Spanish proverbs

Proverbs from all Spanish speaking parts of the whole world.

A

• A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente/colmillo/dentado or A caballo regalado no le mires los dientes.
  • Translation: Do not check the teeth of a horse given as a present
  • Interpretation: Do not search for faults in a gift, as in don't try to guess the horse's age by looking at its teeth since it is free.
  • Equivalent English proverb: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
  • Source: Luna, Cari (2004). The Everything Spanish Phrase Book: A Quick Reference for Any Situation. Everything Books. p. 5. ISBN 275 1593370490. 

• A cada pajarillo agrada su nidillo.
  • Idiomatic translation: The bird loves her own nest.
  • Meaning: If we were to grade ourselves, the grade would virtually always be very good; We most often vastly overestimate ourselves.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 776. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A canas honradas no hay puertas cerradas.
  • Idiomatic translation: Grey hairs are honorable.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 35. 

• A grandes males, grandes remedios.
  • Idiomatic translation: Fight fire with fire.
  • Meaning: One must defeat evil with the same type of evil. For example, if someone is being ironic – be equally ironic in return.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 688. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A la ocasión la pintan calva.
  • Idiomatic translation: Opportunity knocks only once.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 400. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A la tercera va la vencida.
  • Idiomatic translation: All good things are three.
  • Equivalent English proverb: Third time's the charm.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 80. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A mal nudo, mal cuno.'
  • Idiomatic translation: You must meet roughness with roughness.
  • Example: If someone treats you bad, you should treat him equally bad.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 12. ISBN 0415160502. 

• A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.
  • Alt: Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda.
  • Alt Variation: Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda; el que se apendeja Dios lo deja. (A play with words that rhyme)
  • Translations:
    • God helps those who get up early.
    • Alt.Var:God helps those who get up early, and leaves those who are too late
  • Interpretations:
    • Initiative will be rewarded.
  • Equivalent English proverbs:
    • Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
    • God helps those who help themselves.
  • Meaning: When in trouble first of all every one himself should do his best to improve his condition.
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 150. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Source: Luna, Cari (2004). The Everything Spanish Phrase Book: A Quick Reference for Any Situation. Everything Books. p. 5. ISBN 275 1593370490. 

• A quien no pide consejo, darlo es de necios.
  • Translation: He who gives unasked advice is a fool
  • English equivalent: Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A quien se hace de miel las moscas le comen.
  • Translation: He who is made of honey will be eaten by flies.
  • English equivalent: He that makes himself an ass must not take it ill if men ride him.
  • Meaning: Other people will abuse you, if you let them.
  • ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 676. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A seguro, le llevan preso.
  • Idiomatic translation: Better safe than sorry.
  • Meaning: Things that has happened will happen again. Religious myths for example, which are allegorical, will per definition reoccur.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Adonde el seto es bajo todos pasan.
  • Idiomatic translation: Men leap over where the hedge is lower.
  • Note: Also knows as the Law of least effort.
  • Meaning: Always do things in a way that requires the absolut least amount of labor.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1087. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Al árbol por el fruto es conocido.
  • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
  • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Al cuqo no cuques y al ladron no hurtes.
  • Idiomatic translation: A crafty fox never preys near his den.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Al freir de los huevos lo verá.
  • Idiomatic translation: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
  • Meaning: The worth of a thing is however it practically comes to use.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 1417964677. 

• Al hombre osado la fortuna le da la mano.
  • Translation: Fortunes gives a hand to the bold man.
  • Idiomatic translation: Fortune favours the bold.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 38. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Al médico, confesor, y letrado, no le hayas engañado.
  • Idiomatic translation: Conceal not the truth from thy physician and lawyer.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 666. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Al raton de un solo agujero presto la pilla el gato.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Al que mucho se le confía, mucho se le exige.
  • Translation: To whom much is entrusted, much is required.
  • English equivalent: Much is expected where much is given.
  • Meaning: With great resources comes great responsibility.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1095. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Amores, dolores y dineros, No pueden estar secretos.
  • Idiomatic translation: Love, smoke and cough are hard to hide.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 50. 

• Antes de firmar, mirar.
  • Translation: Look before you sign.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1160. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Antes que te cases, mira lo que haces.
  • Translation: Before you marry, look what you are doing.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap.
  • Meaning: Think before you act.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1069. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Árbol que nace torcido, jamás su tronco endereza
  • Translation: a tree that is born twisted never grows straight
  • English equivalent: Old habits die hard.
  • Meaning: It is hard to break old habits.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 275. ISBN 0313253854. 

• A lo bueno, dejarlo estar.'
  • Translation: As for the good, leave it alone.
  • Idiomatic translation: Better is the enemy of good.
  • Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might slow down progress. [I am not sure about this,]
  • Equivalent English proverb: Leave well enough alone.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 

• A papaya puesta, papaya partida. (Colombian saying)
  • Alt: No hay que dar papaya...y a papaya puesta, papaya partida
  • Translation: Papaya that is served, papaya that is eaten
  • English equivalent: If you turn yourself into a doormat, others will walk over you.
  • Interpretation: If you leave yourself open to abuse, people will abuse you.
  • Source: Munévar, Gonzalo (2006). El amo del destino. Universidad del Valle. p. 208. ISBN 9584400207. 

