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United Kingdom — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of United Kingdom, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

A stitch in time saves nine.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded by Thomas Fuller in Gnomologia (1732)

“Don't count your chickens before they hatch.”

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Source: Traditional English proverb, rooted in Aesop's fables; English form popularized 16th century

“The early bird catches the worm.”

The early bird catches the worm.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded in John Ray's A Collection of English Proverbs (1670)

“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded in the 16th century

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Source: English proverb derived from John Milton's Comus (1634), which coined the phrase 'silver lining'

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Source: Traditional English proverb, long attested in English usage

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded in John Ray's A Collection of English Proverbs (1670)

“Make hay while the sun shines.”

Make hay while the sun shines.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded in John Heywood's A Dialogue Conteynyng Prouerbes (1546)

“Actions speak louder than words.”

Actions speak louder than words.

Source: English proverb, attested in this form from the 17th century

“You can't have your cake and eat it too.”

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Source: Traditional English proverb, recorded in John Heywood's A Dialogue Conteynyng Prouerbes (1546)