人走茶涼

the tea cools down as soon as the person is gone

ㄖㄣˊ ㄗㄡˇ ㄔㄚˊ ㄌㄧㄤˊ

жэньцзоучалян

/ʐən³⁵ t͡soʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰä³⁵ li̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/jɐn²¹ t͡sɐu̯³⁵ t͡sʰaː²¹ lœːŋ²¹/

/ʐən³⁵ t͡soʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰä³⁵ li̯ɑŋ³⁵/

/jɐn²¹ t͡sɐu̯³⁵ t͡sʰaː²¹ lœːŋ²¹/

When a man loses his power, he loses the praise, respect or flattering as well. / the superficiality of human relationships


wilk syty i owca cała

i wilk jest syty, i owca cała
i wilk jest syty, i owca cała#Polish

(idiomatic) Alternative form of i wilk jest syty, i owca cała


meglio tardi che mai

better late than never
better late than never


deux avis valent mieux qu'un

deux avis valent mieux qu’ un (canonical)

Literally, “two opinions are worth more than one”.

lit

two heads are better than one
two heads are better than one


head

a caballo regalado no le mires el diente

don't look a gift horse in the mouth
don't look a gift horse in the mouth

don't look a gift horse in the mouth (a phrase referring to unappreciatively questioning a gift or handout too closely)


um dia não são dias

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐs]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐʃ/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.ɐʃ]

/ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈd͡ʒi.as/

[ũ ˈd͡ʒi.a ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈd͡ʒi.as]

/ũ ˈdi.ɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈsɐ̃w̃ ˈdi.ɐʃ/

you only live once (said when making an exception to indulge in something)


basta a cada dia o seu mal

sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (today has provided enough to worry about)


half a loaf is better than no loaf

half a loaf is better than none
half a loaf is better than none#English

Alternative form of half a loaf is better than none


half a loaf is better than none

"I have the beginnings of genius," he finally decided, "that is, I can see for myself, but I cannot pass the vision on to others by production."
"Half a loaf is better than none," said Miss Enistor soothingly.

1912, Fergus Hume, chapter 1, in A Son of Perdition:

"I'm a business man, and I tell you before you're half through with this fight, you'll come to the conclusion that half a loaf is better than none at all—particularly in the matter of extra large loaves. You'll come to me and compromise."

1914, Peter B. Kyne, chapter 16, in The Long Chance:

"There are some people," he said, "who would have you so stand on principle that if you don't get all that you've asked for from the legislature, why you jump off the cliff with the flag flying." Mr. Reagan said that "a half a loaf is better than none" and that unyielding critics had "misread" his tactics.

1983 February 10, Francis X. Clines, “Reagan's wish is no minimum wage for youths”, in New York Times, retrieved 2014-03-06:

Audience: Green groups
Obama's Pitch: Sometimes half a loaf is better than no loaf at all.

2010 June 17, Michael Scherer, “The President's Spill Speech: The Target Audiences”, in Time, retrieved 2014-03-06:

Something is better than nothing
something is better than nothing

Something is better than nothing: some reward, achievement, result, etc. is preferable to none at all.

parempi pyy pivossa kuin kymmenen oksalla

a pan de quince días, hambre de tres semanas

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush


all that glisters is not gold

Audio (US)

all that glitters is not gold
all that glitters is not gold#English

Alternative form of all that glitters is not gold


take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves

take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves#English

Alternative form of take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves


uomo avvisato, mezzo salvato

forewarned is forearmed
forewarned is forearmed


cooler heads prevail

cooler heads will prevail
cooler heads will prevail#English

Alternative form of cooler heads will prevail


cooler heads will prevail

The cooler heads will prevail when the top four men in the world do battle Friday in the semifinals at Wimbledon.

1993 July 2, Robin Finn, “Tennis: Hotheads Need Not Apply to the Men's Final Four”, in New York Times, retrieved 2014-03-20:

This book assumes that cooler heads will prevail. Russian and American negotiators will find some way to accommodate the deployment of a modest interceptor force.

2001, James J. Wirtz, Jeffrey A. Larsen, editors, Rockets’ Red Glare: Missile Defenses and the Future of World Politics, →ISBN, page 11:

People who are calm and focused are the most likely to succeed or to have the greatest influence on events.


de boas intenções o inferno está cheio

the road to hell is paved with good intentions


deitar cedo e cedo erguer dá saúde e faz crescer

early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise


diga-me com quem andas e eu te direi quem és

Literally, “tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are”.

lit

birds of a feather flock together
birds of a feather flock together

birds of a feather flock together (people of similar character tend to associate)


dinheiro não cresce em árvores

money doesn't grow on trees
money doesn't grow on trees

money doesn't grow on trees (you must work in order to have money)


diz-me com quem andas

a man is known by the company he keeps
a man is known by the company he keeps


diversidade é o tempero da vida

variety is the spice of life
variety is the spice of life


Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga

Literally, “God helps those who pull an all-nighter early” or "God helps those who wake up early [to work]".

lit

the early bird gets the worm
the early bird gets the worm

the early bird gets the worm (whoever arrives first has the best chance of success)


é melhor prevenir do que remediar

Literally, “It's better to prevent than to remedy [afterwards]”.

m-g

It's better to prevent than to remedy 􂀿afterwards􂁀

lit

a stitch in time saves nine
a stitch in time saves nine

a stitch in time saves nine (a timely effort can prevent larger problems)

better safe than sorry
better safe than sorry

better safe than sorry (it is preferable to be cautious in one's choices than suffer from recklessness)


a pressa é a inimiga da perfeição

haste makes waste (one makes mistakes when being too hasty)


a pena é mais forte do que a espada

the pen is mightier than the sword
the pen is mightier than the sword

the pen is mightier than the sword (more power can achieved writing than fighting)


mądry Polak po szkodzie

Literally, “[a] Pole [is] wise [only] after the damage [is done]”. Known as early as the 16th century, when the proverb was referenced in a poem by Jan Kochanowski.

m-g

􂀿a􂁀 Pole 􂀿is􂁀 wise 􂀿only􂁀 after the damage 􂀿is done􂁀


the bad penny always turns up

a bad penny always turns up
a bad penny always turns up#English

Alternative form of a bad penny always turns up


a bad penny always turns up

It has been wisely said: “A bad penny always turns up again.” . . . Merwin K. Hart turns up again and again. And the Money-Changers of the Republican Party have knowingly sought to profit from Hart's lobby activities.

1952, Ralph Morris Goldman, “The Money-Changers at the Ballot Box: A Study of Republican Election Buying,”, in The Future Catches Up, Vol. 2, published 2002, →ISBN, page 89:

Elsa Schneider: I never expected to see you again.
Indiana Jones: I'm like a bad penny. I always turn up.

1989, Jeffrey Boam (author of screenplay), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, (excerpts at wikiquote)

Being superstitious was common among a lot of the military. . . . Aircraft were given names such as The Bad Penny (as in a bad penny always turns up).

2005, Ron Greer and Mike Wicks, Fire from the Sky: A diary over Japan (2013 iUniverse edition), p. 184 (Google preview)

I had managed to avoid Julie for almost four years, but, as my grandmother used to say, the bad penny always turns up, and Julie Evanson was one very bad penny.

2011, Gail Bowen, The Further Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn, →ISBN:

A person or thing which is unpleasant, dishonorable, or unwanted tends to appear (or reappear), especially at inopportune times.

Things that are done improperly eventually cause problems.


ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente

Literally, “eyes which do not see, heart which does not feel”.

lit

out of sight, out of mind
out of sight, out of mind


a pena é mais forte que a espada

a pena é mais forte do que a espada#Portuguese

Alternative form of a pena é mais forte do que a espada


piensa mal y acertarás

Literally, “think badly [of someone] and you will be right”.

m-g

think badly 􂀿of someone􂁀 and you will be right

lit

espera lo mejor y prepárate para lo peor


donde hubo fuego, cenizas quedan

where there was fire, ashes remain
where there was fire, ashes remain


every dark cloud has a silver lining

every cloud has a silver lining
every cloud has a silver lining#English

Alternative form of every cloud has a silver lining


cão que ladra não morde

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɦ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɦ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɾ.d͡ʒi]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi/

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ki ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔʁ.d͡ʒi]

[ˈkɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ke ˈla.dɾa ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ ˈmɔɻ.de]

/ˈkɐ̃w̃ kɨ ˈla.dɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.dɨ/

[ˈkɐ̃w̃ kɨ ˈla.ðɾɐ ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈmɔɾ.ðɨ]

barking dogs seldom bite
barking dogs seldom bite

barking dogs seldom bite (people who make big threats usually never carry them out)


errar é humano

to err is human (everybody makes mistakes)


de graça até injeção na testa

/d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃w̃ na ˈtɛs.tɐ/

[d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛs.tɐ]

/d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃w̃ na ˈtɛʃ.tɐ/

[d͡ʒi ˈɡɾa.sɐ aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛʃ.tɐ]

[de ˈɡɾa.sa aˈtɛ ĩ.ʒeˈsɐ̃ʊ̯̃ na ˈtɛs.ta]

Literally, “for free, even a forehead injection [is acceptable]”.

m-g

for free, even a forehead injection 􂀿is acceptable􂁀

lit

(Brazil) anything that is available for free is worth its while


only the good die young

the good die young
the good die young#English


the good die young

"You'll live," put in Mr. Pedagog, with a chuckle. "The good die young."

1895, John Kendrick Bangs, chapter 9, in The Idiot:

[I]t is the men and women with vices who have ruled the world. The good die young because there is no useful work for them to do.

1906, E. Phillips Oppenheim, The Malefactor, Book 1, ch. 12:

"The good die young," is a favorite, sardonic saying of General Don Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau, Marquess of Tenerife, Grandee of Spain, long famed among U. S. citizens as "Butcher Weyler" because of his ruthless military governorship of Cuba, prime cause of the Spanish-American war (1896-97).
In Madrid last week the doughty "Butcher," now aged 91, arose fully convalescent from a sickness during which Death had been expected hourly for weeks. "Pah!" growled he. "My doctors, my family had no cause for alarm. I had only pneumonia!"

1930 April 14, “Weyler Well”, in Time, retrieved 2014-04-10:

A 28-year-old pregnant woman was killed and a second woman was seriously injured on Friday afternoon when a driver, apparently intoxicated and following the women as they walked down a Midtown Manhattan street, lost control of a supermarket maintenance van. . . . “It hasn’t really sunk in,” said Ms. Ramos’s sister. . . . “The good die young,” she said.

2009 March 28, Anahan O'Connor, Colin Moynihan, “Pregnant Woman Killed When Van Jumps Curb”, in New York Times, retrieved 2014-04-10:

Well-regarded people who are morally upright, kind, and beneficent tend to die at a younger age than do most people.

착한 사람은 요절한다

Well-regarded people tend to die at a younger age

둏은 나무부터 띡히구 못 쓰는 낭그느 깉는다

dyoeun namubuteo ttikhigu mot sseuneun nanggeuneu ginneunda

나무도 쓸 만한 것이 먼저 베인다

namudo sseul manhan geosi meonjeo beinda


claw me, claw thee

(archaic) you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours


grão a grão enche a galinha o papo

many a mickle makes a muckle
many a mickle makes a muckle

many a mickle makes a muckle (lot of small amounts together, become a large amount)


gosto não se discute

there's no accounting for taste
there's no accounting for taste

(Brazil) there's no accounting for taste (people’s tastes differ)


tiran más dos tetas que dos carretas

/tiˌɾam ˌmas ˌdos ˌtetas ke ˌdos kaˈretas/

[t̪iˌɾãm ˌmaz ˌð̞os ˌt̪e.t̪as ke ˌð̞os kaˈre.t̪as]

Literally, “two tits [breasts] pull more than two wagons”.

m-g

two tits 􂀿breasts􂁀 pull more than two wagons

lit

having breasts (i.e. being a woman) can get things done much quicker than by other means

one hair of a woman can draw more than a hundred pair of oxen


de grão em grão a galinha enche o papo

grão a grão enche a galinha o papo#Portuguese

Alternative form of grão a grão enche a galinha o papo


head

se coge antes al mentiroso que a un cojo

antes se coge al mentiroso que a un cojo#Spanish

Alternative form of antes se coge al mentiroso que a un cojo


antes se pilla al mentiroso que a un cojo


se pilla antes al mentiroso que a un cojo


antes se coge al mentiroso que a un cojo

Literally, “the liar is caught before a lame man is”.


head

ла́кома ко́шка до ры́бки, да в во́ду ле́зть не хо́чется • (lákoma kóška do rýbki, da v vódu léztʹ ne xóčetsja)

ла́кома ко́шка до ры́бки (canonical)
да в во́ду ле́зть не хо́чется (canonical)
lákoma kóška do rýbki (romanization)
da v vódu léztʹ ne xóčetsja (romanization)

[ˈɫakəmə ˈkoʂkə dɐ‿ˈrɨpkʲɪ | da ˈv‿vodʊ ˈlʲesʲtʲ nʲɪ‿ˈxot͡ɕɪt͡sə]

Literally, “the cat fancies [small] fish, but doesn't feel like stepping in the water”.

m-g

the cat fancies 􂀿small􂁀 fish, but doesn't feel like stepping in the water

lit

лакома кошка до рыбки, да в воду лезть не хочется

all cats love fish but fear to wet their paws

en-лакома_кошка_до_рыбки,_да_в_воду_лезть_не_хочется-ru-proverb-MmfdWYOX


head

De-unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.ogg

Literally, “among the blind, the one-eyed [man] is king”.

m-g

among the blind, the one-eyed 􂀿man􂁀 is king

lit

Meine Freunde vom Fußballverein haben mich immer gehänselt, weil ich mit den Mädchen ziemlich schüchtern war, aber bei den Jungs vom Computerclub hab ich ordentlich aufgetrumpft mit meinen Erfahrungen. Wie heißt es eben: Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

My friends from the football team used to tease me because I was pretty shy with the girls, but among the guys from the computer club I totally showed off my experiences. As they say: In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king


酒後吐真言

ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄏㄡˋ ㄊㄨˇ ㄓㄣ ㄧㄢˊ

цзю хоу ту чжэньянь

/t͡ɕi̯oʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ xoʊ̯⁵¹ tʰu²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂən⁵⁵ jɛn³⁵/

/t͡sɐu̯³⁵ hɐu̯²² tʰou̯³³ t͡sɐn⁵⁵ jiːn²¹/

in wine, there is truth
in wine, there is truth


לא ראינו אינה ראיה

head

לֹא רָאִינוּ אֵינָהּ רְאָיָה

לֹא רָאִינוּ אֵינָהּ רְאָיָה • (transliteration needed)

לֹא רָאִינוּ אֵינָהּ רְאָיָה (canonical)

Literally "'we have not seen' is not evidence"

Absence of evidence does not constitute evidence of absence.


en-proverb

She would call her mother in tears, and Mom would comfort and console her, then suggest that Amy simply try to be nicer to Ted: "You attract more flies with honey than vinegar," she would counsel.