• A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.
  • Alt: A falta de pan, galletas
  • Alt: A falta de pan, tortillas (Mexico, Guatemala)
  • Alt: A falta de pan, casabe (República Dominicana)
  • Translations:
    • If there's no bread, cakes will do.
    • In place of bread, cakes are good.
    • Alt. Trans.: If there's no bread, have crackers
  • Interpretations:
    • Settle for the next best thing.
    • Beggars can't be choosers.
    • In times of need, kindness is especially sweet.
  • Equivalent English proverb: Any port in a storm.
  • Source: Klipper, Maya (2006). A falta de pan, buenas son tortas. La Stampa. ISBN 987051362X. 

• A donde fueres, haz lo que vieres
  • Alt: Allá donde fueres, haz lo que vieres
  • Translation: 'To where you go, do the things you see'
  • Interpretation: Adapt yourself to the local customs.
  • Equivalent English proverb: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 673. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Agua blanda en piedra dura, tanto cavadura continua gotera cava la piedra.
  • Idiomatic translation: Constant dropping wears the stone.
  • Meaning: Many small changes will soon make a big difference.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Apretados pero contentos.
  • Idiomatic translation: The more the merrier.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1094. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.
  • Idiomatic translation: A golden bit does not make the horse any better.
  • Meaning: An ugly thing will remain ugly even if its appearance is taken care of.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Al que Dios quiere castigar le quita la razón.
  • Idiomatic translation: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 841. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Alcalda del mes de enero.
  • Idiomatic translation: New brooms sweep clean.
  • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243. 

• A todo cerdo le llega su San Martín.

• Aquel es rico, que está bien con Dios.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who serves God has a good master.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 873. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Aquel va mas sano, que and por el llano.
  • Idiomatic translation: Diffidence is the right eye of prudence.
  • Meaning: Diffidently pondering something will often lead to a sensible solution.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Ara bien y hondo, cogerás pan en abando.
  • Idiomatic translation: Plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and keep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243. 

B

• Bien predica quien bien vive'.
  • Idiomatic translation: Lead by example.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 

C

• Callen barbas y hablen cartas.
  • Idiomatic translation: Experience keeps a dear school.
  • Meaning: Wisdom acquired by experience is basically only very bitterly acquired.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 808. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cada carnero de su pie cuelga.
  • Idiomatic translation: Every bird must hatch its own eggs.
  • Meaning: It is unwise to be financially dependent on someone else.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Costumbre adquirida en la mocedad, se deja muy mal en la vejez.
  • Translation: Old habits die hard.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1122. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Como canta el abad, asi responde el sacristán.
  • Translation: As the abbot sings, so the sacristan responds.
  • Meaning: Children will become like older generations.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Comprar gato en saco.
  • Translation: Buying a cat in a sack.
  • Idiomatic translation: Never buy a pig in a poke.
  • Meaning: At least do some research before buying a product.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Con el agua de la bañadera echar tambien al niño.
  • Translation: Throwing out the child with the bath water too.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't throw out the child with the bath water.
  • Meaning: Do not reject an idea entirely because parts of it are bad; Someone who is absolutely right about parts of an idea, can still be absolutely wrong about another part of it.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Con el tiempo todo se consigue.
  • Translation: In time, everything is gotten.
  • Idiomatic translation. He that can have patience can have what he will.
  • Other idiomatic translation: Patience is a remedy for every sorrow.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Como midáis seréis medidos.
  • Translation: You'll be measured as you measure others.
  • Idiomatic translation: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Con la gente no es temible la muerte.
  • Translation: Death doesn't fear people.
  • Idiomatic translation: Misery loves company. [I am not sure about this one.]
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Cuando la cabeza duele todos los miembros duelen.
  • Translation: When the head hurts all the members suffer.
  • English equivalent: When the head is sick, the whole body is sick.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1117. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas cortar, pon las tuyas a remojar
  • Translation: When you see your neighbour's beard being cut, put yours in water.
  • Meaning: Be cautious when you see disgraces to people near you.

• Cuando todos dicen que eres asno, rebuzna y ponte rabo.
  • Translation: When everyone tells you you are an ass, it is time to bray and get a tail.
  • English equivalent: When all men say you are an ass, it is time to bray.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1221. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cuando te dieren un condado, agárrale.
  • Translation: Seize the offer.
  • English equivalent: When the pig is proffered, hold up the poke.
  • Meaning: We should accept the offers that has been given us.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1226. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cuando tu amigo pide, no hay mañana.
  • Translation: When your friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
  • English equivalent: When thy friend asks, let there be no to-morrow.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 151. 

