Printable View
slow and steady wins the race
رهرو آنست كه آهسته و پيوسته رود
speak of the devil (and he appears)
موي كسي را آتش زدن
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
دست ما كوتاه و خرما بر نخيل
still waters run deep
انسان آرام ژرف تر مي انديشد
a stitch in time saves nine
كار امروز را به فردا مسپار
the streets are paved with gold
توي خيابانهاي شهر پول ريخته
strike while the iron is hot
تا تنور داغ نان را بچسبان
tall oaks grow from little acorns
دود از كنده بلند مي شود
tell the truth and shame the devil
حق را بگو حتي اگر به نفع تو نباشد
third time lucky
تا سه نشه بازي نشه
(there's a) time and a place for everything
هر سخن جايي و هر نكته مكاني دارد
time flies
زمان مثل برق مي گذرد
time is money
وثت طلاست
بى خبرى , خوش خبرى
No news is Best news
شتر ديدى , نديدى
You see nothing, You hear nothing
عجله كار شيطان است
Haste is from the Devil
کاچى به از هيچى
Somthing is better than nothing
گذشتها گذشته
Let bygones be bygones
مستى و راستى
There is truth in wine
نوکه اومدبه بازار كهنه شد دل آزار
Out with the old,in with the new
هر فرازى را نشيبى است
High places have their precipices
هرکه ترسید مرد ,هركه نترسيد برد
Nothing venture , nothing have
همه کاره و هیچكاره
Jack of all trades and master of none
ارزان خرى , انبان خرى
Dont buy everything that is cheap
آشپز كه دوتاشدآش يا شورميشه يا بينمك
Too many cooks spoil the broth
انگار آسمون به زمين افتاده
It is not as if the sky is falling
اندكى جمال به از بسيارى مال
Beauty opens locked doors
آدم عجول كار را دوباره ميكنه
Hasty work, Double work
آدم دانا به نشتر نزند مشت
A wise man avoids edged tools
آدم زنده زندگى مى خواد
Live and let live
آدم ترسو هزار بار مى ميره
Cowards die Many times Before Their Death
كس نخاردپشت من جزناخن انگشت من
you want a thing done,do it yourself
آب رفته به جوى باز نمى گردد
What is done can not be undone
آب از سرش گذشته
It is all up with him
آب ريخته جمع شدنى نيست
Dont cry over the spilled milk
آب در كوزه و ما تشنه لبان ميگرديم
we seek water in the sea
آدم دانا به نشتر نزند مشت
A wise man avoids edged tools
آدم زنده زندگى مى خواد
Live and let live
آدم ترسو هزار بار مى ميره
Cowards die Many times Before Their Death
كس نخاردپشت من جزناخن انگشت من
you want a thing done,do it yourself
آب رفته به جوى باز نمى گردد
What is done can not be undone
آب از سرش گذشته
It is all up with him
آب ريخته جمع شدنى نيست
Dont cry over the spilled milk
آب در كوزه و ما تشنه لبان ميگرديم
we seek water in the sea
ضرب المثل های ایرانی و معادل انگلیسی
بى خبرى , خوش خبرى .................................................. ....No news is Best news
شتر ديدى , نديدى............................................ You see nothing, You hear nothing
عجله كار شيطان است .................................................. ....Haste is from the Devil
فلفل نبین چه ريزه بشكن ببين چه تيزه کاچى به از هيچى...... Somthing is better than nothing
گذشتها گذشته .................................................. ..........Let bygones be bygones
مستى و راستى .................................................. .............There is truth in wine
نوکه اومدبه بازار كهنه شد دل آزار............................... Out with the old,in with the new
هر فرازى را نشيبى است .......................................High places have their precipices
هرکه ترسید مرد ,هركه نترسيد برد ............................Nothing venture , nothing have
همه کاره و هیچكاره.......................................... Jack of all trades and master of none
ارزان خرى , انبان خرى ........................................Dont buy everything that is cheap
آشپز كه دوتاشدآش يا شورميشه يا بينمك...................... Too many cooks spoil the broth
انگار آسمون به زمين افتاده.......................................... It is not as if the sky is falling
اندكى جمال به از بسيارى مال........................................... Beauty opens locked doors
آدم عجول كار را دوباره ميكنه ................................................Ha sty work, Double work
آدم دانا به نشتر نزند مشت .........................................A wise man avoids edged tools
آدم زنده زندگى مى خواد.................................................. ........... Live and let live
آدم ترسو هزار بار مى ميره ...........................Cowards die Many times Before Their Death
كس نخاردپشت من جزناخن انگشت من..................... you want a thing done,do it yourself
آب رفته به جوى باز نمى گردد................................... What is done can not be undone
آب از سرش گذشته................................................ ................. It is all up with him
آب ريخته جمع شدنى نيست...................................... Dont cry over the spilled milk
آب در كوزه و ما تشنه لبان ميگردیم...................................... we seek water in the sea
آدم دانا به نشتر نزند مشت .......................................A wise man avoids edged tools
آدم زنده زندگى مى خواد .................................................. ..........Live and let live
آدم ترسو هزار بار مى ميره .......................Cowards die Many times Before Their Death
كس نخاردپشت من جزناخن انگشت من.................. you want a thing done,do it yourself
آب رفته به جوى باز نمى گردد................................... What is done can not be undone
آب از سرش گذشت.................................................. ........... It is all up with him
آب ريخته جمع شدنى نيست....................................... Dont cry over the spilled milk
آب در كوزه و ما تشنه لبان ميگرديم ....................................we seek water in the sea
الانه که همه بیان و بگن که تکراری بود....:13:
منم چنتا بلدم ::5::19:
از تو حرکت از خدا برکت ........................................ god helps to those who help themselves
خواستن توانستن است ......................................... when there is a will there is a way
گر صبر کنی ز غوره حلوا سازی ..............................many things come to those who wait
ز گهواره تا گور دانش بجوی .....................................it is never too late to learn
نا برده رنج، گنج میسر نمی شود .............................no pain no gain
باد آورده را باد می برد ............................................... easy come easy go
