Proverbs, Sayings and Foreign Expressions

Proverbs, Sayings & Foreign Expressions

Proverbs, sayings, and foreign expressions add richness, precision, and cultural depth to English. They are commonly tested in competitive examinations through:

• direct meaning questions
• match-the-following
• fill in the blanks
• sentence completion
• phrase replacement
• vocabulary questions
• reading comprehension
• usage-based questions

A proverb is a short, well-known statement expressing a general truth, practical wisdom, or common experience.

A saying is a familiar expression that conveys an idea or observation, but it may not always contain a complete moral lesson like a proverb.

A foreign expression is a word or phrase borrowed from another language and used in English, often with its original form or nearly original meaning.

For examination purposes, students should learn:

• the expression
• its meaning
• its correct context
• a short example sentence

Important Proverbs

A Bad Workman Blames His Tools

Meaning: An incompetent person often blames circumstances or equipment for failure instead of accepting responsibility.

Sentence:

He blamed the computer for every mistake, but a bad workman blames his tools.

A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush

Meaning: Something certain and already possessed is more valuable than something better but uncertain.

Sentence:

He accepted the secure job instead of waiting for an uncertain offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed

Meaning: A true friend is one who helps during difficult times.

Sentence:

Ravi supported me during the crisis, proving that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

A Little Knowledge Is a Dangerous Thing

Meaning: Limited knowledge may lead a person to make incorrect or overconfident decisions.

Sentence:

He tried to repair the electrical system without proper training; a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss

Meaning: A person who constantly changes jobs, places, or pursuits may fail to establish stability or accumulate experience and resources.

Sentence:

He changed careers every few months, forgetting that a rolling stone gathers no moss.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

Meaning: Solving a small problem early prevents it from becoming a larger problem.

Sentence:

Repair the leaking roof now—a stitch in time saves nine.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Meaning: Being separated from someone may increase affection for that person.

Sentence:

After months away from home, she realised that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Meaning: What a person does is more important than what they merely say.

Sentence:

He promised to help but did nothing; actions speak louder than words.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Meaning: Attractive appearances can be deceptive.

Sentence:

The offer looked excellent, but all that glitters is not gold.

All’s Well That Ends Well

Meaning: If a difficult situation ends successfully, earlier problems may be considered less important.

Sentence:

The journey was stressful, but everyone arrived safely; all’s well that ends well.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Meaning: Healthy habits help maintain good health.

Sentence:

The proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” emphasises the value of healthy eating.

As You Sow, So Shall You Reap

Meaning: People eventually experience the consequences of their own actions.

Sentence:

He worked sincerely throughout the year and achieved excellent results—as you sow, so shall you reap.

Barking Dogs Seldom Bite

Meaning: People who make many threats often do not act on them.

Sentence:

Do not be frightened by his loud threats; barking dogs seldom bite.

Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

Meaning: A person dependent on others cannot always demand ideal conditions.

Sentence:

When free accommodation was offered, he could hardly complain about the room; beggars can’t be choosers.

Better Late Than Never

Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.

Sentence:

He finally started saving for retirement—better late than never.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Meaning: People with similar habits, interests, or characteristics tend to associate with one another.

Sentence:

The two enthusiastic readers quickly became friends; birds of a feather flock together.

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Meaning: Family relationships are often considered stronger than other relationships.

Sentence:

Despite their disagreements, the brothers supported each other because blood is thicker than water.

Charity Begins at Home

Meaning: A person should first fulfil responsibilities towards people close to them before helping others.

Sentence:

He donated generously but also cared for his family, remembering that charity begins at home.

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

Meaning: Cleanliness is considered an important virtue.

Sentence:

The school promotes hygiene because cleanliness is next to godliness.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

Meaning: Excessive curiosity can lead to trouble.

Sentence:

He opened confidential files without permission and learned that curiosity killed the cat.

Cut Your Coat According to Your Cloth

Meaning: Live within your means and adjust expenditure according to available resources.