• Cuando una puerta se cierra, ciento se abren.
  • Idiomatic translation: When one door closes another opens.
  • Meaning: When your life seems to be changing, it is better to adapt to the changes rather than be stubborn.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 845. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cuidame del agua mansa, que de la brava, yo solo me cuidare.
  • Idiomatic translation: A mans worst enemies are often those of his own house.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Cuidado ageno de pelo ruelga.
  • Idiomatic translation: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 

D

• Dar al diablo lo que es debido.
  • Translation: Give the devil what is due.
  • English equivalent: Give the devil his due.
  • Meaning: Don't let a persons obnoxiousness cloud your judgment of him in other regards.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 862. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De buenas intenciones esta empedrado el camino al infierno.
  • Translation: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 

• De grandes cenas están las sepulteras llenas.
  • Idiomatic translation: Gluttony kills more than the sword; Wine has drowned more than the sea.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 864. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De malas costumbres nacen buenas leyes.
  • Translation: From bad customs, good laws are born.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good laws have sprung from bad customs.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Del mal el menos.
  • Idiomatic translation: Of two evils choose the least.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 5. 

• Debajo del sayal hay mal.
  • Idiomatic translation: Never judge by appearances; Judge not a man and things at first sight.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 713. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Despues de los años mil, Torna el agua a su carril.
  • Translation: In a hundred years we will be dead anyway.
  • English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.
  • Meaning: So what if you embarrass yourself?
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 48. 

• Devolver bien por mal.
  • Idiomatic translation: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
  • Meaning: Make something good out of bad things that has happened to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 838. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Del hombre necio a veces buen consejo.
  • Idiomatic translation: A fool may give a wise man counsel.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 40. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Dinero guardado, dinero capado.
  • Translation: The hidden things of wisdom and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?
  • English equivalent: Money is there to be spent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1013. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Dios que de la llaga, de la medicina.
  • Idiomatic translation: God who gives the wound gives the salve.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 874. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Dios me libre de hombre de un libro.
  • Idiomatic translation: Fear the man of one book.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 851. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Dios tarda, pero no olvida.
  • Translation: God is slow, but he does not forget.
  • English equivalent: Punishment is lame but it comes.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 779. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Dolor comunicado, dolor alviado.
  • Idiomatic translation: A problem shared is a problem halved.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 351. ISBN 0415096243. 

E

• El abismo llama al abismo
  • Translation: The abyss calls the abyss.
  • Idiomatic translation: Deep calls to deep.
  • Meaning: Deep thinking leads to deep understanding.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El dìa que te casas, o te matas o te sanas.
  • Translation: The day you get married, either you kill yourself or you become sound.
  • English equivalents: Choose a wife rather by your ear than your eye; A man's best fortune or his worst is a wife.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El favo es dulce, mas pica la abeja.
  • Idiomatic translation: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.
  • Meaning: Suffering is the acceptable in the quest for something great.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 837. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El fruto no cae lejos del árbol.
  • Translation: The fruit of a tree falls to its root.
  • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
  • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• El hijo de la gata ratones mata.
  • Meaning: What is innate is not to be eradicated by force of education or self discipline: these may modify the outward manifestations of a man's nature, but not transmute the nature itself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 985. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. X. 

• El hilo siempre se rompe por lo más delgado.
  • Idiomatic translation: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
  • Meaning: A group is not stronger than its weakest member and its most lacking element.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 19. ISBN 0415160502. 

• El lenguaje de la verdad es sencillo.
  • Translation: The language of truth is simple.
  • English equivalent: Truth gives a short answer, lies go round about.
  • Latin equivalent: Obscuris vera involvens.
    • Translation: Obscurity envelops truth.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1216. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El mejor nadador es del agua.
• Translation: The best swimmer is from the water.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good swimmers are often drowned.
  • Meaning: Beware of letting your competence lead you into overconfidence.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El miedo no es tonto.
  • Translation: Fear isn't dumb.
  • English equivalent: Discretion is the better part of valor.
  • Meaning: Act valiant cautiously.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 703. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El peresozo siempre es menesteroso.
  • Idiomatic translation: Poverty is the reward of idleness.
  • Meaning: The reward of doing absolutely nothing is getting absolutely nothing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1146. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El perro ladra y la caravana pasa.
  • Translation: The dogs bark and the caravan passes on.
  • Meaning: Let the world say what it will.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 340. ISBN 0415160502. 

• El pez grande se come al chico.
  • Translation: The little fish gets eaten by the big one.
  • English equivalent: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.
  • Meaning: A weak person/group/community/country can be an easy prey to an immoral, powerful one. ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1086. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 420. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• El poeta nace, el orador se hace.
  • Translation: The poet is born, the orator is made.
  • English equivalent: Poets are born, but orators are trained.
  • Meaning: Some things can be improved by training, others require innate talent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415160502. 

• El ruin pajarillo, Descubra su nidillo.
  • Translation: Wretched bird, fouls its own nest.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't wash your dirty linen in public; It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
  • Meaning: Don't speak in public of unpleasant private affairs; Don't speak ill of yourself and the groups you belong to.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 45. 

• El que no es conmigo, contra mí es.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who is not with me is against me.
  • Originally from the Bible, Luke 11:23 and Matthew 12:30. Specificed as a proverb in (Strauss, 1994 p. 974)

• El que jugó, jugará.
  • Idiomatic translation: Once a drunkard always a drunkard; Once a thief always a thief.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 771. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El que no es envidiado, es que no es afortunado.
  • Translation: He which no one envies, has no fortune.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1008. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El que se ahoga, se agarra a un perlo
  • Idiomatic translation: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 

• El que súbito se determina, súbito se arrepiente.
  • Translation: Who judges soon, soon repents.
  • English equivalent: Hasty judgment leads to repentance.
  • Meaning: A quick evaluation is a terrible evaluation.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 196. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El trabajo según la paga.
  • Translation: What pay, such work.
  • English equivalent: You get what you pay for.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 494. ISBN 0415096243. 

