100 American Proverbs and Sayings
영어를 눈으로만 읽으면 뜻은 알아도 막상 말하려고 할 때 입이 잘 떨어지지 않습니다. 그래서 영어 말하기를 잘하려면 어려운 단어를 많이 외우는 것보다 짧고 쉬운 문장을 자주 소리 내어 말해보는 것이 중요합니다. 특히 미국인들이 오랫동안 사용해 온 속담과 격언에는 인생, 성공, 돈, 인간관계, 시간에 관한 지혜가 짧은 문장 속에 담겨 있습니다. Better late than never, Actions speak louder than words처럼 한 번 익혀두면 실제 대화에서도 활용할 수 있는 표현이 많습니다. 이번 글에서는 미국에서 널리 알려진 속담과 격언 100개를 쉬운 영어로 정리했습니다.
아래 글을 단순히 눈으로 읽고 지나가지 마세요. 먼저 속담을 천천히 소리 내어 읽고, 그 아래에 있는 쉬운 영어 설명도 그대로 말해보세요. 모든 단어와 문장을 완벽하게 외울 필요는 없습니다. 뜻을 이해한 뒤 두세 번 소리 내어 따라 말하는 것만으로도 좋습니다. 마지막 A와 B의 짧은 대화는 실제 미국인과 이야기한다고 생각하면서 역할을 바꾸어 여러 번 말해보세요. 영어는 눈으로만 공부하는 것보다 직접 입으로 반복해서 말할 때 훨씬 자연스럽게 익힐 수 있습니다.
하루에 100개를 모두 공부할 필요는 없습니다. 하루에 3개나 5개씩만 연습해도 충분합니다. 방법도 간단합니다. 먼저 속담을 3번 소리 내어 읽습니다. 다음으로 쉬운 영어 설명을 천천히 읽습니다. 그다음 A와 B의 대화를 각각 2번씩 말해봅니다. 마지막에는 글을 보지 않고 속담 한 문장을 직접 말해보세요. 중요한 것은 빨리 끝내는 것이 아니라 매일 조금씩 영어를 입으로 사용하는 것입니다. One step at a time. 한 걸음씩 가면 됩니다. 100개의 인생 지혜를 배우면서 100개의 영어 표현도 내 것으로 만들어보세요. Better late than never. 영어 공부도 오늘 다시 시작하면 됩니다.
1. Better late than never (늦더라도 안 하는 것보다 낫다)
It is better to start late than not to start at all.
You can use this expression when someone starts something later than expected. It can be learning English, exercising, starting a new job, or trying something new. It means, “Don’t worry about being late. Starting now is still a good thing.”
A: I’m 60. Is it too late to learn English?
B: No! Better late than never.
2. Actions speak louder than words (말보다 행동이 중요하다)
What you do is more important than what you say.
This expression is useful when you want to see real action, not just promises. Someone may say many good things, but what that person actually does tells you more.
A: He says he wants to help us.
B: Let’s see what he does. Actions speak louder than words.
3. Practice makes perfect (연습이 완벽을 만든다)
The more you practice, the better you become.
You may hear this when someone is learning a new skill. It can be English, sports, music, cooking, or almost anything that takes practice.
A: My English pronunciation is still not very good.
B: Keep practicing. Practice makes perfect.
4. Where there’s a will, there’s a way (뜻이 있는 곳에 길이 있다)
If you really want to do something, you can often find a way.
People often say this to encourage someone who is facing a difficult problem. It means that if something is important to you, you should keep looking for a way to do it.
A: I want to study English, but I’m so busy.
B: Try 15 minutes a day. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
5. Two heads are better than one (백지장도 맞들면 낫다)
Two people can often solve a problem better than one person.
This is a useful expression when people decide to work together. Another person may have a different idea or see something that you missed.
A: I can’t solve this problem.
B: Let me help. Two heads are better than one.
6. Don’t judge a book by its cover (겉모습만 보고 판단하지 마라)
Do not judge someone or something only by appearance.
You can use this when a first impression may be wrong. A person or situation may be very different after you learn more about it.
A: He looks very serious.
B: He’s actually very funny. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
7. The grass is always greener on the other side (남의 것이 더 좋아 보인다)
Other people’s lives often look better than our own.
This saying is often used when someone thinks another person has a better job, home, relationship, or life. We usually see the good parts of other people’s lives but not all their problems.
