The most famous Italian proverbs
The top 3 according to 1 vote: He who goes slowly goes safely and goes far. · He who sleeps catches no fish. · Between saying and doing there's the sea.. (Updated Jun 23, 2022.)
The proverbs Italians have always heard at home and at the bar, with their meaning. Chosen from proverb collections (Wikiquote, Wiktionary) and lists of the most used.
Automatically translated (original in Italiano). See the original
Top 15
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1
He who goes slowly goes safely and goes far.
With calm and care you get far. English: slow and steady wins the race.
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2
He who sleeps catches no fish.
If you don't get busy, you get nothing.
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3
Between saying and doing there's the sea.
Promising is easy, doing is another matter. English: easier said than done.
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4
The morning has gold in its mouth.
Morning hours are the most productive.
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5
Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure.
A true friend is worth more than any riches.
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6
Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
Better a small sure gain than a big uncertain one. English: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
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7
Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you like.
Christmas is for family, at Easter you're free.
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8
A barking dog doesn't bite.
Those who threaten a lot usually do nothing. English: his bark is worse than his bite.
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9
He who does it himself does the work of three.
Working on your own, without depending on others, gets more done. English: if you want something done, do it yourself.
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10
The neighbour's grass is always greener.
What others have always seems better. Same in English.
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11
He laughs best who laughs last.
Whoever wins in the end is right.
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12
Every country you go to, a custom you find.
Every place has its customs, and you have to adapt. English: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
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13
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Eating fruit every day is good for you. Same in English.
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14
Whoever does it should expect it.
Whoever wrongs someone will get the same sooner or later. English: what goes around comes around.
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15
Red sky at night, fine weather in sight.
A red sky at sunset means good weather tomorrow. English: red sky at night, shepherd's delight.
Candidates
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16
The habit doesn't make the monk.
Don't judge by appearances.
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Comments (5)
Manca «chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta», ma bella lista.
«Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi», il proverbio più vero di tutti.
Mia nonna diceva sempre «chi dorme non piglia pesci» per svegliarmi 😂
Ottima l'idea di mettere gli equivalenti in altre lingue.
«Can che abbaia non morde», detto del mio capo 😏