Irish Proverbs & Sayings

Words of Wisdom


The old pipe gives the sweetest smoke

A scholars ink lasts longer than a martyrs blood

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, and wealthy, and wise

There can be a black sheep in the brightest flock

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched

A buckle is a great addition to an old shoe

A stitch in time save nine

Watching is a part of good play

Health is better than riches

By degrees the castles are built

A good run is better than a bad stand

Possession is nine-tenths of the law

No-one is ever poor who has the sight of his eyes and the use of his feet

Praise the ripe field not the green corn

A promise is a debt

There is no use crying over spilt milk

Sense doesn't come before age

There are two tellings to every story

Truth stands when everything else falls

It is no shame to tell the truth

Tell the truth and shame the devil

Speed and accuracy do not agree

Never put off tomorrow what you can do today

Make your hay before the fine weather leaves you

Sow early and mow early

Birds of a feather flock together

There can be a black sheep in the brightest flock

A bad workman blames his tools

A liar needs a good memory

A bully is never courageous

A still tongue makes a wise head

Bottles of alcohol are followed by bottles of medicine

Clear consciences fear no accusers

Credit makes cheap things dear

Everything comes to he who waits

By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail