English Sayings

Would you like to learn some popular sayings in English? Here are some to help you get started.

A saying is any concisely written or spoken linguistic expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or structure.

"Birds of a feather flock together."

People like to spend time with others who are similar to them.

Birds of a feather = pájaros del mismo plumaje

Flock together = se juntan

"The pen is mightier than the sword."

Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

You can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one's going to help you.

squeak = chillar

wheel = rueda

grease = grasa

Spanish equivalent = "quien no llora, no mama"

"A penny saved is a penny earned."

Save your money. Saving money is just like making money.

Save = ahorrar

earn = ganar

"No man is an island."

You can't live completely independently. Everyone needs help from other people.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Don't try to improve something that already works fairly well. You'll probably end up causing new problems.

broke = roto

fix = reparar

"The grass is always greener on the other side."

People tend to want whatever they don't have.

grass = pasto

Spanish equivalent = La hierba es siempre más verde al otro lado.

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth."

If someone offers you a gift, don't question it.

Spanish equivalent = A caballo regalado, no se le mira el colmillo.

"The early bird catches the worm."

You should wake up and start work early if you want to succeed.

Spanish equivalent = al que madruga Dios lo ayuda

"When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Act the way that the people around you are acting. This phrase might come in handy when you're traveling abroad notice that people do things differently than you're used to.