از هرچی بدم میاد سرم میاد .......................................little I like it . it comes to me
به آسانی ABC ........................................ as easy as ABC
زمان طلا است .................................................. ..............time is gold
مگس های گرد شیرینی ...............................................fair weather friends
دیگ به دیگ میگه روت سیاه ..........................................pot calls the kettle black
دود چراغ خوردن .................................................. .................burn midnight oil
بیدی نیست که با این باد ها بلرزه .............…the stronger the wind . the stranger the tree
توبه گرگ مرگه .................................................. ...... a leopard never changes its spots
اگه تکراری بود ببخشید ........................:11:
Proverbs & Sayings
absence makes the heart grow fonder
- being away from someone makes you like them more
Absence makes the heart grow fonder and when my friend went away to university he missed and loved his girlfriend even more.
(there is no) accounting for taste(s)
- it is difficult to understand what another person likes
There is no accounting for taste I thought as I saw the man walk by in the red pants and the green shoes.
actions speak louder than words
- what you do is more important than what you say
The politician promised to do many things but he never did anything. The voters believed that actions speak louder than words and they soon voted him out of office.
all good things must come to an end
- usually said after a nice holiday or an enjoyable experience ends
All good things must come to an end and the holiday ended and they were on their way back home and to work.
all is fair in love and war
- the things that you do in love or war can often be excused
All is fair in love and war he thought as he asked his colleague out for a date.
all's well that ends well
- a successful outcome is worth the effort and is good news
All's well that ends well and although the storm was very bad the children arrived home safely.
all roads lead to Rome
- the same end or goal may be reached by many different ways
All roads lead to Rome and the two groups decided to use two different methods to finish the project.
all that glitters is not gold
- many things that look attractive and valuable actually have no value at all
The man learned that not all that glitters is gold when he invested much money in the stock market and lost much of it.
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
- it is not healthy to spend all of your time working and never relaxing
The parents were always forcing their child to study and didn't realize that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
bad news travels fast
- people are quicker to pass on bad news than good news
He realized that bad news travels fast when he heard about the job layoffs a week before the official announcement.
a bad workman blames his tools
- used when someone blames his tools or the material that he is working with for his own bad work
The carpenter was angry that his saw didn't cut well. As often happens a bad workman blames his tools.
(one's) bark is worse than one's bite
- not as bad-tempered as one appears
The supervisor was always threatening to fire anyone who was late but in the end he never did anything. His bark was worse than his bite.
beauty is only skin deep
- looks are superficial and often a beautiful person may have unpleasant characteristics
Although his girlfriend was not very beautiful he knew that beauty is only skin deep and he loved her very much.
beggars can't be choosers
- one shouldn't criticize something that one gets for free
Beggars can't be choosers and the girl shouldn't complain about the free furniture that she got.
better late than never
- it is better to do something late than to never do it at all
The boy finally went to university after playing around for three years but at least it was better late than never.
better the devil you know than the devil you don't
- it may be better to endure a situation that you are used to than to risk a change for something that may be worse
He decided not to change to a new bank because he felt that it was better the devil he knew than the devil he didn't and his old bank was good enough.
better to be safe than sorry
- it is better to be careful than to take chances and risk an accident, illness or failure that you may regret
It is better to be safe than sorry and I always bring my umbrella to work when it is a cloudy day.
between the devil and the deep blue sea
- used when you have two choices or alternatives and both of them are unpleasant
The fishermen were between the devil and the deep blue sea and if they went ahead they risked running out of gas but if they went back they risked running into a bad storm.
a bird in hand is worth two in the bush
- don't risk losing something that you have by trying to get something that is not certain
You should accept the job offer with the lower salary now rather than waiting for a higher salary. Remember that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
birds of a feather flock together
- people who are alike often become friends or spend time together
The four boys were similar in every way and a good example that birds of a feather flock together.
the blind leading the blind
- someone who has little ability or knowledge but is trying to help or teach someone else
It was a case of the blind leading the blind when the teacher who couldn't cook was asked to teach the cooking class.
blood is thicker than water
- family ties are stronger than other relationships
His friends were very important to him but when he decided to make a will he realized that blood is thicker than water and he only included his family in the will.
boys will be boys
- you shouldn't critize boys or men for being adventurous, mischevious or noisy as that is how you should expect them to behave
She remembered that boys will be boys when she saw her two sons come into the room covered in mud after playing in the mud puddle.