Sentence:

With a limited salary, one must cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth.

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You

Meaning: Do not harm or insult someone who helps or supports you.

Sentence:

Criticising the organisation that supports you unfairly is like biting the hand that feeds you.

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Meaning: Do not assume success before it actually happens.

Sentence:

Do not celebrate before the final result; don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk

Meaning: Do not waste time regretting something that cannot be changed.

Sentence:

The deadline has passed, so there is no use crying over spilt milk.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Meaning: Do not judge someone or something solely by outward appearance.

Sentence:

The old building looked unimpressive but contained an excellent library—don’t judge a book by its cover.

Empty Vessels Make the Most Noise

Meaning: People with little knowledge often speak the most loudly or confidently.

Sentence:

He knew very little but argued constantly; empty vessels make the most noise.

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Meaning: There is usually something positive in a difficult situation.

Sentence:

Losing the job was painful, but it led to a better opportunity; every cloud has a silver lining.

Fortune Favours the Brave

Meaning: Courageous people are more likely to gain opportunities or success.

Sentence:

She took the risk of starting her own business because fortune favours the brave.

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Meaning: Success generally requires personal effort rather than complete dependence on others.

Sentence:

Instead of waiting for help, he began working seriously because God helps those who help themselves.

Half a Loaf Is Better Than None

Meaning: Having something is better than having nothing.

Sentence:

The salary was lower than expected, but half a loaf is better than none.

Haste Makes Waste

Meaning: Doing something too quickly can cause mistakes and additional work.

Sentence:

Check the form before submitting it because haste makes waste.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

Meaning: Being truthful is usually the wisest course of action.

Sentence:

He admitted his mistake because honesty is the best policy.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Meaning: Remain optimistic while also preparing for possible difficulties.

Sentence:

Carry emergency supplies on the journey—hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Look Before You Leap

Meaning: Think carefully before taking an important action.

Sentence:

Before investing all your savings, remember to look before you leap.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Meaning: Take advantage of favourable conditions while they last.

Sentence:

Demand is currently high, so the company should make hay while the sun shines.

Necessity Is the Mother of Invention

Meaning: Difficult needs often inspire new ideas and solutions.

Sentence:

The water shortage led villagers to develop a new harvesting system; necessity is the mother of invention.

No Pain, No Gain

Meaning: Success usually requires effort and sacrifice.

Sentence:

Regular practice is difficult, but no pain, no gain.

Practice Makes Perfect

Meaning: Repeated practice improves skill and performance.

Sentence:

Keep solving grammar questions because practice makes perfect.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Meaning: It is better to prevent a problem than to deal with its consequences later.

Sentence:

Regular maintenance is essential because prevention is better than cure.

Rome Was Not Built in a Day

Meaning: Important achievements require time and patience.

Sentence:

Do not expect mastery in a week; Rome was not built in a day.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Meaning: Consistent and careful effort can lead to success.

Sentence:

Daily revision may seem slow, but slow and steady wins the race.

Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Meaning: Act when the opportunity is favourable.

Sentence:

The market is expanding, so the company should strike while the iron is hot.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Meaning: People who act early often gain an advantage.

Sentence:

Submit your application early—the early bird catches the worm.

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

Meaning: Ideas and writing can have greater influence than physical force.

Sentence:

Journalism can transform public opinion because the pen is mightier than the sword.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man

Meaning: Time does not stop for anyone.

Sentence:

Begin your preparation today because time and tide wait for no man.

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth

Meaning: Too many people trying to control the same task can create confusion.

Sentence:

The project suffered because everyone wanted to lead; too many cooks spoil the broth.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Meaning: Cooperation often produces better solutions than working alone.

Sentence:

Let us solve the problem together because two heads are better than one.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Meaning: Unity creates strength, while division creates weakness.

Sentence:

The workers succeeded through cooperation—united we stand, divided we fall.

Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way

Meaning: Strong determination can help a person overcome difficulties.

Sentence:

Despite limited resources, she succeeded because where there is a will, there is a way.

