A Comprehensive Collection of English Proverbs and Idioms with Chinese Explanations and Examples59

This collection explores a wide range of English proverbs and idioms, providing Chinese translations and illustrative examples to deepen understanding and showcase their nuanced applications. English proverbs, much like their Chinese counterparts, condense wisdom, cultural values, and societal observations into concise and memorable phrases. Understanding them is key to comprehending the subtleties of English language and culture. This compilation aims to bridge the gap between English and Chinese linguistic expressions, offering a valuable resource for language learners and enthusiasts alike.

Section 1: Proverbs Related to Time and Opportunity

1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (一鳥在手勝過兩鳥在林) This proverb emphasizes the value of certainty over uncertainty. For example: "He was offered a stable job, but he turned it down hoping for a better one. That's like ignoring a bird in the hand for two in the bush – he might end up with nothing." (他被提供了一份穩定的工作，但他拒絕了，希望找到更好的工作。這就像放棄手上的鳥去追求林中的兩隻鳥一樣——他可能最終一無所獲。)

2. All good things must come to an end. (天下無不散之筵席) This proverb acknowledges the impermanence of pleasant experiences. Example: "We had a wonderful vacation, but all good things must come to an end, and it was time to go home." (我們度過了一個美好的假期，但天下無不散之筵席，是時候回家了。)

3. Time and tide wait for no man. (歲月不待人) This highlights the relentless passage of time. Example: "Don't procrastinate on your studies; time and tide wait for no man. You need to prepare for the exams now." (不要拖延你的學習；歲月不待人。你現在需要準備考試。)

4. Strike while the iron is hot. (趁熱打鐵) This proverb encourages seizing opportunities when they arise. Example: "He saw a business opportunity and decided to strike while the iron is hot, investing all his savings." (他看到一個商機，決定趁熱打鐵，投資了他所有的積蓄。)

Section 2: Proverbs Related to Actions and Consequences

5. Actions speak louder than words. (事實勝於雄辯) This emphasizes the importance of deeds over mere pronouncements. Example: "He always says he'll help, but his actions speak louder than words; he rarely follows through." (他總是說他會幫忙，但是事實勝於雄辯；他很少真正做到。)

6. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. (別還沒孵出來就數小雞) This cautions against premature celebration. Example: "He's already planning his victory party, but don't count your chickens before they hatch; the competition is still fierce." (他已經在計劃他的慶功派對了，但是別還沒孵出來就數小雞；競爭仍然很激烈。)

7. Look before you leap. (三思而後行) This proverb stresses careful consideration before acting. Example: "Investing in the stock market can be risky; remember to look before you leap and do your research." (投資股市可能很危險；記住三思而後行，做好你的研究。)

8. Rome wasn't built in a day. (羅馬不是一天建成的) This emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence. Example: "Learning a new language takes time and effort; Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep practicing." (學習一門新的語言需要時間和努力；羅馬不是一天建成的。繼續練習。)

Section 3: Proverbs Related to Relationships and Character

9. A friend in need is a friend indeed. (患難見真情) This highlights the true value of friendship during difficult times. Example: "He helped me when I was in trouble; a friend in need is a friend indeed." (他在我遇到麻煩時幫助了我；患難見真情。)

10. All that glitters is not gold. (金玉其外，敗絮其中) This warns against judging solely on appearances. Example: "That company looks successful on the surface, but all that glitters is not gold; they're actually deeply in debt." (那家公司表面上看起來很成功，但是金玉其外，敗絮其中；他們實際上負債累累。)

11. Two heads are better than one. (三個臭皮匠，勝過一個諸葛亮) This proverb emphasizes the benefits of collaboration. Example: "We're facing a complex problem; let's brainstorm together—two heads are better than one." (我們面臨一個複雜的問題；讓我們一起集思廣益——三個臭皮匠，勝過一個諸葛亮。)

12. Birds of a feather flock together. (物以類聚，人以群分) This refers to the tendency of similar people to associate with each other. Example: "They have so much in common; birds of a feather flock together." (他們有很多共同點；物以類聚，人以群分。)

Section 4: Miscellaneous Proverbs

13. The early bird catches the worm. (早起的鳥兒有蟲吃) This encourages diligence and promptness. Example: "If you want to get a good seat, you'd better arrive early; the early bird catches the worm." (如果你想得到一個好座位，你最好早點到；早起的鳥兒有蟲吃。)

14. Every cloud has a silver lining. (禍兮福所倚，福兮禍所伏) This suggests that even in difficult situations, there is always hope. Example: "Losing that job was devastating, but every cloud has a silver lining; it forced me to pursue my true passion." (失去那份工作令人心碎，但是禍兮福所倚，它迫使我去追求我的真正熱情。)

15. Where there's a will, there's a way. (有志者事竟成) This emphasizes the power of determination. Example: "He faced many obstacles, but where there's a will, there's a way; he finally achieved his goal." (他面對許多障礙，但是有志者事竟成；他最終實現了他的目標。)

This is just a small selection of English proverbs. Many more exist, each offering a unique perspective and valuable lesson. Continued exploration of these concise expressions will greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of both the English language and the cultural values embedded within it.

2025-04-10

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