Greek proverbs, explained in English.
Well-known Greek proverbs, each with the Greek wording, a pronunciation guide, a literal translation and what it actually means.
A Greek proverb (παροιμία, paroimía) packs advice or an observation into a short image: a fox, a rooster, an unripe grape. Some have close English cousins, and «Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ» is word for word “better late than never”. Others only make sense once you see the picture behind them.
Each page gives the Greek wording, a simplified pronunciation, a literal translation, the meaning, the closest English saying where one really exists, and an everyday example. The English text is written from our Greek entry, which remains the reference version.
Everyday use does not prove where or when a proverb first appeared. Where there is no documented first record, the page says so plainly. The Greek archive holds 318 reviewed proverbs; the English selection is growing.
Όλο το ελληνικό αρχείο ↗ (the full archive, in Greek)
Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ
Better late than never. It is better to get something done late than not to do it at all. Greek and English use the very same words here.
Όποιος βιάζεται σκοντάφτει
Whoever hurries stumbles. Rushing too much often causes mistakes that could have been avoided.
Αγάλι αγάλι γίνεται η αγουρίδα μέλι
Slowly, slowly the unripe grape becomes honey. Patience and gradual ripening usually lead to a better result than haste.
Όσα δεν φτάνει η αλεπού τα κάνει κρεμαστάρια
Whatever the fox cannot reach, she calls “hanging fruit”. We often belittle what we cannot have. It is said about someone who pretends not to want something they failed to get.
Ένας κούκος δεν φέρνει την άνοιξη
One cuckoo does not bring the spring. A single good sign is not enough to draw firm conclusions.
Όπου λαλούν πολλοί κοκόροι αργεί να ξημερώσει
Where many roosters crow, the day is slow to dawn. When too many people try to lead or direct at once, the work is delayed.
Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει και κόκαλα τσακίζει
The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones. Words can cause deep emotional harm.
Ό,τι λάμπει δεν είναι χρυσός
Whatever shines is not gold. An attractive surface does not guarantee real value or quality.
Όταν λείπει η γάτα χορεύουν τα ποντίκια
When the cat is away, the mice dance. When nobody is supervising, some people feel free to break the rules.
Ο καλός φίλος στην ανάγκη φαίνεται
A good friend shows in times of need. True friendship is proven above all when difficulties arise.
Ρωτώντας πας στην Πόλη
By asking, you get to the City. By asking questions and seeking guidance you can reach even a difficult goal.
Ο πνιγμένος από τα μαλλιά του πιάνεται
A drowning man grabs hold of his own hair. Someone in deep trouble may try to hold on even to an uncertain solution.
Είπε ο γάιδαρος τον πετεινό κεφάλα
The donkey called the rooster big-headed. Someone criticises another person for a trait they have just as strongly themselves.
Ό,τι σπείρεις θα θερίσεις
Whatever you sow, you will reap. Our choices often come back to us as the consequences of what we did.
Όπως έστρωσες θα κοιμηθείς
As you made your bed, so you will sleep. You will face the consequences of the situation you created.
Όμοιος τον όμοιο κι η κοπριά στα λάχανα
Like goes with like, and the manure with the cabbages. People with shared traits or habits usually seek each other out. The tone is teasing.
Των φρονίμων τα παιδιά πριν πεινάσουν μαγειρεύουν
The children of the prudent cook before they get hungry. Preparing before the need arises prevents problems.