You Cannot Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Meaning: You cannot enjoy two mutually incompatible advantages at the same time.

Sentence:

You cannot demand complete freedom while refusing all responsibility—you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

Meanings

Proverbs usually express a general truth or lesson rather than describing one specific event.

Literal and Figurative Meaning

Consider:

A stitch in time saves nine.

Literal image:

Repairing a small tear immediately may prevent the need for many stitches later.

Figurative lesson:

Solve problems early before they become bigger.

Another:

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Literal image:

If all eggs are carried in one basket and the basket falls, all may be lost.

Figurative lesson:

Do not risk everything on a single option.

Proverbs About Hard Work

Common examples:

• No pain, no gain → success requires effort.
• Practice makes perfect → repeated effort improves skill.
• God helps those who help themselves → personal effort is necessary.
• Slow and steady wins the race → consistent effort leads to success.
• Where there is a will, there is a way → determination helps overcome obstacles.

Proverbs About Time

• Time and tide wait for no man → time does not wait.
• A stitch in time saves nine → act before a problem grows.
• Better late than never → delayed action is better than no action.
• The early bird catches the worm → acting early gives an advantage.
• Make hay while the sun shines → use favourable circumstances promptly.

Proverbs About Caution

• Look before you leap → think before acting.
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch → do not assume success too early.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket → spread risk.
• Haste makes waste → excessive hurry causes mistakes.
• All that glitters is not gold → appearances may deceive.

Proverbs About Character

• Honesty is the best policy → truthfulness is wise.
• Actions speak louder than words → behaviour matters more than promises.
• As you sow, so shall you reap → actions bring consequences.
• A friend in need is a friend indeed → true friendship is revealed in difficulty.

Proverbs About Cooperation

• Two heads are better than one → cooperation improves problem-solving.
• United we stand, divided we fall → unity creates strength.
• Too many cooks spoil the broth → excessive interference can harm work.

These do not contradict one another. The first two encourage useful cooperation, while the third warns against too many people trying to control the same task.

Common Sayings

A saying is a familiar expression that communicates a widely understood idea. Some sayings overlap with proverbs and idioms.

Easier Said Than Done

Meaning: Something may be easy to suggest but difficult to perform.

Sentence:

Maintaining discipline every day is easier said than done.

Enough Is Enough

Meaning: A situation has become unacceptable and should not continue.

Sentence:

After repeated violations, the manager finally said that enough was enough.

First Things First

Meaning: Deal with the most important matter before less important matters.

Sentence:

First things first—complete the application before planning the journey.

Knowledge Is Power

Meaning: Knowledge gives people greater ability, influence, and control.

Sentence:

Education transforms society because knowledge is power.

Live and Learn

Meaning: People continue learning from experience throughout life.

Sentence:

I never knew this rule before—live and learn.

No News Is Good News

Meaning: If no bad information has been received, things may be going well.

Sentence:

We have heard nothing from the hospital yet, but perhaps no news is good news.

So Far, So Good

Meaning: Everything has been satisfactory up to the present point.

Sentence:

We have completed half the project without difficulty—so far, so good.

That’s Life

Meaning: Difficult or disappointing situations are sometimes unavoidable.

Sentence:

The train was cancelled again, but that’s life.

The More, the Merrier

Meaning: An event is more enjoyable when more people participate.

Sentence:

Invite your friends too—the more, the merrier.

Time Will Tell

Meaning: The result or truth will become clear in the future.

Sentence:

Whether the new policy succeeds, time will tell.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Meaning: A person’s actions eventually return to affect them.

Sentence:

Treat others fairly because what goes around comes around.

When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do

Meaning: Follow local customs when visiting or living in another place.

Sentence:

We followed the local dining customs because when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

You Never Know

Meaning: Something unexpected may happen.

Sentence:

Apply for the scholarship—you never know, you may be selected.

Easy Come, Easy Go

Meaning: Something acquired easily may also be lost easily.