1996, Henry Cloud, John Sims Townsend, The Mom Factor, Zondervan, →ISBN, page 110:

You may have gotten attention in high school by being the class heckler, but chances are your semi-rude behavior will not be appreciated by your classmates or your professors. Plus, as the old adage goes, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar.

2009, Jessica Linnell, Off to College: Now What? a Practical Guide to Surviving and Succeeding Your First Year of College, Atlantic Publishing Group, →ISBN, page 164:

You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. You resolve more disputes with professionalism and communication than with irritability and vitriol.

2012, Karen Lacey, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Elance, Alpha Books, →ISBN, page 244:

you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar#English

Alternative form of you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar


nadgorliwość jest gorsza od faszyzmu

/nad.ɡɔrˈli.vɔɕt͡ɕ jɛzd ˈɡɔr.ʂa ɔt faˈʂɘz.mu/

Literally, “overzealousness is worse than fascism”.

lit

Zgadzam się odrobinę z powszechnym, choć zawsze nazbyt skwapliwym i wulgarnym sądem, iż nadgorliwość jest gorsza od faszyzmu.

2012, Paweł Zelwan, Jezus poszukiwany, →ISBN, page 36:

I agree a bit with the common, but ever so eager and vulgar idea that you shouldn't put a hat on a hat.

2014, Paweł Kowalski, Jednak pamiętaj, że nadgorliwość jest gorsza od faszyzmu.:

Just remember, don't put a hat on a hat!

(idiomatic) to put a hat on a hat (one should be careful not to overdo things)

Przepraszamy państwa za ten osobisty ton, ale przejęliśmy się losem Roberta Wijasa, szefa Polskiego Radia, którego bezceremonialnie wylano z roboty. Morał banalny, ale jakże, zwłaszcza w kontekście Farfała, aktualny: nadgorliwość jest gorsza od faszyzmu.

2009, Igor Zalewski, Robert Mazurek, “Z życia koalicji”, in Wprost:

We apologize for this direct tone, but we cared about Robert's Wijas's fate, as in the boss of Radio Poland, who was so unceremoniously fired. A banal, but valid, moral, especially in the conext of Farfał, don't overdo it.

— A niech cię — rzucił ze złością Taran. — Nadgorliwość jest gorsza od faszyzmu...

2013, Andriej Diakow, Za horyzont, Insignis, →ISBN, page 109:

"Damn you," Taran threw it in anger. "Don't overdo it.

(idiomatic) busybodies and overcommiters cause far more problems than slackers


head

an rud a fhaightear go bog caitear go bog é


nullius in verba

Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri, Quo me cunque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes. Not being bound to swear or speak according to the dictates of any master; wherever the tempest drives, I become a guest.

1892 Charles Tomlinson. "On the Royal Society's Mace" In journal: "The Antiquary" vol 25 Jan-Jun, p 96 ff. The motto of the society, Nullius in verba ("Relying on the words of no man"), was suggested by Evelyn. It is derived from Horace, Epistola I.

Or, as paraphrased by Pope :
Sworn to no master, of no sect am I ;
As drives the storm, at any door I knock,
And house with Montaigne now, or now with Locke.
(please add an English translation of this quotation)

take nobody's word for anything (literally: "in no one's word"): the motto of the Royal Society.


mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando

Literally, “one bird in the hand is worth more than two flying”.

lit

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (a small but certain advantage is preferable)

mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar


don't shit in your own nest

don't shit where you eat
don't shit where you eat#English

it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest


de longas vias, longas mentiras

long ways, long lies
long ways, long lies

long ways, long lies (people from far away can tell lies without fear of being contradicted)


mortos não falam

Literally, “the dead don't speak”, or more loosely translated as “the dead don't talk”.

dead men tell no tales
dead men tell no tales

dead men tell no tales (killing someone is the best way to keep them quiet)


head

mudam-se os tempos, mudam-se os costumes

other days, other ways
other days, other ways

other days, other ways (people of the past thought and acted differently)


cudze chwalicie, swego nie znacie

cudze chwalicie, swego nie znacie(, sami nie wiecie, co posiadacie)

/ˈt͡su.d͡zɛ xfalit͡ɕɛˌ ˈsfɛ.ɡɔ ɲɛ ˈzna.t͡ɕɛ/

Originated in the poem Wieś by Stanisław Jachowicz (1796–1857).

(idiomatic) one should know and value their own culture's or nation's achievements, instead of diminishing them


na terra dos cegos quem tem um olho é rei

/na ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡus ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.hɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡus ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈheɪ̯]

/na ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.χɐ du ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈχeɪ̯]

/na ˈtɛ.ʁa do ˈsɛ.ɡos ˈkẽj̃ ˈtẽj̃ ũ ˈo.ʎo ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[na ˈtɛ.ha do ˈsɛ.ɡos ˈkẽɪ̯̃ ˈtẽɪ̯̃ ũ ˈo.ʎo ˈɛ ˈheɪ̯]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁɐj]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁej]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ duʃ ˈsɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðuʃ ˈsɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe]

/nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ du ˈʃɛ.ɡuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe/

[nɐ ˈtɛ.ʁɐ ðu ˈʃɛ.ɣuʃ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈtɐ̃j̃ ũ ˈo.ʎu ˈɛ ˈʁe]

(Brazil) in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

em terra de cegos quem tem um olho é rei


這山望著那山高

ㄓㄜˋ ㄕㄢ ㄨㄤˋ ˙ㄓㄜ ㄋㄚˋ ㄕㄢ ㄍㄠ

чжэ шань ван чжэ на шань гао

/ʈ͡ʂɤ⁵¹ ʂän⁵⁵ wɑŋ⁵¹ ɖ͡ʐ̥ə¹ nä⁵¹ ʂän⁵⁵ kɑʊ̯⁵⁵/

/t͡sɛː³⁵ saːn⁵⁵ mɔːŋ²² t͡sœːk̚² naː¹³ saːn⁵⁵ kou̯⁵⁵/

the grass is always greener on the other side


przyganiał kocioł garnkowi

Literally, “[the] cauldron was scorning [the] pot”, an ellipsis of przyganiał kocioł garnkowi, a sam smoli.

ellipsis

the pot is calling the kettle black
pot calling the kettle black

(idiomatic) the pot is calling the kettle black


head

sùil airson sùla is fiacaill airson fiacla

an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth


scientia potentia est

From Latin scientia potentia est (“knowledge is power”).

bor

Knowledge is power; with knowledge or education, one's potential or abilities in life will certainly increase.


the law is a ass

the law is an ass
the law is an ass#English


nem tudo que reluz é ouro

all that glitters is not gold
all that glitters is not gold

all that glitters is not gold (things that appear valuable or worthwhile might not actually be so)


the law is an ass

Ere he shall lose an eye for such a trifle... For doing deeds of nature! I'm ashamed. The law is such an ass.

1654, attributed to George Chapman but probably Henry Glapthorne, Revenge for Honour:

"If the law supposes that," said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, "the law is a ass—a idiot."

1838, Charles Dickens, chapter 61, in Oliver Twist:

I'm not one of those who think the Law is an ass, no, there's a great deal of common sense in the Law of England.

1917, Henry De Vere Stacpoole, chapter 29, in The Man Who Lost Himself:

Mr Bell said: "The law is an ass. It is a shocking situation when a dangerous criminal can walk free by evading recapture for a month."

1994 May 14, James Cusick, “Loophole gives knifeman freedom”, in The Independent, UK, retrieved 2014-07-18:

[N]o matter the legal definitions that guided them, it seems impossible that someone’s young son, guilty of nothing, should die while his killer walks. Adages become such for a reason: The law is an ass.

2013 July 16, Kathleen Parker, “Unanswered questions in Trayvon Martin case”, in Washington Post, retrieved 2014-07-18:

The law, as created by legislators or as administered by the justice system, cannot be relied upon to be sensible or fair.

law cannot be trusted to be sensible or fair

зако́н — что ды́шло: куда́ повернёшь, туда́ и вы́шло (zakón — što dýšlo: kudá povernjóšʹ, tudá i výšlo) (law is like a shaft of the cart^ goes wherever you turn it)


oefening baart kunst

Literally, “practice bears (gives birth to) art”.

lit

practice makes perfect
practice makes perfect


nunca é tarde para aprender

you're never too old to learn
you're never too old to learn

you're never too old to learn (it is possible to learn new things at any age)


head

o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente

Literally, “what the eyes don't see the heart doesn't feel”.

lit

out of sight, out of mind
out of sight, out of mind

o que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente

out of sight, out of mind (something not nearby is forgotten)


vivendo e aprendendo

live and learn (one gains knowledge from living experiences)


en-proverb

En-us-one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb.oga

Referring to hanging as a former means of execution for one who had stolen an animal.

If one is going to commit a sin, it may as well be a major one as a minor one.

joka leikkiin ryhtyy, se leikin kestäköön

семь бед — оди́н отве́т (semʹ bed — odín otvét)

generally following this pattern: one may


o hábito não faz o monge

Literally, “the habit does not make the monk”.

lit

clothes don't make the man
clothes don't make the man


nunca é tarde para se aprender

nunca é tarde para aprender
nunca é tarde para aprender#Portuguese

Alternative form of nunca é tarde para aprender


filho de peixe, peixinho é

apple does not fall far from the tree
apple does not fall far from the tree

apple does not fall far from the tree (a child is similar to its parents)


o amor é cego

love is blind (a person can see no faults in the person he loves)


olho por olho, dente por dente

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (people who injure another have to be penalised in the same way)


head

o espírito está pronto, mas a carne é fraca

the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (achieving something is made impossible by frailty)


onde há fumo, há fogo

where there's smoke, there's fire
where there's smoke, there's fire

where there's smoke, there's fire (if there is telltale evidence of some event, the event is probably occurring)


os fins justificam os meios

the end justifies the means
the end justifies the means

the end justifies the means (morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary)


os cães ladram, mas a caravana passa

the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on
the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on

the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on (life goes on even if people try to stop progress)


time and tide tarry for no man

"But, however, time and tide tarry for no man, and so, my young friend, we'll have a snack here at the Hawes."

1816, Sir Walter Scott, chapter 1, in The Antiquary - Volume I:

time and tide wait for no man
time and tide wait for no man#English

Alternative form of time and tide wait for no man


take the cash and let the credit go

Some for the Glories of This World; and some / Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to come; / Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go, / Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!

1872, Omar Khayyam, translated by Edward FitzGerald, Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám:

"I will live my life, alone with the few people I find to my liking. I will take the cash and let the credit go."

1898, Henry Harland, “Merely Players”, in Comedies and Errors, page 52:

Why not "take the cash and let the credit go"? Why pursue the elusive theoretical "unification" any further, when what we daily get from our sciences is an increasing wealth of detailed information and of practical guidance?

1913, Josiah Royce, in Introduction to The Foundations of Science by Henri Poincaré, authorized translation by George Bruce Halsted, (text at Project Gutenberg)

[N]o religious teacher was ever more opposed than Buddha in his scheme of salvation to every form of postponement and procrastination. He would have his followers take the cash and let the credit go—though the cash in this case is not the immediate pleasure but the immediate peace.

1927, Irving Babbit, “Buddha and the Occident”, in On Literature, Cultures, and Religion, published 2006, →ISBN, page 251:

William Harding Johnson, $15,000-a-year superintendent of Chicago's school system, has been content to take the cash and let the credit go. He has made good money by co-authoring textbooks for Chicago's schools and from his tutoring school for teachers.

1946 January 28, “Education: Violator”, in Time, retrieved 2014-08-03:

"Take the cash and let the credit go," as Villon said in 1460. But that is a mistake if the cash is a penny and the credit a whole lifetime.

