There is a Nigerian saying, which Author Chinua Achebe is famous for making widely known, that perfectly sums up the importance of proverbs. It says, Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are ...

A PROVERB, says the Oxford Dictionary, is ‘a short pithy saying in common and recognized use; a concise sentence, often metaphorical or alliterative in form, which is held to express some truth ...

Now, the VOA Special English program, WORDS AND THEIR STORIES. A proverb is a short, well known saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Many proverbs give advice about the best way to live.

The Irish have a way with words, as we all know. The following is a sample of sayings and proverbs that have lasted for generations – though some of them may be a tad antiquated by today's standards.

From old chestnuts like “no pain, no gain” to sports wisdom like “the best offence is a good defence”, there seems to be a proverb for everything. There’s good reason: proverbs touch on just about ...