A: I wish I had Tom’s life.
B: The grass is always greener on the other side.
8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do (로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라)
When you are in a new place, follow the local customs.
You may hear this when people travel or experience a different culture. It means that we should respect the way people do things in that place.
A: Everyone takes off their shoes here.
B: Okay. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
9. Easy come, easy go (쉽게 얻은 것은 쉽게 나간다)
Something that comes easily may also disappear easily.
People often use this expression about money or something gained without much effort. It can also be a casual way to accept losing something that came easily.
A: I won $100 yesterday and spent it today.
B: Easy come, easy go.
10. Every cloud has a silver lining (어려움 속에도 좋은 면은 있다)
Something good may come from a difficult situation.
This expression can give someone hope during a difficult time. It does not mean that the bad situation is good. It means there may still be something positive to find.
A: I lost my job, but now I have time to start my own business.
B: Every cloud has a silver lining.
11. Time is money (시간은 돈이다)
Time is valuable, so do not waste it.
This expression is common in work and business situations. It means that time has value and should be used wisely.
A: Should we keep waiting?
B: No. Let’s get started. Time is money.
12. Time flies (시간은 빠르게 흐른다)
Time seems to pass very quickly.
You can say this when you are surprised by how quickly time has passed. People often use it when they are busy or enjoying themselves.
A: Is it already five o’clock?
B: Yes. Time flies.
13. There’s no time like the present (지금이 가장 좋은 때다)
Now is a good time to start.
This is a useful expression when someone keeps waiting to do something. It encourages the person to stop delaying and begin now.
A: Maybe I’ll start exercising next month.
B: Why wait? There’s no time like the present.
14. All good things must come to an end (좋은 일도 언젠가는 끝난다)
Even enjoyable things cannot last forever.
People often say this when a vacation, party, visit, or other enjoyable experience is ending.
A: I can’t believe our vacation is over.
B: All good things must come to an end.
15. Good things come to those who wait (기다릴 줄 아는 사람에게 좋은 일이 온다)
Sometimes you need patience to get something good.
You may hear this when someone is becoming impatient. It reminds us that worthwhile things may take time.
A: I want results right now.
B: Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.
16. Rome wasn’t built in a day (큰일은 하루아침에 이루어지지 않는다)
Important things take time to build.
This expression is useful when someone expects fast results from a difficult goal. Big achievements usually require time and steady effort.
A: I’ve studied English for a month, but I’m still not fluent.
B: Give it time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
17. Slow and steady wins the race (천천히 꾸준히 하면 결국 이긴다)
Consistent effort can be more important than speed.
People say this when someone is moving slowly but making steady progress. It reminds us that we do not always have to move fast to succeed.
A: I only study English for 20 minutes a day.
B: That’s fine. Slow and steady wins the race.
18. Haste makes waste (서두르면 일을 그르친다)
Doing something too quickly can cause mistakes.
You can use this when someone is rushing. Sometimes slowing down actually saves time because you make fewer mistakes.
A: I need to finish this as fast as possible.
B: Be careful. Haste makes waste.
19. Look before you leap (행동하기 전에 잘 생각하라)
Think carefully before making an important decision.
This saying is often used when someone is about to take a risk or make a big choice. It means you should understand the situation before acting.
A: I’m thinking about quitting my job tomorrow.
B: Look before you leap.
20. Think before you speak (말하기 전에 생각하라)
Think about your words before you say them.
You can use this advice when words could hurt someone or create a problem. Once something is said, it can be difficult to take it back.
A: I was angry, so I said something terrible.
B: Next time, think before you speak.
21. Honesty is the best policy (정직이 최선이다)
Being honest is usually the best choice.
People often say this when someone is thinking about hiding the truth or telling a lie. Honesty can prevent bigger problems later.
A: Should I tell my boss about my mistake?
B: Yes. Honesty is the best policy.
22. Knowledge is power (아는 것이 힘이다)
Knowing more can help you make better choices.
This expression emphasizes the importance of learning and information. The more you understand something, the better prepared you are to make a decision.
A: Why do you read so much about investing?
B: Knowledge is power.
23. No pain, no gain (노력 없이는 얻는 것도 없다)
Improvement often requires effort and hard work.
You may hear this expression in exercise, sports, work, and personal development. It means that meaningful progress usually requires effort.
