Popular wise sayings that you can use in your writing and speaking papers.

1. PROVERBS20 most commonly used wise sayings
compiled by Nur Azlin bt Zainalaludin@Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah

2. TWO WRONGS
DON’T MAKE A RIGHT
The fact that someone has
done something unjust or
dishonest is no justification for
acting in a similar way.
#1

3. THE PEN IS MIGHTIER
THAN THE SWORD
Writing is more effective than
military power or violence.
#2

4. WHEN IN ROME,
DO AS THE ROMANS
When visiting a foreign land, follow
the customs of those who live in it. It
can also mean that when you are in
an unfamiliar situation, you should
follow the lead of those who know
the ropes.
#3

5. THE SQUEAKY WHEEL
GETS THE GREASE
Attention is paid to problems
that are most noticeable.
#4

6. WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH,
THE TOUGH GET GOING
When a situation is difficult or
dangerous, strong people work
harder to resolve the problem.
#5

7. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Do not rush into things. Think
carefully and consider other
options before making a
decision.
#6

8. FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BOLD
People who bravely go after
what they want are usually
more successful than people
who try to live safely.
#7
Audentes Fortuna Iuvat

9. HOPE FOR THE BEST,
PREPARE FOR THE WORST
You should have a positive
attitude, but make sure you are
ready for disaster.
#8

10. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
It is better for someone or
something to be late than never
to ​arrive or to ​happen.
#9

11. BIRDS OF A FEATHER
FLOCK TOGETHER
People who have similar values
or interests often choose to
hang out with each other.
#10

12. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO
GODLINESS
It is very important to practise
cleanliness because it is valued
next to the act of worshipping
God.
#11

13. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Doing something over and over
again is the only way to learn to
do it well.
#12

14. FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT
Extensive knowledge of or
close association with
someone or something leads to
a loss of respect for them or it.
#13

15. TWO HEADS ARE
BETTER THAN ONE
It is helpful to get a second
opinion or to discuss
something with another
person.
#14

16. A CHAIN IS ONLY AS STRONG
AS ITS WEAKEST LINK
A successful group or team
relies on each member
doing well.
#15

17. DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS
BEFORE THEY HATCH
You should not make ​plans that
depend on something good
happening before you ​know
that it has ​actually happened.
#16

18. ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART
GROW FONDER
You feel more affection for
those you love when parted
from them.
#17

19. STRIKE WHEN THE IRON IS HOT
Take advantage of the moment.
If an opportunity presents itself
to you, take it because the
chance may not come again.
#18

20. MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK
If everyone works together to
complete something, then
each person has less to do.
The job will be completed
much more quickly too.
#19

21. DON’T MAKE A MOUNTAIN
OUT OF AN ANTHILL
Do not get overly worried over
small problems. Just stay calm.
#20

22. PROVERBS20 most commonly used of popular wise sayings
compiled by Nur Azlin bt Zainalaludin@Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah