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Discovering the Rich History of British Proverbs

The United Kingdom, a land of rolling hills, bustling cities, and historic landmarks, is steeped in rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Scottish Highlands to the scenic coastal cliffs of Cornwall, this nation offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The linguistic landscape of the UK is equally diverse. English, the dominant language, has a storied history dating back to the Anglo-Saxons. In Scotland, Gaelic shares this rich heritage, its roots blended with ancient Celtic traditions. Meanwhile, in Wales, the melodic tones of Welsh reflect a history that stretches back over a millennium. Expand your knowledge on English culture and traditions.

This combination of influences shapes a language as varied as the people who speak it. These languages’ unique characteristics are reflected in the proverbs passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into the collective wisdom and values of British society.

British proverbs | English – Scots – Scottish Gaelic – Welsh

It’s raining cats and dogs

Amidst the sea of British proverbs lies a hidden gem of humor and wit. Take, for instance, the proverb “It’s raining cats and dogs.” While it may seem like a straightforward expression for heavy rainfall, its origins are shrouded in mystery and amusement.

Some believe it dates back to the 17th century, when drainage systems were rudimentary, leading to animals occasionally washing up in the streets during downpours. Whether true or not, this quirky phrase exemplifies the British penchant for colorful language and whimsical expressions.

Bob’s your uncle

One of the most amusing and uniquely British proverbs is “Bob’s your uncle.” This phrase might bewilder outsiders, but it’s a delightful part of British vernacular. It means that something will be simple or straightforward to achieve.

The origin of this phrase is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to date back to the late 19th century when British Prime Minister Robert “Bob” Cecil appointed his nephew to a prestigious position, leading to the saying that having “Bob” as your uncle ensured your success. It exemplifies British humor and the penchant for using family connections as a metaphor for ease and success.

British Proverbs That Capture Everyday Wisdom | English

• “A penny saved is a penny earned.” (English)
  • Translation: Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.
  • Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the importance of saving and being frugal. For example, if you refrain from buying a coffee every day, you’ll save a significant amount over time.

• “Actions speak louder than words” (English)
  • Translation: What you do is more important than what you say.
  • Meaning: People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.

• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” (English)
  • Translation: Eating healthily prevents illness.
  • Meaning: Regular healthy habits can lead to better health.

• “As fit as a fiddle” (English)
  • Translation: In very good health.
  • Meaning: Someone who is very healthy and physically fit.

• “Break the ice” (English)
  • Translation: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
  • Meaning: To relieve tension and get conversation going in a social setting.

• “Carry coals to Newcastle.” (English)
  • Translation: To do something redundant or unnecessary.
  • Meaning: Newcastle was historically a coal mining center. This proverb is used to describe a pointless task, akin to selling ice to the Eskimos.

• “Cost an arm and a leg” (English)
  • Translation: Very expensive.
  • Meaning: Something that is very costly.

• “Curiosity killed the cat” (English)
  • Translation: Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
  • Meaning: Warning against unnecessary investigation or experimentation.

• “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” (English)
  • Translation: Don’t assume success before it happens.
  • Meaning: Don’t make plans based on assumptions.

• “Every cloud has a silver lining.” (English)
  • Translation: Every difficult or unpleasant situation has a positive aspect.
  • Meaning: This proverb encourages optimism in the face of adversity, reminding us to look for the silver lining even in the darkest of times.

• “Give someone the cold shoulder” (English)
  • Translation: To ignore someone deliberately.
  • Meaning: To show indifference or disdain.

• “Have a chip on your shoulder” (English)
  • Translation: Holding a grudge or feeling resentful.
  • Meaning: Being easily offended or looking for a fight.

• “It’s not my cup of tea” (English)
  • Translation: Not something I like.
  • Meaning: Not to one’s preference.

• “Keep your eyes peeled” (English)
  • Translation: Stay alert.
  • Meaning: Be watchful or observant.

• “Let the cat out of the bag” (English)
  • Translation: Reveal a secret.
  • Meaning: Disclose information that was supposed to be kept confidential.

• “Mind your own beeswax.” (English)
  • Translation: Focus on your own affairs and don’t meddle in others’.
  • Meaning: This humorous proverb advises against unnecessary interference in other people’s business, emphasizing the importance of respecting boundaries and privacy.

• “Once in a blue moon” (English)
  • Translation: Very rarely.
  • Meaning: Something that happens infrequently.

• “Pulling your leg” (English)
  • Translation: Teasing or joking.
  • Meaning: To joke or trick someone in a friendly way.

• “The ball is in your court” (English)
  • Translation: It’s your decision or responsibility.
  • Meaning: It’s up to you to take the next step.

• “The proof is in the pudding” (English)
  • Translation: The real value is in the result.
  • Meaning: The success of something can only be judged by putting it to its intended use.

Dive deeper into English proverbs.

British proverbs with English translations | Scots

Scots and English both came from the same Germanic family tree but took slightly different paths over time. Scots really started to form as its own language around the 12th century when Old English mixed with Norse, Gaelic, and even a bit of French influence. Meanwhile, English was evolving too, but mainly down south. See what the Scots language is all about.

• “A nod’s as guid as a wink tae a blind horse.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Some hints are wasted on those who don’t want to understand.
  • Meaning: You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to listen.

• “A wat man ne’er fears the rain.” (Scots)
  • Translation: A wet man doesn’t fear more rain.
  • Meaning: Once you’ve suffered, you’re no longer afraid of hardship.

• “An ill-willy cow should hae short horns.” (Scots)
  • Translation: A bad-tempered cow should have short horns.
  • Meaning: Those who cause trouble should have limited power.