A: This workout is hard.
B: Keep going. No pain, no gain.
24. Nothing ventured, nothing gained (도전하지 않으면 얻는 것도 없다)
If you never take a chance, you may never get a reward.
This expression is useful when someone is afraid to try something because it may fail. Sometimes taking a reasonable risk is necessary.
A: I’m afraid to apply for the job.
B: Give it a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
25. You reap what you sow (뿌린 대로 거둔다)
Your actions today can affect what happens later.
People use this saying when talking about the results of someone’s choices and behavior. What you do now may come back to you later, in a good or bad way.
A: She worked hard for years, and now her business is doing well.
B: You reap what you sow.
26. You get what you pay for (싼 데는 그만한 이유가 있다)
Very cheap things are not always good quality.
You may hear this when a cheap product or service turns out to be poor quality. Paying less can sometimes mean getting less.
A: This cheap chair broke after two weeks.
B: Well, you get what you pay for.
27. Fortune favors the bold (행운은 용기 있는 사람을 따른다)
People who take action may find opportunities.
This saying encourages people to be brave enough to take action. Opportunities sometimes come because someone was willing to try.
A: I’m nervous about starting my own business.
B: Fortune favors the bold.
28. Necessity is the mother of invention (필요는 발명의 어머니다)
Problems and needs often lead people to create new solutions.
People use this expression when someone finds a clever way to solve a problem because there was no easy solution.
A: We couldn’t afford a new table, so we built one ourselves.
B: Necessity is the mother of invention.
29. Experience is the best teacher (경험이 최고의 스승이다)
We often learn best by doing something ourselves.
This saying is useful when real experience teaches a lesson that books or advice cannot fully teach.
A: I made a lot of mistakes when I started my business.
B: Experience is the best teacher.
30. You live and learn (살면서 배우는 것이다)
We continue learning from life and our mistakes.
You may hear this after someone discovers something new or makes a mistake. It is a relaxed way of saying that nobody knows everything.
A: I didn’t know the store closed so early.
B: You live and learn.
31. Learn from your mistakes (실수에서 배워라)
A mistake can teach you how to do better next time.
This advice is often given after someone makes a mistake. The important thing is not to be perfect but to learn and improve.
A: I made a bad decision.
B: It happens. Learn from your mistakes.
32. Nobody’s perfect (완벽한 사람은 없다)
Everyone makes mistakes.
You can use this expression to comfort someone who feels bad about making a mistake. It reminds us not to expect perfection from ourselves or others.
A: I made another mistake today.
B: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Nobody’s perfect.
33. Never say never (절대 안 된다고 단정하지 마라)
Do not say that something can never happen.
People often use this when someone says they will never do something or something will never happen. Life can surprise us.
A: I’ll never go back to school.
B: Never say never.
34. Never give up (절대 포기하지 마라)
Keep trying even when something is difficult.
This simple expression is used to encourage someone who wants to stop trying. It tells the person to keep going even when progress is difficult.
A: I don’t think I can do this.
B: Never give up. You’re getting better.
35. Keep your chin up (힘들어도 용기를 잃지 마라)
Stay positive during a difficult time.
You may hear this when someone is sad, disappointed, or going through a difficult period. It is a friendly way to say, “Stay strong.”
A: I didn’t get the job.
B: Keep your chin up. Something else will come along.
36. Tomorrow is another day (내일은 또 새로운 날이다)
Tomorrow gives you another chance.
People may say this after a difficult or disappointing day. It means that today’s problems do not have to define tomorrow.
A: Today was terrible.
B: Get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.
37. Life goes on (그래도 인생은 계속된다)
Life continues even after difficult events.
This expression is often used after disappointment, loss, or change. Even when something ends, life continues and we move forward.
A: I still miss my old job.
B: I know, but life goes on.
38. This too shall pass (이 또한 지나가리라)
Difficult times do not last forever.
You may hear this expression when someone is going through a hard time. It reminds us that situations and feelings can change.
A: Everything feels difficult right now.
B: Hang in there. This too shall pass.
39. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (시련은 사람을 더 강하게 만든다)
Difficult experiences can sometimes make you stronger.
People use this expression after someone goes through a challenging experience and learns or grows from it.
A: That was the hardest year of my life.