1977, Philip K. Dick, A Scanner Darkly (2011 edition), Author's Note (Google preview)

Exploit and enjoy the opportunities and pleasures available here and now and do not invest effort pursuing prospective future gratifications.

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush


perdido por cem, perdido por mil

in for a penny, in for a pound
in for a penny, in for a pound

in for a penny, in for a pound (expressing recognition that one must conclude something after having started it)


เสร็จศึกฆ่าขุนพล

th-proverb

เสร็จศึกฆ่าขุนพล

เสร็จศึกฆ่าขุนพล • (sèt-sʉ̀k-kâa-kǔn-pon)

เสร็จ (sèt) + ศึก (sʉ̀k) + ฆ่า (kâa) + ขุน (kǔn) + พล (pon). Literally "kill the generals after they complete their duties at war".

compound

(idiomatic) to harm, kill or oust a person after he finishes his work for you or is no longer of use to you.


la preuve du podîn ch'est dé l'gouôter

(Jersey) the proof of the pudding is in the eating


เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก

th-proverb

เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก • (lên-gàp-mǎa-mǎa-liia-bpàak)

/len˥˩.kap̚˨˩.maː˩˩˦.maː˩˩˦.lia̯˧.paːk̚˨˩/

From เล่น (lên, “to play”) + กับ (gàp, “with”) + หมา (mǎa, “dog”) + หมา (mǎa, “dog”) + เลีย (liia, “to lick”) + ปาก (bpàak, “mouth”), literally “play with a dog [and] the dog [will] lick [your] mouth”

com

play with a dog 􂀿and􂁀 the dog 􂀿will􂁀 lick 􂀿your􂁀 mouth

familiarity breeds contempt
familiarity breeds contempt

(sometimes derogatory and offensive) familiarity breeds contempt.

en-เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก-th-proverb-oQzACip6


th-proverb

เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก เล่นกับสากสากต่อยหัว • (lên-gàp-mǎa-mǎa-liia-bpàak lên-gàp-sàak-sàak-dtɔ̀i-hǔua)

/len˥˩.kap̚˨˩.maː˩˩˦.maː˩˩˦.lia̯˧.paːk̚˨˩.len˥˩.kap̚˨˩.saːk̚˨˩.saːk̚˨˩.tɔj˨˩.hua̯˩˩˦/

From เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก (lên-gàp-mǎa-mǎa-liia-bpàak) + เล่นกับสากสากต่อยหัว, literally “play with a dog and the dog will lick your mouth, play with a pestle and the pestle will hit your head”.

com

เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก

เล่นกับสากสากต่อยหัว

en-เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก_เล่นกับสากสากต่อยหัว-th-proverb-oQzACip6


เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก เล่นกับสากสากตีมือ

th-proverb

เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก เล่นกับสากสากตีมือ • (lên-gàp-mǎa-mǎa-liia-bpàak lên-gàp-sàak-sàak-dtii-mʉʉ)

/len˥˩.kap̚˨˩.maː˩˩˦.maː˩˩˦.lia̯˧.paːk̚˨˩.len˥˩.kap̚˨˩.saːk̚˨˩.saːk̚˨˩.tiː˧.mɯː˧/

From เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก (lên-gàp-mǎa-mǎa-liia-bpàak) + เล่นกับสากสากตีมือ, literally “play with a dog and the dog will lick your mouth, play with a pestle and the pestle will hit your hand”.

com

เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก

เล่นกับสากสากตีมือ

en-เล่นกับหมาหมาเลียปาก_เล่นกับสากสากตีมือ-th-proverb-oQzACip6


ไฟในอย่านำออก ไฟนอกอย่านำเข้า

th-proverb

ไฟในอย่านำออก ไฟนอกอย่านำเข้า • (fai-nai-yàa-nam-ɔ̀ɔk fai-nɔ̂ɔk-yàa-nam-kâo)

/faj˧.naj˧.jaː˨˩.nam˧.ʔɔːk̚˨˩.faj˧.nɔːk̚˥˩.jaː˨˩.nam˧.kʰaw˥˩/

From ไฟ (fai, “fire; flame”) + ใน (nai, “in; inner; internal; within”) + อย่า (yàa, “not”) + นำ (nam, “to bring; to take”) + ออก (ɔ̀ɔk, “out; outwards”) + ไฟ (fai, “fire; flame”) + นอก (nɔ̂ɔk, “out; outer; external”) + อย่า (yàa, “not”) + นำ (nam, “to bring; to take”) + เข้า (kâo, “to enter; in, into; etc”); literally "internal fire shall not be brought out, external fire shall not to be brought in".
Originating from a Buddhist story in the Dhammapada: When Lady Visākhā is about to marry, her father, Dhananjaya the Treasurer, gives her this admonition: "My child, as long as you dwell in your father-in-law's family, the in-door fire is not to be taken out of doors; out-door fire is not to be brought within doors." He later explains as follows: "Dear girl, if you notice any fault in your mother-in-law, or your father-in-law, or your husband, do not tell of it outside in some one else's house. There is no worse fire than this." And he adds that "If any of your neighbours, whether male or female, speak ill of your father-in-law, or of your husband, do not bring their talk home, and repeat it saying. For there is no fire comparable to this fire."

compound

(idiomatic) do not talk about your private family problems in public, and do not talk about negative public opinions concerning your family in your family, so as to maintain domestic peace.

en-ไฟในอย่านำออก_ไฟนอกอย่านำเข้า-th-proverb-Gv~721D0


รำไม่ดีโทษปี่โทษกลอง

th-proverb

รำไม่ดีโทษปี่โทษกลอง • (ram-mâi-dii-tôot-bpìi-tôot-glɔɔng)

/ram˧.maj˥˩.diː˧.tʰoːt̚˥˩.piː˨˩.tʰoːt̚˥˩.klɔːŋ˧/

From รำ (ram) + ไม่ (mâi) + ดี (dii) + โทษ (tôot) + ปี่ (bpìi) + โทษ (tôot) + กลอง (glɔɔng), literally "dance poorly and blame the orchestra" (more literally "dance poorly and blame flutes and drums").

com

a bad workman always blames his tools
a bad workman always blames his tools

(idiomatic) a bad workman always blames his tools (blame another person for one's own fault).

en-รำไม่ดีโทษปี่โทษกลอง-th-proverb-sTPg3kT9


head

cuando el gato no está los ratones están de fiesta

/ˌkwando el ˌɡato ˌno esˌta los raˌtones esˌtan de ˈfjesta/

[ˌkwãn̪.d̪o el ˌɣ̞a.t̪o ˌno esˌt̪a loz raˌt̪o.nes esˌt̪ãn̪ d̪e ˈfjes.t̪a]

when the cat's away the mice will play
when the cat's away the mice will play

cuando el gato no está, los ratones bailan

cuando el gato no está, los ratones hacen fiesta


ปลาเน่าตัวเดียวเหม็นทั้งข้อง

th-proverb

ปลาเน่าตัวเดียวเหม็นทั้งข้อง

ปลาเน่าตัวเดียวเหม็นทั้งข้อง • (bplaa-nâo-dtuua-diao-měn-táng-kɔ̂ng)

/plaː˧.naw˥˩.tua̯˧.dia̯w˧.men˩˩˦.tʰaŋ˦˥.kʰɔŋ˥˩/

ปลา (bplaa, “fish”) + เน่า (nâo, “putrid; rotten”) + ตัว (dtuua, “classifier”) + เดียว (diao, “one; single; sole”) + เหม็น (měn, “to give or cause to give bad smell”) + ทั้ง (táng, “all; with”) + ข้อง (kɔ̂ng, “fish basket”); literally "one rotten fish spoils the whole basket"; probably from or influenced by the following old stanza:
:: bplaa-ráa pan hɔ̀ɔ dûai · bai kaa
:: ai gɔ̂ɔ měn kaao bplaa · klá-klúng
:: kʉʉ kon mùu bpai hǎa · kóp pʉ̂ʉan paan naa
:: dâai dtɛ̀ɛ ráai ráai fúng · fʉ̂ʉang hâi sǐia pong
: The man who wraps putrid fish with sacrificial grass finds that the grass itself emits a fetid odor; even such is the case by association with a fool.

lang

ปลาร้าพันห่อด้วย

ปลาร้าพันห่อด้วย

ใบก็เหม็นคาวปลา

ใบก็เหม็นคาวปลา

คือคนหมู่ไปหา

คือคนหมู่ไปหา

คบเพื่อน พาลนา

คบเพื่อน พาลนา

ได้แต่ร้ายร้ายฟุ้ง

ได้แต่ร้ายร้ายฟุ้ง

เฟื่องให้เสียพงศ์

เฟื่องให้เสียพงศ์

(idiomatic) one bad person ruins the entire community; one bad person negatively influences everyone he comes into contact with; one bad person ruins everyone who associates with him.

en-ปลาเน่าตัวเดียวเหม็นทั้งข้อง-th-proverb-dXq42WRh


bé bằng củ khoai, cứ vai mà gọi

[ʔɓɛ˧˦ ʔɓaŋ˨˩ ku˧˩ xwaːj˧˧ kɨ˧˦ vaːj˧˧ maː˨˩ ɣɔj˧˨ʔ]

[ʔɓɛ˨˩˦ ʔɓaŋ˦˩ kʊw˧˨ kʰwaːj˧˧ kɨ˨˩˦ vaːj˧˧ maː˦˩ ɣɔj˨˩ʔ]

[ʔɓɛ˨˩˦ ʔɓaŋ˦˩ kʊw˧˨ xwaːj˧˧ kɨ˨˩˦ vaːj˧˧ maː˦˩ ɣɔj˨˩ʔ]

[ʔɓɛ˦˥ ʔɓaŋ˨˩ kʊw˨˩˦ kʰwaːj˧˧ kɨ˦˥ vaːj˧˧ maː˨˩ ɣɔj˨˩˨]

[ʔɓɛ˦˥ ʔɓaŋ˨˩ kʊw˨˩˦ xwaːj˧˧ kɨ˦˥ jaːj˧˧ maː˨˩ ɣɔj˨˩˨]

Literally, "small as a sweet potato, called by his rank". In Vietnam, people are traditionally referred to (including with honorifics like "grandfather" which superficially invoke age) based on their social rank, not their age, so a low-status old man may refer to a high-status child (who is as "small as a sweet potato") as "grandfather".

(Even if a person is only a child, he is addressed according to social rank.)

Even if a person is only a child; he is addressed according to social rank.; Even if a person is only a child; he is addressed according to social rank.


em Roma sê romano

when in Rome, do as the Romans do
when in Rome, do as the Romans do

when in Rome, do as the Romans do (behave as those around you do)


em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

Literally, “in (the) blacksmith's house, the skewer is (made) of wood”. Compare Spanish en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo (“in the blacksmith's house, wooden knife”).

cog

the shoemaker's children go barefoot
the shoemaker's children go barefoot


en-proverb

it's an ill wind that blows no one any good

it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good#English

Alternative form of it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good


it's an ill wind

Ellipsis of it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.


een ongeluk komt nooit alleen

Literally, “a mishap never comes alone”. Compare the same in German ein Unglück kommt selten allein.

when it rains, it pours
when it rains, it pours


een ongeluk komt zelden alleen

Literally, “a mishap seldom comes alone”. Compare German ein Unglück kommt selten allein.

lit

een ongeluk komt nooit alleen
een ongeluk komt nooit alleen#Dutch

Alternative form of een ongeluk komt nooit alleen


the fish rots from the head

Unknown. Found in the Adages of Erasmus as Piscis primum a capite foetet (“The fish stinks first from the head”).


onde há fumaça, há fogo

onde há fumo, há fogo
onde há fumo, há fogo#Portuguese

Brazilian Portuguese form of onde há fumo, há fogo


perdido por um, perdido por mil

perdido por cem, perdido por mil#Portuguese

Alternative form of perdido por cem, perdido por mil


no vinho a verdade

in vino veritas (one tells the truth under the influence of alcohol)


casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | isˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾu | isˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | esˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾu | esˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | iʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈχe(ɪ̯).ɾu | iʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈʁe(j).ɾu | eʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ d͡ʒi feˈχe(ɪ̯).ɾu | eʃˈpe.tu d͡ʒi ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.za de feˈʁe(j).ɾo | esˈpe.to de ˈpaw/

[ˈka.za de feˈhe(ɪ̯).ɾo | esˈpe.to de ˈpaʊ̯]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁɐj.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁɐj.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁej.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁej.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

/ˈka.zɐ dɨ fɨˈʁe.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu dɨ ˈpaw/

[ˈka.zɐ ðɨ fɨˈʁe.ɾu | (i)ʃˈpe.tu ðɨ ˈpaw]

em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau#Portuguese

Alternative form of em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau


失敗乃成功之母

ㄕ ㄅㄞˋ ㄋㄞˇ ㄔㄥˊ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄓ ㄇㄨˇ

шибай най чэнгун чжи му

/ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ paɪ̯⁵¹ naɪ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ ʈ͡ʂʰɤŋ³⁵ kʊŋ⁵⁵ ʈ͡ʂʐ̩⁵⁵ mu²¹⁴⁻²¹⁽⁴⁾/

/sɐt̚⁵ paːi̯²² naːi̯¹³ sɪŋ²¹ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡siː⁵⁵ mou̯¹³/


遠親不如近鄰

ㄩㄢˇ ㄑㄧㄣ ㄅㄨˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄧㄣˊ

юаньцинь бужу цзиньлинь

/ɥɛn²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕʰin⁵⁵ pu⁵¹ ʐu³⁵ t͡ɕin⁵¹ lin³⁵/

/jyːn¹³ t͡sʰɐn⁵⁵ pɐt̚⁵ jyː²¹ kɐn²² lɵn²¹/

/uan⁴¹⁻⁴⁴ t͡sʰin⁴⁴⁻³³ put̚³²⁻⁴ zu²³⁻³³ kin³³⁻²¹ lin²³/

/uan⁵⁵⁴⁻²⁴ t͡sʰin³³ put̚⁵⁻²⁴ lu²⁴⁻²² kun³³⁻²² lin²⁴/

Probably from an opera from the Yuan dynasty:
:
Compare English better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off (Proverbs 27:10b KJV).

noncog

Yuan dynasty, 秦簡夫, 《東堂老勸破家子弟》, 第四折

Qǐ bù wén yuǎnqīn hē bùsì wǒ jìnlín, wǒ zěn gǎn zuò de ge yǒu kǒu piān wú xìn.