• En boca cerrada ni moscas ni nada.
  • Translation: Into a closed mouth no flies ever entered.
  • English equivalent: A close mouth catches no flies.
  • Meaning: It is wise not to speak when it is not necessary.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 73. ISBN 0415096243. 

• En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo.
  • Translation: In the house of the blacksmith, there is a wooden knife.
  • Idiomatic translation: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 

• En la duda, abstente.
  • Translation: When in doubt, abstain.
  • English equivalent: When in doubt, don't.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1223. ISBN 0415096243. 

• En la tardanza suele estar el peligroso.
  • Idiomatic translation: There is danger in delay.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 0415096243. 

• En toda cosa hay que considerar el fin.
  • Translation: In all cases you must reflect the end.
  • English equivalent: Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Entre dos muelas cordales nunca pongas tus pulgares.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't go between the tree and the bark.
  • Meaning: Do not interfere when two parts are having an argument.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 729. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Es más fácil ver la paja en ojo ajeno que la viga en el propio (taken from the Bible, Matthew, 7:3-5)
  • Translation: It's easier to see the straw in someone else than the beam in oneself
  • Interpretation:
    • Normally you see defects on other people easier than in yourself.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1995). Las Condiciones de Vida de la Población Pobre de la Provincia de Albacete. Cáritas Española. p. 113. ISBN 8489397058. 

• Es un hombre sin honor, el que piense mal de esta acción.
  • Idiomatic translation: Shame take him that shame thinketh.
  • Meaning: Don't think evil of others since they most likely act the way they do because of situational factors: Never attribute something to malice which can adequately be explained by stupidity.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 806. ISBN 0415096243. 

• El mal escribano le echa la culpa a la pluma
  • Translation: The poor writer blames the pen.
  • English equivalent: It is a poor workman who complains about his tools.
  • Pérez Martínez, Herón (1993). Refrán viejo nunca miente: refranero mexicano Colección Tradiciones. Colegio de Michoacán. p. 113. ISBN 9686959068. 

• El saber es fuerza.
  • Translation: Knowledge is strength.
  • Idiomatic translation: Learning is the eye of the mind.
  • Meaning: Learning about a subject such as psychology will increase your overall competence.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 149. ISBN 0415160502. 

• El que no oye consejo no llega a viejo.
  • Translation: He who hears no advice will not reach old age.
  • English equivalent: Advice most needed is the least heeded.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 112. ISBN 0313253854. 

• Es mejor tostón asegurado que dime apostado.
  • Translation: Secured 10 cents are better than 20 cents in the betting pot.
  • Meaning: It is better to have a stable job that pays less than an unstable job that pays more.
  • English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

• Es cosa de dos.
  • Translation: It takes two.
  • Idiomatic translation: It takes two to tango.
  • Författare Cambridge University Press (2008). Titel Diccionario Bilingue Cambridge Spanish-English Paperback Compact edition. Cambridge University Press. p. 576. ISBN 8483234823. 

• Es peor el remedio que la enfermedad.
  • Translation: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it off the mouse.
  • Urbina (2005). Refranero Latino. Ediciones Akal. p. 306. ISBN 8446012960. 

F

• Fue por lana y salió trasquilado.
  • Translation: (He/She) went looking for wool and came back shorn.
  • Interpretations:
    • If you go for something it might end up biting you
    • you woo someone but end up heartbroken.
    • you try to cheat someone but get cheated yourself.
    • Chasing glamour will get you fleeced.
    • All that glitters isn't gold.
      • Muñoz Borrero, Eduardo (1981). En el Palacio de Carondelet: gobernantes ecuatorianos del Presidente Flores al Presidente Hurtado. Artes Gráficas Señal. p. 507. ISBN 0415160502. 

G

• Gobernar es prever.
  • Translation: It is better to prevent than to cure.
  • English equivalent: An ounce of preventions is better than a pound of cure.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 332. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Guarda mozo, y hallarás viejo.
  • Idiomatic translation: Diligent youth makes easy age.
  • Meaning: If you live your youth years diligently, it will save you from regret when you are old. That is, you take care of your health and do things you like that virtually only young people can do.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 

H

• Hay gato encerrado.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1070. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Haz lo que dice el fraile, y no lo que hace.
  • Idiomatic translation: Preachers say: do as I say, not as i do.
  • Possible interpretation: A man should not reprimand those who are younger than himself, when they are merely doing what he does or has done.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 706. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Hacer de una pulga un elefante.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 58. 

• Hechos dan testimonio, que no las palabras.
  • Translation: Bear witness to facts, not words.
  • Idiomatic translation: No need of words, trust deeds.
  • Meaning: One should pay attention to what people do rather than what they say.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 91. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Hijo de gato, caza ratón
  • Translation: Son of a cat, catches rats.
  • Idiomatic translation: Like father, like son.
  • Howard, Christopher. Official Guide to Cuban Spanish. Costa Rica Books. p. 113. ISBN 1881233901. 

