Proverbs: meaning, definitions and examples

Wise and traditional short statements that offer advice or truth. Often used in everyday conversation to reflect cultural wisdom.

• A stitch in time saves nine.
• When the cat's away, the mice will play.

Popular expressions or phrases that capture common experiences or observations. These can be colloquial and are frequently used in daily conversations.

• It's raining cats and dogs.
• Better late than never.

General rules or principles of conduct that are broadly accepted as practical guidelines. Often moral or ethical in nature.

• Honesty is the best policy.
• Actions speak louder than words.

Old, familiar sayings that have been passed down through generations. They often express general truths or observations about life.

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• The early bird catches the worm.

Concise, pointed statements that convey a principle, truth, or observation. They often have a philosophical or moral undertone.

• The unexamined life is not worth living.
• Knowledge is power.