B: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
40. When one door closes, another opens (한 문이 닫히면 다른 문이 열린다)
When one opportunity ends, another may appear.
This expression can encourage someone after a loss or disappointment. An ending may sometimes create a new beginning.
A: I didn’t get the job I wanted.
B: When one door closes, another opens.
41. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket (한 곳에 모든 것을 걸지 마라)
Do not depend on only one option.
You will often hear this expression when people talk about money, investing, jobs, or important plans. Having different options can reduce risk.
A: Should I put all my money into one investment?
B: No. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
42. Save for a rainy day (어려울 때를 대비해 저축하라)
Save some money for unexpected problems in the future.
This expression is commonly used when talking about emergency savings. A “rainy day” means a difficult time when you may suddenly need money.
A: Why do you always save part of your paycheck?
B: I like to save for a rainy day.
43. A penny saved is a penny earned (아끼는 것도 버는 것이다)
Saving money is also a way of improving your financial situation.
People use this expression to remind us that money we do not spend can be valuable too. Small savings can add up over time.
A: I made coffee at home instead of buying it.
B: Good idea. A penny saved is a penny earned.
44. Money doesn’t grow on trees (돈은 쉽게 생기지 않는다)
Money is limited and takes effort to earn.
Parents often say this when children ask for expensive things or spend money carelessly. Adults can also use it jokingly with each other.
A: Can we buy a new TV too?
B: We just bought a computer. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
45. You can’t take it with you (죽을 때 재산을 가져갈 수는 없다)
You cannot take your money and possessions with you when you die.
This saying reminds people that money is not everything. It is sometimes used to encourage someone to enjoy life instead of only saving money.
A: You’ve worked hard your whole life. Take the trip.
B: Maybe you’re right. You can’t take it with you.
46. The best things in life are free (인생에서 가장 좋은 것들은 돈으로 살 수 없다)
Many of the most valuable things in life do not cost money.
People use this expression when talking about love, friendship, family, nature, laughter, and other simple joys.
A: We didn’t spend any money today, but we had a great time.
B: The best things in life are free.
47. Beggars can’t be choosers (아쉬운 처지에서는 까다롭게 고를 수 없다)
When you have very few choices, you may have to accept what is available.
You may hear this when someone needs something but is being too picky about the options. It can sound a little blunt, so people often use it informally or jokingly.
A: I don’t really like this free lunch.
B: Well, beggars can’t be choosers.
48. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you (자신을 돕는 사람을 해치지 마라)
Do not hurt or criticize someone who is helping or supporting you.
This expression is used when someone treats a helpful person, employer, organization, or supporter badly.
A: He keeps criticizing the person who gave him the job.
B: He shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds him.
49. A fool and his money are soon parted (어리석은 사람은 돈을 쉽게 잃는다)
A person who is careless with money can lose it quickly.
You may hear this saying when someone spends money foolishly, falls for bad deals, or does not think carefully before buying something.
A: He spent thousands of dollars on something he didn’t need.
B: A fool and his money are soon parted.
50. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch (일이 이루어지기 전에 결과부터 기대하지 마라)
Do not make plans based on something that has not happened yet.
People use this expression when someone is too sure about a future result. It means you should wait until something is certain before depending on it.
A: I’m going to buy a new car with the bonus I expect next month.
B: Wait until you get it. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
51. A friend in need is a friend indeed (어려울 때 돕는 친구가 진짜 친구다)
A true friend will help you when you are in trouble.
People use this saying when someone stays with a friend during a difficult time. Good times can bring many friends, but difficult times often show who your true friends are.
A: David helped me when I lost my job.
B: A friend in need is a friend indeed.
52. Birds of a feather flock together (비슷한 사람끼리 어울린다)
People with similar interests or personalities often spend time together.
You may hear this expression when people who are alike become friends or spend a lot of time together.
A: They both love hiking and traveling.
B: Birds of a feather flock together.
53. Opposites attract (서로 다른 사람끼리 끌린다)
People who are very different can sometimes like each other.
This expression is often used when two people have very different personalities but still have a good relationship.
A: She loves parties, but her husband is very quiet.
B: Well, opposites attract.
54. It takes two to tango (어떤 일에는 양쪽 모두가 관련되어 있다)
Two people are often responsible for a situation.
People often use this expression when a problem or disagreement involves two people. It means that one person may not be the only one responsible.
