The words of United States

United States — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

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

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

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

Source: Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1735)

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Source: Popularly attributed to Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack; traditional American thrift proverb

“God helps those who help themselves.”

God helps those who help themselves.

Source: Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1736); older proverbial roots

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Source: Traditional American proverb, oral tradition (attributed in popular form to Josh Billings, 19th c.)

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Source: Traditional American saying, 20th-century oral tradition

“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Source: Traditional American proverb, common in U.S. oral tradition (older European roots)

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

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Source: Traditional proverb widely used in American English, oral tradition

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Source: Traditional American proverb, popularized 20th c. (attributed to Bert Lance, 1977)

“Actions speak louder than words.”

Actions speak louder than words.

Source: Traditional English-language proverb in common American usage (documented from the 17th century)

“There's no such thing as a free lunch.”

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Source: American proverbial saying popularized 20th c.; associated with economist Milton Friedman (1975)