Portuguese proverbs

From Wikiquote
Jump to: navigation, search

Proverbs from all Portuguese speaking countries.

Contents

A [edit]

  • Ainda que vistas a mona 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. 
  • A caridade começa em casa.
    • Translation: Charity begins at home.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 547. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A curiosidade matou o gato.
    • Idiomatic translation: Curiosity killed the cat.
    • Meaning: Inquisitiveness is harmful to you.
    • Toniolo, Daniel. CAMINHOS QUE LEVAM A DEUS, OS. biblioteca24horas. p. 20. ISBN 8561590580. 
  • A experiência é mãe da ciência.
    • 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. 
  • A má chaga, má erva.
    • Idiomatic translation: Desperate evils need desperate remedies.
    • English equivalent: Needs must when the devil drives.
    • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 24. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • A necessidade não tem lei, mas a da fome sobre todas pode.
    • 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. 
  • A roupa suja lava-se em casa.
    • Translation: Dirty clothes should be washed at home.
    • English Equivalent: 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.
    • F. Allen, Maria (2012). The Routledge Portuguese Bilingual Dictionary: Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese. Routledge. p. 439. ISBN 0415434343. 
  • A quem sabe esperar ensejo, tudo vem a seu tempo e desejo.
    • 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. 
  • A união faz a força.
    • 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. 
  • Água mole em pedra dura, tanto dá até que fura.
    • Idiomatic translation: Constant dropping wears the stone; Water dropping day by day wears the hardest rock away.
    • Meaning: Many small changes will soon make a big difference.
    • Lumpkin Taylor, James (1970). A Portuguese-English Dictionary (2, revised, annotated, reprint ed.). Stanford University Press. p. 310. ISBN 0804704805. 
  • Ao médico, ao letrado e ao abade, falar verdade.
    • Idiomatic translation: Conceal not the truth from thy physcian and lawyer.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 666. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • As aparências iludem. or, equivalently, As aparências enganam.
    • Translation: Looks can be deceiving.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 124. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Alcança quem não cansa.
    • Idiomatic translation: Faint heart never won fair lady.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 30. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Antes só do que mal acompanhado. (Brazil and Portugal)
    • Translation: It's better to be alone than in bad company.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 163. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Amigos amigos, negócios à parte.’’
    • Translation: Friends are friends, business is [something] aside.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 639. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Amor, fogo, e tosse, A seu dono descobre.
    • 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. 
  • Amor verdadeiro, não envelhece.
    • Idiomatic translation: True love never grows old.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1107. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ajuda-te que Deus te ajudará.
    • Translation: Help yourself and God will help you.
    • English equivalent: Heaven help 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. 
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 639. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A sorte favorece os audazes.
    • Translation: Luck favours the bold.
    • Origin: Latin Virgil Audentes fortuna juvat Wikipedia
    • Dinis, Júlio (1985). Uma família inglesa. Editorial Comunicação. p. 46 pages = 596. 
  • A pressa é inimiga da perfeição.
    • Translation: Haste is the enemy of perfection.
    • English Equivalent: Haste makes waste.
    • Plá, Daniel (2001). Tudo Sobre Franchising. Senac. p. 40 pages = 160 isbn = 8587864106. 
  • A mentira tem perna curta.
    • Translation: Lies have short legs.
    • Meaning: The truth never stays hidden for long.
    • English Equivalent: The truth will out.
    • Andrade abrãao, Marcos. Filho de Elohim. Editora Naós Ltda. p. 12. ISBN 8577950417. 
  • Antes de mil anos todos seremos brancos.
    • 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. 
  • Até ao lavar dos cestos é vindima.
    • Translation: The time to collect grapes only ends with the washing of baskets.
    • Meaning: (1) We/They stay on until it's over. (2) Don't quit until it's over. (3) We / They will grab what we/they can while it lasts.
    • English Equivalent: It's not over 'till it's over.
    • English Equivalent: There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip.
    • Copello, Marcelo (1994). SABORES DO DOURO E DO MINHO, OS: HISTORIAS, RECEITAS, VINHOS. Senac. p. 133. ISBN 857359764X. 
  • Ao bom varão, terras alheias pátria são.
    • Idiomatic translation: Great minds agree.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 882. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ao homem amado a fortuna lhe dá a mão.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fortune favours the bold.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 38. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • As paredes têm ouvidos.
    • Translation: The walls have ears.
    • Meaning: Be careful with what you say, for you never know who might be listening.
    • Greek Equivalent: Και οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά. Exact translation with the Portuguese equivalent.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 136. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • A noite é boa conselheira.
    • Translation: The night is a good advisor
    • Variant: O travesseiro é bom conselheiro
    • Translation: The pillow is a good advisor.
    • Meaning: Thinking things over sometimes helps to make things clearer.
    • English Equivalent: Sleep on it.
    • Moacyr, Othon (2004). Comunicação em Prosa Moderna: aprenda a escrever, aprendendo a pensar. FGV Editora,. p. 153. ISBN 852250296X. 
  • A verdade é clara e a mentira sombra.
    • Translation: The truth is bright and a lie is a shadow.
    • English equivalent: Truth gives a short answer, lies go round about; A lie is a shadow of truth; Truth fears no colors.
    • Latin equivalent: Obscuris vera involvens. and Veritas semper una est.
      • Translation: Obscurity envelops truth. respective The truth is always one.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1216. ISBN 0415096243. 

