English Proverbs

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
If a hunter has shot one bird, he should be satisfied with that and not go off looking for the ones that flew away.
This proverb is used to mean that it is better to accept something small than to reject it and hope to get more later on.

(taken from "English proverbs explained" Ronald Ridout-Clifford Witting- Macmillan)


"Call a spade a spade"
Speak plainly and to the point, saying exactly what you mean and using the simplest terms.
(taken from "English proverbs explained"  Ridout-Clifford-Macmillan)

"Clothes do not make the man"
It is what is behind the man- that is, his character- that really matters.
(taken from "English proverbs explained" Ridout-Clifford-Macmillan)

"Do as you would be done by"
Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
This important proverb is regarded by many moralizers, Christian and non-Christian alike, as the essence of good behaviour. The world would be near-perfect if the advice were universally followed.
(Taken from "English proverbs explained" Ridout-Clifford-Macmillan)

"Don´t ride the high horse"
Don´t give yourself airs. Don´t be arrogant. Literally, a high horse is a war-horse or charger.
(Taken from "English proverbs explained" Ridout-Clifford-Macmillan)