Topic 08 · 17 lessons · every one with a quiz
Proverbs
Old wisdom, still handy: the proverbs native speakers actually use, with plain meanings and real examples.
Lucky dip Take a random proverb
Start here
New to proverbs? Begin with these three.All proverbs
Newest first
The guide
About proverbs
Welcome to FunkyEnglish’s collection of English proverbs — short, well-worn sayings that pack a whole piece of life advice into a single memorable line.
What Makes a Proverb Different From an Idiom?
A proverb states a general truth or piece of advice — “actions speak louder than words” — while an idiom’s meaning is usually more figurative and tied to a specific situation. Proverbs tend to be complete sentences you could genuinely use as advice.
Why They’re Worth Learning
Proverbs turn up constantly in conversation and writing, often as a shorthand for a much longer point — understanding them is often the difference between following a conversation and missing its punchline entirely.
A Few to Start With
- Proverb – Actions Speak Louder Than Words — what you do matters more than what you say
- An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away — staying healthy through good habits
- Proverb – Birds Of A Feather Flock Together — similar people tend to stick together
- Idiom – Light At The End Of The Tunnel — hope after a difficult period
New proverbs are added regularly.
Browse by theme
Idioms, slang and vocab grouped by subject61 lessonsAnimals61 lessonsProper British43 lessonsBody43 lessonsFood & Drink28 lessonsWeather & Nature28 lessonsWork & Jobs22 lessonsSport & Games21 lessonsLove & Friends20 lessonsFeelings20 lessonsTalk & Secrets17 lessonsTravel & Transport15 lessonsSchool & Study13 lessonsTime & Hurry12 lessonsMoney12 lessonsTechnology11 lessonsColours
Take your pick
01IdiomsRaining cats and dogs — and why02SlangChuffed, knackered, gutted03Phrasal VerbsGet on, get over, get by04GrammarTenses without the tears05Common PhrasesWhat people really say06British CultureQueues, tea and ‘you alright?’07Photo VocabWords you can actually see08ProverbsOld wisdom, still handy09LessonsThemed deep dives10In the NewsEnglish from the headlines