A: He says the argument was all her fault.
B: Maybe, but it takes two to tango.
55. Absence makes the heart grow fonder (떨어져 있으면 그리움이 커진다)
Being away from someone can make you appreciate that person more.
You may hear this expression when people are separated for a while. Sometimes we realize how important someone is when that person is not around.
A: I really miss my family when I travel.
B: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
56. Blood is thicker than water (가족의 정은 강하다)
Family relationships can be very strong.
People use this saying when talking about the importance of family ties. It suggests that family members often stay connected and support each other.
A: They argue a lot, but they always help each other.
B: Blood is thicker than water.
57. Charity begins at home (가까운 사람부터 돌보라)
You should take care of the people close to you before trying to help everyone else.
This saying reminds people not to forget their own family and those around them while helping others.
A: He helps everyone, but he never has time for his family.
B: Charity begins at home.
58. Treat others the way you want to be treated (대접받고 싶은 대로 남을 대하라)
Be kind and respectful to others if you want them to treat you the same way.
This is simple advice about relationships. People often teach this idea to children, but it is also useful in everyday adult life.
A: I want people at work to respect me.
B: Then treat others the way you want to be treated.
59. United we stand, divided we fall (뭉치면 강하고 흩어지면 약하다)
People are stronger when they work together.
You may hear this expression when a group needs to stay united during a difficult time. Working against each other can make everyone weaker.
A: We need to solve this problem as a team.
B: Right. United we stand, divided we fall.
60. Many hands make light work (여러 사람이 함께하면 일이 쉬워진다)
A difficult job becomes easier when many people help.
People use this saying when everyone works together to finish a task.
A: There’s so much work to do.
B: Let’s all help. Many hands make light work.
61. Too many cooks spoil the broth (사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다)
Too many people trying to control one thing can cause problems.
This expression is useful when too many people are giving directions or making decisions about the same task.
A: Five people are trying to lead this project.
B: Too many cooks spoil the broth.
62. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (문제가 없다면 굳이 고치지 마라)
Do not change something that is already working well.
You may hear this informal expression when someone wants to change a system, product, or method that already works fine.
A: Should we change the whole system?
B: It works well now. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
63. The early bird catches the worm (일찍 움직이는 사람이 기회를 잡는다)
People who start early may have a better chance of success.
This saying encourages people to act early instead of waiting. Starting early can sometimes give you more opportunities.
A: Why are you going to the store so early?
B: The early bird catches the worm.
64. Strike while the iron is hot (기회가 왔을 때 행동하라)
Take action when you have a good opportunity.
People use this expression when the timing is right and waiting too long could mean losing a good chance.
A: They seem interested in my idea.
B: Then call them today. Strike while the iron is hot.
65. Make hay while the sun shines (좋은 기회가 있을 때 일을 해두어라)
Use a good opportunity while you have it.
This saying means that when conditions are good, you should take advantage of them. A good opportunity may not last forever.
A: Business is really good this month.
B: Great. Make hay while the sun shines.
66. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today (오늘 할 일을 내일로 미루지 마라)
Do today what you can do today.
You can use this expression when someone keeps delaying something. It encourages us to take action instead of always saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
A: I’ll start studying tomorrow.
B: Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
67. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (일만 하고 쉬지 않으면 삶이 메말라진다)
Working all the time without relaxing is not good for you.
People use this saying to remind someone that life needs both work and rest. Taking time to enjoy yourself is also important.
A: I’ve worked every weekend this month.
B: Take a break. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
68. Work smarter, not harder (무조건 열심히 하기보다 현명하게 일하라)
Find a better way to work instead of only working longer or harder.
This expression is common when people talk about productivity. Good planning and better methods can sometimes save a lot of time and effort.
A: I’m working 12 hours every day.
B: Maybe you need to work smarter, not harder.
69. If you want something done right, do it yourself (제대로 하고 싶으면 직접 하라)
Sometimes you need to do something yourself to get the result you want.
People may say this when they are disappointed with someone else’s work and decide to handle the task themselves.
A: They made the same mistake again.
B: If you want something done right, do it yourself.
70. Don’t burn your bridges (관계와 퇴로를 함부로 끊지 마라)
Do not destroy a relationship that you may need in the future.
