Proverbs

[Binoy]

A proverb is a short, pithy saying that expresses a traditionally held truth or piece of advice, based on common sense or experience. It is a popular saying that provides nuggets of wisdom. Here the readers will get some important proverbs in English with Bangla meaning.

[Binoy]

A bad workman always blames his tools.
নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা।

This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly.

Example: X: The turkey isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

[Binoy]

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
নগদের মূল্য বাকির দ্বিগুণ। / যা হাতে আছে তা অল্প হলেও উত্তম।

Things we already have are more valuable than what we hope to get.

Example: X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

[Binoy]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
বিরহে প্রেম গাঢ়তর হয়।

When people we love are not with us, we love them even more.

Example: When I was with her she always fought with me but now she cries for me on phone. I think distance made her heart grow fonder.

[Binoy]

A cat has nine lives.
বিড়ালের কঠিন প্রাণ।

Cat can survive seemingly fatal events.

Example: I haven’t seen him for several weeks, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.

[Binoy]

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
কোথাও দুর্বলতা রাখতে নেই।

One weak part will render the whole weak.

Example: No matter how confident the team is, it is as strong as its weakest link – its defence.

[Binoy]

Actions speak louder than words.
কথা নয়, কাজে প্রমাণ।

Actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.

Example: Julie always says she’ll donate to the school, and she never does, so I doubt she will this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

[Binoy]

A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
ডুবন্ত মানুষ খড়কুটো পেলেও আঁকড়ে ধরে।

When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to improve it.

Example: After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his baldness. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.

[Binoy]

Adversity and loss make a man wise.
বিপদ ও লোকসান মানুষকে জ্ঞানী করে।

We gain wisdom faster in difficult times than in prosperous times.

Example: After losing money in my investments, I know which investments to avoid. It is rightly said adversity and loss make a man wise.

[Binoy]

A fool and his money are soon parted.
বোকার হাতে অর্থ থাকে না।

Foolish people do not know how to hold on to their money.

Example: She gave up her entire estate on the basis of a verbal promise. A fool and his money are indeed easily parted.

[Binoy]

A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.
দীর্ঘ ভ্রমণ শুরু হয় প্রথম পদক্ষেপ থেকে।

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.

Example: I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

[zafrin.eng]

Very essential information for both ELT teachers & students!

[Anta]

Thanks for sharing