• Hombre prevenido vale por dos.
  • Translation: The man who is prepared is worth two men.
  • English equivalent: Forewarned is forearmed.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 162. ISBN 0313253854. 

• Hoy por mi y mañana por ti.
  • Translation: Today for me, and tomorrow for you.
  • English equivalent: Today me, tomorrow thee.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien con el diablo haya de comer, larga cuchara ha menester.
  • Translation: He who eats with the devil, must have a long spoon.
  • Meaning: Someone who treats others badly will eventually turn on you.
  • English equivalent: He who sups with the devil must use a long spoon.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 920. ISBN 0415160502. 

J

• Jugar con fuego es peligroso.
  • Translation: Playing with fire is dangerous.
  • Idiomatic translation: Do not play with edged tools.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 716. ISBN 0415096243. 

L

• La carne mas sabrosa es la que esta junto al hueso.
  • Idiomatic translation: The sweetest flesh is near the bones.
  • Meaning: Nearest is the best.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1176. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La dicha de la fea, la linda de la desea .
  • Translation: The fortune of the ugly is something the beautiful wants.
  • Idiomatic translation: Handsome is that handsome does.
  • Meaning: Being pleasant is more important than good looks.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La envidia es la sombra de la gloria.
  • Translation: Envy is the shadow of glory.
  • Idiomatic translation: Envy always shooteth at a high mark.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 766. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La envidia no muera jamás.
  • Idiomatic translation: Envy takes no holiday.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 767. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La historia se repite.
  • Idiomatic translation: History repeats itself.
  • Meaning: Things that has happened will happen again. Religious myths for example, which are allegorical, will per definition reoccur; Things that has happened to you once will most likely happen again; Don't do the same thing again and expect different results.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La mayoría es razón.
  • Idiomatic translation: What everybody says must be true.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La mayor dicha o desdicha del hombre es la mujer.
  • Translation: The fortune or misfortune of a man comes from the woman.
  • Idiomatic translation: A cheerful wife is the spice of life.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 20. ISBN 0415160502. 

• La mejor defense es el ataque.
  • Translation: Attack is the best form of defence.
  • English equivalent: The best defence is a good offense.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 518. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La necesidad hace á le viega trotar.
  • Idiomatic translation: Needs must when the devil drives.
  • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 

• La ropa sucia se lava en casa.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't wash your dirty linen in public.
  • Meaning: Don't bring your private matters into the open.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La salud ante todo.
• Translation: Health before everything.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good health is above wealth.
  • Meaning: Wisdom acquired by experience is basically only very bitterly acquired.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La serpiente se oculta en la hierba.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1070. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La voz del pueblo es voz de Dios.
  • Idiomatic translation: The voice of the people is the voice of god.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1164. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La segunda idea suele ser mejor.
  • Translation: The second thought is usually better.
  • Idiomatic translation: Second thoughts are the best.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 73. 

• Las parablas no cuentan.
  • Translation: Words do not count.
  • English equivalent: Eggs and oaths are soon broken.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 

• La unión hace la fuerza.
  • Idiomatic translation: United we stand, divided we fall; Union is strength.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 79. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Las ratas abandonan el barco que se hunde.
  • Translation: The rats abandon the sinking ship.
  • English equivalent: Rats desert a sinking ship.
  • Meaning: An organization or leader in trouble will quickly be abandoned.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1150. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Ladroncillo de agujeta, después sube a barjuleta.
  • Idiomatic translation: He that steals an egg will steal an ox.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 962. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Lavandara mala no encuentra jamás buena piedra.
• Translation: A bad washer doesn't ever find a good rock.
  • Idiomatic translation: A bad craftsman blames his tools.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 4. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Las aguas quietas calan hondo.
  • Translation: Still waters run deep.
  • English equivalent: Still waters run deep.
  • Meaning: Those who are taciturn might be that because their heads are filled with ambitious thoughts!
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 598. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Las aparencias enganan.
  • Idiomatic translation: Appearances decives.
  • Meaning: Things are not always as they look like.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 124. ISBN 0415160502. 

• En la variedad está el gusto.
  • Idiomatic translation: Variety is the spice of life.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 225. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Lo barato cuesta caro.
  • Translation: What is cheap is the most costly.
  • English equivalent: If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Lo que no mata, engorda.
• Alt: Mugre (mierda) que no mata, engorda.
• Alt: Veneno que no mata, engorda. (Peru)
  • Translation: What does not kill, fattens.
  • Interpretation: What doesn't kill me, strengthens me. (Nietzsche)
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 162. ISBN 0313253854. 

• Lo que puedes solo, no esperes a otro.
  • Translation: What you can do alone, do not wait for others.
  • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
  • Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
    • Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Los grandes ingenios se encuentran.
  • Translation: The ingenious will meet.
  • Idiomatic translation: Great minds agree.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 882. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Los primeros serán postreros.
  • Translation: The first will be last.
  • Idiomatic translation: The last will be first, and the first last.
  • Meaning: Those who humbly serve the Lord will be rewarded, and those who are arrogant will be humbled.; Humbleness is a virtue; pride is a sin.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1085. ISBN 0415096243. 