This expression is often used when leaving a job, ending a business relationship, or having a disagreement. It means you should avoid ending things badly.
A: I’m leaving my job tomorrow. I want to tell my boss exactly what I think.
B: Be careful. Don’t burn your bridges.
71. Curiosity killed the cat (지나친 호기심은 화를 부를 수 있다)
Being too curious can sometimes cause trouble.
People sometimes use this expression when someone is asking too many questions or getting involved in something that may cause problems.
A: I want to know what they were talking about.
B: Be careful. Curiosity killed the cat.
72. Better safe than sorry (후회하는 것보다 미리 조심하는 것이 낫다)
It is better to be careful now than regret something later.
This is a very useful everyday expression. People say it when taking an extra step to avoid a possible problem.
A: Do I really need to take an umbrella?
B: I would. Better safe than sorry.
73. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (예방이 치료보다 낫다)
Preventing a problem is easier than fixing it later.
You may hear this saying when people talk about health, safety, maintenance, or planning. A small action now can prevent a much bigger problem later.
A: Why do you get a health check every year?
B: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
74. Don’t cry over spilled milk (이미 지나간 일을 계속 후회하지 마라)
Do not keep worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
People use this expression when someone is spending too much time regretting a past mistake.
A: I still feel bad about the mistake I made yesterday.
B: Don’t cry over spilled milk. Just learn from it.
75. Let sleeping dogs lie (괜히 지난 문제를 다시 건드리지 마라)
Do not bring up an old problem if there is no need to.
This expression is useful when talking about a problem that has become quiet. Bringing it up again may only create new trouble.
A: Should I ask him about that old argument?
B: No. Let sleeping dogs lie.
76. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill (작은 일을 크게 만들지 마라)
Do not turn a small problem into a big problem.
People say this when someone is worrying too much or making a small issue seem much more serious than it really is.
A: I made one small mistake. Everything is ruined!
B: Calm down. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
77. Don’t sweat the small stuff (사소한 일에 너무 신경 쓰지 마라)
Do not worry too much about small problems.
This is a common informal expression for reminding someone to focus on what really matters instead of worrying about every little thing.
A: I’m upset because the meeting started five minutes late.
B: Don’t sweat the small stuff.
78. Take it one day at a time (하루하루 차근차근 살아가라)
Focus on today instead of worrying too much about the future.
People often use this expression during difficult or uncertain times. It means you do not have to solve everything at once.
A: I don’t know how I’ll handle the next six months.
B: Take it one day at a time.
79. One step at a time (한 걸음씩 나아가라)
Do things slowly, one step after another.
You can use this expression when a goal feels too big or difficult. Instead of thinking about everything at once, focus on the next small step.
A: Learning English feels so difficult.
B: One step at a time. Just keep going.
80. Everything happens for a reason (모든 일에는 이유가 있다)
Some people believe that even difficult events may have a meaning or purpose.
You may hear this expression when someone is trying to understand an unexpected event or difficult experience. It is often used to comfort someone, although not everyone believes this idea.
A: I was so disappointed when that job didn’t work out.
B: Maybe something better will come. Everything happens for a reason.
81. Seeing is believing (직접 봐야 믿을 수 있다)
Sometimes you need to see something yourself before you believe it.
People use this expression when something sounds surprising or difficult to believe.
A: This little machine can clean the whole room by itself.
B: Really? Seeing is believing.
82. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (아름다움은 보는 사람에게 달려 있다)
Different people find different things beautiful.
This saying reminds us that beauty is a matter of personal opinion. Something one person loves may not be beautiful to another person.
A: I don’t understand why she loves that painting.
B: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
83. Beauty is only skin deep (외모가 전부는 아니다)
A person’s appearance is less important than what is inside.
People use this expression to remind us that personality, character, and kindness are more important than physical beauty.
A: Everyone talks about how beautiful she is.
B: Looks aren’t everything. Beauty is only skin deep.
84. You can’t have your cake and eat it too (서로 양립하기 어려운 두 가지를 모두 가질 수는 없다)
You cannot always have two things that cannot exist together.
This expression is used when someone wants the advantages of two different choices without accepting any disadvantages.
A: I want to spend all my money and still have a lot of savings.
B: You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
85. There’s no such thing as a free lunch (세상에 진짜 공짜는 없다)
Things that look free often have a cost somewhere.
