The most common Portuguese proverbs
The top 3 according to 36 votes from people: Whoever tells a tale adds a stitch. · Grain by grain the hen fills her crop. · Slowly you go far.. (Updated Jun 8, 2025.)
The proverbs you hear all over Portugal, with what each one means. Chosen from Wiktionary, Ciberdúvidas and collections of popular sayings.
Automatically translated (original in Português). See the original
Top 12
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1
Whoever tells a tale adds a stitch.
Stories grow every time they are retold.
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2
Grain by grain the hen fills her crop.
Little by little you achieve a lot.
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3
Slowly you go far.
With calm and persistence you get far. English: slow and steady wins the race.
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4
A barking dog doesn't bite.
Those who threaten a lot rarely act.
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5
In the blacksmith's house, a wooden skewer.
Things are often missing exactly where they should abound.
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6
Who waits always gets there.
Patience is rewarded in the end.
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7
Better late than never.
Better to do it late than not at all.
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8
Early to bed and early to rise gives health and makes you grow.
Good sleep habits are good for you. English: early to bed, early to rise…
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9
Who sees faces doesn't see hearts.
Appearances are deceiving.
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10
There's no hunger that doesn't end in plenty.
After scarcity comes abundance (sometimes too much).
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11
Don't look a gift horse in the tooth.
Accept a gift without criticizing it.
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12
Who doesn't risk doesn't get a snack.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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13
A fish's child knows how to swim.
Children inherit their parents' talents.
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14
He who laughs last laughs best.
Whoever wins in the end is right.
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Comments (1)
«Em casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau», a minha mãe diz isto todos os dias.