M

• Manos besa el hombre, que querria ver cortadas.
  • Idiomatic translation: Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1084. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Más lejos ven los sesos que los ojos.
  • Translation: Brains are farther than the eye.
  • English equivalent: The eye looks but it is the mind that sees.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1175. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Más vale andarse soltero que con mal compañero.
  • Translation: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.
  • English equivalent: Better be alone than in bad company.
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 572. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
  • Translation: A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying.
  • English proverb: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  • Dutch proverb: Better one bird in the hand than ten in the air
  • German proverb: Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach. (Better the sparrow in the hand than the pigeon on the roof.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 224. ISBN 0313253854. 

• Más vale un presente que dos después.
  • Translation: Better one now, than two in the future.
  • English equivalent: One today is worth two tomorrows.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mas valé punada de natural que almorzada de ciencia.
  • Idiomatic translation: Nature is beyond all teaching.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 764. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mas vale rodear que no ahogar.
  • Translation: It is better to change path than to drown.
  • English equivalent: Better go about than fall into the ditch.
  • Meaning: Cut your losses.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 11. 

• Mas vale saber que hablar (haber).
  • Translation: Knowing is better than speaking (of having).
  • Idiomatic translation: A good mind possess a kingdom.
  • Meaning: Material assets are fleeting, but intellectual assets will basically stay with you for the rest of your life. Therefore, intellectual assets are much more worth than material ones.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Más vale tarde que nunca.
  • Translation: Better late than never.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.
  • Alt: Sabe más el diablo por viejo que por diablo.
  • Translation: The devil knows more because he's old, than because he is devil.
  • Interpretations:
    • With age comes wisdom.
    • Swedish equivalent: Old is the oldest.
    • A person with age, acquires a certain prudence and knowledge from life's experiences.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 78. ISBN 0313253854. 

• ¡Médico, cúrate a ti mismo!
  • Idiomatic translation: Physician, heal yourself!
  • Meaning: Don't correct other's faults; correct your own faults instead.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mejor es el fin que los medios.
  • Idiomatic translation: Crooked logs make straight fires.
  • Meaning: If nothing better is available, anything flawed is also useful; Instead of being frustrated by a bad situation, try to find ways to improve it.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 683. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Menea la cola el can, no por ti, sino por el pan.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who acts friendly does not seek your affection, but a specific thing from you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 710. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Meted las manos en vuestro seno, veréis vuestro mal y no el ajeno.
  • Idiomatic translation: Forget other faults remembering your own; Forgive and forget.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 838. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mientras la hierba crece el caballo muere.
  • Idiomatic translation: While the grass grows the steed starves.
  • Meaning: Dreams or expectations may be realized too late.
  • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mirar antes de saltar.
  • Translation: Look before you leap.
  • Meaning: Think before you act.
  • English equivalent: Also look before you leap.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 751. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Mucha paya y poco grano; es por vicio del verano.
  • Idiomatic translation: Much bran and little meal.
  • Meaning: Great talkers are little doers.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1095. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Muchos amenes al cielo llegan.
  • Idiomatic translation: Short prayers reach heaven.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 75. 

• Muchos golpes derriban un roble.
  • Idiomatic translation: Little strokes fell great oaks.
  • Meaning: A difficult task, e. g. removing a person/group from a strong position, or changing established ideas cannot be done quickly. It can be achieved gradually, by small steps, a little at a time.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 252. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

N

• Nada hay nuevo debajo del sol.
  • Translation: There is nothing new under the Sun.
  • Idiomatic translation: Nothing is new.
  • Meaning: Absolutely everything has been done before.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nadie da palos de balde.
  • Translation: Nobody gives clubs for nothing.
  • Meaning: You can't get something for nothing.
  • Other meaning: He who works for nothing shall receive nothing from others except complaint.
  • English equivalent: The only free cheese is in the mouse trap.
  • English equivalent: Nothing for nothing.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 799. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nadie es indispensable.
  • Translate: No one is indispensable.
  • Idiomatic translation: No man is indispensable.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 319. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Nadie puede ser juez en causa propia.
  • Translation: No one can be the judge in his own trial.
  • English equivalent: No one can be the judge in his own case.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Necio es quien piensa que otros no piensan.
  • Translation: He is a fool that thinks not another thinks.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Ni de amigo reconcilado, ni de manjar dos veces guisado.
  • Idiomatic translation: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
  • Meaning: Your former enemies might cunningly take revenge on you just out of spite.; Trust not a reconciled enemy more than an open foe.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 

• No dejes camino viejo por sendero nuevo.
  • Translation: A short cut is often a long cut.
  • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 

• No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy.
  • Translation: Don't wait for tomorrow to do something you can do today.
  • Interpretation: If you want to do something, then do it today; don't put it aside for tomorrow.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 177. ISBN 0415160502. 

• No fies mujer de fraile, ni barajes con alcade.
  • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 

• No hay enemigo pequeño.
  • Idiomatic and literal translation: There is no little enemy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No hay peor burla, Que la verdadera.
  • Idiomatic translation: Many a true words are spoken in jest.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 57. 

