French Proverbs

Every proverb in our collection, translated into French. Each entry pairs the original saying with its French translation, a literal rendering, and where it comes from.

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La plume est plus forte que l'épée — Writing and ideas have more influence than violence. Literally: The pen is stronger than the sword.
Vouloir, c'est pouvoir — Determination will help you find a solution. Literally: To want is to be able.
Les liens du sang sont les plus forts — Family bonds are stronger than other relationships. Literally: Blood ties are the strongest.
Deux têtes valent mieux qu'une — Collaboration and diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. Literally: Two heads are worth more than one.
On n'a rien sans rien — You must work hard to achieve results. Literally: You get nothing without nothing.
On récolte ce que l'on sème — Your actions will eventually return to affect you. Literally: You reap what you sow.
Le silence est d'or — Sometimes it's better to say nothing. Literally: Silence is of gold.
L'herbe est toujours plus verte ailleurs — What others have always seems better than what you have. Literally: The grass is always greener elsewhere.
Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l'auras — It's better to have something certain now than to risk it for something uncertain in the future. Literally: One 'here you go' is worth more than two 'you'll get it'.
C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron — Repeated practice leads to mastery. Literally: It is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith.
Qui se ressemble s'assemble — People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other. Literally: Those who resemble each other gather together.
Quand ça devient difficile, les durs se mettent en route — Strong people don't give up when faced with challenges. Literally: When it gets difficult, the tough get going.
Tomber sept fois, se relever huit — Perseverance is the key to mastery and resilience. Literally: Fall seven times, get up eight.
Il faut faire de nécessité vertu — Make the best of a bad situation. Literally: One must make virtue of necessity.
Ne mettez pas tous vos œufs dans le même panier — Don't risk everything on one venture. Literally: Don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
Deux torts ne font pas un droit — Responding to wrongdoing with more wrongdoing is never justified. Literally: Two wrongs don't make a right.
Les actes parlent plus fort que les mots — What you do matters more than what you say. Literally: Actions speak louder than words.
Rome ne s'est pas faite en un jour — Great things take time and patience. Literally: Rome was not made in a day.
Après la pluie, le beau temps — There is always something positive in every difficult situation. Literally: After rain, good weather.
L'honnêteté est la meilleure politique — Being truthful is always the right approach. Literally: Honesty is the best policy.
Il faut tourner sept fois sa langue dans sa bouche — Think carefully before acting. Literally: Turn your tongue seven times in your mouth before speaking.
L'habit ne fait pas le moine — Appearances can be deceiving. Literally: The habit doesn't make the monk.
Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir — Fixing a problem early prevents bigger issues later. Literally: Better to prevent than to cure.
Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué — Don't assume success before it happens. Literally: Don't sell the bear's skin before killing it.
Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce — Too many people involved can ruin a project. Literally: Too many cooks spoil the sauce.
L'avenir appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt — Those who act first gain advantage. Literally: The future belongs to those who wake up early.
Mieux vaut tard que jamais — Doing something late is better than not doing it at all. Literally: Better late than never.
La curiosité est un vilain défaut — Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble. Literally: Curiosity is an ugly flaw.
Nécessité est mère d'invention — Difficult situations inspire creative solutions. Literally: Necessity is the mother of invention.
La pomme ne tombe jamais loin de l'arbre — Children often resemble their parents. Literally: The apple never falls far from the tree.
Le savoir, c'est le pouvoir — Education and learning give you strength and advantage. Literally: Knowledge is power.
Le temps guérit toutes les blessures — Emotional pain fades with the passage of time. Literally: Time heals all wounds.
On récolte ce qu'on sème — Your actions determine your outcomes. Literally: You harvest what you sow.
Le rire est le meilleur remède — Humor and joy can help overcome difficulties. Literally: Laughter is the best remedy.
Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu — Rumors or signs usually indicate some truth. Literally: There is no smoke without fire.
Qui va lentement va sûrement — Consistency and patience lead to success. Literally: Who goes slowly goes surely.
Donne un poisson à un homme et il mangera un jour — Teaching someone is more valuable than doing things for them. Literally: Give a fish to a man and he eats for a day.
Œil pour œil rend le monde aveugle — Revenge only creates more suffering. Literally: Eye for eye makes the world blind.
Tout ce qui brille n'est pas or — Appearances can be misleading. Literally: All that shines is not gold.
Ne fais pas à autrui ce que tu ne voudrais pas qu'on te fasse — Treat people the way you want to be treated. Literally: Don't do to others what you wouldn't want done to you.
Un pot surveillé ne bout jamais — Time seems to pass slowly when you are waiting. Literally: A watched pot never boils.