豈不聞遠親呵不似我近鄰，我怎敢做的個有口偏無信。

Yuan dynasty, 秦簡夫, 《東堂老勸破家子弟》, 第四折

岂不闻远亲呵不似我近邻，我怎敢做的个有口偏无信。

Shi Nai'an, Water Margin, circa 14ᵗʰ century CE

Nǐ míngrì tǎnghuò zài qù zuò shí, dài le xiē qián zài shēnbiān, yě mǎi xiē jiǔshí yǔ tā huílǐ. Chángyán dào: ‘Yuǎnqīn bùrú jìnlín’, xiū yào shī le rénqíng.

你明日倘或再去做時，帶了些錢在身邊，也買些酒食與他回禮。常言道：『遠親不如近鄰』，休要失了人情。

你明日倘或再去做时，带了些钱在身边，也买些酒食与他回礼。常言道：『远亲不如近邻』，休要失了人情。

Nearby neighbours are better than distant cousins (because they can help and take care of each other).


nespręsk apie knygą iš viršelio

you can't judge a book by its cover
you can't judge a book by its cover

you can't judge a book by its cover (literally: don't decide about the book from the cover)


niin makaat kuin petaat

you make the bed you lie in
you make the bed you lie in

you've made your bed, now lie in it
you've made your bed, now lie in it

you make the bed you lie in, you've made your bed, now lie in it (one must accept the consequences of one's actions)


ahora que hay modo

make hay while the sun shines
make hay while the sun shines

strike while the iron is hot
strike while the iron is hot

make hay while the sun shines, strike while the iron is hot (act while an opportunity exists)


prevenir é melhor do que remediar

prevention is better than cure
prevention is better than cure


não existe almoço grátis

there's no such thing as a free lunch
there's no such thing as a free lunch

there's no such thing as a free lunch (everything has a cost)


quando em Roma, faça como os romanos

when in Rome, do as the Romans do (behave as those around do)


head

quando o gato sai, os ratos fazem a festa

when the cat's away the mice will play
when the cat's away the mice will play

when the cat's away the mice will play (in the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances)


quem ama, castiga

spare the rod and spoil the child
spare the rod and spoil the child

spare the rod and spoil the child (if one does not discipline a child he or she will never learn obedience)


quem ri por último ri melhor

he who laughs last laughs best
he who laughs last laughs best


quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades

sow the wind, reap the whirlwind
sow the wind, reap the whirlwind

sow the wind, reap the whirlwind (actions have consequences)


quem vê cara não vê coração

Literally, “those who see face don't see heart”.
Alternative translation: "those who look at one's face don't look into their heart".

lit

beauty is only skin deep
beauty is only skin deep

beauty is only skin deep (a person’s character is more important than their outward appearance)


quem não arrisca não petisca

Literally, “Those who do not take risks do not snack.”

lit

Letra "F", quem não arrisca não petisca. "Alô, é da casa da Francisca?"

1997, Gabriel O Pensador (lyrics and music), “2345meia78” (1:43 from the start), in Quebra-Cabeça, Rio de Janeiro: Chaos Recordings:

nothing ventured, nothing gained
nothing ventured, nothing gained

nothing ventured, nothing gained; no pain, no gain (if one takes no risks, one will not gain any benefits)


gach díograis go deireadh

blood is thicker than water
blood is thicker than water

is fearr beagán den ghaol ná mórán den charthanas


no vinho, a verdade

no vinho a verdade
no vinho a verdade#Portuguese

Alternative spelling of no vinho a verdade


não existe almoço de graça

não existe almoço grátis
não existe almoço grátis#Portuguese

Alternative form of não existe almoço grátis


head

gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść

/ɡd͡ʑɛ kuˈxa.rɛk ʂɛɕt͡ɕˌ tam ɲɛ ma t͡sɔ jɛɕt͡ɕ/

Literally, “where there are six (female) cooks, there is nothing to eat”.

lit

too many cooks spoil the broth
too many cooks spoil the broth

(idiomatic) too many cooks spoil the broth


kto sieje wiatr, zbiera burzę

Literally, “who sows the wind, reaps a storm”.

(idiomatic) sow the wind, reap the whirlwind


jak sobie pościelesz, tak się wyśpisz

/jak ˈsɔ.bjɛ pɔɕˈt͡ɕɛ.lɛʂ tak ɕɛ ˈvɘɕ.piʂ/

Literally, “you will sleep like you have made your bed”.

lit

as you sow, so shall you reap
as you sow, so shall you reap

(idiomatic) as you make your bed, so you must lie in it; as you sow, so shall you reap; success depends on foresight and preparation


kuć żelazo, póki gorące

(idiomatic) strike while the iron is hot (usually in the imperative)


jedna jaskółka wiosny nie czyni

/ˈjɛd.na jasˈkuw.ka ˈvjɔs.nɘ ɲɛ ˈt͡ʂɘ.ɲi/

Literally, “one swallow does not a spring make”.

one swallow does not a summer make
one swallow does not a summer make

(idiomatic) one swallow does not a summer make


pan na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie

/pan na zaɡˈrɔ.d͡ʑɛ ˈruv.nɘ vɔ.jɛˈvɔ.d͡ʑɛ/

Rhyme, literally, “[a] nobleman at [his] croft is equal to [a] voivode”.

m-g

􂀿a􂁀 nobleman at 􂀿his􂁀 croft is equal to 􂀿a􂁀 voivode

lit

szlachcic na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie#Polish

(derogatory, historical, idiomatic) Alternative form of szlachcic na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie


en-proverb

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade

You should always make the best out of difficult situations.

iṣnaʕ šarāban ḥallū min ḥāmiḍ laymūn al-ḥayāti

اِصْنَعْ شَرَابًا حَلُّوا مِنْ حَامِض لَيْمُون الْحَيَاةِ

iṣnaʕī šarāban ḥallū min ḥāmiḍ laymūn al-ḥayāti

اِصْنَعِي شَرَابًا حَلُّوا مِنْ حَامِض لَيْمُون الْحَيَاةِ

vaikeudet on käännettävä voitoksi (idiomatic translation)

kun elämä antaa sitruunoita, tee niistä mehua (literal translation)

quand la vie vous donne des citrons, faites de la citronnade

wenn das Leben dir eine Zitrone gibt, mach Limonade draus

wenn dir das Leben eine Zitrone gibt, mach Limonade draus

jab bhī jīvan mẽ muśkilẽ āẽ to unkā bhī lābh uṭhāẽ

जब भी जीवन में मुश्किलें आएँ तो उनका भी लाभ उठाएँ

quando la vita ti dà limoni, prepara una limonata

se la vita ti offre limoni, fai una limonata

禍転じて福と為す

わざわいてんじてふくとなす

災い転じて福となす

わざわいてんじてふくとなす

when life dey show you pepper, use am make pepper soup

gdy życie daje ci cytryny, zrób z nich lemoniadę

se a vida lhe der um limão, faça dele uma caipirinha

se a vida lhe der um limão, faça dele uma limonada

جب زندگی دیتا ہے، تو آپ لیمن نیبوڈ بناتے ہیں

whenever life gives you lemons, make lemonade


o mundo dá voltas

what goes around comes around
what goes around comes around

what goes around comes around (actions have consequences)


เสร็จนาฆ่าโคถึก

th-proverb

เสร็จนาฆ่าโคถึก • (sèt-naa-kâa-koo-tʉ̀k)

/set̚˨˩.naː˧.kʰaː˥˩.kʰoː˧.tʰɯk̚˨˩/

เสร็จ (sèt) + นา (naa) + ฆ่า (kâa) + โค (koo) + ถึก (tʉ̀k). Literally, "kill the cattle after they finish their works in the field".

compound

to harm, kill or oust a person after he finishes his work for you or is no longer of use to you.


hyökkäys on paras puolustus

attack is the best form of defence
attack is the best form of defence

attack is the best form of defence, attack is the best defence


kotini on linnani

a man's home is his castle
a man's home is his castle

an Englishman's home is his castle
an Englishman's home is his castle

a man's home is his castle, an Englishman's home is his castle


nie wszystko złoto, co się świeci

/ɲɛ ˈfʂɘs.tkɔ ˈzwɔ.tɔ t͡sɔ ɕɛ ˈɕfjɛ.t͡ɕi/

all that glitters is not gold
all that glitters is not gold

(idiomatic) all that glitters is not gold


the wheel turns

You have to accept that a new world pushes out the old. The wheel turns.

2010, Laurent Fignon, We Were Young and Carefree: The Autobiography of Laurent Fignon (trans. by William Fotheringham), Yellow Jersey Press (2010; original French version published 2009), page 64

"I'm sorry, Paul. I know you went through hell with her nonsense, and I don't know how you put up with so much for Sammy, but the wheel turns, mate. Keep cool and let me know what you plan to do."

2011, Angela Greg, Murder in the Lane, AuthorHouse, →ISBN, page 25:

Sherlock Holmes: There's going to be a bomb on a passenger jet. British and American governments know about it, but rather than expose the source of their information, they're going to let it happen. The plane will blow up. Coventry all over again. The wheel turns, nothing is ever new.

2012 January 1, Stephen Moffat, "A Scandal in Belgravia", episode 2-1 of Sherlock, 01:12:34-01:12:47

Time moves forward; circumstances change; life continues.


head

jeśli wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak i one

/ˈjɛɕ.li ˈvɛj.d͡ʑɛʂ ˈmjɛn.d͡zɘ ˈvrɔ.nɘ ˈmu.ɕiʂ ˈkra.kat͡ɕ jak i ˈɔ.nɛ/

Literally, “when you go among the crows, you must caw like them”.

lit

when in Rome, do as the Romans do
when in Rome, do as the Romans do

(idiomatic) when in Rome, do as the Romans do

jeżeli wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak i one

kiedy wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak i one

skoro wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak i one


head

diz-me com quem andas, dir-te-ei quem és

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtjɐj ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtjɐj ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtjej ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtjej ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

/ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ diɾˈtje ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ/

[ˈdiʒ.mɨ kõ ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɐ̃.dɐʒ ðiɾˈtje ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈɛʃ]

a man is known by the company he keeps
a man is known by the company he keeps


não há lugar como nosso lar

there's no place like home
there's no place like home

there's no place like home (one’s home is the best place)


o silêncio é ouro

silence is golden (often the best choice is to say nothing)


o sangue é mais grosso que a água

blood is thicker than water (family relations are more important)


konia kują, żaba nogę podstawia

/ˈkɔ.ɲa ˈku.jɔw̃ ˈʐa.ba ˈnɔ.ɡɛ pɔtˈsta.vja/

Literally, “horse is shod, frog extends a leg”.

lit

(idiomatic) of a situation whereby a person pretends to participate in accomplishing an important task, which is in fact done by others


sh-proverb

vidjela žaba gdje se konji kuju pa i ona digla nogu (Cyrillic spelling видјела жаба гдје се коњи кују па и она дигла ногу)

Literally "the frog saw how the horses were shod, so she also lifted up her foot".