Sentence:

He spent his sudden winnings immediately—easy come, easy go.

Seeing Is Believing

Meaning: Direct evidence is more convincing than hearsay.

Sentence:

I doubted the improvement until I visited the site; seeing is believing.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Meaning: Different experiences make life more interesting.

Sentence:

Trying new activities keeps life interesting; variety is the spice of life.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Meaning: It is wiser to take precautions than regret carelessness later.

Sentence:

Carry an umbrella; better safe than sorry.

Latin Expressions

Many Latin expressions have become part of formal English. They are especially common in:

• law
• administration
• academics
• science
• diplomacy
• formal writing

Ad Hoc

Meaning: Created for a particular purpose or situation.

Sentence:

An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the matter.

Ad Infinitum

Meaning: Without end; indefinitely.

Sentence:

The debate cannot continue ad infinitum.

Ad Interim

Meaning: For the intervening period; temporarily.

Sentence:

An ad interim arrangement was made until a permanent officer was appointed.

Alma Mater

Meaning: The school, college, or university one attended.

Sentence:

He returned to his alma mater after twenty years.

Alter Ego

Meaning: A second self; a very close and trusted associate.

Sentence:

The adviser was often described as the minister’s alter ego.

Bona Fide

Meaning: Genuine; made in good faith.

Sentence:

Only bona fide applicants will be considered.

De Facto

Meaning: Existing in practice or reality, even if not formally recognised.

Sentence:

He became the de facto leader of the organisation.

De Jure

Meaning: Existing according to law or official recognition.

Sentence:

She was the de jure head of the institution.

Compare:

de facto → in practice

de jure → by law

Et Al.

Meaning: And others.

Commonly used in academic citations.

Sentence:

The study by Sharma et al. examined regional inequality.

Et Cetera

Abbreviation: etc.

Meaning: And other similar things.

Sentence:

The shop sells pens, notebooks, files, etc.

Ex Gratia

Meaning: Given voluntarily, without legal obligation.

Sentence:

The government announced an ex gratia payment to the affected families.

Ex Officio

Meaning: By virtue of holding a particular office.

Sentence:

The chairperson is an ex officio member of the committee.

Habeas Corpus

Meaning: A legal remedy requiring a detained person to be brought before a court to examine the legality of detention.

Sentence:

The petitioner sought a writ of habeas corpus.

In Camera

Meaning: In private, especially in a closed court proceeding.

Sentence:

The sensitive testimony was heard in camera.

In Loco Parentis

Meaning: In place of a parent.

Sentence:

Schools sometimes act in loco parentis while students are under their supervision.

In Situ

Meaning: In the original or natural place.

Sentence:

The archaeological remains were preserved in situ.

Ipso Facto

Meaning: By that very fact itself.

Sentence:

Holding a senior position does not ipso facto make someone an expert.

Modus Operandi

Meaning: A particular method of operating.

Common abbreviation: M.O.

Sentence:

The police identified a similar modus operandi in several cases.

Per Capita

Meaning: Per person.

Sentence:

Per capita income is often used as an economic indicator.

Per Se

Meaning: In itself; intrinsically.

Sentence:

Technology is not harmful per se; its effects depend on how it is used.

Prima Facie

Meaning: At first sight; based on initial evidence.

Sentence:

The court found a prima facie case against the accused.

Pro Bono

Meaning: Professional work done voluntarily without payment, usually for the public good.

Sentence:

The lawyer provided pro bono legal assistance.

Quid Pro Quo

Meaning: Something given or received in exchange for something else.

Sentence:

The agreement involved a clear quid pro quo.

Sine Die

Meaning: Without fixing a date for continuation.

Sentence:

The meeting was adjourned sine die.

Status Quo

Meaning: The existing state of affairs.

Sentence:

The agreement sought to maintain the status quo.

Sub Judice

Meaning: Under judicial consideration and therefore not finally decided.

Sentence:

The matter is sub judice, so detailed public comment should be avoided.