• “Dinnae teach yer granny tae suck eggs.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Don’t try to teach someone who is more experienced than you in a particular area.
  • Meaning: This humorous proverb advises against offering unsolicited advice or instruction to someone who is already knowledgeable or experienced in a certain subject, as it is unnecessary and potentially disrespectful.

• “Fish and guests stink after three days.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Both fish and visitors wear out their welcome quickly.
  • Meaning: Don’t overstay your welcome.

• “Gie the deil his due.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Give the devil his due.
  • Meaning: Even bad people sometimes deserve credit.

• “Many a mickle makes a muckle.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Many small amounts accumulate to make a large sum.
  • Meaning: This Scottish proverb emphasizes the cumulative effect of small actions or contributions, highlighting the importance of perseverance and patience in achieving significant goals.

• “Speak o’ the deil an’ he’ll appear.” (Scots)
  • Translation: Speak of the devil and he shows up.
  • Meaning: Talking about someone often makes them appear.

• “We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns.” (Scots)
  • Translation: We are all equal; we are all the same under the skin.
  • Meaning: This proverb promotes inclusivity and unity, emphasizing that regardless of background, status, or nationality, we are all part of the same human family and should treat each other with respect and kindness.

British proverbs with English translations | Scottish Gaelic

Scots grew out of Old English, while Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language, much older and way more different from English. Imagine Scots as a close neighbor of English, but Gaelic as a distant ancient cousin speaking a whole different language altogether.

Gaelic arrived in Scotland from Ireland around the 4th–5th centuries and ruled the Highlands and islands for centuries. Meanwhile, Scots took root in the Lowlands. The alphabets are also different: Scots uses the regular English/Latin alphabet, while Gaelic uses a modified version with fewer letters (18 total) and lots of accents. Pronunciation is another world—Scots sounds like a rough English dialect, while Gaelic sounds melodic, breathy, and musical. Get to know the Scottish Gaelic language better.

• “B’ fheàrr leam rùn na rìoghachd.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: I would rather have affection than a kingdom.
  • Meaning: Love and loyalty are more valuable than power.

• “Bidh an t-ubhal as fheàrr air a’ mheangan as àirde.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: The best apple is on the highest branch.
  • Meaning: The finest things in life require effort to attain.

• “Cuimhnich air na daoine às an tàinig thu.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: Remember the people you come from.
  • Meaning: Never forget your roots and heritage.

• “Lang may yer lum reek.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: Long may your chimney smoke.
  • Meaning: This proverb wishes prosperity and longevity upon someone’s household, implying that as long as there’s smoke rising from the chimney, there is warmth and sustenance within the home.

• “Is fheàrr an gnothach a dhol na bhith a’ smaoineachadh air.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: Better to do the thing than to think about it.
  • Meaning: Action is better than endless planning.

• “Is fheàrr fuineadh na fèitheachadh.” (Scottish Gaelic)
  • Translation: Better baking than waiting.
  • Meaning: Take initiative rather than just hoping.

British proverbs with English translations | Welsh

Welsh is a Celtic language, belonging to the Brittonic branch, with its roots in the ancient languages of the Celts who lived in Britain before the Anglo-Saxons arrived. The Welsh alphabet has 28 letters, which include “ch,” “dd,” “ff,” “ng,” “ll,” “ph,” “rh,” and “th” (which are not found in English). Some letters like “k” and “v” are only used in loanwords. Expand your knowledge on the history of the Welsh language.

• “A ddel y llaw, y dde.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: What the right hand gives, the left hand takes.
  • Meaning: Life is balanced with both gains and losses.

• “Am ddim a’r bobl.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: For nothing, with people.
  • Meaning: Life is about giving without expecting anything in return.

• “Beth sydd, sydd.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: What is, is.
  • Meaning: Accept things as they are.

• “Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: A nation without a language is a nation without a heart.
  • Meaning: This proverb underscores the importance of language as a vital component of national identity and cultural heritage.

• “Gwelir y glaswellt yn y meini.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: The grass is seen among the stones.
  • Meaning: Good things can be found even in difficult situations.

• “Haws a siarad na gweithio.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: Easier said than done.
  • Meaning: This proverb highlights the disparity between talking about doing something and actually taking action.

• “Nid aur yw popeth melyn.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: Not everything yellow is gold.
  • Meaning: This cautionary proverb reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that not everything that seems valuable or desirable is truly worthwhile.

• “Os bydd y ffordd yn hir, mae’r ffordd yn fwyn.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: If the road is long, the journey will be sweet.
  • Meaning: Endurance makes the journey worthwhile.

• “Trefnwch y ffaith yn unwaith.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: Arrange the fact once.
  • Meaning: Settle things for clarity.

• “Y bobl yn y syniadau.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: The people in the ideas.
  • Meaning: People are the core of thoughts and plans.

• “Y neilltuo’r llwybr drwy’r dyfodol.” (Welsh)
  • Translation: Design the path through the future.
  • Meaning: Plan ahead for what is to come.

See more traditional sayings from Wales.

Wisdom Through the Ages

As we wrap up our exploration of proverbs from the United Kingdom, it’s clear that these sayings offer more than just advice—they reflect the rich history, traditions, and values of British culture. From the Scottish Highlands to the bustling streets of London, each proverb carries a piece of the nation’s soul.

Whether you’re a world traveler, a student, or simply curious about different cultures, these proverbs offer a unique glimpse into the British way of life. Here’s to embracing the lessons and charm of British proverbs, and carrying their positive messages wherever you go!