The best-known Greek proverbs and what they mean
The top 3 according to 27 votes from people: Slowly, slowly the unripe grape turns to honey (patience pays). · The donkey called the rooster big-headed (the pot calling the kettle black). · The best defence is a good offence.. (Updated Nov 17, 2023.)
"Slowly, slowly the unripe grape turns to honey", "The tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones" and "One swallow does not make a spring": Greek proverbs, modern and ancient, with their meaning, from Wikiquote's collection.
Automatically translated (original in Ελληνικά). See the original
Top 19
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1
Slowly, slowly the unripe grape turns to honey (patience pays).
Greek: "Αγάλι-αγάλι γίνεται η αγουρίδα μέλι."
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2
The donkey called the rooster big-headed (the pot calling the kettle black).
Greek: "Είπε ο γάιδαρος τον πετεινό κεφάλα."
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3
The best defence is a good offence.
Greek: "Η καλύτερη άμυνα είναι η επίθεση."
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4
With Athena's help, also move your hand.
Greek: "Συν Αθηνά και χείρα κίνει."
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5
Even the walls have ears.
Greek: "Και οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά."
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6
The tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones.
Greek: "Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει, αλλά κόκαλα τσακίζει."
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7
Better five in the hand than ten in waiting.
Greek: "Κάλλιο πέντε και στο χέρι, παρά δέκα και καρτέρι."
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8
A crow doesn't peck out another crow's eye.
Greek: "Κόρακας κοράκου μάτι δε βγάζει."
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9
One swallow does not make a spring (Aristotle).
Greek: "Μία χελιδὼν ἔαρ οὐ ποιεῖ."
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10
Whoever becomes a sheep is eaten by the wolf.
Greek: "Όποιος γίνεται πρόβατο, τον τρώει ο λύκος."
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11
A drowning man grabs hold of his own hair.
Greek: "Ο πνιγμένος από τα μαλλιά του πιάνεται."
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12
What happens at home should not be aired in public.
Greek: "Τα εν οίκω μη εν δήμω."
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13
A serpent that does not eat a serpent will not become a dragon.
Greek: "Όφις ει μη φάγη όφιν, δράκων ου γενήσεται."
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14
Cheapness eats money (buy cheap, pay twice).
Greek: "Η φτήνια τρώει τον παρά."
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15
Great minds meet.
Greek: "Τα μεγάλα πνεύματα συναντώνται."
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16
Give way to anger (let it pass).
Greek: "Δώσε τόπο στην οργή."
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17
Better to tie the donkey than to go looking for it (prevention is better than cure).
Greek: "Κάλλιο γαϊδουρόδενε παρά γαϊδουρογύρευε."
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18
In wine there is truth.
Greek: "Ἐν οἴνῳ ἀλήθεια."
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19
Good life, bad will (spend it all and leave nothing).
Greek: "Καλή ζωή, κακή διαθήκη."
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