Glossary
A
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking they are more expert than they really are.
He read one article about first aid and tried to treat a broken arm himself. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
A stitch in time saves nine
Fixing a small problem early prevents it from becoming a much bigger one.
Repair the leak now. A stitch in time saves nine.
Actions speak louder than words
What people do is a better sign of their intentions than what they say.
He promised to help, but never showed up. Actions speak louder than words.
B
Better late than never
It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
I finally finished my homework at midnight, but better late than never.
Better safe than sorry
It's wiser to be cautious and careful than to be hasty or rash and so do something you may later regret.
Take an umbrella, just in case. Better safe than sorry.
D
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Do not rely on something good happening until it has actually happened.
You haven't got the job yet, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.
F
Fortune favors the bold
People who take bold risks are more likely to succeed than those who hold back.
She spoke to the director about her idea and got the job. Fortune favors the bold.
G
Good things come to those who wait
Patience is often rewarded.
I waited a year for the new game to come out, and it was worth it. Good things come to those who wait.
H
He who hesitates is lost
Indecision or delay in critical moments can lead to missed opportunities or failure.
She thought about the job offer for so long that someone else took it. He who hesitates is lost.
L
Look before you leap
Check that something is not going to cause problems or have a bad result before you do it.
Before you sign the contract, read it carefully. Look before you leap.
M
Make hay while the sun shines
Take advantage of an opportunity while you still can.
The shop is having a sale this weekend only, so make hay while the sun shines!
Many hands make light work
A task is soon accomplished if several people help.
The whole class helped clean the room, and it took ten minutes. Many hands make light work.
P
Practise makes perfect
Repeated effort and consistent practice lead to improvement and eventual mastery.
She played the song every day until she got it right. Practise makes perfect.
V
Virtue is its own reward
Doing what is morally right is rewarding in itself, even if you receive no external reward or recognition.
He returned the lost wallet and asked for nothing. Virtue is its own reward.