B [edit]

  • Bem sabe mandar quem bem sabe obedecer.
    • Translation: He who has not obeyed, cannot command.
    • English equivalent: Who has not served cannot command.
    • Meaning: One must have been controlled in the same situation one wishes to properly control others.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 855. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Boca de mel, coração de fel.
    • Idiomatic translation: A honey tongue and a heart of gall.
    • Note: A hypo proverb of Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing...
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Bom exemplo e boas razões avassalam os coracões.
    • Idiomatic translation: Lead by example.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 

C [edit]

  • Cada cabelo faz sua sombra na terra.
    • Idiomatic translation: A bad bush is better than no shelter; Every hair casts its shadow; There is no little enemy.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 4. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Cada carneiro por seu pé pende.
    • Idiomatic translation: Each sheep hangs by it's own foot.
    • Meaning: We must depend on ourselves, financially and in all other matters.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Cão que ladra não morde.
    • Translation: Barking dog doesn't bite.
    • Meaning: People who only talk aren't dangerous.
    • English Equivalent: Barking dogs seldom bite.
    • English Equivalent: His bark is worse than his bite.
    • Taylor, James Lumpkin; Martin, Priscilla Clark (1970). A Portuguese-English Dictionary. Stanford University Press, ,. p. 378. ISBN 9780804704809. 
  • Conforme a pergunta, assim a resposta. Tal voz, tal eco.
    • Idiomatic translation: Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.
    • Meaning: Do not expect friendly reply when being obnoxious.
    • Meaning: Bad language may have other causes than innate bad character.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Como canta o abade, assim responde o sacristão.
    • 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. 
  • Como me medires assim te medirei.
    • 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. 

D [edit]

  • De amigo reconciliado e de caldo requentado, nunca bom bocado.
    • 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. 
  • De boas intenções está o Inferno cheio.
    • Translation: Hell is full of good intentions.
    • English Equivalent: The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
    • Alves Pinto, CiÇa (1994). LIVRO DOS PROVERBIOS, DITADOS, DITOS POPULARES E: ANEXINS Utgåva 5. Senac. p. 93. ISBN 9788573597974. 
  • De boi manso me guarde Deus, que de mau eu me guardarei.
    • Idiomatic translation: A man's worst enemies are often those of his own house.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • De casta vem ao galgo ter o rabo longo.
    • 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 meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 488. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • De grandes ceias estão as sepulturas cheias.
    • 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 maus costumes nascem boas leis.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good laws have sprung from bad customs.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dê ao Diabo o que é dele.
    • Translation: Be fair to the devil.
    • English equivalent: Give the devil his due.
    • Meaning: Don't let a person's obnoxiousness cloud your judgment of him in other regards.
    • Flonta, Teodor (2002). God and the Devil: Proverbs in 9 Euorpean Languages. Teodor Flonta. p. 21. ISBN 1875943412. 
  • Debaixo de bom saio está o homem mau.
    • 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. 
  • Deitar cedo e cedo erguer dá saúde e faz crescer.
    • Translation: Early sleep and early wake up, gives health and makes you grow.
    • Ironic variant rarely used: Deitar cedo e cedo erguer dá saúde e faz sono. ([...] and makes you sleepy.)
    • English Equivalent: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