(if the) cap fits wear it
- if someone else is being criticized and you also deserve criticism then you should accept the criticism and try and improve
The girl was criticizing her friend for borrowing money. However, she herself always borrowed money so should remember that if the cap fits wear it.
a cat has nine lives
- cats are very strong and can often survive many accidents or problems just like some people can
The president of the small country survived crisis after crisis just as a cat would who has nine lives.
charity begins at home
- one should be kind to one's friends or family before helping other people
The man was always doing volunteer work and he never understood that charity begins at home and he should also spend time helping his own family.
cleanliness is next to godliness
- being a clean person is next in importance in life to having good religious or moral principles
The mother always told her children that cleanliness was next to godliness as she tried to make them clean up their rooms.
crime doesn't pay
- crime is not profitable and you will probably be caught and punished if you commit a crime
The young man quickly learned that crime doesn't pay when he was arrested for breaking into the store.
curiosity killed the cat
- asking questions about something that is not your business is often not a good thing (often used jokingly)
"Curiosity killed the cat", the mother said as the child kept asking questions about her birthday party.
the customer is always right
- you shouldn't argue with your customers no matter what the problem is or you may lose that customer
The sales clerks were trained from the beginning that the customer is always right and they must never argue with a customer.
(it's always) darkest before the dawn
- the worst or more dangerous situation will occur just before a problem is resolved
The economic situation was terrible and just as it is always darkest before the dawn things were at their worst just before they began to improve.
the devil take the hindmost
- everyone must look after their own interests or safety
His attitude was always the devil take the hindmost and he never helped his friends when they had a problem.
the die is cast
- a decision has been made and you can't change it
He finished his preparations to move to Paris and realized that the die was cast and he couldn't cancel his plans now.
discretion is the better part of valor
- it is better to be careful than to be courageous and take unnecessary risks
Discretion is the better part of valor and the man decided not to proceed with his complaints against his own company.
do as I say, not as I do
- follow someone's advice and not their example
The man always said to do as he says and not as he does because his advice was always much better that his actions.
do as you would be done by (do unto others as you would have others do unto you)
- treat other people the way that you would like them to treat you
"If you don't want people to criticize you, then you shouldn't criticize other people. Remember to do as you would be done by."
the early bird catches the worm
- arriving early gives one an advantage
My boss always comes to work early because he strongly believes that the early bird catches the worm.
early to bed, early to rise (makes one healthy, wealthy and wise)
- going to bed early is good for you
The man truly believed that early to bed, early to rise was good for him and he always went to bed before 9:30 every night.
easier said than done
- suggesting something is easier than actually doing it
It is easier said than done to say that you will never eat chocolate than to actually stop eating chocolate completely.
easy come, easy go
- something that you easily acquire may be easily spent, lost or wasted
The man always found a new job easily but he also quit the job quickly. For him it was always easy come, easy go.
eat, drink, and be merry
- enjoy yourself while you can without thinking about the future
The sailors always tried to eat, drink and be merry before they went on a voyage.
empty vessels make the most noise
- people who are the least intelligent are often the loudest and talk the most
His colleague talked endlessly but he never really knew much about what he was saying. He was a good example of the saying that empty vessels make the most noise.
enough is as good as a feast
- what you have or have done should be satisfactory
Enough is as good as a feast and having just enough is as good as having much of something.
every cloud has a silver lining
- there is something good in every problem or bad event
Although the fire destroyed the small business, every cloud has a silver lining and the business owners were able to build a new building which was better than the original.
every dog has his day
- everyone will have his chance or turn
He was very discouraged because of his recent bad luck but every dog has his day and he should soon overcome those problems and find some kind of success.
the exception proves the rule
- something that is different from what is commonly believed actually proves that the belief is often true
All of the salespeople at Tom's office are very talkative and outgoing but he is the exception that proves the rule and is very quiet and shy.
an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
- a crime or injury should be paid back equally
The ice hockey player believed in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and attacked the player who had hurt him during the previous game.