People often use this expression when something seems too good to be completely free. Someone usually pays the cost in some way.
A: They say this service is completely free.
B: Be careful. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
86. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink (기회는 줄 수 있지만 억지로 하게 할 수는 없다)
You can give someone an opportunity, but you cannot force that person to use it.
This saying is useful when you have tried to help someone, but the final decision is up to that person.
A: I gave him good advice, but he won’t listen.
B: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
87. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree (자식은 부모를 닮는다)
Children often have qualities or habits similar to their parents.
People use this saying when a child acts, looks, or thinks like a parent.
A: Her mother is a great cook, and she is too.
B: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
88. Like father, like son (그 아버지에 그 아들이다)
A son often has qualities or habits similar to his father.
You may hear this expression when a son behaves like his father or has similar interests and abilities.
A: His father loves golf, and now he plays every weekend too.
B: Like father, like son.
89. What goes around comes around (자신이 한 일은 결국 자신에게 돌아온다)
The way you treat other people may come back to you.
People use this expression when talking about the consequences of good or bad behavior. If you treat people badly, you may receive similar treatment later.
A: He was always kind to people, and now everyone wants to help him.
B: What goes around comes around.
90. The truth will come out (진실은 결국 드러난다)
The truth is difficult to hide forever.
You can use this expression when someone is trying to hide something. It means that sooner or later, people may discover what really happened.
A: Do you think anyone will find out what happened?
B: Maybe. The truth will come out.
91. Don’t put the cart before the horse (일의 순서를 거꾸로 하지 마라)
Do things in the right order.
People use this saying when someone is thinking about a later step before taking care of the first and more important step.
A: I’m choosing furniture for the house before I even buy it.
B: Don’t put the cart before the horse.
92. Every dog has its day (누구에게나 좋은 때가 온다)
Everyone gets a chance to succeed at some point.
This saying can encourage someone who has not had much success yet. Your good opportunity may come later.
A: I’ve never had much luck in my career.
B: Keep going. Every dog has its day.
93. Laughter is the best medicine (웃음이 최고의 약이다)
Laughing can help you feel better.
People often use this expression when humor or laughter helps someone during a stressful or difficult time. It does not literally mean laughter replaces medical treatment.
A: I felt terrible, but talking with my funny friend helped.
B: Laughter is the best medicine.
94. Home is where the heart is (마음이 있는 곳이 진정한 집이다)
Home is the place where you feel love and belonging.
This saying means that a home is more than a building. The people and feelings connected to a place can make it feel like home.
A: Do you miss your old house?
B: Not really. My family is here. Home is where the heart is.
95. There’s more than one way to skin a cat (문제를 해결하는 방법은 하나만 있는 것이 아니다)
There is usually more than one way to solve a problem.
This is an old expression meaning that you do not always have to use the same method. Today, some people may prefer simpler expressions such as “There’s more than one way to do it” because the traditional wording sounds a little strange or graphic.
A: Your way is different from mine.
B: That’s okay. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
96. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again (처음에 실패해도 계속 도전하라)
If you fail the first time, do not stop trying.
People use this expression to encourage someone after a failure. Success may require several attempts.
A: I failed my first driving test.
B: Don’t give up. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
97. The more, the merrier (사람이 많을수록 더 즐겁다)
Having more people can make an event more enjoyable.
You may hear this when someone asks if another person can join a party, dinner, trip, or other social activity.
A: Can I bring my sister to the party?
B: Of course! The more, the merrier.
98. First things first (중요한 것부터 먼저 하라)
Do the most important thing before doing less important things.
This is a common expression when people need to decide what to do first. It helps us focus on priorities.
A: Should we start planning our vacation?
B: First things first. Let’s finish this project.
99. Less is more (적은 것이 오히려 더 나을 수 있다)
Sometimes something simple is better than something complicated.
People use this expression when talking about design, writing, clothes, work, or even life. Adding more does not always make something better.
A: Should I add more information to this presentation?
B: Not necessarily. Sometimes less is more.
100. It’s never too late to start (시작하기에 너무 늦은 때는 없다)
You can begin something new at any age.
This expression encourages people who think they are too old or have waited too long. You may not be able to change the past, but you can still decide what to do today.
A: I’m 65. Maybe I’m too old to learn something new.
B: Not at all. It’s never too late to start.
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