E [edit]

  • Em boca fechada as moscas não têm entrada.
    • 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. 
  • Em casa de ferreiro o pior apeiro.
    • Idiomatic translation: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Entre marido e mulher não se mete a colher.
    • Translation: Between husband and wife, one doesn't put the spoon.
    • Variant: Entre marido e mulher não metas a colher.
    • Meaning: One shouldn't mess with a couples private life, or anyone's for that matter.
    • English Equivalent: Mind your own business; Don't go between the dog and the tree.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 69. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • Enquanto há vida, há esperança.
    • Translation: While there's life, there's hope.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 88. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • É de pequenino que se torce o pepino.
    • Translation: It's when it's small that the cucumber gets warped.
    • Meaning: Bad habits acquired during early life last long; Children should learn good habits from a tender age.
    • English Equivalent: Soon crooks the tree that good gambrel would be.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 89. ISBN 0521796636. 

F [edit]

  • Faz boa farinha e não toques buzina.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good wine needs no bush.
    • Meaning: Good services and products do not need advertisement.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 34. 
  • Falar, falar não enche barriga.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fine words butter no parsnips.
    • Meaning: Merely talking about a problem will not solve it.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 31. 
    • Source for meaning: Speake, Jennifer; Simpson, John (2009). The Oxford dictionary of proverbs. Oxford University Press. pp. 388. ISBN 0199539537. 
  • Fazei-vos mel, comer-vos-ão as moscas.
    • Idiomatic translation: 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. 
  • Fazer da necessidade virtude.
    • Idiomatic translation: Make a virtue out of necessity.
    • Meaning: Acquiesce in doing something unpleasant with a show of grace because one must do it in any case.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1079. ISBN 0415096243. 

G [edit]

  • Génio e figura, até à sepultura.
    • Idiomatic translation: What is bred in the bone will not go out of the flesh.
    • Meaning: You can seldom change core human nature with the help of logic.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 985. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Guarda moço, acharás velho.
    • 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 do things you like that virtually only young people can do; It will be all the things you never did which you will regret.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Gostos não se discutem.
    • Translation: You don't discuss tastes.
    • English Equivalent: There is no accounting for taste.
    • Flonta, Teodor (2001). A Dictionary of English and Portuguese: Equivalent Proverbs. Teodor Flonta. pp. 220. ISBN 1875943218. 

H [edit]

  • Hoje por mim, amanhã 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. 
  • Huim roim se toma com outro roim.
    • 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. 

L [edit]

  • Longe dos olhos, longe do coração. (can also be Longe da vista (sight), longe do coração)
    • Translation: Far from the eyes, far from the heart.
    • English Equivalent: Out of sight, out of mind.
    • Variation: O que os olhos não vêem, o coração não sente. (What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel.)
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 90. ISBN 0521796636. 

M [edit]

  • Mais vale andar só que mal acompanhado.
    • 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. 
  • Mal me querem as comadres porque lhes digo as verdades.
    • Idiomatic translation: All truths are not to be told.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Mais vale saber que haver e dar que receber.
    • Idiomatic translation: A good mind possesses 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. 
  • Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar.(Portugal)
  • Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.(Brazil)
    • Translation: A bird in the hand has more worth than two flying.
    • English Equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 90. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • Mais vale tarde do que nunca. (Portugal)
  • Antes tarde do que nunca. (Brazil)
    • Translation: Better late than never.
    • English Equivalent: Better late than never.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 88. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • Mais vale pão duro que nenhum.
    • Idiomatic translation: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Mais vale prevenir do que remediar. (Portugal)
  • É melhor prevenir do que remediar. (Brasil)
    • Translation: It's best to prevent than to have to remedy (or fix).
    • English Equivalent: Better safe than sorry; An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
    • Herminii, Herminia. Nominalia. José Rabaça Gaspar deNomios. p. 485. ISBN 141353547X. 
  • Mãos beija o homem que quisera ver cortadas.
    • Idiomatic translation: Many kiss the hand they wish to see cut off.
    • ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1084. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Mete a mão em teu seio, não dirás do fado alheio.
    • 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. 
  • Mil amigos, pouco; um inimigo, demais.
    • Translation: Thousand friends, little, an enemy, too much.
    • English equivalent: Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243. 