(one's) eyes are bigger than one's stomach
- take more food than you can eat
My eyes were bigger than my stomach when I was serving myself at the buffet and I was unable to eat all of the food that I had taken.
a faint heart never won a lady
- a shy or timid person must be bold to attract a woman that he likes
His brother must be more aggressive if he ever wants to find a girlfriend. He should remember that a faint heart never won a lady.
familiarity breeds contempt
- knowing a person closely for a long time leads to bad feelings
Familiarity breeds contempt and after living together for several months the two girls were always fighting.
fat is in the fire
- something unwise has been said or done which may cause problems
After he accused his colleague of stealing office materials the fat was in the fire and he knew that a serious problem was developing.
finders keepers, losers weepers
- the person who finds something gets to keep it and the person who loses it can only cry
Finders keepers, losers weepers was on the boy's mind when he found the beautiful pocket knife in the park.
first come, first served
- the person who comes first will have his turn first or be served first
It was first come, first served at the banquet and the people at the end of the line found that some of the food was gone.
(there's a) first time for everything
- just because something hasn't been done or happened before, doesn't mean that it will never happen
There is a first time for everything and the man decided to enter the marathon on his fortieth birthday.
(if at) first you don't succeed try, try again
- if you are patient and persevere you will achieve your goal
The father taught his son to be patient and persevere and that if at first he didn't succeed he should try again.
a fool and his money are soon parted
- someone who acts unwisely with money will soon lose it
A fool and his money are soon parted and before the man was aware of it he had spent all of the money that he had won in the lottery.
fools rush in where angels fear to tread
- inexperienced people with little knowledge often become involved in difficult situations that smarter people would avoid
It is true that fools rush in where angels fear to tread and when house prices became very high many people decided to buy a house.
a friend in need is a friend indeed
- a friend who helps you when you need help is a true friend
He has been my best friend since childhood so naturally I helped him when he got into trouble. We both knew that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
give someone an inch and they will take a mile
- if you give a little to someone, they will then ask for more
The teacher was always strict in his classroom because he knew that if he gave the pupils an inch, they would take a mile and he would lose all control.
give the devil his due
- recognize the good points of someone who you think is unworthy
Everyone dislikes the man's personality but to give the devil his due, they admire his skilled workmanship.
(what's) good/sauce for the goose is good/sauce for the gander
- what is good for one person should be good for another person as well
If he believes that the small bedroom is good enough for his friend then it should also be good enough for him. He should remember that what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
grass is always greener on the other side
- a place that is far away or different seems better than where one is
He always wanted to go someplace else and was never satisfied with where he lived. He believed that the grass is always greener on the other side.
half a loaf is better than none
- having part of something is better than having nothing
Half a loaf is better than none and you should be happy to have some money rather than always wishing that you had more.
haste makes waste
- time gained in doing something rapidly will be lost if you have to do the thing again to correct your mistakes
The father always told his son that haste makes waste and that he should do his homework carefully the first time so that he won't have to do it again.
he who laughs last, laughs longest
- the person who is successful in making the last move or doing something last will have the most enjoyment or success
Everyone thought that the man would never get the job because he was not qualified but he who laughs last laughs longest and in the end he did get the job.
he who lives by the sword dies by the sword
- those who commit violent acts will encounter violence themselves
Sadly the young man was involved in selling illegal drugs and was found murdered. He was an example of the saying that he who lives by the sword dies by the sword.
honesty is the best policy
- it is always best to be honest in everything that you do
Honesty is the best policy and when the man found the purse on the street he gave it to a policeman.
jump out of the frying pan and into the fire
- go from one dangerous or bad situation to one that is worse
He jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire when he changed jobs and had more problems in the new job than in the old one.
just what the doctor ordered
- something that is just right for someone to have or to do
The three-day holiday was just what the doctor ordered and the man returned to work energetic and refreshed.
a leopard can't change his spots
- you can't change someones basic human nature
Although the supervisor tried to have a better relationship with his staff, a leopard can't change his spots and he still couldn't get along with those around him.
let bygones be bygones
- you should forget the problems of the past
My aunt decided to let bygones be bygones with my mother and they now get along very well.
let sleeping dogs lie
- don't make trouble if you don't need to
You should let sleeping dogs lie and don't ask your friend for the small amount of money that he owes you.
let the dead bury their dead
- it is better to think about the present than to remember and think about past events and people
It would be better for his aunt to let the dead bury their dead and stop thinking about what happened with her sister many years ago.
like father, like son
- a child is often similar to his parent
The boy always followed in his father's footsteps and he was very much like father, like son.
a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
- someone who knows a little about something may think that he knows a lot and therefore makes bad choices or choices that some people dislike
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and as the citizens became better educated, they began to make choices that the government didn't like.
live and let live
- be tolerant and accept other people who may be different
Many people in a large city have an attitude of live and let live and are not bothered by the lifestyles of other people.
live high off the hog
- be in prosperous circumstances
I have been living high off the hog since I got my new job with its high salary.
love is blind
- when you are in love with someone it blinds you to his or her bad points
My friend's girlfriend was not very attractive to other people but love is blind and he was very much in love with her.
love me, love my dog
- if you really love someone then you should love everything about him or her
"Love me, love my dog", he told his fiance when she asked him to get rid of his favorite chair which she hated.