Sui Generis

Meaning: Unique; belonging to a class of its own.

Sentence:

The constitutional arrangement is often described as sui generis.

Verbatim

Meaning: Word for word; exactly as spoken or written.

Sentence:

The statement was reproduced verbatim in the report.

Vice Versa

Meaning: With the positions or relationships reversed.

Sentence:

Teachers influence students and vice versa.

Vox Populi

Meaning: Voice of the people; popular opinion.

Sentence:

The result was seen as an expression of vox populi.

Latin Expressions at a Glance

French Expressions

French has contributed many expressions to English, particularly in:

• diplomacy
• fashion
• art
• food
• social interaction
• literature

À La Carte

Meaning: Ordering individual dishes separately from a menu rather than taking a fixed meal.

Sentence:

We ordered à la carte instead of choosing the set menu.

À La Mode

Meaning: Fashionable; in the current style.

Sentence:

The design was considered à la mode.

In American food usage, it may also refer to a dessert served with ice cream.

Au Fait

Meaning: Well informed or familiar with something.

Sentence:

She is fully au fait with the new regulations.

Au Revoir

Meaning: Goodbye; until we meet again.

Sentence:

They said au revoir before leaving Paris.

Bon Voyage

Meaning: A wish for a pleasant journey.

Sentence:

We wished them bon voyage before their departure.

Carte Blanche

Meaning: Complete freedom or authority to act.

Sentence:

The director was given carte blanche to reorganise the department.

C’est la Vie

Meaning: That’s life; an expression of acceptance of an unfortunate situation.

Sentence:

The train was cancelled again, but c’est la vie.

Coup d’État

Meaning: Sudden and illegal seizure of government power.

Sentence:

The government was overthrown in a military coup d’état.

Déjà Vu

Meaning: The feeling that a present situation has been experienced before.

Sentence:

Walking through the old street gave me a strange sense of déjà vu.

En Masse

Meaning: All together; as a group.

Sentence:

The workers resigned en masse.

En Route

Meaning: On the way.

Sentence:

The rescue team is en route to the affected village.

Fait Accompli

Meaning: Something already done and therefore difficult or impossible to reverse.

Sentence:

By the time the committee met, the decision had become a fait accompli.

Faux Pas

Meaning: A socially embarrassing mistake.

Sentence:

His remark at the formal dinner was a serious faux pas.

Force Majeure

Meaning: An extraordinary event beyond the control of the parties, especially in contracts.

Sentence:

The contract included a force majeure clause for natural disasters.

Laissez-Faire

Meaning: A policy of minimal interference, especially by government in economic activity.

Sentence:

Classical economists often supported laissez-faire policies.

Nom de Plume

Meaning: A pen name used by a writer.

Sentence:

The novelist published under a nom de plume.

Par Excellence

Meaning: The outstanding or supreme example of something.

Sentence:

He was regarded as a diplomat par excellence.

Protégé

Meaning: A person guided, trained, or supported by someone more experienced or influential.

Sentence:

She was considered the senior scientist’s protégé.

Rendezvous

Meaning: A meeting at an agreed time and place.

Sentence:

The café served as their rendezvous point.

Résumé

Meaning: A summary; in employment contexts, a document describing qualifications and experience.

Sentence:

Attach your résumé to the application.

Tête-à-Tête

Meaning: A private conversation between two people.

Sentence:

The two leaders held a brief tête-à-tête before the meeting.

Vis-à-Vis

Meaning:

• in relation to
• compared with
• face to face

Sentence:

The report compares India’s performance vis-à-vis neighbouring countries.

French Expressions at a Glance

Other Foreign Words & Phrases

English has borrowed expressions from several other languages. Many have become common in examinations, journalism, academics, politics, and everyday English.

Zeitgeist — German

Meaning: The spirit, mood, or defining ideas of a particular period.

Sentence:

The movement reflected the political zeitgeist of the decade.

Schadenfreude — German

Meaning: Pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune.

Sentence:

Taking schadenfreude in someone’s failure is unkind.

