France Proverbs (10)

Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

“Little by little, the bird builds its nest.”

Great results are achieved gradually through patient, consistent effort.

L'habit ne fait pas le moine.

“The habit does not make the monk.”

Outward appearances do not reveal a person's true character.

Qui vivra verra.

“He who lives shall see.”

The future is uncertain and only time will reveal what happens.

Après la pluie, le beau temps.

“After the rain, fine weather.”

Hardship is followed by better times, so keep hope.

Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.

“One must not sell the bear's skin before killing it.”

Do not count on something before you actually have it.

Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

“Better late than never.”

Doing something after a delay is preferable to never doing it at all.

Les murs ont des oreilles.

“The walls have ears.”

Be careful what you say, as you may be overheard.

Chat échaudé craint l'eau froide.

“A scalded cat fears cold water.”

A bad experience makes one overly cautious even in safe situations.

L'appétit vient en mangeant.

“Appetite comes with eating.”

Desire or interest grows as one begins and continues an activity.

Vouloir, c'est pouvoir.

“To want is to be able.”

With enough determination, a person can accomplish their goal.