make hay while the sun shines
- take advantage of opportunities and favorable conditions while they last
He believed in making hay while the sun shines and always worked extra hours when his company was busy.
you make your bed and you must lie on it
- you will suffer the results of your own actions
The man refused to take his umbrella when he went out in the rain and now he must spend the day wearing wet clothes. He made his bed and now he must lie on it.
many hands make light work
- a job is done easily if a lot of people share in the work
Many hands make light work and when the three men joined together they were able to quickly move the furniture.
a miss is as good as a mile
- narrowly missing success is the same as missing something by a wide margin
A miss is as good as a mile and although he almost passed the course, his marks were not high enough to get a diploma.
money doesn't grow on trees
- money isn't easy to get but must be worked for
The girl's father always told her that money doesn't grow on trees when she asked for money to buy new clothes.
money is no object
- there is a lot of money available so it does not matter how much you spend
Money was no object when the new stadium was built and it had all of the latest equipment for both the fans and the players.
money is the root of all evil
- money is the main cause of most wrongdoing and problems
The woman was in much trouble because she had stolen some money from her company. She was a good example that money is the root of all evil.
money talks
- if you have lots of money you will be treated favorably
He quickly learned that money talks when the rich couple were able to get a reservation at the famous restaurant although he could not.
more haste, less speed
- if you try to do something quickly you will probably make mistakes and therefore take longer to finish the task than if you had not rushed
He was in a hurry to finish the job but he made so many mistakes that he had to repeat much of it again. This proved to him that more haste equals less speed.
the more the merrier
- as the number of people increases when doing an activity the level of enjoyment will also grow
The couple wanted to go on the cruise with their friends because they thought the more the merrier.
necessity is the mother of invention
- if you need something you will be motivated to provide it
Necessity is the mother of invention and the mechanic was able to fix the car by using an old wire coat hanger.
never look a gift horse in the mouth
- don't complain when you receive a gift
You should never look a gift horse in the mouth and instead accept a gift even if you think that the other person should not have given it to you.
no news is good news
- when you don't receive any news about something or somebody it probably means that everything is going well
Although the woman had not heard from her son for several weeks, she believed that no news is good news and probably everything was going well.
(it's) no use crying over spilt/spilled milk
- there is no point worrying or complaining about something that you can't change
He caused the problems with the school himself and he can't change what happened but it's no use crying over spilt milk and he must live with the problem and begin to think about the future.
(there is) no smoke without fire
- if there are rumors or signs of something such as a scandal then there is probably a reason for the rumors
There is no smoke without fire and the fact that everyone believed that the politician was involved in wrongdoing suggests that it is at least partly true.
(there is) no time like the present
- now is the best time to do something
Although we are very busy there is no time like the present so we will go to the movie as we had planned for many weeks.
a nod is as good as a wink to a blind man
- hinting about something can be accepted without further explanation
His boss only gave a slight hint as to whether or not he wanted to proceed with the project but a nod is as good as a wink to a blind man so we decided to go ahead and begin.
nothing is sacred
- when important things or situations are treated with disrespect
It seems that nothing is sacred and there are few subjects that the media won't talk about.
nothing succeeds like success
- when you are successful you will become more confident and gain respect which will lead to even greater success
Nothing succeeds like success and after my sister got her first promotion she began to do better and better at her job.
nothing ventured, nothing gained
- you cannot achieve success in something unless you make an effort and are prepared to risk failure
He believed that nothing ventured, nothing gained so he decided to start his own computer company and see if it would be successful.
once bitten, twice shy
- if something goes wrong once then you will be careful about doing the same thing again
She felt that once bitten, twice shy and because she had lost much money on the stock market she did not want to invest any money there again.
one good turn deserves another
- a good deed should be repaid with another good deed
One good turn deserves another and I was quick to help my friend after he had made such an effort to help me.
one man's meat is another man's poison
- what is good for one person may be bad or unsuitable for another person
It is true that one man's meat is another man's poison and some people like to eat one thing while other people may hate the same thing.
out of sight, out of mind
- something that is no longer visible will be easily forgotten
We put the chocolates into the cupboard so that we wouldn't eat them. They were out of sight, out of mind
(he who) pays the piper calls the tune
- the person who pays for something should control how it is spent
The oil company was paying all of the expenses for the theater group and because he who pays the piper calls the tune they had much influence as to where and when the plays would be performed.
the pen is mightier than the sword
- writing and ideas are more powerful than the use of force
The famous general believed that the pen is mightier than the sword and he tried to use persuasion rather than force to overcome his enemies.
(in for a) penny, in for a pound
- after spending some money or time on something you may as well spend more time or money to finish the job completely
We were in for a penny, in for a pound and because we had already spent so much money fixing up the old car we decided to continue to pay more money until it was finished.
a penny saved is a penny earned
- money saved through thrift is just as valuable as the money that you earn by working
A penny saved is a penny earned and it is just as important to be careful spending money as it is to make money.
penny wise and pound foolish
- someone is careful with small amounts of money but wastes larger amounts of money on unnecessary things
The woman was penny wise and pound foolish and would hesitate to spend money on fruits and vegetables for her family but would buy very expensive desserts and other sweets.
people who live in glass houses should not throw stones
- you shouldn't complain about other people unless you are perfect yourself
He was always criticizing his friend for gossiping about other people but people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. He also gossips and deserves criticism himself.
