The proverb “The early bird catches the worm” suggests —
(a) Birds like worms
(b) Early risers are lucky
(c) Success comes to those who act early
(d) Birds should wake up early
Answer: (c)
4. “Easy come, easy go” means —
(a) Easy things are valuable
(b) What is gained easily is lost easily
(c) Life is easy
(d) Money should be spent easily
Answer: (b)
5. What is the meaning of “Practice makes perfect”?
(a) Practice is boring
(b) Only practice matters
(c) Repeated practice leads to mastery
(d) Perfection is impossible
Answer: (c)
6. “Look before you leap” advises us to —
(a) Jump carefully
(b) Take quick decisions
(c) Think before acting
(d) Be brave
Answer: (c)
7. “Beggars cannot be choosers” means —
(a) Beggars are choosy
(b) Poor people are weak
(c) Those who ask for help must accept what is given
(d) Begging is bad
Answer: (c)
8. The proverb “It takes two to tango” implies —
(a) Dance needs two people
(b) One person is responsible
(c) Both parties are responsible for a situation
(d) Tango is difficult
Answer: (c)
9. “My hands are tied” means —
(a) Hands are injured
(b) Someone tied hands
(c) Unable to act due to restrictions
(d) Feeling tired
Answer: (c)
10. “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink” means —
(a) Horses are stubborn
(b) You can help but cannot force someone
(c) Water is necessary
(d) Animals have freedom
Answer: (b)
11. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” advises us to —
(a) Count chickens carefully
(b) Be patient with farming
(c) Not assume success before it happens
(d) Raise more chickens
Answer: (c)
12. “The grass is always greener on the other side” means —
(a) Grass grows better elsewhere
(b) People think others are better off
(c) Gardening is important
(d) Fences are useful
Answer: (b)
13. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” means —
(a) Books are expensive
(b) Covers are useless
(c) Don’t judge by appearance
(d) Read books carefully
Answer: (c)
14. “Strike while the iron is hot” means —
(a) Hit iron strongly
(b) Work in factory
(c) Use opportunities at the right time
(d) Iron is useful
Answer: (c)
15. “Too many cooks spoil the broth” suggests —
(a) Cooking is difficult
(b) Teamwork is bad
(c) Too many people spoil work
(d) Cooks are careless
Answer: (c)
16. “Many hands make light work” means —
(a) Hands are useful
(b) Work is difficult
(c) Teamwork reduces effort
(d) Work needs strength
Answer: (c)
17. “Where there is a will, there is a way” means —
(a) Roads are important
(b) Strong desire leads to success
(c) Will power is useless
(d) Luck matters
Answer: (b)
18. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” suggests —
(a) Apples are tasty
(b) Doctors dislike apples
(c) Healthy habits prevent illness
(d) Fruit is expensive
Answer: (c)
19. “Two wrongs do not make a right” means —
(a) Maths rule
(b) Wrong people fail
(c) One wrong cancels another
(d) Responding wrongly to wrong is also wrong
Answer: (d)
20. “Put your best foot forward” means —
(a) Walk carefully
(b) Use right foot
(c) Show your best qualities
(d) Wear good shoes
Answer: (c)
