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Proverbs starting with N: In the English language, proverbial sayings give advice or share wisdom gained from experience. Every language and culture has them, and many proverbs exist in multiple languages. It is essential to complete all of the words in most proverbs because the meaning can be lost if one word is changed or left out. Whether it is about being patient, working hard, or being cautious, proverbs suggest simple yet profound insights into how to navigate life’s challenges. In this blog, students will get to know about proverbs beginning with N and their meanings to enrich their English vocabulary.
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Also read: 100+ Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples
13 Popular Proverbs Starting with N for Students
Above we have explained to you the meaning of proverbs and the importance of proverbs. Now go through some of the popular proverbs starting with N with their meanings listed below:
| Proverbs Beginning with N | Meaning/Explanation |
| Necessity is the mother of invention | This proverb implies that when people are in need or facing difficulties, they are driven to find solutions or create new things to address those needs. |
| Necessity knows no law | The proverbial saying suggests that when people are faced with urgent needs or extreme circumstances, they may resort to actions that would normally be considered unlawful or unethical. |
| Need teaches a plan | This proverb means that necessity or need is a powerful motivator for finding solutions. When faced with challenges or difficulties, people are often driven to devise plans or strategies to overcome them. |
| Needs must when the devil drives | It suggests that when faced with overwhelming necessity or adversity, people are compelled to act, even if it means resorting to extreme measures or doing something they wouldn’t normally choose to do. |
| Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today | This proverb suggests against procrastination, emphasising the importance of taking action promptly rather than delaying tasks unnecessarily. |
| Never say die | “Never say die” is an expression that means to never give up or surrender, no matter how difficult or hopeless the situation may seem. It suggests perseverance, determination, and a refusal to admit defeat. |
| Never trouble troubles until troubles trouble you | This proverb warns against worrying about potential troubles or problems until they arise. Essentially, it suggests not burdening oneself with imagined or anticipated difficulties but rather dealing with issues as they present themselves. |
| (A) The new broom sweeps clean (but the old brush knows all the corners…) | This proverb indicates that while new things may bring efficiency and vigour, they lack the experience and knowledge that come with time. |
| (A) nod is as good as a wink (to a blind horse/man) | This proverb means that sometimes a subtle hint or gesture is just as effective as a more explicit communication, especially when the person or situation involved is unable or unwilling to perceive it fully. |
| Nobody is perfect | This proverb conveys the idea that everyone has flaws or shortcomings. It acknowledges the inherent imperfection of humanity, emphasizing that no one possesses complete perfection in character, abilities, or behaviour. |
| No joy without annoy | It implies that it’s rare to experience pure joy without encountering some form of irritation or hardship along the way. |
| No losers, no winners | It highlights the idea that success or victory often comes with the risk of failure or defeat. Without the possibility of losing, winning loses its significance or value. This proverb can be interpreted in various contexts, such as sports, business, or personal achievements, where competition and challenges are inherent. |
| No man can serve two masters | The proverb “No man can serve two masters” derives from the Bible, specifically Matthew 6:24 in the New Testament. It suggests that someone can serve two conflicting interests or authorities simultaneously. |
| Necessity is the mother of invention speech | In simple words, this proverb implies that when people have problems, they will always have to be creative and think outside the box to find a solution to the problem. |
Check out other blogs on common English Proverbs:
7+ Best Proverbs Starting with N and Their Meaning
Proverbs are powerful tools for communication and learning because they clarify complex ideas into memorable phrases that anyone can understand and benefit from. Below are some other proverbs that are explained below with their help of meaning.
No Man is a Hero to His Valet
| Meaning: This proverb, often attributed to Madame de Pompadour, implies that those who are intimately familiar with someone are less likely to hold them in high esteem or see them as extraordinary. A “valet” here refers to someone who serves another person closely, often in a domestic role. It reflects the idea that familiarity can breed contempt or at least diminish admiration. |
No Man is an Island
| Meaning: This proverb represents the idea that no one is entirely self-sufficient or isolated from others. It suggests that human beings are interconnected and interdependent in various aspects of their lives, whether it be emotional support, social interaction, or economic cooperation. The proverb emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in human existence, highlighting the fundamental need for connection and collaboration with others |
No News is Good News
| Meaning: This proverb suggests that if you haven’t heard any updates or information about a situation, it’s likely that everything is going well. It implies that if there were any bad news, you would have heard about it already, so the absence of news implies a positive state of affairs. |
No Pain, No Gain
| Meaning: The proverb suggests that important rewards or progress can only be achieved through hard work, effort, and sometimes sacrifice. It implies that without enduring challenges or discomfort, one cannot expect to achieve meaningful success or growth. |
No Rain, No Grain
| Meaning: The proverb “No rain, no grain” implies that without adequate rainfall, there can be no successful harvest or agricultural yield. It underscores the essential role of rain in the growth and fruition of crops, particularly grains. It emphasizes the dependency of agriculture on natural elements and the importance of environmental factors in sustaining food production. |
No Smoke without Fire
| Meaning: It means that rumours or suspicions often have some basis in truth. In other words, there’s usually a reason behind people’s suspicions or accusations, even if it’s not immediately apparent. It suggests that where there is some indication or evidence of wrongdoing or controversy, there’s likely some truth to it, even if it’s not fully confirmed or apparent yet. |
No Wind, No Waves
| Meaning: This proverb suggests that behind every situation or problem, there is usually a cause or reason. It implies that events or disturbances rarely happen without some underlying factor or trigger. This proverb is often used to encourage people to investigate the reasons behind a situation rather than merely focusing on the surface appearance. |
Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
| Meaning: The proverb “nothing ventured, nothing gained” suggests that unless you take risks or make efforts, you won’t achieve anything worthwhile. It highlights the importance of daring to try new things or take chances to reap rewards or make progress. |
Related reads on Proverbs
We hope this blog has provided you with all the necessary information on proverbs starting with N 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.
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