(when) pigs fly
- something is impossible (used when you don't believe something will happen)
I think that he will finish his university degree when pigs fly. In other words never.
the pot calls the kettle black
- someone criticizes somebody for a fault that they have themselves
He was always criticizing his friend for being late but that was like the pot calling the kettle black as he himself was the one who was usually late.
practice makes perfect
- you will become better at something if you practice
The tennis player believes that practice makes perfect and spends every evening practicing his tennis strokes.
prevention is better than the cure
- it is better to prevent a problem or an illness than to have to cure it
Prevention is better than the cure and you should look after your health so that you don't become sick and then have to try to cure yourself.
pride comes before a fall
- if you behave with too much pride then you may soon meet a difficulty that will humble you
The president of the company was arrogant and thought that he was a great manager. However, pride comes before a fall and because of a trading scandal he lost his position and was forced to spend several months in jail because of illegal activities.
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
- the real value of something can be judged only by practical experience and not from theory or appearance
They created a beautiful website that they thought many people would visit but the proof of the pudding is in the eating and nobody was interested in their creation.
(it never) rains but it pours/when it rains it pours
- problems often appear together in large numbers or quickly one after the other
It is true that it never rains but it pours and our winter was spent dealing with problem after problem caused by the new accounting system.
the road to hell is paved with good intentions
- if you have good intentions but you don't put them into practice then you will achieve bad results
Although the man wanted to be successful at his new job, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. He failed to do the things that were necessary for success and he was forced to quit.
a rolling stone gathers no moss
- someone who often changes jobs or where they live does not build roots or wealth
The musician was a good example that a rolling stone gathers no moss. He moved from town to town and had lived in almost fifty different places during his lifetime.
(when in) Rome do as the Romans do
- you should adjust your habits to fit in with the customs of the people or place where you live
The diplomat believed that when in Rome do as the Romans do and he made a great effort to learn the language and the customs of the people in every country in which he lived and worked.
Rome wasn't built in a day
- it takes time and hard work to complete a difficult job
Rome was not built in a day and the government officials realized that it was going to take many years to clean up and rebuild the oldest area of the city.
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
- what is important is what something or somebody is, not what they are called
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" was said in Romeo and Juliet when Juliet said that although their families had different names and they could not marry, Romeo was still a wonderful and handsome man.
seeing is believing
- you must see something before you can believe that it really exists or happens
Seeing is believing and until I saw the Egyptian pyramids I could not imagine their beauty and impact.
(if the) shoe fits wear it
- if something that is said describes you then it is probably meant for you
You shouldn't criticize someone for something that you do yourself. Remember that if the shoe fits wear it.
the shoe is on the other foot
- one is experiencing the same things that one caused someone else to experience
The supervisor was always mean to the employees but the shoe was on the other foot when his new boss began to treat him badly.
silence is golden
- sometimes it is better to say nothing
He believed that silence is golden at certain times and especially in the middle of an important business meeting.
your sins will find you out
- if you do something wrong it will be discovered
The salesman quickly discovered the truth of the saying that "your sins will find you out", when his company discovered that he had been falsifying his travel receipts.
slow and steady wins the race
- being deliberate and determined will lead you to success
Slow and steady wins the race and the man was successful because of his hard work and patient determination.
some people are more equal than others
- even though the members of a group may appear equal, some members may receive better treatment than others
Some football players are more equal than others and the superstar was not given a penalty for hitting the other player while other players would have.
spare the rod and spoil the child
- sometimes you must physically punish a child in order to teach him or her to behave properly
The group of parents were in favor of a mild form of physical punishment for their children and were firm believers in the idea that if you spare the rod you will spoil the child.
speak of the devil (and he appears)
- a person appears just when someone is talking about them
We were sitting in the coffee shop and talking about our friend when speak of the devil and our friend appeared from around the corner.
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- someone has good intentions but their laziness or love of pleasure may prevent them from doing what they want
The man was always going to expensive restaurants and nightclubs and although he wanted to do well at his job, he couldn't. For him the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
sticks and stones may break my bones but words/names will never hurt me
- verbal insults will not physically hurt someone
The little boy was yelling "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me", when the three bigger boys started to laugh and call him bad names.
still waters run deep
- a quiet person may have much knowledge or deep feelings
The player was the quietest person on the team but still waters run deep and away from the other players he was the most knowledgeable and emotional person that one could ever meet.
a stitch in time saves nine
- if you fix something or solve a problem immediately you will save much time later
A stitch in time saves nine and it is better to spend time becoming organized so that you will save more time in the long run.