One should know their own limitations and capacity and should not interfere in situations they do not know or understand.

vidjela žaba

...; shortened form, usually followed by

videla žaba gde se konji kuju pa i ona digla nogu


видјела жаба гдје се коњи кују па и она дигла ногу (Latin spelling vidjela žaba gdje se konji kuju pa i ona digla nogu)

en-видјела_жаба_гдје_се_коњи_кују_па_и_она_дигла_ногу-sh-proverb-2IkgRUao

видела жаба где се коњи кују па и она дигла ногу


não se pode julgar um livro pela capa

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ si ˈpɔ.d͡ʒi ʒuwˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ si ˈpɔ.d͡ʒi ʒuʊ̯ˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ se ˈpɔ.de ʒuwˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾo ˈpe.la ˈka.pa/

[ˈnɐ̃ʊ̯̃ se ˈpɔ.de ʒuʊ̯ˈɡa(ɾ) ũ ˈli.vɾo ˈpe.la ˈka.pa]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡaɾ ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣaɾ ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡaɾ ũ ˈli.bɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣaɾ ũ ˈli.βɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

/ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.dɨ ʒulˈɡa.ɾi ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ/

[ˈnɐ̃w̃ sɨ ˈpɔ.ðɨ ʒuɫˈɣa.ɾi ũ ˈli.vɾu ˈpe.lɐ ˈka.pɐ]

you can't judge a book by its cover
you can't judge a book by its cover

you can't judge a book by its cover (it is not possible to judge things by external appearances alone)


слышал звон, да не знает, где он

head

слы́шал зво́н, да не зна́ет, где о́н

слы́шал зво́н, да не зна́ет, где о́н • (slýšal zvón, da ne znájet, gde ón)

слы́шал зво́н (canonical)
да не зна́ет (canonical)
где о́н (canonical)
slýšal zvón (romanization)
da ne znájet (romanization)
gde ón (romanization)

[ˈsɫɨʂəɫ ˈzvon | ˈda nʲɪ‿ˈzna(j)ɪt | ˈɡdʲe ˈon]

Literally, “he heard the (bell) sound but doesn't know where it is”.

lit

(idiomatic) someone doesn't know what he is talking about

en-слышал_звон,_да_не_знает,_где_он-ru-proverb-pcaDuUdd


cel uświęca środki

the end justifies the means
the end justifies the means


uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras

a picture is worth a thousand words
a picture is worth a thousand words

a picture is worth a thousand words (visualisation is better than verbal description)

uma imagem vale mais do que mil palavras


sem dor, sem ganho

no pain, no gain (discomfort is necessary to achieve goals)


você colhe o que planta

you reap what you sow
you reap what you sow

you reap what you sow (actions have consequences)


head

uma imagem vale mais do que mil palavras

uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras#Portuguese

Alternative form of uma imagem vale mais que mil palavras


todos os caminhos levam a Roma

/ˈto.duz us kaˈmĩ.ɲuz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁõ.mɐ/

[ˈto.duz us kaˈmĩ.j̃uz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈhõ.mɐ]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kaˈmĩ.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁõ.mɐ/

[ˈto.duz uʃ kaˈmĩ.j̃uʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈχõ.mɐ]

/ˈto.doz os kaˈmi.ɲoz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ a ˈʁo.ma/

[ˈto.doz os kaˈmi.ɲoz ˈlɛ.vɐ̃ʊ̯̃ a ˈho.ma]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ/

[ˈto.ðuz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.vɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ]

/ˈto.duz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.bɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ/

[ˈto.ðuz uʃ kɐˈmi.ɲuʒ ˈlɛ.βɐ̃w̃ ɐ ˈʁo.mɐ]

Compound of todos + os + caminhos + levam + a + Roma.

com+

all roads lead to Rome
all roads lead to Rome

all roads lead to Rome (different paths to the same goal)


chytry dwa razy traci

buy cheap, buy twice
buy cheap, buy twice

(idiomatic) being very stingy does not lead to the highest gains in the long run. The English counterpart would be buy cheap, buy twice


man plans and God laughs

Things do not always work out as they are planned.

the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry


tudo fica bem quando acaba bem

all's well that ends well
all's well that ends well


head

uma viagem de mil milhas começa com um único passo

/ˈũ.mɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐs koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ viˈa.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈũ.mɐ ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ d͡ʒi ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ koˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈũ.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.ma viˈa.ʒẽj̃ de ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so/

[ˈu.ma vɪˈa.ʒẽɪ̯̃ de ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so]

/ˈu.ma ˈvja.ʒẽj̃ de ˈmiw ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so/

[ˈu.ma ˈvja.ʒẽɪ̯̃ de ˈmiʊ̯ ˈmi.ʎas koˈmɛ.sa kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ko ˈpa.so]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmil ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmiɫ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈbja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmil ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

[ˈu.mɐ ˈβja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmiɫ ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su]

/ˈu.mɐ ˈvja.ʒɐ̃j̃ dɨ ˈmi.li ˈmi.ʎɐʃ kuˈmɛ.sɐ kõ ũ ˈu.ni.ku ˈpa.su/

a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step


non semper Saturnalia erunt

/noːn ˈsem.per saː.turˈnaː.li.a ˈe.runt/

[noːn ˈs̠ɛmpɛr s̠äːt̪ʊrˈnäːlʲiä ˈɛrʊn̪t̪]

Literally, “it will not always be the Saturnalia”.

lit

dicebam vobis: non semper Saturnalia erunt.

c. 4 BCE – 65 CE, Seneca the Younger, Apocolocyntosis

I told you: the Saturnalia will not last forever.

all good things come to an end
all good things come to an end


אין עשן בלי אש

he-proverb

אֵין עָשָׁן בְּלִי אֵשׁ

אֵין עָשָׁן בְּלִי אֵשׁ • (ein ashán b'lí esh)

אֵין עָשָׁן בְּלִי אֵשׁ (canonical)
ein ashán b'lí esh (romanization)

Middle ages: via Aramaic [Term?] from Latin flamma fumo est proxima, from a play by Plautus, 2nd century B.C.E..

where there's smoke, there's fire
where there's smoke, there's fire

where there's smoke, there's fire, there is a real cause for ambiance and rumors (literally, "there is no smoke without fire")


quem tudo quer tudo perde

grasp all, lose all (one who wants everything, may lose it all)


三思而後行

ㄙㄢ ㄙ ㄦˊ ㄏㄡˋ ㄒㄧㄥˊ

ㄙㄢˋ ㄙ ㄦˊ ㄏㄡˋ ㄒㄧㄥˊ

саньсы эр хоусин

/sän⁵⁵ sz̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ xoʊ̯⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵/

/sän⁵¹ sz̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ xoʊ̯⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵/

/saːm³³ siː⁵⁵ jiː²¹ hɐu̯²² hɐŋ²¹/

/sam²¹⁻⁴¹ su⁴⁴ zi²³⁻³³ hiɤ³³⁻²¹ hiɪŋ²³/

/sam¹¹⁻⁵³ su⁴⁴ li²⁴⁻¹¹ hio³³⁻¹¹ hiɪŋ²⁴/

/sän⁵⁵ sz̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ xoʊ̯⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵/

/sän⁵¹ sz̩⁵⁵ ˀɤɻ³⁵ xoʊ̯⁵¹ ɕiŋ³⁵/

/saːm³³ siː⁵⁵ jiː²¹ hɐu̯²² hɐŋ²¹/

/sam²¹⁻⁴¹ su⁴⁴ zi²³⁻³³ hiɤ³³⁻²¹ hiɪŋ²³/

/sam¹¹⁻⁵³ su⁴⁴ li²⁴⁻¹¹ hio³³⁻¹¹ hiɪŋ²⁴/

Ji Wen thought thrice, and then acted. When the Master was informed of it, he said, "Twice may do."

The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version

Jì Wén Zǐ sānsī ér hòuxíng. Zǐ wén zhī, yuē: ‘Zài, sī kě yǐ.’

季文子三思而後行。子聞之，曰：『再，斯可矣。』

季文子三思而后行。子闻之，曰：『再，斯可矣。』

look before you leap
look before you leap


un clavo saca otro clavo

Literally, “one nail drives out another nail”.

lit

one nail drives out another
one nail drives out another


donde no hay harina todo es mohína

/ˌdonde ˌno ˌai aˌɾina ˌtodo ˌes moˈina/

[ˌd̪õn̪.d̪e ˌno ˌai̯ aˌɾi.na ˌt̪o.ð̞o ˌez moˈi.na]

poverty breeds discontent
poverty breeds discontent

when there is no flour, all is gloomy; poverty breeds discontent


tal pai, tal filho

like father, like son
like father, like son

like father, like son (a son will have traits similar to his father)


Rome wasn't burned in a day

Modification of Rome wasn't built in a day in reference to the Great Fire of Rome.

It takes a long time to destroy something complicated or impressive.


a palabras necias, oídos sordos

Literally, “to foolish words, deaf ears”.


de tal palo, tal astilla

Literally, “from such a stick, such a splinter”.

chip off the old block
chip off the old block


treat 'em mean to keep 'em keen

treat them mean, keep them keen
treat them mean, keep them keen#English

Alternative form of treat them mean, keep them keen.


head

co wolno wojewodzie, to nie tobie, smrodzie

/t͡sɔ ˈvɔl.nɔ vɔ.jɛˈvɔ.d͡ʑɛ tɔ ɲɛ ˈtɔ.bjɛ ˈsmrɔ.d͡ʑɛ/

Rhyme, literally, “what is allowed to the voivode isn't to you, you bum”, or more loosely translated as “what the voivode is allowed to do, you, you bum, are not”. Compare Latin quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi.

lit

- Rodzice oczekują od dzieci bezwzględnego posłuszeństwa, podczas gdy sami zachowują się źle - zauważa psycholog Anna Czerwińska. - A gdy czasem dzieci zwrócą im uwagę, to zwykle słyszą: „co wolno wojewodzie, to nie tobie smrodzie”. Jest coś groteskowego w zachowaniu rodzica wrzeszczącego na dziecko, żeby przestało wrzeszczeć, lub bijącego dziecko, aby przestał bić i kopać brata.

2001, Barbara Pajchert, Nie krzycz na mnie, tato:

"Parents expect unquestioning obedience from their children, whereas they themselves act poorly - psychologist Anna Czerwińska notes. - And sometimes when their children point this out to them, they usually hear in response "what I can do, you can't". There's something grotesque in the parent's behaviour by yelling at the child to stop yelling, or by hitting a child to stop them from hitting and kicking their brother.

Ty mi tu nie pyskuj! Co wolno wojewodzie to nie tobie, smrodzie. Jajo mędrsze od kury.

2013, Małgorzata Chaładus, Fantazja, →ISBN, page 166:

Don't you bark at me! What I can you, you can't. Think's he's smarter than me.

(derogatory, idiomatic) a person in position of authority is allowed to get away with more


um mal nunca vem só

misfortunes never come singly
misfortunes never come singly

misfortunes never come singly (unfortunate events occur in quantity)


diabeł tkwi w szczegółach

devil is in the details
devil is in the details


wszystko dobre, co się dobrze kończy

/ˈfʂɘs.tkɔ ˈdɔb.rɛ t͡sɔ ɕɛ ˈdɔb.ʐɛ ˈkɔɲ.t͡ʂɘ/

Calque of English all's well that ends well. from William Shakespeare's play of the sane name.


head

lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu

/ˈlɛp.ʂɘ ˈvru.bɛl ˈvɡar.ɕt͡ɕi ɲiʐ ˈɡɔ.wɔmb naˈda.xu/

Literally, “a sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon (or dove) on the roof”.

lit

(idiomatic) a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush


se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles

if you can't beat them, join them
if you can't beat them, join them

if you can't beat them, join them (if your adversaries are stronger than yourself, it is better to join them)

se você não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles


não há mal que não venha por bem

every cloud has a silver lining
every cloud has a silver lining

every cloud has a silver lining (in every bad situation there is an element of good)


אַ חזיר בלײַבט אַ חזיר

head

אַ חזיר בלײַבט אַ חזיר • (a khazer blaybt a khazer)

a leopard cannot change its spots
a leopard cannot change its spots

en-אַ_חזיר_בלײַבט_אַ_חזיר-yi-proverb-uze4DXPJ


don't keep a dog and bark yourself

Don't do anything you are paying a more qualified person to do.


燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんや

ja-pos

燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんや

えんじゃく いずくんぞ こうこく の こころざし を しらんや

燕(えん)雀(じゃく)安(いずく)んぞ鴻(こう)鵠(こく)の志(こころざし)を知(し)らんや • (enjaku izukunzo kōkoku no kokorozashi o shiran'ya)

燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんや (canonical)

From the 史記 (Shiki, “Records of the Grand Historian”).
Calque of Literary Chinese 燕雀安知鴻鵠志 (yànquè ān zhī hónghú zhì, literally “[[[small]] birds such as] swallows and sparrows cannot understand the aspirations of [[[large]] birds such as] swans”).

calque

[[􂀿small]] birds such as􂁀 swallows and sparrows cannot understand the aspirations of [[􂀿large]] birds such as􂁀 swans

an ordinary person cannot understand the ambitions of a great man

Daijirin
Daijisen
Records of the Grand Historian
ja:松村明


it's the thought that counts

I know the gift he gave you for your wedding is not worth much, but I hope you'll understand it's the thought that counts.

When giving someone a present or doing a favour for someone, the kindness behind the act is more important than any other consideration.

أهم شي النيّة

when giving someone a present or doing a favour for someone, the kindness is more important than any other consideration

有这份心思才是最重要的

yǒu zhè fèn xīnsī cái shì zuì zhòngyào de


head

the cobbler's children are the worst shod

One often neglects those closest to oneself.


千金の裘は一狐の腋に非ず

ja-pos

せんきん の きゅう は いっこ の えき に あらず

千(せん)金(きん)の裘(きゅう)は一(いっ)狐(こ)の腋(えき)に非(あら)ず • (senkin no kyū wa ikko no eki ni arazu)

千金の裘は一狐の腋に非ず (canonical)
senkin no kyū wa ikko no eki ni arazu (romanization)

Calque of Literary Chinese 千金之裘，非一狐之腋 (literally “an expensive fur garment is not done with the armpit of one fox”), from the Records of the Grand Historian.

calque

せんきんのきゅうはいっこのえきにあらず

To accomplish the governing of a country requires multiple great men.


don't change a winning team

if it ain't broke, don't fix it
if it ain't broke, don't fix it#English

Synonym of if it ain't broke, don't fix it


head

se você não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles

se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles#Portuguese

Alternative form of se não pode vencê-los, junte-se a eles


a história se repete

history repeats itself
history repeats itself


don't sweat the small stuff

(informal) One should not give in to petty problems; one should not worry about insignificant matters.


loose lips sink ships

Shortening of a wartime slogan from World War II.