Kindergarten — German

Meaning: A school or class for young children before primary education.

Sentence:

The child started kindergarten this year.

Wanderlust — German

Meaning: A strong desire to travel.

Sentence:

Her wanderlust took her across several countries.

Angst — German

Meaning: A feeling of anxiety or deep unease.

Sentence:

The novel reflects the social angst of the period.

Blitzkrieg — German

Meaning: A rapid, intense military attack designed to achieve quick victory.

Sentence:

The term blitzkrieg became associated with rapid warfare during the Second World War.

Guru — Sanskrit

Meaning: Teacher, guide, or expert.

Sentence:

He is regarded as a management guru.

Karma — Sanskrit

Meaning: Action and its moral consequences; in wider English usage, consequences resulting from one’s actions.

Sentence:

The idea of karma has entered global popular vocabulary.

Yoga — Sanskrit

Meaning: A system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices.

Sentence:

Yoga is practised worldwide.

Mantra — Sanskrit

Meaning: Originally a sacred utterance; in modern English, a repeatedly expressed guiding principle.

Sentence:

“Quality first” became the company’s mantra.

Avatar — Sanskrit

Meaning: Originally an incarnation; in modern digital usage, a graphical representation of a user.

Sentence:

The player created a new avatar for the game.

Nirvana — Sanskrit/Pali Tradition

Meaning: A state of liberation; in general English, a state of perfect peace or happiness.

Sentence:

The word nirvana is sometimes used figuratively for complete contentment.

Tsunami — Japanese

Meaning: A series of large sea waves produced by underwater disturbance such as an earthquake.

Sentence:

The earthquake generated a destructive tsunami.

Karaoke — Japanese

Meaning: Entertainment in which people sing along to recorded music.

Sentence:

They spent the evening singing karaoke.

Bonsai — Japanese

Meaning: The art of growing miniature ornamental trees.

Sentence:

She maintains a collection of bonsai trees.

Haiku — Japanese

Meaning: A short traditional Japanese poetic form.

Sentence:

The student wrote a haiku about spring.

Tycoon — Japanese Origin

Meaning: A very wealthy and powerful businessperson.

Sentence:

The industrial tycoon invested in renewable energy.

Kowtow — Chinese Origin

Meaning: Show excessive respect or submission.

Sentence:

The administration refused to kowtow to external pressure.

Gung Ho — Chinese Origin

Meaning: Extremely enthusiastic and energetic.

Sentence:

The new team was gung ho about completing the project early.

Bazaar — Persian

Meaning: A marketplace.

Sentence:

The old bazaar attracts thousands of visitors.

Caravan — Persian

Meaning: A group of travellers, vehicles, or animals travelling together.

Sentence:

A caravan crossed the desert.

Khaki — South Asian Origin

Meaning: Dust-coloured or light brown; commonly associated with uniforms.

Sentence:

The officers wore khaki uniforms.

Pundit — Sanskrit/Hindi Origin

Meaning: Originally a learned scholar; now commonly an expert commentator.

Sentence:

Political pundits debated the election results.

Verandah — South Asian Origin

Meaning: A roofed platform or porch attached to a building.

Sentence:

They sat on the verandah during the evening.

Loot — Hindi Origin

Meaning: Steal goods, especially during disorder; also stolen goods.

Sentence:

The mob attempted to loot several shops.

Jungle — Hindi Origin

Meaning: Dense forest or wild vegetation.

Sentence:

The expedition entered the jungle.

Pyjama/Pajama — South Asian Origin

Meaning: Loose clothing traditionally worn as trousers; now commonly sleepwear.

Sentence:

He changed into his pyjamas before going to bed.

Siesta — Spanish

Meaning: A short rest or sleep, especially in the afternoon.

Sentence:

He took a short siesta after lunch.

Fiesta — Spanish

Meaning: A festival or celebration.

Sentence:

The town organised a colourful fiesta.

Macho — Spanish

Meaning: Strongly or traditionally masculine in behaviour or appearance.

