Traditional proverbs of United States in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
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.”
A disciplined daily routine of rest and early work leads to health, prosperity, and good judgment.
Source: Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1735)
A penny saved is a penny earned.
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Money you avoid spending is just as valuable as money you make, so thrift matters.
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.”
Divine or outside help favors people who first make their own effort rather than waiting passively.
Source: Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1736); older proverbial roots
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
The person or problem that complains loudest is the one that gets attention and help.
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.”
Strong, determined people work harder and push forward precisely when conditions become difficult.
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.”
Children tend to resemble their parents in character, habits, or ability.
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.”
Do not rely on a hoped-for outcome until it has actually happened.
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.”
Do not change or interfere with something that is already working well.
Source: Traditional American proverb, popularized 20th c. (attributed to Bert Lance, 1977)
Actions speak louder than words.
“Actions speak louder than words.”
What a person actually does reveals their intentions more truthfully than what they merely say.
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.”
Everything of value has a cost somewhere, even when it appears to be given away for free.
Source: American proverbial saying popularized 20th c.; associated with economist Milton Friedman (1975)