Loose Lips Sink Ships, said the wartime poster. Of course the ships will all sink anyway, sooner or later.

2000, Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin, Anchor, published 2007, →ISBN, page 448:

‘Loose lips sink ships,’ she spat at Dad once, when they were arguing about Grandpa, but ‘loose lips killed our son.’

2014, Crystal Chan, Bird, Random House, →ISBN, page 59:

Saying too much or releasing confidential information can have dangerous consequences.

禍從口出

saying too much or releasing confidential information can have dangerous consequences

amsar seterxii ajagand caj büü xii, am sul xünd nuucaa büü delge

амсар сэтэрхий аяганд цай бүү хий, ам сул хүнд нууцаа бүү дэлгэ

болту́н — нахо́дка для шпио́на (boltún — naxódka dlja špióna, literally “a chatterbox is a treasure for a spy”)


procrastination is the thief of time

Jim: Have you started looking for a job yet?
Jane: Oh, that can wait till tomorrow.
Jim: Procrastination is the thief of time.

If one puts off doing what one ought to do, one will end up not having enough time to do it properly.


one man's trash is another man's treasure

One early use is in Hector Urquhart's Popular Tales of the West Highlands (1860s) where he wrote "one man's rubbish may be another's treasure".http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/60429/ddg#60472

What is useless to one person is valuable to another.

što dlja odnovo čeloveka musor, to dlja drugovo - sokrovišče

что для одного человека мусор, то для другого - сокровище

la basura de un hombre es el tesoro de otro

що для одного сміття, для іншого — скарб (ščo dlja odnoho smittja, dlja inšoho — skarb)


united we stand, divided we fall

People are more successful as a group than as individuals.

burunyog, dai kayang matanyog

people are more successful as a group than as individuals

分裂导致灭亡

tuánjié jiùshì lìliàng, fēnliè dǎozhì mièwáng

die Eintracht baut das Haus, die Zwietracht reißt es nieder

bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh


no guts, no glory

Suggesting the bloody conditions of warfare.

Success will not be achieved without hard work and struggle.


en-proverb

success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone

Success is achieved by hard work, not by merely wishing for it.


if at first you don't succeed

Shortened from if at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Persistence is important in the pursuit of success.


入家隨俗，入江隨曲

nhập gia tùy tục, nhập giang tùy khúc#Vietnamese

when in Rome, do as the Romans do
when in Rome, do as the Romans do

chữ Hán form of nhập gia tùy tục, nhập giang tùy khúc (“when in Rome, do as the Romans do”).


close only counts in horseshoes

close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

close only counts in horseshoes and darts

Coming close to achieving a goal is not good enough.


ver é crer

seeing is believing (if you see something, you will believe it)


às três é de vez

third time's a charm
third time's a charm

third time's a charm (one is sure to succeed on the third try)


eat, drink and be merry

A reference to Ecclesiastes 8:15: "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry".

And if you do not put the motto "Eat, drink, and be merry," above your dining-room door, fix it in your mind, and put it into practice. Laugh, talk, and crack jokes at the table, and thereby heal an injured body.

1879, “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry”, in University Chronicle, volume 10, page 101:

He says his motto is ' Let us eat, drink, and be merry.' Just so, young man : my motto is exactly the same as yours, ' Let us eat, drink, and be merry.'

1880, William Young Fullerton, Waymarks for wanderers: 5 addresses, page 122:

Life is not all bread and butter. It is not eat, drink and be merry. It is much more.

1995, V. R. Taneja, Educational Thought And Practice, →ISBN, page 28:

Our days here were spent visiting beaches and resting under huge parasols to hide from the sun and eat, drink and be merry while occasionally joining the children to bathe in the warm, grey sea.

2015, Adrian Breeden, Time Grooves and Travel Records, →ISBN, page 556:

Enjoy yourself; forget your cares; do not worry.

eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die


em Roma, como os romanos

quando em Roma, faça como os romanos#Portuguese

Alternative form of quando em Roma, faça como os romanos


quem não tem cão, caça como gato

Literally, “the one who does not own a dog, hunts like a cat”.

lit

quem não tem cão, caça com gato#Portuguese

Eggcorn of quem não tem cão, caça com gato.


oito ou oitenta

ou oito, ou oitenta
ou oito, ou oitenta#Portuguese


slow and steady wins the race

Originated from one of Aesop's Fables, The Tortoise and the Hare.

Patient work will eventually conquer any problem.

欲速则不达

yù sù zé bù dá

rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point

gdy się człowiek śpieszy, to się diabeł cieszy


nosił wilk razy kilka, ponieśli i wilka

/ˈnɔ.ɕiw ˈvilk ˈra.zɘ ˈkil.ka pɔˈɲɛɕ.li i ˈvil.ka/

Rhyme, literally, “[the] wolf carried a few times, [and eventually the] wolf got carried too”, a reference to the wolf stealing sheep or other livestock to eat a few times before it was killed and carried as a trophy by hunters.

m-g

􂀿the􂁀 wolf carried a few times, 􂀿and eventually the􂁀 wolf got carried too

lit

(idiomatic) one can get away with bad behaviour only a few times before it is noticed and punished


kropla drąży kamień

Literally, “[a] drop [of water] bores through stone”.

lit

kropla drąży skałę
kropla drąży skałę#Polish

(idiomatic) Alternative form of kropla drąży skałę


kropla drąży skałę

Literally, “[a] drop [of water] bores through rock”. Calque of Latin gutta cavat lapidem.

lit

slow and steady wins the race
slow and steady wins the race

(idiomatic) slow and steady wins the race (if you persevere in doing something long enough, the desired effect will eventually be achieved)


chose promise, chose due

LL-Q150 (fra)-Lepticed7-chose promise, chose due.wav

a promise is a promise
a promise is a promise


the heart wants what it wants

Who one falls in love with is not a rational or deliberate decision.


big things come in small packages

Things should not be underestimated because of their small size.


en-proverb

mess with the bull and you get the horns

when you mess with the bull, you get the horns#English

Synonym of when you mess with the bull, you get the horns


pressure makes diamonds

A situation where the pressure that a person is under makes them demonstrate their potential.


third time pays for all

third time's a charm
third time's a charm#English


if you can't do the time, don't do the crime

From do time (“to serve a prison sentence”).

One should not carry out an action if one is unwilling to handle the consequences.


orła wrona nie pokona

Rhyme, literally "a crow won't beat an eagle". A reference to Military Council of National Salvation, a military junta that ruled during the period of martial law in Poland, the initialism of which (WRON) was very similar to wrona (“crow”), and the Polish coat of arms, a white eagle.

(historical, idiomatic) anti-communist resistance will not be defeated by repressions and martial law


co nagle, to po diable

Rhyme, literally, “what [is done] suddenly, that [is done] the devil's [way]”. The part po diable is an archaic grammatical form.

m-g

what 􂀿is done􂁀 suddenly, that 􂀿is done􂁀 the devil's 􂀿way􂁀

lit

more haste, less speed
more haste, less speed

(idiomatic) haste makes waste; more haste, less speed; slow and steady wins the race


a mind is a terrible thing to waste

One should put one's mental faculties to good use.


נכנס יין יצא סוד

he-proverb

נִכְנַס יַיִן יָצָא סוֹד

נִכְנַס יַיִן יָצָא סוֹד • (nikhnas yayin yatsa' sod)

נִכְנַס יַיִן יָצָא סוֹד (canonical)
nikhnas yayin yatsa' sod (romanization)

Literally, "in goes wine, out comes secret". From the tendency of alcoholic beverages to make people more talkative, including when it comes to secrets. Furthermore, the gematria values of the Hebrew words for wine and secret are equal: 60 + 6 + 4 (סוד) = 10 + 10 + 50 (יין).


non omne quod nitet aurum est

nōn omne quod nitet aurum est (canonical)

[noːn ˈɔmnɛ kʷɔd̪ ˈnɪt̪ɛt̪ ˈäu̯rʊ̃ˑ ɛs̠t̪]

[nɔn ˈɔmne kwɔd̪ ˈniːt̪et̪ ˈäːu̯rum ɛst̪]

all that glitters is not gold
all that glitters is not gold


widziały gały, co brały

Literally, “[the] eyes saw what [they] were taking”.

lit

Proszę sobie wyobrazić: idzie pan do salonu Mercedesa. To firma godna zaufania. Kupuje pan samochód i jedzie pan do domu. Oczywiście podpisał pan umowę. Nagle się okazuje, że w tym samochodzie znajduje się silnik trabanta. Powie pan: „Widziały gały, co brały”?

2015, Adam Leszczyński, Cezary Kaźmierczak, “Banki są bezpieczne. A ty?”, in Gazeta Wyborcza:

Please imagine, you're going to a Mercedes dealership. This is a trustworthy company. You buy a car and you go home. Of course, you signed the agreement. Suddenly, it turns out that in this car there is a trabant's engine. You'd say: "you made this bed, now lie in it"?

(colloquial, idiomatic) people should not complain if their bad decision resulted in an outcome they do not like


en-proverb

En-us-fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.oga

After being tricked once, one should learn from one's mistakes and avoid being tricked in the same way another time.

لَا يُلْدَغُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنْ جُحْرٍ وَاحِدٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ (lā yuldaḡu l-muʔminu min juḥrin wāḥidin marratayni, literally “A believer is not bitten from the same hole twice.”)

qui me trompe une fois, honte à lui; qui me trompe deux fois, honte à moi

piège-moi une fois, honte sur toi, piège-moi deux fois, honte sur moi

Täusche mich einmal, Schande über dich; Täusche mich zweimal, Schande über mich

ha egyszer átversz, az a te szégyened. ha kétszer átversz, az már az enyém

یک بار گولم زدی، تو خجالت بکش. دوبار گولم بزنی من باید خجالت بکشم.

у́мный челове́к два́жды на одни́ и те же гра́бли не насту́пит (úmnyj čelovék dváždy na odní i te že grábli ne nastúpit, literally “a clever man won't step on the same rake twice”)

eşek bile bir düştüğü yere bir daha düşmez

fool me once, shame on thee; fool me twice, shame on me

as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly


what goes up must come down

(figurative) All trends will end; a rise (in the stock market, in a person's political or social influence, etc.) will be followed by a fall.

(figurative) Substance induced euphoria is followed by withdrawal (often used to describe stimulants though same applies to many other drugs).


ძაღლი ყეფს ქარავანი მიდის

head

ძაღლი ყეფს ქარავანი მიდის • (ʒaɣli q̇eps karavani midis)

ʒaɣli q̇eps karavani midis (romanization)

the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on
the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on

en-ძაღლი_ყეფს_ქარავანი_მიდის-ka-proverb-3pTQeWZg


გემოვნებაზე არ დაობენ

გემოვნებაზე არ დაობენ • (gemovnebaze ar daoben)

there's no accounting for taste
there's no accounting for taste

en-გემოვნებაზე_არ_დაობენ-ka-proverb-CBP90E9d


vaihtelu virkistää

variety is the spice of life
variety is the spice of life


no sleep for the wicked

no rest for the wicked
no rest for the wicked#English


handsome is that handsome does

handsome is as handsome does
handsome is as handsome does#English

Alternative form of handsome is as handsome does


რასაცა გასცემ შენია, რას არა დაკარგულია

რასაცა გასცემ შენია, რას არა დაკარგულია

რასაცა გასცემ შენია, რას არა დაკარგულია • (rasaca gascem šenia, ras ara daḳargulia)

rasaca gascem šenia (romanization)
ras ara daḳargulia (romanization)

Coined by Shota Rustaveli in his only poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin (verse 50). Literally translates as "That which you give away is yours, that which you don't is lost".