La fortune sourit aux audacieux — Taking risks often leads to rewards. Literally: Fortune smiles on the bold.
Qui est dans le besoin n'a pas le choix — When you need help, you accept what's offered. Literally: Who is in need has no choice.
Les tonneaux vides font le plus de bruit — Those who know the least often talk the most. Literally: Empty barrels make the most noise.
Les meilleures choses de la vie sont gratuites — The most valuable experiences don't cost money. Literally: The best things in life are free.
Il n'est pire eau que l'eau qui dort — Quiet people often have great depth of character. Literally: There is no worse water than sleeping water.
Il faut tout un village pour élever un enfant — Community support is essential for child development. Literally: It takes a whole village to raise a child.
Si ça marche, n'y touche pas — Don't change something that's working well. Literally: If it works, don't touch it.
Chien qui aboie ne mord pas — People who make threats rarely carry them out. Literally: A dog that barks doesn't bite.
Il ne faut pas mordre la main qui te nourrit — Don't harm those who help you. Literally: One must not bite the hand that feeds you.
Ce qui est poubelle pour l'un est trésor pour l'autre — What one person discards, another may value. Literally: What is trash for one is treasure for another.
L'argent ne pousse pas sur les arbres — Money is hard to earn and should be spent wisely. Literally: Money doesn't grow on trees.
À Rome, fais comme les Romains — Adapt to local customs when visiting a new place. Literally: In Rome, do as the Romans.
Il ne faut pas jeter des pierres quand on vit dans une maison de verre — Don't criticize others if you have the same faults. Literally: Don't throw stones when you live in a glass house.
Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre — Patience is rewarded. Literally: Everything comes in time to those who know how to wait.
Garde tes amis près de toi, et tes ennemis encore plus près — It's wise to monitor those who might harm you. Literally: Keep your friends near you, and your enemies even nearer.
Une image vaut mille mots — Visual information communicates more effectively than text. Literally: An image is worth a thousand words.
L'absence attise le feu — Being apart makes you appreciate someone more. Literally: Absence stirs the fire.
Touche-à-tout, bon à rien — Versatility can come at the cost of expertise. Literally: Touch everything, good at nothing.
Rien ne vaut son chez-soi — Home is where you feel most comfortable. Literally: Nothing is worth one's home.
La hâte est mauvaise conseillère — Rushing leads to mistakes and wasted effort. Literally: Haste is a bad advisor.
Ce qui est fait est fait — Don't worry about things that have already happened. Literally: What is done is done.
Il faut battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud — Act quickly when the opportunity presents itself. Literally: One must strike the iron while it is hot.
On ne peut pas forcer quelqu'un à faire ce qu'il ne veut pas — You can offer help, but you can't force someone to accept it. Literally: You can't force someone to do what they don't want.
La misère aime la compagnie — Unhappy people seek others who are also suffering. Literally: Misery loves company.
La roue qui grince reçoit la graisse — Those who complain the most get attention. Literally: The squeaking wheel receives the grease.
Si tu ne peux pas les battre, rejoins-les — If you can't win against something, align with it. Literally: If you can't beat them, join them.
Un sou épargné est un sou gagné — Saving money is just as valuable as earning it. Literally: A cent saved is a cent earned.
L'enfer est pavé de bonnes intentions — Good plans are worthless without follow-through. Literally: Hell is paved with good intentions.
Bien mal acquis ne profite jamais — Things obtained without effort are easily lost. Literally: Ill-gotten goods never prosper.
On ne fait pas d'omelette sans casser des œufs — Progress requires sacrifice. Literally: You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.
Ce qui ne te tue pas te rend plus fort — Adversity builds resilience and character. Literally: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Il faut être deux pour danser le tango — Both parties are responsible in a conflict. Literally: It takes two to dance the tango.
Loin des yeux, loin du cœur — We tend to forget things or people we don't see. Literally: Far from the eyes, far from the heart.
C'est au pied du mur qu'on voit le maçon — Results speak louder than promises. Literally: It's at the foot of the wall that you see the mason.
La vérité vous rendra libres — Honesty and truth lead to liberation. Literally: The truth will make you free.
Qui ne risque rien n'a rien — You must take risks to achieve rewards. Literally: Who risks nothing has nothing.
L'union fait la force — Strength comes from unity. Literally: Unity makes strength.
Ceux qui n'apprennent pas de l'histoire sont condamnés à la répéter — Ignoring past mistakes leads to repeating them. Literally: Those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
L'erreur est humaine, le pardon est divin — Making mistakes is natural; forgiving them is noble. Literally: Error is human, forgiveness is divine.
Vivre et laisser vivre — Be tolerant of others' choices and lifestyles. Literally: Live and let live.