N [edit]

  • Não fies, nem porfies, nem filho doutro cries.
    • 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. 
  • Não chore sobre o leite derramado.
    • Translation: Don't cry over spilt milk.
    • Chang Tong, Jonh Yen. Bolsa de Valores Visao Feliz E Optimsta de Tres Geracoes. Editora AGE Ltda. p. 75. ISBN 8574971979. 
  • Não há galinha gorda por pouco dinheiro.
    • Translation: there are no fat chicken for little money (for cheap).
    • Meaning: there are no big bargains. Be suspicious otherwise.
    • English Equivalent: The only free cheese is in the mouse trap.
    • Machado, José Pedro (1996). O grande livro dos provérbios. Editorial Notícias. p. 326. ISBN 8574971979. 
  • Não há duas sem três.
    • Translation: There's no two without a three.
    • Meaning: If it happened twice, it will happen again.
    • English equivalent:
    • Machado, José Pedro (1996). O grande livro dos provérbios. Editorial Notícias. p. 397. ISBN 8574971979. 
  • Não há glória sem inveja.
    • Idiomatic translation: Envy always shoots at a high mark.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 766. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Não há pior cego que o que não quer ver.
    • Idiomatic translation: There are no worse blinds than those who do not want to see.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 320. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Não há pior surdo que o que não quer ouvir.
    • 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. 
  • Não há regra sem excepção.
    • 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. 
  • Não deixes para amanhã o que podes fazer hoje.
    • Translation: Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 90. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • Não se atiram pedras senão às árvores que têm fruto.
    • Translation: Rocks are only thrown at the trees who bear 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. 
  • Não se caçam lebres tocando 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. 
  • Nem tudo que reluz é ouro.
    • Variant: Nem tudo o que brilha é ouro.
    • Translation: Not everything that shines is gold.
    • English Equivalent: Everything that glitters is not gold.
    • English Equivalent: All that glitters is not gold.
    • Costa, J. J. (2009). A sabedoria dos ditados populares. Butterfly Editora. p. 30. ISBN 858847784X. 
  • Nunca Deus fecha uma porta que não abra outra.
    • 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. 

O [edit]

  • Os cães ladram mas a caravana passa.
    • Translation: Dogs bark, but the caravan keeps on.
    • Meaning: Pay no attention to what people say about you.
    • Note: From an Arab proverb.
    • Mondaini, Marco (2008). Direitos Humanos No Brasil Contemporâneo. Editora Universitária UFPE. p. 82. ISBN 8573155302. 
  • Onde se ganha o pão, não se come a carne.
    • Where you earn your bread, you don't eat the meat.
    • Meaning: Different segments of your life must remain contiguous, such as your love life, business and leisure.
    • English Equivalent: You don't shit where you eat.
    • Tettê, Schmidt; Tavares, Ulisses. Guia do Homem. Geração Editorial. p. 91. ISBN 8575090313. 
  • Onde vai mais fundo o rio, aí faz menos ruído.
    • Idiomatic translation: Still waters run deep.
    • Meaning: He who is taciturn might be that because his head is filled with ambitious thoughts.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 70. 
  • O que os olhos não vêem, o coração não sente.
    • Translation: What the eyes don't see the heart doesn't feel.
    • English Equivalent: Out of sight, out of mind.
    • Variation: Longe dos olhos, longe do coração. (Far from the eyes, far from the heart.)
    • Machado, José Pedro (1996). O grande livro dos provérbios. Editorial Notícias. p. 397. ISBN 8574971979. 
  • O que se aprende no berço sempre dura.
    • Translation: Old habits die hard.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1122. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • O barato sai caro.
    • Variant: O que é barato sai caro.
    • Translation: What is cheap is costly.
    • Meaning: The cheap things prove to be expensive at the end.
    • English Equivalent: If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 0415160502. 