That which we give makes us richer, that which is hoarded is lost

Shota Rustaveli
The Knight in the Panther's Skin

en-რასაცა_გასცემ_შენია,_რას_არა_დაკარგულია-ka-proverb-vHt7C0-B


quem semeia ventos colhe tempestade

quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades#Portuguese

Alternative form of quem semeia ventos colhe tempestades


nie od razu Rzym zbudowano

Literally, “Rome was not built all at once”.

lit

Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day

(idiomatic) Rome wasn't built in a day (it takes a long time to create something complicated or impressive)


rir é o melhor remédio

laughter is the best medicine
laughter is the best medicine


o que conta é a intenção

it's the thought that counts
it's the thought that counts


head

há um chinelo velho para todo pé cansado

Literally, “There is an old slipper for every tired foot”.

lit

every Jack has his Jill
every Jack has his Jill


quem procura acha

seek and ye shall find
seek and ye shall find


notícia ruim chega rápido

no news is good news
no news is good news


toda boa ação tem sempre uma punição

no good deed goes unpunished
no good deed goes unpunished


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o que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente

o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente#Portuguese

Alternative form of o que os olhos não veem o coração não sente


a paciência é uma virtude

patience is a virtue
patience is a virtue


quanto maior a altura, maior a queda

Literally, “the greatest the height, the greatest the fall”.

lit

the bigger they are, the harder they fall


head

quanto mais as coisas mudam, mais elas ficam iguais

the more things change, the more they stay the same


uma mão lava a outra

you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours


o pior cego é aquele que não quer ver

Literally, “the worst blind people are those who do not want to see”.

lit

there are none so blind as those who will not see


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o tempo e a maré não esperam por ninguém

Literally, “time and tide wait for no one”.

lit

time and tide wait for no man
time and tide wait for no man


a cera sobeja queima a igreja

Literally, “the left-over wax burns the church”.

too many cooks spoil the broth
too many cooks spoil the broth


沐猴にして冠す

ja-pos

もっこう に して かんす

沐(もっ)猴(こう)にして冠(かん)す • (mokkō ni shite kansu)

沐猴にして冠す (canonical)
mokkō ni shite kansu (romanization)

Calque of Literary Chinese 沐猴而冠 (mùhóu'érguàn). Literally "monkey wear crown", as outwardly fine but inwardly lacking. From 史記.

calque

Being a person who is not suitable for the status.


uma desgraça nunca vem sozinha

/ˈũ.mɐ dezˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ dezˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒizˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒizˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ deʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ deʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒiʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.ɲɐ/

[ˈũ.mɐ d͡ʒiʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzĩ.j̃ɐ]

/ˈu.ma dezˈɡɾa.sa ˈnũ.ka ˈvẽj̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲa/

[ˈu.ma dezˈɡɾa.sa ˈnũ.ka ˈvẽɪ̯̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲa]

/ˈu.mɐ dɨʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ/

[ˈu.mɐ ðɨʒˈɣɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈvɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ]

/ˈu.mɐ dɨʒˈɡɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈbɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ/

[ˈu.mɐ ðɨʒˈɣɾa.sɐ ˈnũ.kɐ ˈβɐ̃j̃ ˌsɔˈzi.ɲɐ]

misfortunes never come singly
misfortunes never come singly


o céu é o limite

the sky is the limit
the sky is the limit


o homem é o lobo do homem

[u ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃ ˈɛ u ˈlo.bu du ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃]

[u ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃ ˈɛ u ˈlo.bu du ˈõ.mẽɪ̯̃]

man is a wolf to man
man is a wolf to man


a fome é o melhor tempero

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔɾ tẽˈpe.ɾu/

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔɾ tẽˈpe.ɾu/

/ɐ ˌfɔˈm‿ɛ u mɨˈʎɔ.ɾi tẽˈpe.ɾu/

Literally, “(the) hunger is the best seasoning”.

lit

hunger is a good sauce
hunger is a good sauce


filho de peixe sabe nadar

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(h)]

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(ɾ)]

[ˈfi.ʎu d͡ʒi ˈpe(ɪ̯).ʃi ˈsa.bi naˈda(χ)]

[ˈfi.ʎu ðɨ ˈpɐj.ʃɨ ˈsa.βɨ nɐˈðaɾ]

[ˈfi.ʎu ðɨ ˈpɐj.ʃɨ ˈsa.βɨ nɐˈðaɾ]

Literally, “a fish's son knows how to swim”.

like father, like son
like father, like son

like father, like son (a child will have traits similar to its parents)


assim como vem, vai

easy come, easy go (something that is easily won can be easily lost)


ações falam mais alto que palavras

actions speak louder than words
actions speak louder than words

actions speak louder than words (it’s more effective to act than to speak)


vassoura nova varre bem

a new broom sweeps clean
a new broom sweeps clean

a new broom sweeps clean (new management will often make radical changes)


águas passadas não movem moinhos

Literally, “bygone waters move no mills”

let bygones be bygones
let bygones be bygones

let bygones be bygones (past offences should be disregarded)


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uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco

(Brazil) a chain is only as strong as its weakest link

uma corrente é tão forte quanto o seu elo mais fraco


você pode levar um cavalo até a água, mas não pode fazê-lo beber

you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink (you can show someone how to do something, but you can't make them do it)


toda regra tem exceção

there is an exception to every rule
there is an exception to every rule

(Brazil) there is an exception to every rule (every rule has an exception)


muita cera queima a igreja

Literally, “too much wax burns the church”.


quem não ajuda, não atrapalha

Literally, “those who don’t help, don’t disturb”.

people should only try to help if they can really help, rather than risk being a disturbance


head

quem nunca pecou que atire a primeira pedra

let him who is without sin cast the first stone (only those who are faultless have the right to pass judgement on others)


quem vive pela espada, morre pela espada

live by the sword, die by the sword
live by the sword, die by the sword

live by the sword, die by the sword (one who uses violence can expect a violent response)


não há fumaça sem fogo

no smoke without fire
no smoke without fire

no smoke without fire (gossip or accusations are often substantiated by fact)


papagaio velho não aprende a falar

you can't teach an old dog new tricks
you can't teach an old dog new tricks


במקום שאין אנשים השתדל להיות איש

he-proverb

בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ. • (b'maqóm she'éin 'anashím, hishtadél lihyót 'ísh)

בְּ מָקוֹם שֶׁ אֵין אֲנָשִׁים (canonical)
הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ . (canonical)
b'maqóm she'éin 'anashím (romanization)
hishtadél lihyót 'ísh (romanization)

From the Mishnah, Seder Nezikin, Pirkei Avot Chapter 2:5. Literally “In a place where there are no men, try to be a man.” That is, where there are no good or worthy people a person should strive to be one.

A person should strive to be good in a place where others are not.

en-במקום_שאין_אנשים_השתדל_להיות_איש-he-proverb-YSPVKJTk


uderz w stół, a nożyce się odezwą

/ˈu.dɛʂ ˈfstuw a.nɔˈʐɘ.t͡sɛ.ɕɛ ɔˈdɛ.zvɔw̃/

Literally, “hit [the] table and [the] scissors will speak up”. Originates from tables with drawers used by tailors. Hitting the table would cause the scissors to make a sound even if they were put away in the drawers, thereby making it easy to locate them.

m-g

hit 􂀿the􂁀 table and 􂀿the􂁀 scissors will speak up

lit

a hit dog will holler
a hit dog will holler

(idiomatic) a hit dog will holler (if someone loudly complains about a statement, it is because the statement applies to them)


a esperança é a última que morre

Literally, “hope is the last one to die”.

hope springs eternal
hope springs eternal

hope springs eternal (one should never lose hope)


não há regra sem exceção

toda regra tem exceção
toda regra tem exceção#Portuguese


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uma corrente é tão forte quanto o seu elo mais fraco

uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco#Portuguese

Alternative form of uma corrente é tão forte quanto seu elo mais fraco


toda regra tem uma exceção

(Brazil) Alternative form of toda regra tem exceção


traue keiner Statistik, die du nicht selbst gefälscht hast

Unknown. Literally, “do not believe any statistic that you haven't forged yourself”. While commonly attributed to Winston Churchill, there is no proof and the proverb is completely unheard of in the English-speaking world. It was later hypothesized that the mistaken attribution was intentionally created as Nazi propaganda to discredit Churchill. The first use of this proverb is attested in 1946.

lit

always take statistics with a grain of salt


小別勝新婚

ㄒㄧㄠˇ ㄅㄧㄝˊ ㄕㄥˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄏㄨㄣ

сяобе шэн синьхунь

/ɕi̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ pi̯ɛ³⁵ ʂɤŋ⁵¹ ɕin⁵⁵ xu̯ən⁵⁵/

/siːu̯³⁵ piːt̚² sɪŋ³³ sɐn⁵⁵ fɐn⁵⁵/

/siːu̯³⁵ piːt̚² sɪŋ³³ sɐn⁵⁵ fɐn⁵⁵/

absence makes the heart grow fonder
absence makes the heart grow fonder

absence makes the heart grow fonder (said of married couples)


at kveldi skal dag leyfa

At (“at”) + kveldi (“the evening, the quelling (of day)”) + skal (“shall”) + dag (“day”) + leyfa (“be praised”).

don't assume something will go well until it has gone well; don't count your chickens before they hatch


parempi laiha sopu kuin lihava riita

It's often wiser to conclude an agreement that reasonably serves one's interests than to continue quarreling.


kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje

/ktɔ ˈra.nɔ ˈfsta.jɛ ˈtɛ.mu pan ˈbuɡ ˈda.jɛ/

Rhyme, literally, “to whom wakes up early, the Lord provides”. Compare Russian кто ра́но встаёт, тому́ бог подаёт (kto ráno vstajót, tomú bog podajót).

cog

кто ра́но встаёт, тому́ бог подаёт

the early bird gets the worm
the early bird gets the worm

(idiomatic) early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise, the early bird gets the worm


גם אויל מחריש חכם יחשב

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גַּם אֱוִיל מַחֲרִישׁ חָכָם יֵחָשֵׁב

גַּם אֱוִיל מַחֲרִישׁ חָכָם יֵחָשֵׁב • (gám evíl mákhrish khakhám yekhashév)

גַּם אֱוִיל מַחֲרִישׁ חָכָם יֵחָשֵׁב (canonical)
gám evíl mákhrish khakhám yekhashév (romanization)

From the Proverbs he:T:28 (with translation of the New International Version) “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”

Even fools seem wise when quiet. That is, sometimes it is good to keep quiet in order to not expose one's stupidity.

en-גם_אויל_מחריש_חכם_יחשב-he-proverb-8CmGXhuy

גַּם אֱוִיל מַחֲרִישׁ חָכָם יֵחָשֵׁב אֹטֵם שְׂפָתָיו נָבוֹן


ao vencedor, os despojos

to the victor go the spoils
to the victor go the spoils

to the victor go the spoils (the winner of a conflict wins additional benefits)


cada qual com seu cada qual

to each his own (everyone is entitled to their personal preferences)


dinheiro não compra felicidade

money can't buy happiness
money can't buy happiness

money can't buy happiness (wealth does not equal happiness)


a fé move montanhas

/a ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vi mõˈtɐ̃.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vɨ mõˈtɐ.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.vɨ mõˈtɐ.ɲɐʃ/

/ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.bɨ mõˈta.ɲɐʃ/

[ɐ ˈfɛ ˈmɔ.βɨ mõˈta.ɲɐʃ]

faith will move mountains
faith will move mountains


a união faz a força

many hands make light work
many hands make light work

many hands make light work (a large number of people cooperating can perform tasks easily)


沉默是金

ㄔㄣˊ ㄇㄛˋ ㄕˋ ㄐㄧㄣ

чэньмо ши цзинь

/ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵ mu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm²¹ mɐk̚² siː²² kɐm⁵⁵/

/ʈ͡ʂʰən³⁵ mu̯ɔ⁵¹⁻⁵³ ʂʐ̩⁵¹ t͡ɕin⁵⁵/

/t͡sʰɐm²¹ mɐk̚² siː²² kɐm⁵⁵/


honey catches more flies than vinegar

you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar#English

Synonym of you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar


quem espera sempre alcança

good things come to those who wait
good things come to those who wait


o tempo cura tudo

time heals all wounds
time heals all wounds

time heals all wounds (negative feelings eventually fade away)


nomen est omen

→ Finnish: nimi on enne (calque) (name is a sign)

→ Polish: nomen omen

The origin of this saying is attributed to the Roman playwright Plautus. In his play “Persa” the slave Toxilus lures his owner, Dordalus, to buy an expensive slave-girl named Lucris (“profits”), saying, “Nōmen atque ōmen quantīvīs iam est pretī” (“The name and the omen are worth any price”).

The name is a sign, the name speaks for itself.


pedra que rola não cria limo

a rolling stone gathers no moss
a rolling stone gathers no moss


tudo que vai volta

what goes around comes around
what goes around comes around

what goes around comes around (actions have consequences)


vingança é um prato que se come frio

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾi.u/

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾiw/

[vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu ki si ˈkõ.mi ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾi.u/

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾiw/

[vĩˈɡɐ̃.sa ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.to ke se ˈko.me ˈfɾiʊ̯]

/vĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈkɔ.mɨ ˈfɾi.u/

/bĩˈɡɐ̃.sɐ ˈɛ ũ ˈpɾa.tu kɨ sɨ ˈkɔ.mɨ ˈfɾi.u/

Literally, “revenge is a dish that is eaten cold”.
See also French la vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid.

cog

revenge is a dish best served cold
revenge is a dish best served cold

(Brazil) revenge is a dish best served cold (emotional detachment is preferable when taking revenge)


鳥盡弓藏

ㄋㄧㄠˇ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄘㄤˊ

няоцзиньгунцан

/ni̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕin⁵¹ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɑŋ³⁵/

/niːu̯¹³ t͡sɵn²² kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːŋ²¹/

/ni̯ɑʊ̯²¹⁴⁻²¹ t͡ɕin⁵¹ kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɑŋ³⁵/

/niːu̯¹³ t͡sɵn²² kʊŋ⁵⁵ t͡sʰɔːŋ²¹/

to cast somebody or something aside when the purpose has been served


de gustibus non disputandum est

Denne ytring kan være et udtryk for en velfunderet, personlig afsky for Wagner, og noget sådant må man naturligvis bøje sig for; de gustibus non disputandum est.

This utterance may be an expression of a well-founded, personal disdain for Wagner, and to such things, one must, of course, acquiesce; de gustibus non disputandum est.

De gustibus non disputandum est, sagde Hertugen ligeledes leende ...

1904, Romaner: Stillelivs-folk - Poet og junker:

De gustibus non disputandum est, said the duke, also laughing ...

... til arkitekturen i de forskellige bygninger må denne stå for forfatterens regning - de gustibus non disputandum est.

1962, Meddelelser fra Akademisk architektforening:

De gustibus non disputandum est, men smagen er derfor ikke mindre et udslag af karakteren, ...

