One app for all your study abroad needs
Proverbs starting with W: In English Grammar, Proverbs are proverbial sayings, wise sayings that offer advice or express a truth about life. They often come from cultural or traditional wisdom and are passed down through generations. It is like little chunks of wisdom that people use to communicate ideas or teach important lessons concisely and memorably. They are like small packages of wisdom that carry big meanings. In this blog, we will cover the proverb starting with W, meaning, and much more.
This Blog Includes:
- 11+ Proverbs Starting with W
- Other Proverbs Starting with W and Their Meaning
- Where There’s a Will There’s a Way
- Who Makes Himself a Sheep Will Be Eaten by the Wolves
- When the Wolf’s Ears Appear, His Body is Not Far Off
- Wisdom is Better Than Strength
- The Worth of a Thing is Best Known By the Want Of It
- Worse Things Happen at Sea
- What You Don’t Know Won’t Hurt You
- Worry Often Gives a Small Thing a Big Shadow
Also read: 15+ Common English Proverbs for Class 3 Students Must Know!
11+ Proverbs Starting with W
Above we have described what are proverbs, now here we will explain proverbs starting with W with their meaning:
| Proverb | Meaning |
| Walls have ears | This proverbial expression warns against speaking indiscreetly or confidentially in a place where one may be overheard. It suggests that even in seemingly private spaces, one should be cautious because information can be inadvertently shared or leaked. |
| Waste not, want not | This is an old proverb that suggests if you avoid wasting resources or being wasteful, you won’t find yourself lacking or in need later on. In essence, it promotes the idea of frugality and the wise use of resources. By using what you have wisely and avoiding unnecessary waste, you can ensure that you have enough to meet your needs in the future. |
| (A) watched pot never boils | This proverb means that when you are eagerly waiting for something to happen, especially if you are constantly monitoring it, it seems to take a much longer time to occur. It advises patience and suggests that sometimes things seem to progress more quickly when you’re not constantly watching and waiting for them to happen. |
| (The) way to a man’s heart is through his stomach | This proverbial saying suggests that the path to someone’s affection or love is often through providing them with food or taking care of their culinary needs. It implies that cooking for someone or providing them with delicious meals, is a way to win their favor or affection. |
| We are what we eat | This suggests that our physical and mental well-being is directly influenced by the food we consume. In a literal sense, it implies that the quality and types of food we ingest shape our bodies and minds. |
| What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over | This proverb suggests that if you are unaware of something, it cannot trouble or upset you emotionally. It highlights the idea that ignorance can sometimes be bliss, as it shields one from the pain or distress that knowledge of certain situations might bring. |
| What a man says drunk, he thinks sober | This proverb suggests that when people are intoxicated, they may speak more freely and reveal their true thoughts or feelings. However, when they sober up, they may not necessarily retract what they said but might express it differently or try to justify or explain it. |
| What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals | This proverb suggests that when someone is sober, they tend to keep their true thoughts, feelings, or intentions hidden. However, when they become intoxicated (drunk), their inhibitions are lowered, and they may reveal these hidden aspects of themselves more readily. |
| When the cat’s away, the mice play | The proverb essentially means that people will often misbehave or take advantage of a situation when authority figures or those who could potentially control or discipline them are absent. |
| When in Rome, do as the Romans do | is a proverb advising adaptability to local customs and norms when visiting or living in a different place. It implies that one should behave according to the customs and traditions of the society they are in, rather than imposing their own way of doing things. It signifies the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for the practices of the community in which one finds oneself. |
| When poverty comes in the door, love goes out the window | This proverb implies that financial difficulties can strain or even break relationships. When a person or a family faces poverty or financial hardship, it often creates stress and tension within the household. This stress can lead to arguments, resentment, and ultimately the breakdown of love and affection between partners or family members. |
| Where there’s life there’s hope | The proverb conveys the idea that as long as someone is alive, things always can improve or positive outcomes to occur. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that even in difficult or seemingly hopeless situations, there is always potential for a better future as long as life persists. |
Check out other blogs on common English Proverbs:
Other Proverbs Starting with W and Their Meaning
Let’s have a look at some other proverbs starting with W mentioned below with their meaning:
Where There’s a Will There’s a Way
| Meaning: This proverb conveys the idea that if someone is determined and motivated to achieve something, they will find a method or solution to accomplish it, regardless of obstacles or challenges. This proverb encourages individuals to remain steadfast in their goals and to believe in their ability to surmount any hurdles they may encounter along the way. |
Who Makes Himself a Sheep Will Be Eaten by the Wolves
| Meaning: This proverb is a cautionary statement about the consequences of adopting a passive or submissive attitude in life. In metaphorical terms, it suggests that those who make themselves vulnerable, weak, or easily manipulated (like a sheep) will often become victims of those who are aggressive, opportunistic, or predatory (like wolves). |
When the Wolf’s Ears Appear, His Body is Not Far Off
| Meaning: This proverb essentially means that when you notice the warning signs or indications of something dangerous or threatening, it’s likely that the actual danger is imminent or not far away. In the case of the wolf, its ears are a clear indication of its presence, and by the time you see its ears, it’s already close enough that its body will soon follow. |
Wisdom is Better Than Strength
| Meaning: The proverb suggests that intellect, knowledge, and understanding are more valuable assets than mere physical power or force. It focuses on the superiority of wisdom, which enables one to navigate through challenges, make sound decisions, and achieve success, often without resorting to brute force or violence. |
The Worth of a Thing is Best Known By the Want Of It
| Meaning: This proverb suggests that the true value or worth of something is often best understood when it is no longer available or when one experiences a lack of it. In other words, people may not fully appreciate the importance or value of something until they are deprived of it or it becomes scarce. |
Worse Things Happen at Sea
| Meaning: The proverb is often used to provide perspective or consolation when someone is experiencing difficulties. It implies that no matter how bad a situation may seem, there are always worse situations. The phrase originates from the hazards and unpredictability of maritime life, suggesting that sailors face dangers and challenges far greater than those encountered on land. |
What You Don’t Know Won’t Hurt You
| Meaning: The proverbial sayings suggest that ignorance can sometimes be bliss. It implies that if you’re unaware of something, it can’t cause you any harm or distress. However, it’s worth noting that this proverb can also be interpreted as a caution against seeking out unnecessary information or worrying excessively about things beyond your control. |
Worry Often Gives a Small Thing a Big Shadow
| Meaning: This proverb suggests that worrying excessively about something can magnify its significance or impact beyond its actual importance. Essentially, it explains how our anxieties can distort our perception of problems, making them seem much larger and more daunting than they truly are. |
Read more about proverbs here:
We hope this blog has provided you with all the necessary information on proverbs starting with W and their meaning! To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.