P [edit]

  • Paciência excede sapiência.
    • Translation: With patience you go beyond knowledge.
    • 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. 
  • Pior é ter mau médico que estar enfermo.
    • Idiomatic translation: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it off the mouse.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 646. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Primeiro a obrigação, depois a devoção.
    • Translation: First comes duty, then devotion.
    • English Equivalent: Business before pleasure.
    • Meaning: First do your work, and only then what you best like.
    • A. Alves, Rubem (1992). O retorno e terno. Papirus Editora. p. 69. ISBN 8530802152. 

Q [edit]

  • Qual é Maria, tal filha 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 daily.
    • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Quando o bem te chegar, mete-o em casa.
    • Idiomatic translation: Opportunity knocks only once.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 400. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem espera, desespera.
    • Translation: He who hopes, despairs.
    • Idiomatic translation: He who lives by hope will die of hunger.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 952. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem ama o Beltrão, ama seu cão (irmão).
    • Translation: He who loves Beltrão, loves his dog (brother).
    • Idiomatic translation: Love me, love my dog.
    • Meaning: If you love someone, you like everything about him.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 953. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem não pode como quer, queira como pode.
    • 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. 
  • Quem se afoga, às palhas se agarra.
    • Idiomatic translation: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Quem tem telhado de vidro não atira pedras [no telhado do vizinho]. (Portugal)
  • Quem tem telhado de vidro não joga pedra [no telhado do vizinho]. (Brazil)
    • Translation: Those with glass roof shouldn't throw stones [to their neighbor’s].
    • If you're vulnerable you shouldn't be attacking others.
    • English Equivalent: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 91. ISBN 0521796636. 
  • Quem muito abarca pouco abraça.
    • Translation: He who grasps at too much loses everything.
    • English Equivalent: Grasp all, lose all.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 886. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem não arrisca não petisca.
    • Translation: He who doesn't take a chance won't nibble.
    • Meaning: If you don't try, or take the risk, you can't have any profit.
    • English Equivalent: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
    • Meaning: It is necessary to take risks in order to achieve something.
    • Taylor, Martin (1970). A portuguese-english dictionary: revised. University Press. p. 72. ISBN 0804704805. 
  • Quem não quer ser lobo não lhe vista a pele.
    • Translation: He who doesn't want to be a wolf shouldn't wear it's hide.
    • Meaning: If you don't want to be treated like a [something], don't act like one.
    • Alves Pinto, CiÇa. LIVRO DOS PROVERBIOS, DITADOS, DITOS POPULARES E: ANEXINS. Senac. p. 91. ISBN 8573597976. 
  • Quem está no convento é que sabe o que lhe vai dentro.
    • Translation: [Only] He who is in the convent knows what goes on inside.
    • English Equivalent: No one knows where the Shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
    • Meaning: Only people going through a problem know how it is.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 886. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem boa cama faz nela se deita.
    • Translation: He who makes a good bed sleeps on it.
    • Meaning: You reap what you sow.
    • Alternative meaning: You did a good thing, now use it.
    • English Equivalent: As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.
    • Azevedo, Arthur (1983). Teatro de Artur Azevedo, Volym 1. Instituto Nacional de Artes Cênicas. p. 68. 
  • Quem quando pode não quer, quando quer não pode.
    • 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. 
  • Quanto mais depressa mais devagar.
    • Translation: the faster, the slower.
    • Variation: Quantas mais pressas mais vagares.
    • Usage: About things made fast (or in haste) that end up being done slower than usual.
    • English Equivalent: Haste makes waste.
    • Machado, José Pedro (1996). O grande livro dos provérbios. Editorial Notícias. p. 467. ISBN 8574971979. 
  • Quando a esmola é demais, até o santo desconfia.
    • Translation: When the alms is too large, even a saint will be suspicious.
    • English Equivalent: When something seems too good to be true, usually it is.
    • English Equivalent: The only free cheese is in the mouse trap.
    • Variation: Quando a esmola é muita, o pobre desconfia. (When the alms is too much, the poor will be suspicious.)
    • Variant: Quando a esmola é grande o santo desconfia.
    • Costa, J. J. (2009). A sabedoria dos ditados populares. Butterfly Editora. p. 20. ISBN 858847784X. 
  • Quem o pássaro quer tomar, não o há-de enxotar.
    • 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. 
  • Quem segura a enguia pelo rabo e a mulher pela palavra, pode dizer que nada segura.
    • Idiomatic translation: You might as well try to hold an eel by the tail.
    • Meaning: Don't take a man by his word.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 480. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Quem vê cara não vê coração.
    • Translation: He who looks at the face doesn't see the heart.
    • Variant: Quem vê caras não vê corações. (Port.)
    • Translation: He who sees faces doesn't see hearts.
    • Meaning: You can't know what goes inside people by just looking.
    • English Equivalent: You can't tell a book by its cover.
    • Ganho, Ana Sofia; McGovern, Timothy Michael (2004). Using Portuguese: A Guide to Contemporary Usage. Cambridge University Press. p. 91. ISBN 0521796636. 