• No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver.
  • Translation: There are no worst blind people than one who doesn't want to see.
  • Idiomatic translation: There are none so blind as they who will not see.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 320. ISBN 0415160502. 

• No hay peor sordo que el que no quiere oír.
  • Idiomatic translation: None so deaf as those who will not hear.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1110. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No hay regla sin excepción.
  • Translation: There exists no rule without exceptions.
  • English equivalent: There is no rule without an exception.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1174. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No hay que jugar con le salud.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't burn the candles at both ends.
  • Meaning: Don't wake up early in the morning and stay up late into the evening as well.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No hay tal ciencia como tener paciencia.
  • Translation: There is no such science as patience.
  • English equivalent: An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.
  • Meaning: Patience can often do more than your wits.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 415. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No hay tal razón como la del bastón.
  • Translation: There is no such reason as the Cane.
  • Idiomatic translation: Accusing is proving, when malice and force sit judges; The wolf finds a reason for taking the lamb.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 68. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No pidas perdon antes de ser acusado.
  • Translation: Do not ask for forgiveness before being charged.
  • English equivalent: Never ask pardon before you are accused.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 87. 

• No se pierde todo lo que está en peligro.
  • Translation: All is not squandered that is in peril.
  • English equivalent: All is not lost that is in danger.
  • Meaning: Alltough you are in a difficult situation or are facing tough adversity, it does not mean you cannot move forward.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 11. 

• No todas las verdades son para dichas.
  • Idiomatic translation: All truths are not to be told.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No todo es vero lo que suena el pandero.
  • Translation: Not all is true that is played on the tamborine.
  • English equivalent: A story never loses in the telling.
  • Meaning: Lying a little might make the story better.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 7. 

• No todo lo que brilla es oro.
  • Translation: Not everything that shines is gold.
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 292. ISBN 0313253854. 

• No se cazan liebres al son del tambor.
  • Idiomatic translation: Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.
  • Meaning: Don't expect anyone to change his ways by scolding him.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No se puede sacar agua de una piedre.
  • Translation: You cannot get water from a stone.
  • English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.
  • Meaning: It is impossible to sway a hostile minded person.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1040. ISBN 0415096243. 

• No vendas la piel del oso antes de cazarlo.
  • Translation: Don't sell the bear's fur before you hunt it.
  • English equivalent: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 708. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Non hay libro tan malo, que no tenga algo bueno.
  • Translation: There is no book so bad, that it does not have anything good.
  • English equivalent: No book was so bad, but some good might be got out of it.
  • Meaning: A proverb which almost is figuratively true: A book, especially a non-fictional one, typically at least contains something useful, such as anecdotes to tell others.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1104. ISBN 0415096243. 

P

• Para curar no basta la intencion.
  • Idiomatic translation: It is not wise to open old wounds.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 45. 

• Para eurar no basta la intencion.
  • Idiomatic translation: Least said, soonest mended.
  • Meaning: It is best not to mention anything at all about something bad that has happened.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 45. 

• Para todo hay comentario.
  • Idiomatic translation: Every why has a wherefore.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Pato, ganso y ansarón, tres cosas suena y una son.
  • Idiomatic translation: Goose, gander and gosling are three sounds but one thing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Peso y medida quitan al hombre fatiga.
  • Idiomatic translation: Honesty is the best policy.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. X. 

• Piedra sin agua no aguza en la fragua.
  • Idiomatic translation: From nothing nothing can come.
  • Meaning: If you don't do anything, nothing will come to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 238. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Perro ladrador, poco mordedor.
  • Translation: A barking dog doesn't bite.
  • English equivalent: Barking dogs seldom bite.
  • Meaning: Threatening does not always lead to action: Harsh words may disguise a different feeling, intention or ability.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 92. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Source for meaning Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 44. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Presto hay un bastón para dar al perro.
  • Translation: If you want to beat a dog you will easily find a stick.
  • Meaning: Someone who wants to be mean will find things to be mean about no matter what.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Por un gustazo, un trancazo.
  • Translation: Pride comes before fall.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1148. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Por una parte se pierde el todo.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 70. 

Q

• Qual es Maria, tal hija cria.
  • Translation: Mary will foster a daughter like herself.
  • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
  • Meaning: Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and rarely.
  • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Qué bonito es ver la lluvia y no mojarse.
  • Translation: How nice it is to see the rain without getting wet.
  • Meaning: Often used to answer someone who's critizicing your work or actions, without doing anything themselves.
  • English closest equivalent: Criticism is easy, but art is difficult.
  • Source: Hernández, Efrén (2007). Obras Completas: Poesía, Cuento, Novela, Volym 1. Fondo de Cultura Economica. p. 204. ISBN 9681679016. 

• Quien acheja por agjuero, ve su duelo.
  • Idiomatic translation: Eaevesdroppers hear no good of themselves.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 764. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien bien ama, tarde se olvida.
  • Translation: He who loves well, forgets the afternoon.
  • Idiomatic translation: True love never grows old.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1107. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien en año quiere ser rico, al medio le ahorcan.
  • Translation: He who in a year wants riches, in half will be strangled.
  • Idiomatic translation: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien bien quiere a Pedro, no hace mal a su perro.
  • Idiomatic translation: Love me, love my dog.
  • Meaning: If someone wants to be in a relationship with you, they must be willing to accept everything about you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 953. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quièn dà luego, dà dos veces.
  • Idiomatic translation: He gives twice, who gives in a trice.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 38. 

