Definition
Examples
Writing Your Own Proverb
What
is a Proverb?
Proverbs are short sentences or phrases that have a special message.
They contain vivid imagery and use poetic techniques such as rhyme, alliteration,
assonance, personification etc..
One in the hand is worth two in the bush
You can't have your cake and eat it, too.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Here are some examples of pairs of proverbs that actually have the opposite meaning.
15 Pairs of Contradictory Proverbs
James Barnett, The People's Almanac #2, p. 1121.
Look before you leap.
He who hesitates is lost.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Don't beat your head against a stone wall.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Don't cross the bridge until you come to it.
Two heads are better than one.
Paddle your own canoe.
Haste makes waste.
Time waits for no man.
You're never too old to learn.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
Talk is cheap.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Nice guys finish last.
Hitch your wagon to a star.
Don't bite off more that you can chew.
Many hands make light work.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Clothes make the man.
The squeaking wheel gets the grease.
Silence is golden.