1886, Claes Annerstedt, Oscar Montelius, Nordisk tidskrift för vetenskap, konst och industri:

De gustibus non disputandum est, but taste is nonetheless a product of character, ...

de gustibus non est disputandum
de gustibus non est disputandum#Danish

Alternative form of de gustibus non est disputandum


cada qual com o seu cada qual

cada qual com seu cada qual
cada qual com seu cada qual#Portuguese

Alternative form of cada qual com seu cada qual


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if you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything

This phrase was coined by economist Ronald Coase. A closely related sentence had been published in Alfred Sauvy's book L'Opinion publique (The public opinion, éd. Presses universitaires de France, coll. « Que sais-je ? », 1961, p. 100):
The figures are innocent people who, under solicitation, under torture, very quickly confess what is asked of them, even if it means retracting later. (Les chiffres sont des innocents qui, sous la sollicitation, sous la torture, avouent très vite ce qu'on leur demande, quitte à se rétracter plus tard.)

Statistics can be manipulated to support any conclusion.


o gustach się nie dyskutuje

A translation of Latin de gustibus non est disputandum.

there's no accounting for taste
there's no accounting for taste

(idiomatic) there's no accounting for taste


it's not the meat, it's the motion

Richard's hands are on her hips and he's poking once in a while but he isn't as big as she'd have thought but then again it's not the meat it's the motion that makes your baby want to rock...

2003, Trey Ellis, Platitudes: & the New Black Aesthetic, →ISBN, page 103:

it ain't the meat, it's the motion#English

Alternative form of it ain't the meat, it's the motion (size doesn't matter as much as technique)

it ain't the meat

There's a book of simple answers for that: The Codes. But you miss the context. It's not the meat, it's the motion. It's the way they reason.

2005, Jonathan Rosen, Joy Comes in the Morning: A Novel, →ISBN:

(more generally) Alternative form of it ain't the meat, it's the motion (actions matter more than tools)


it ain't the meat, it's the motion

From the song It Ain't the Meat (it's the Motion) by Lois Mann and Henry Glover, written in 1951 and recorded by The Swallows. Often mistakenly attributed to Maria Muldaur, who sang a cover of the song on her 1974 album Waitress In The Donut Shop.

It ain't the meat it's the motion/That makes your daddy want to rock/It ain't the meat it's the motion/It's the movement it ain't the stock.

1951, Lois Mann, Henry Glover, It Ain't the Meat (It's the Motion):

We girls know the truth in that old song “It Ain't the Meat, It's the Motion,” but no matter how confident a man is, he secretly believes that the motion just isn't enough.

1999, Anonymous Too, Monica Lewinsky's Guide to Dating, →ISBN, page 63:

'What that they say, girl: it ain't the meat it's the motion?' 'They lie.' And I go and kiss his cock as it rests half soft on his thigh.

2006, Mo Foster, A blues for Shindig, page 53:

(slang, somewhat vulgar) When it comes to sexual satisfaction, the size of the penis does not matter, but technique during intimacy does.

it's not the size of the ship, it's the motion of the ocean

When the engineer was asked by other clients, "Can you make the drums sound like Bonham?," he simply smiled and said, "Sure! Just play like 'im!" So lesson number one is that it ain't the meat, it's the motion, to paraphrase the old blues tune.

1985, Sonic Options Network, Option, page 15:

By focusing on the medium rather than the message, the pottery rather than the pattern, the typeface rather than the tale, philosophers who claim that something ineffable about carbon's chemistry is indispensable for consciousness miss the boat. As Daniel Dennett once wittily remarked in a rejoinder to John Searle's tiresome "right-stuff" refrain, "It ain't the meat, it's the motion."

2008, Douglas R. Hofstadter, I Am a Strange Loop, →ISBN, page 195:

So it ain't the meat, it's the motion. That said, we all like new tools and cool gear.

2009, Derek Pell, Shoot to Thrill: A Hard-Boiled Guide to Digital Photography, →ISBN:

(more generally) The tools that one uses to accomplish a goal are not as important as what one does with them.


aller guten Dinge sind drei

/ˈalɐ ˈɡuːtən ˈdɪŋə zɪnt dʁaɪ̯/

Literally, “of all good things there are three”, suggestive inter alia of the Trinity.

lit

In meinem Leben hat mir das noch niemand gesagt. Noch eins, Herr Just; aller guten Dinge sind drei!

1767, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, 1. Akt, 2. Szene:

No one has ever told me this in my life. One more thing, Mr. Just; all good things come in threes!

third time's a charm
third time's a charm

alle guten Dinge sind drei

due to incomprehension of the archaic genitive construction

third time's a charm; but more general; used as a lighthearted justification for doing something a third time, for including a third person, for taking a third drink, etc.


only Nixon can go to China

only Nixon could go to China
only Nixon could go to China#English

Alternative form of only Nixon could go to China


shallow brooks are noisy

To the contrary, psychiatrists know well the truth of the old proverbs "Shallow brooks are noisy" and "Still waters run deep." We must not assume that someone whose feelings are modulated and controlled is not a passionate person.

2002, M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition, →ISBN, page 156:

Shallow brooks are noisy; deep waters are smooth. Depend upon it, when a man is deeply and strongly impressed with the truth of his own convictions, he is in no way tempted to rail at his neighbour.

1861, Reginald Neale Shutte, A Memoir of the Late Rev. Henry Newland, M.A, page 149:

My mother called me and asked, "Can you tell me the meaning of this, son. The deep river moves with silent majesty, but shallow brooks are noisy?"

2014, Student vs IAS T20: love is god and mercy divine, →ISBN:

People who do not consider things deeply often chatter or talk a lot.


head

/ˌɑls də ˈkɑt fɑn ˈɦœy̯s ɪs ˈdɑn.sə(n)də ˈmœy̯.zə(n)ɔp ˈtaː.fəl/

Nl-als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel.ogg

Literally, “when the cat is not at home, the mice dance on the table”. Compare the same in German wenn die Katze aus dem Haus ist, tanzen die Mäuse auf dem Tisch.

cog

when the cat's away the mice will play
when the cat's away the mice will play


kuj železo, dokud je žhavé

strike while the iron is hot
strike while the iron is hot


head

czego oczy nie widzą, tego sercu nie żal

/ˈt͡ʂɛ.ɡɔ ˈɔ.t͡ʂɘ ɲɛ ˈvi.d͡zɔw̃ ˈtɛ.ɡɔ ˈsɛr.t͡su ɲɛ ˈʐal/

Literally, “what the eyes do not see, the heart does not regret.”

lit

what you don't know can't hurt you
what you don't know can't hurt you

(idiomatic) what you don't know can't hurt you (people are not negatively affected by unpleasant facts if they do not know them)


head

wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet weerd

/ʋi(ɦ)ət ˈklɛi̯nə nit ˈeːrt ɪs(ɦ)ət ˈɣroːtə nit ˈʋeːrt/

Literally, “who does not honour small things, is not worthy of great things”. The word weerd is a southern Dutch variant of waard (“worth”). Compare the similar German proverb wer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des Talers nicht wert (“who does not honour the penny, is not worthy of the dollar”).

lit

small or seemingly insignificant things also deserve appreciation


o homem põe e Deus dispõe

man proposes, God disposes
man proposes, God disposes

man proposes, God disposes (things don’t always work out as planned)


head

die een wijf trouwt om het schoon lijf, verliest het lijf en houdt het wijf

Coined by the 17th century Brabantian Jesuit poet Adriaan Poirters, who wrote the verses:
Important to note is that divorce is prohibited to Catholics, and that wijf, which is now considered derogatory, was a largely neutral term at the time when this poem was written.

in choosing a marriage partner, factors such as character are more important than looks

wie een wijf trouwt om het schoon lijf, verliest het lijf en houdt het wijf


על ראש הגנב בוער הכובע

he-proverb

עַל רֹאשׁ הַגַּנָּב בּוֹעֵר הַכּוֹבַע

עַל רֹאשׁ הַגַּנָּב בּוֹעֵר הַכּוֹבַע • (al rosh ha-ganáv bo'ér ha-kóva)

עַל רֹאשׁ הַ גַּנָּב בּוֹעֵר הַ כּוֹבַע (canonical)
al rosh ha-ganáv bo'ér ha-kóva (romanization)

Based on a folk story that goes as follows: A number of people that were suspect of theft were brought in front of a judge. The judge trickily said: "It is simple to know who the thief is, since their hat is burning." The thief reached out to check their hat, and so was caught. The story was common in Arab states and among the Persian Jews. Compare with Yiddish אויפֿן גנבֿ ברענט דאָס היטל (oyfn ganev brent dos hitl). Compare with Russian на воре шапка горит (na vore šapka gorit).

cog

אויפֿן גנבֿ ברענט דאָס היטל

на воре шапка горит

A person who does bad is aware of the wrongness in their actions, and therefore will show signs. (Literally "on the head of the thief the hat burns.")

en-על_ראש_הגנב_בוער_הכובע-he-proverb-CDHxSSj3


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em terra de cego, quem tem um olho é rei

Literally, “in the land of the blind, he who has one eye is king”.

lit

in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king (when most people have no talent or ability at all, the one person with mild skills stands out)


if you pay bananas, you get monkeys

if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys#English

Synonym of if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys


nosce te ipsum

[ˈnoːs̠kɛ t̪eː ˈɪps̠ʊ̃ˑ]

Calque of Ancient Greek γνῶθι σεαυτόν (gnôthi seautón), one of the Delphic maxims.

calque

γνῶθι σεαυτόν

know thyself (be aware of both your strengths and limitations)


head

si entre burros te ves, rebuzna alguna vez

Literally, “If you find yourself amongst donkeys, bray a few times”

lit

when in Rome, do as the Romans do
when in Rome, do as the Romans do


head

jeśli nie wiadomo, o co chodzi, to chodzi o pieniądze

/ˈjɛɕ.li ɲɛ vjaˈdɔ.mɔ ɔ t͡sɔ ˈxɔ.d͡ʑi tɔ ˈxɔ.d͡ʑi ɔ pjɛˈɲɔn.d͡zɛ/

Literally, “if you have no idea what something is about, then it is about the money”.

lit

(idiomatic) if a person or organization acts in a puzzling manner, they probably have a hidden financial motivation


quem ama o feio, bonito lhe parece

Literally, “who loves the ugly, beautiful to him/her he/she seems”, or more loosely translated as “whoever loves the ugly one, he/she appears pretty to him/her”.

lit

the judgement of someone's loved ones is biased, they are going to find qualities in him/her where there are none


the longest pole knocks the persimmon

Every official in Morocco from the Sultan down is for sale, and it is a case where the longest pole knocks the persimmon.

1905, The Rosary Magazine, volume 26, page 517:

(US, especially Southern US, dated) Whoever has the most advantages has the best chance of success.


a casa de um homem é o seu castelo

a man's home is his castle
a man's home is his castle


呉牛喘月

呉牛喘月 (canonical)
gogyūzengetsu (romanization)

Yojijukugo (四字熟語), borrowed from Literary Chinese 吳牛喘月 (Wú niú chuǎnyuè).

呉牛月に喘ぐ 呉牛月に喘ぐ#Japanese


呉牛月に喘ぐ

ja-pos

ごぎゅう つき に あえぐ

呉(ご)牛(ぎゅう)月(つき)に喘(あえ)ぐ • (gogyū tsuki ni aegu)

呉牛月に喘ぐ (canonical)
gogyū tsuki ni aegu (romanization)

Calque of Literary Chinese 吳牛喘月 (Wú niú chuǎnyuè). Literally "water buffalo from Wu (East China) pants at the moon", as if the moon were a hot sun.
From 《世說新語·言語》／《世说新语·言语》:
:
Also, this idiom is believed to be taken from a lost volume of a much earlier work 《風俗通義》／《风俗通义》 (cited by 《太平御覽》)

calque

The minister is a like a water buffalo from Wu seeing the moon and breathing heavily.

Liu Yiqing (editor), A New Account of the Tales of the World, 5ᵗʰ century CE

臣猶吳牛，見月而喘。

臣犹吴牛，见月而喘。

A buffalo from Wu pants at the moon. It has been worked harshly under the sun, and it becomes frightened when seeing the moon, thereby pants.

Wú niú wàng yuè zé chuǎn; shǐ zhī kǔyú rì, jiàn yuè bù, chuǎn yǐ!

吳牛望月則喘；使之苦於日，見月怖，喘矣！

吴牛望月则喘；使之苦于日，见月怖，喘矣！

呉牛喘月

呉牛喘月 ごぎゅうぜんげつ


every dog must have its day

every dog has its day
every dog has its day#English

Alternative form of every dog has its day


every dog has his day

cæsar [...] Yes, Rufio: I am an old man—worn out now—true, quite true. [...] Well, every dog has his day; and I have had mine: I cannot complain.

1898, [George] Bernard Shaw, “Cæsar and Cleopatra”, in Three Plays for Puritans: The Devil’s Disciple, Cæsar and Cleopatra, & Captain Brassbound’s Conversion, London: Grant Richards, […], published 1901, →OCLC, Act III, page 153:


tudo que é bom acaba

all good things come to an end
all good things come to an end


na guerra e no amor vale tudo

all's fair in love and war
all's fair in love and war

all's fair in love and war (unpleasant conduct is acceptable during love and conflict)