Sentence:

The advertisement relied on an exaggerated macho image.

Patio — Spanish

Meaning: An open paved area beside or within a house.

Sentence:

They had dinner on the patio.

Mosquito — Spanish

Meaning: A small flying insect, some species of which transmit diseases.

Sentence:

Mosquito control is important during the rainy season.

Solo — Italian

Meaning: A performance by one person.

Sentence:

She performed a piano solo.

Opera — Italian

Meaning: A dramatic work combining music and theatrical performance.

Sentence:

They attended an opera in the evening.

Prima Donna — Italian

Meaning: Originally the leading female singer in an opera; now also a temperamental person who expects special treatment.

Sentence:

The manager disliked working with people who behaved like prima donnas.

Bravo — Italian

Meaning: An expression of approval or praise.

Sentence:

The audience shouted “Bravo!” after the performance.

Other Foreign Expressions at a Glance

Commonly Confused Foreign Expressions

De Facto vs De Jure

De facto = existing in reality or practice.

De jure = existing legally.

Example:

He was the de facto leader, although someone else remained the de jure head.

Bona Fide vs Mala Fide

Bona fide = genuine; in good faith.

Mala fide = in bad faith; with dishonest intention.

Examples:

The application was bona fide.

The decision was challenged as mala fide.

Prima Facie vs Per Se

Prima facie = at first sight/based on initial evidence.

Per se = in itself.

Example:

There is prima facie evidence of negligence.

The procedure is not illegal per se.

Ad Hoc vs Ad Infinitum

Ad hoc = for a specific purpose.

Ad infinitum = endlessly.

Example:

An ad hoc panel was formed.

The discussion cannot continue ad infinitum.

En Masse vs En Route

En masse = all together.

En route = on the way.

Examples:

The employees resigned en masse.

The team is en route to Delhi.

Fait Accompli vs Status Quo

Fait accompli = an accomplished fact that is difficult to reverse.

Status quo = the existing state of affairs.

Example:

The decision became a fait accompli.

The agreement maintained the status quo.

Exam-Oriented Revision Table

Key Points to Remember

• A proverb expresses a general truth, lesson, or practical wisdom.
• A saying is a familiar expression conveying a commonly understood idea.
• A foreign expression is borrowed from another language and used in English.
• Remember:
  • A stitch in time saves nine → solve problems early.
  • Actions speak louder than words → deeds matter more than promises.
  • All that glitters is not gold → appearances can deceive.
  • Look before you leap → think before acting.
  • Practice makes perfect → repeated practice improves skill.
  • Rome was not built in a day → major achievements take time.
  • Where there is a will, there is a way → determination helps overcome difficulty.
• Do not confuse:
  • Better late than never → delayed action is better than no action.
  • The early bird catches the worm → early action gives advantage.
• Do not confuse:
  • Two heads are better than one → useful cooperation helps.
  • Too many cooks spoil the broth → excessive interference creates problems.
• Remember:
  • de facto → in practice
  • de jure → by law
• Remember:
  • bona fide → genuine/good faith
  • mala fide → bad faith
• Remember:
  • prima facie → at first sight
  • per se → in itself
• Remember:
  • ad hoc → specific temporary purpose
  • ad infinitum → endlessly
• Remember:
  • ex gratia → voluntary payment
  • ex officio → because of one’s official position
• Remember:
  • sine die → without fixing a date
  • status quo → existing state of affairs
  • sub judice → under judicial consideration
• Remember:
  • en masse → all together
  • en route → on the way
  • faux pas → social mistake
  • carte blanche → complete freedom
  • fait accompli → accomplished and difficult-to-reverse fact
  • tête-à-tête → private conversation
  • nom de plume → pen name

The most effective way to master proverbs, sayings, and foreign expressions is to learn them in thematic groups and use each in a short sentence. In competitive examinations, avoid choosing an option simply because the words look familiar. Always match the complete meaning of the expression with the context of the sentence.