the streets are paved with gold
- a place (usually a city) where you can make a lot of money
Many people believed that the streets were paved with gold in the city when they moved there to try and make a better life.
strike while the iron is hot
- take action quickly and at a good opportunity
When I heard about the new job I quickly sent my application in order to strike while the iron was hot.
it takes all kinds (to make a world)
- different people like different things
The woman was wearing the strangest clothes that I had ever seen but it takes all kinds to make a world so there was no point in thinking about it.
tall oaks grow from little acorns
- everything has a small beginning before growing to be very big
The large chain of supermarkets had started out from one small country store but as the saying goes, "tall oaks from little acorns grow," it was now the largest supermarket chain in the world.
tell the truth and shame the devil
- it is better to tell the truth even though there may be good reasons not to
The woman had information about the illegal activities at her company and although she was hesitant to become involved she felt that it was better to tell the truth and shame the devil than to remain silent.
there's more than one way to skin a cat
- there is more than one way to do something
When my father taught me a different way to fix the car I realized that there was more than one way to skin a cat.
there's none so blind/deaf as those who will not see/hear
- people will not see or hear what they don't want to see or hear
There's none so blind as those who will not see and the mother refused to believe that her son was the cause of so much trouble in the community.
these things are sent to try us
- some difficulties appear in order to test our courage or patience
The woman had very strong religious beliefs and although she faced many difficulties she believed that those things were sent to try her and she continued on with good spirits.
third time lucky
- the third time that you try something you will be successful
He was third time lucky when applying for the job at the film production company and he finally was successful in getting the job.
(it's the) thought that counts
- the good intentions behind an action or gift are more important than the action or gift itself
Although the present that he bought for his wife was not very expensive, it was the thought that counts and she was very happy.
time and tide wait for no man
- things will happen naturally no matter what you do so it is important to take an opportunity when it is offered
Time and tide wait for no man and if you are interested in running for political office, you should grab the opportunity as it may not come again.
(there's a) time and a place for everything
- there are times and places when something should be done and others in which they should not
There is a time and a place for everything and a symphony concert is not the place to be receiving calls on a cell phone.
time flies
- time seems to pass very quickly
Time certainly does fly and before we had a chance to enjoy the summer weather it was already autumn.
time is a great healer
- as time passes pain or sorrow will be less strongly felt
They say that time is a great healer and the parents could only hope that this was true as they tried to cope with the tragic death of their only daughter.
time is money
- time is valuable and wasting it is like wasting money
"Time is money", the angry customer said as he was forced to wait in line at the car rental counter at the airport.
times change
- the values and fashions of life change
Times certainly do change and when my grandmother went to buy some tapes for her tape recorder she found that they were no longer being produced.
tomorrow is another day
- there will be another opportunity to do something in the future
He gave up his plans to get on the basketball team but tomorrow is another day and he had already decided to try again next year.
too many cooks spoil the broth
- if too many people try to do something then often the job will be done badly with bad results
There were four people trying to fix the broken air conditioner and just as too many cooks spoil the broth there were too many people working on it to do an effective job.
to the victor belong/go the spoils
- the winner of something achieves power over people and property
In ancient times a victory by an army usually meant that to the victor belong the spoils.
truth is stranger than fiction
- real life is sometimes stranger than fiction
The fact that the woman was able to stay alive in the mountains for several months after the climbing accident showed that often truth is stranger than fiction.
the truth will out
- you can't hide the truth about something
The politicians discovered that the saying "the truth will out" applied to them more than others when the media pushed hard to discover the facts behind the recent scandal.
two heads are better than one
- two people working together can achieve better results than one person working alone
Two heads are better than one and when we began to work together we quickly solved the problem of how to fix the car.
two's company, three's a crowd
- two people (usually a couple on a date) are happier when nobody else is around
The couple decided to go on a holiday with their friend but they soon discovered that two's company and three's a crowd and none of the group were able to enjoy themselves.
two wrongs don't make a right
- you can't justify something wrong by saying that somebody else has done it before so it is all right for you to do the same thing
Two wrongs don't make a right and just because the boy's friend was not punished for using the computer without permission, this did not make it permissable for him to do the same thing.
variety is the spice of life
- life is made more interesting by doing new or different things
The three retired secretaries believed that variety is the spice of life and they were always travelling to new places and trying new things.
waste not, want not
- if you never waste anything then you will probably not lack for anything either
The children were very poor when they were growing up and were always taught to waste not, want not by their parents.
a watched pot/kettle never boils
- if you wait impatiently for something to happen then it will seem to take longer
"You should go and sit down rather than wait for the beans to cook. Remember that a watched pot never boils."
the way to a man's heart is through his stomach
- a woman can win a man's love if she gives him the food that he likes
The woman believed that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and she spent much time cooking delicious food for her husband.
what the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve over
- you won't be troubled by something you don't know exists
You shouldn't worry about the new furniture that your neighbors recently purchased. Just ignore it and remember that what the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve over.
