Irish proverbs to live by, 26 nuggets of wisdom
We all know the Irish have a way with words, but some of these old proverbs are completely surreal!
These old Irish proverbs are certainly wise words to live by but these Irish nuggets of wisdom are both hilarious and really very strange.
1. For every mile of road there are two miles of ditches
Meaning: There are two sides to every story. (This comes from some parts of Ireland, where 'ditches' means hedges.)
2. There's no use boiling your cabbage twice
Meaning: Stop going over and over wor‐ ries in your head because it solves noth‐ ing.
3. The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune
Meaning: Things and people improve over time.
4. A woman planted feathers in the dunkel and thought she'd grow hens Meaning: Just because you 'thought' something would work doesn't mean you were right.
5. It's often that a man's mouth broke his nose
Meaning: Watch what you say because it could get you in trouble.
6. As the old cock crows the young cock learns
Meaning: Children learn by example.
7. If there was work in the bed he'd sleep on the floor
Meaning: Used to describe people who are very lazy.
8. No need to fear the ill wind when your haystacks are tied down Meaning: Once you've prepared properly then there's no need to worry the out‐ come.
9. The longest road out is the shortest road home
Meaning: If you invest time and effort into something then it will pay off in the latter end.
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"The longest road out is the shortest road home."
10. You'll arrive back with one arm as long as the other
Meaning: You heading out on a thankless quest. You'll arrive back with nothing to show for it.
11. You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind
Meaning: Merely thinking about some‐ thing won't get it done.
12. He didn't lick it off a stone Meaning: People’s actions are influenced by those around them.
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"He didn't lick it off a stone."
13. I wouldn't call the Queen my aunt Meaning: Being in such a contented mood that even becoming royalty could‐ n't improve upon it.
14. What I'm afraid to hear I had better say first myself
Meaning: One must be honest and wary of their own shortcomings.
15. Now you know you're home Meaning: You're in a happy state.
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16. It's a long road there's no turn in Meaning: No matter how bad the situa‐ tion is things always change.
17. Telephone, telegraph, tell a woman Meaning: The three best ways to spread news. Back before the days of the in‐ ternet.
18. An empty sack does not stand Meaning: Bluffers and ignorance will al‐ ways be found out.
19. Even black hens lay white eggs Meaning: You should never judge a book by its cover.
20. The road to Heaven is well sign‐ posted, but it's badly lit at night Meaning: Life has many challenges but the reward is good.
21. It's as easy to catch a cold in a King's castle as in a shepherd's hut Meaning: Wealth doesn't protect you from the trials of life.
22. It's better to pay the butcher than the doctor
Meaning: Don't skimp on healthy food as it will cost you your health in the long run.
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23. A lamb's bleat is often more telling than a dog's bark
Meaning: Subtlety and a quiet approach can be more beneficial than brute force and loudness.
24. A broken man is better than no man Meaning: Having any man is better than being alone
25. No matter how many rooms you have in your house you can only sleep in the one bed
Meaning: Possessions are not what they're made out to be.
26. It's a lonely washing that has no man's shirt in it
Meaning: It's better to have a partner's laundry to do than no partner at all! *Originally published in2010.Updated inMarch2024.