S [edit]

  • Se caçares, não te gabes; se não caçares, não 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. 
  • Se Maomé não vai à montanha, a montanha vai a Maomé.
    • Translation: If Mohammad won't go to the mountain, the mountain will go to Mohammad.
    • English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.
    • Meaning: If reality does not adapt itself to one's personal whims, one must adapt himself to reality.
    • Steinberg (1985). 1001 provérbios em contraste. Nova Alexandria. p. 56. ISBN 8574920452. 
  • Quem não quer ser lobo não lhe vista a pele.
    • Translation: He who doesn't want to be a wolf shouldn't wear it's hide.
    • Meaning: If you don't want to be treated like a [something], don't act like one.
    • Alves Pinto, CiÇa. LIVRO DOS PROVERBIOS, DITADOS, DITOS POPULARES E: ANEXINS. Senac. p. 110. ISBN 8573597976. 
  • Serve o senhor e saberas o que é dor.
    • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Sol que muito madruga, pouco 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. 

T [edit]

  • Tal pai, tal filho.
    • 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. 
    • Flonta, Teodor (2001). A Dictionary of English and Portuguese: Equivalent Proverbs. Teodor Flonta. p. entry 536. ISBN 1875943218. 
  • Tal tronco, tal acha.
    • Idiomatic translation: You must meet roughness with roughness.
    • Example: If someone treats you poorly, you should treat him equally poorly.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 12. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Tarde dar e negar estão a par
    • Idiomatic translation: He gives twice, who gives in a trice.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 38. 
  • Tempo e maré, não esperam por ninguém.
    • Idiomatic translation: Time and tide waits for no man.
    • Meaning: The Future will forsake those who forsake him; Focus on the major worries you have today, because you will have even more major worries tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 

U [edit]

  • Uma ovelha má põe o rebanho a perder.
    • Translation: A bad sheep puts the herd to waste.
    • Meaning: A bad person can influence many others to behave in a bad way.
    • English Equivalent: one bad apple ruins the bunch.
    • Merryman, Montgomery; McGovern, Timothy Michael (1951). Portuguese: a portrait of the language of Brazil. Uniaõ Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos. p. 118. 
  • Um homem prevenido vale por dois.
    • Translation: A forewarned man is worth two (men).
    • English Equivalent: Forewarned is forearmed.
    • See: Homem prevenido vale por dois.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Uma desgraça nunca vem só.
    • Translation: a misfortune never comes alone.
    • Usage: in bad luck streaks.
    • A. Abrantes, Sílvio (1994). Códigos Correctores de Erros em Comunicações Digitais. FEUP Edições. p. 243. ISBN 9727521274. 

V [edit]

  • Vassoura nova varre sempre bem.
    • 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. 
  • Vai muito do dizer ao fazer.
    • Translation: There's a long way from saying to doing.
    • English Equivalent: Easier said than done.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1040. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Voz do povo, voz de Deus.
    • Translation: The people's voice is God's voice.
    • Meaning: You had better heed when many people gather spontaneously about some cause.
    • Meaning: The voices of gossipers in the marketplace are God's own
    • Meaning: what you can hear here and there is unquestionable because everybody is saying it
    • Note: A meta-proverb: a proverb about proverbs, the people's wisdom.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1164. ISBN 0415096243. 
Retrieved from "http://en.wikiquote.org/w/index.php?title=Portuguese_proverbs&oldid=1579781"