when the cat's away the mice will play
- when someone in charge of children/students/workers is away then they will enjoy themselves and stop working
The teacher returned to the classroom and found that it was in total chaos. It was a perfect example that when the cat's away the mice will play.
where there's a will there's a way
- if you are sufficiently determined you can overcome difficulties and do what you want to do
Where there is a will there is a way and the young woman used all of her intelligence and skills to get enough money to go to the computer school.
the wish is father to the thought
- you think that something is true because you want it to be true
The wish is father to the thought and the woman believed that her boyfriend wanted to get married even though he had other plans for his life.
you can lead/take a horse to water but you can't make him drink
- you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you can't get them to do it if they don't want to
The woman took her two children to the park every day but they were not interested in playing in the playground. It seems that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
you can't teach an old dog new tricks
- people become used to their way of doing things and you can't get them to change
My friend absolutely refused to try anything new and would never go out in the evening. It is true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
you're only young once
- enjoy life while you are young and before you must face the responsibilities of life
The young man's grandmother was a firm believer in teaching him that you are only young once and she encouraged him to do many new things in his life.
What is all about?
جریان چیه؟
***
What is it now?
دیگه چی شده؟
***
Control your tongue.
جلوی دهنت را بگیر.
***
I was just kidding you.
جدی نگفتم بابا
***
What’s the matter with you?
چته ؟
***
How come you remembered me?
چی شده یادی از ما کردی؟
***
How is business?
کار و بار چطوره؟
***
You deserve it. You asked for it.
حقت بود.
***
Shame on you! It is shameful!
خجالت بکش! خجالت داره!
***
Something will turn up.
خدا بزرگ است (نا امید نباش)
***
Flat mind- out of mind.
خُل و چل
***
She is too damned fussy.
خیلی ادا و اطوار داره.
***
She is very pretentious.
خیلی ادعاش میشه.
***
She is a chunk of charm.
دختره سر تا پاش نمکه.
***
His mouth watered
دهنش آب افتاد
***
Feel at home.
خونه خودت است.
***
Welcome back
رسیدن بخیر
***
I see.
صحیح (آهان)
***
Nosey parker. A busybody. A meddler.
فضول باشی
***
Touch wood.
گوش شیطان کر. بزن به تخته.
***
اصطلاح زیر هم گاهی به جای اصطلاح بالا استفاده میشه
Let’s keep our finger.
Get out of my way
از سر راهم برو کنار!
***
Hands off
دستت را بکش / ناخنک نزن
مثال :
Hands off those chocolates! They’re mine!
به اون شکلات ها دست نزن! اونا مال منه!
***
I’m not myself today.
امروز تو خودم نیستم (حال دیگه ای دارم).
***
I’m crazy about it.
دیوانشم (خیلی به آن علاقه دارم).
***
It can’t be helped.
کاریش نمیشه کرد.
***
It’s a shame!
جای تأسف است! / شرم آور است!
***
Jack of all trades and master of none
همه کاره و هیچ کاره
***
Give me five!
بزن قدش
***
Go to hell!
برو به جهنم
***
For a change
برای تنوع
***
Come what may come!
هرچه باداباد!
***
Be a man!
مرد باش (شجاع باش)
***
Don’t raise your voice!
صدایت را بلند نکن!
***
Short and sweet = short and sharp
مختصر و مفید
Cheerio عزت زیاد
Don’t brag لاف نزن
Play it safe ریسک نکن
Take it easy سخت نگیر
Snap-decision تصمیم عجولانه گرفتن
Take your time عجله نکن
Hurry up=come on عجله کن
Stop snowing خالی نبند
Poppycock حرف توخالی
Tongue-lash زخم زبان زدن
Tongue-tie لکنت زبان
You don’t know what’s what
تو نمیدونی چی به چی است
You needn’t bother
لازم نیست به خودت زحمت بدی
What is it to you?
چه چیزی(نفعی) برای تو دارد؟
What next? دیگه چی ؟!
Touch wood! بزن به تخته (چشم نخوری)
What a shame! صد حیف ، افسوس
Think nothing of it!
فکرش را نکن ! (اهمیتی ندارد)
Think no more of it
دیگه به آن فکر نکن! (فراموشش کن)
Time presses وقت تنگه
So what! خوب که چی!
So far, so good! تا اینجا که خوب بود
Shame on you! خجالت بکِش/ننگ بر تو!
My watch gains ساعتم جلو میرود
My watch is two minutes fast
ساعتم دو دقیقه جلو است
My watch is two minutes slow
ساعتم دو دقیقه عقب است
My watch loses ساعتم عقب میرود
Lower your voice! صدایت را پایین بیاور!
It’s worth nothing ارزشش را ندارد
Is it worth it? آیا ارزشش را دارد؟
Just between you and me!
فقط بین خودمون باشه!
Keep your mind on your work!
حواست به کار خودت باشه!
(It’s) second to none دومی ندارد/لنگه ندارد
I didn’t expect this of you
این را از تو انتظار نداشتم