Concise Dictionary of Proverbs

A fish stinks from the head

A corrupting influence often spreads from a leader to the rest of the organization or group.

A fool and his money are soon parted

A person who spends his money foolishly carelessly will soon be penniless

A drowning man will clutch at a straw

A dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicine

Hardship and misfortune may be unpleasant, but they can sometimes have a beneficial effect on the character, especially when people fail to appreciate the good things they have.

A coin of gold is delighting in a bag of silver coins

A unique person is praised more.

Aclosed mouth catches no flies

It is better not to say anything than to say something that might get you into trouble.

A cat may look at a king

Anyone has the right to look at or speak to anyone else without having to worry about status, position, upbringing etc.

A burnt child dreads fire

A bad experience or a horrifying incident may scar one’s attitude or thinking for a lifetime.

A bleating sheep loses a bite

Those who talk too much may miss an important opportunity.