• Quien espera, desespera
  • Translation: He who hopes, despairs.
  • English equivalent: Who lives by hope will die of hunger.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 952. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien mal siembra, mal coge.
  • Translation: Who sows poorly, evil gets.
  • English equivalent: Sow thin, shear thin.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1158. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien pajaro ha de tomar, no ha de ojear.
  • Idiomatic translation: Deal gently with the bird you mean to catch.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 689. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien quiera peces, que moje el culo.
  • Translation: Whoever wants fish, must get their ass wet.
  • English equivalent: One cannot (or should not) expect to benefit without making some effort.
  • Meaning: If you want to achieve something, you must make an effort in order to get it.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 18. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Quien quiere celeste, que le cueste
  • Translation: He who wants the heavens must pay.
  • Interpretation: If you want the best, you have to work for it (or, it will cost you).
  • Source: Glazer, Mark (1987). A Dictionary of Mexican American Proverbs. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 116. ISBN 0313253854. 

• Quien tiene cola de paja no debe arrimarse al fuego.
  • Translation: He that is made of straw should go near the fire.
  • English equivalent: He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.
  • Meaning: Know your limitations and weaknesses; Don't do something that is sure to damage you.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 54. 

• Quien tiene hijos o ovejas, no le faltan quejas.
  • Idiomatic translation: Children are uncertain comforts but certain cares.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 654. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Quien quando puedo nu quiere, Quando quiere no puede.
  • Idiomatic translation: He that will not when he may, when he will shall then have nay!
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 41. 

R

• Roba bien quien á ladron roba.
  • Idiomatic translation: Set a thief to catch a thief.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 74. ISBN 1417964677. 

S

• Saca agua de las pierdras.
  • Idiomatic translation: All is fish that comes to the net.
  • Meaning: We can make use of everything that happens to us: good and bad.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 

• Si adelante no vas, altrasarás.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who does not advance goes backwards.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 445. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Si cazares, no te alabes; si no cazares, no te enfades.
  • Idiomatic translation: If fortune favours, beware of being exalted; if fortune thunders, beware of being overwhelmed.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Si la montaña no va a Mahoma, Mahoma íra a la montaña
  • Translation: If the mountain does not go to Muhammad, Muhammad will go to the mountain.
  • Note: From an English proverb. The earliest appearance of the phrase is from Chapter 12 of the Essays of Francis Bacon, published in 1625.
  • English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.
  • Meaning: If reality does not adapt to your whims, you must adapt to reality.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1006. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Si no como queremos pasamos como podemos.
  • Idiomatic translation: Do as you may, if you can't do as you could.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 707. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Sin razón se queja del mar quien otra vez navega.
  • Idiomatic translation: He complains wrongfully at the sea that suffer shipwreck twice.
  • Meaning: Don't do the same thing again and expect different results.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 898. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Sin tentacion no hay victoria.
  • Translation: Where there is no temptation there is no glory.
  • English equivalent: Without temptation there is no victory.
  • Meaning: Not being tempted is a sign that fortune has forgotten you.
  • Ward, Caroline (1842). National proverbs in the principal languages of Europe. J.W. Parker. p. 156. 

• Sleep upon it, and you will take counsel.
  • Idiomatic translation: Take counsel of one's pillow.
  • Note: Specified as a Spanish proverb in the source.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 63. 

• Sol que mucho madruga, poco dura.
  • Idiomatic translation: Early ripe, early rotten.
  • Meaning: Precocious children will mean much trouble later on.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Sólo se tiran piedras al árbol cargado de fruto.
  • Translation: Only rocks are being thrown at the tree which bears fruit.
  • English equivalent: if you have no enemies it is a sign that fortune has forgotten you; People throw stones only at trees with fruit on them.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1008. ISBN 0415096243. 

T

• Tal hijo, tal padre.
  • Translation: Such father, such son.
  • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
  • Meaning: Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily.
  • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

T

• Toma las cosas como vienen.
  • Translation: Take things as they come to you.
  • English equivalent: Take things as you find them.
  • Meaning: Adapt yourself to new surroundings or conditions. For instance, if you are ill, do what you still can instead of waiting to get healthy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243. 

U

• Una golondrina no hace verano.
  • Dir translation: A swallow doesn't make summer.
  • Translation: The summer does not start with a single swallow.
  • German proverb: Eine Schwalbe macht noch keinen Sommer.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1030. ISBN 0415096243. 

V

• Vale más huir, que morir.
  • Translation: Better to flee than to die.
  • English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 

Z

• Zapatero, a tus zapatos.
  • Translation: Shoemaker, to your shoes.
  • Interpretation: Don't talk about things you don't know anything about. It can also be interpreted as: Mind your own business.
  • English equivalent: Shoemaker, stick to your last or Cobbler, stick to thy last.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 660. ISBN 0415096243. 

See also

• Basque proverbs
• Catalan proverbs