Quand le vin est tiré, il faut le boire — Once committed to something, go all the way with it. Literally: When the wine is drawn, you must drink it.
Un chat a neuf vies — Cats (or resilient people) survive many dangerous situations. Literally: A cat has nine lives.
Il faut savoir attendre son heure — Being first isn't always advantageous — sometimes it's risky. Literally: One must know how to wait for one's hour.
Il ne faut pas jeter le bébé avec l'eau du bain — Don't discard something valuable while getting rid of unwanted things. Literally: Don't throw the baby with the bathwater.
Déshabiller Pierre pour habiller Paul — Solve one problem by creating another. Literally: Undress Peter to dress Paul.
En amour comme à la guerre, tous les coups sont permis — Normal rules don't apply in romance or conflict. Literally: In love as in war, all moves are allowed.
On ne peut avoir le beurre et l'argent du beurre — You can't enjoy two mutually exclusive things simultaneously. Literally: You can't have the butter and the money for the butter.
Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir — It's wiser to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks. Literally: Better to prevent than to cure.
Aller au bout du monde — Going to any length for something or someone. Literally: To go to the end of the world.
Tomber de Charybde en Scylla — Escaping one bad situation only to end up in a worse one. Literally: To fall from Charybdis to Scylla.
La marée montante soulève tous les bateaux — General improvements benefit everyone. Literally: The rising tide lifts all boats.
Une rose sous un autre nom sentirait toujours aussi bon — The essence of something doesn't depend on what it's called. Literally: A rose under another name would still smell as good.
Faire d'une pierre deux coups — Accomplish two tasks with a single action. Literally: Make two hits with one stone.
C'est l'hôpital qui se moque de la charité — Criticizing someone for a flaw you yourself possess. Literally: It's the hospital mocking charity.
Il ne faut pas avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre — Don't take on more than you can handle. Literally: Don't have eyes bigger than your stomach.
À chacun son heure de gloire — Everyone will have their moment of success or good fortune. Literally: To each their hour of glory.
Il n'y a pas de rose sans épines — Even the best things have their drawbacks. Literally: There is no rose without thorns.
Le chemin du succès est pavé d'échecs — Success requires learning from mistakes. Literally: The road to success is paved with failures.
C'est dans le besoin qu'on reconnaît ses amis — True friends show their worth during difficult times. Literally: It's in need that we recognize our friends.
Trop de bruit nuit — Constant complainers may be removed rather than accommodated. Literally: Too much noise harms.
Tout est bien qui finit bien — A good outcome justifies the difficulties along the way. Literally: All is well that ends well.
Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse — Those who keep moving avoid stagnation (or commitments). Literally: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Rendre à César ce qui est à César — Acknowledge others' contributions fairly. Literally: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
La beauté est dans l'œil de celui qui regarde — Perception of beauty is subjective and personal. Literally: Beauty is in the eye of the one who looks.
Une chaîne n'est jamais plus solide que son maillon le plus faible — A group's effectiveness is limited by its weakest member. Literally: A chain is never stronger than its weakest link.
Un voyage de mille lieues commence par un pas — Great accomplishments start with small beginnings. Literally: A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a step.
Plus dure sera la chute — Powerful people suffer greater consequences when they fail. Literally: The harder the fall will be.
Parle doucement et porte un gros bâton — Act gently but maintain the power to enforce if needed. Literally: Speak softly and carry a big stick.
La beauté n'est que superficielle — Physical appearance is superficial; character matters more. Literally: Beauty is only superficial.
Ne brûle pas les ponts derrière toi — Don't destroy relationships you might need later. Literally: Don't burn the bridges behind you.
Il n'y a rien de tel que son chez-soi — No matter where you go, home remains the best place. Literally: There is nothing like home.
Le silence en dit long — What is not said can be more meaningful than what is. Literally: Silence says a lot.
Jeter des perles aux pourceaux — Giving something valuable to those who can't appreciate it. Literally: To throw pearls to swine.
Il n'y a pas de mauvaise publicité — Any attention, even negative, can be beneficial. Literally: There is no bad publicity.
Il faut prêcher par l'exemple — Live according to the principles you advocate. Literally: One must preach by example.
Avec des si, on mettrait Paris en bouteille — Past decisions are always clearer in retrospect. Literally: With 'ifs,' you could put Paris in a bottle.
La propreté est la seconde vertu — Being clean is a virtue akin to being pious. Literally: Cleanliness is the second virtue.
Ne réveillez pas le chat qui dort — Don't stir up trouble that has settled down. Literally: Don't wake the sleeping cat.
L'occasion ne se présente qu'une fois — Chances don't come twice; seize them when they appear. Literally: Opportunity presents itself only once.
L'orgueil précède la chute — Arrogance often precedes failure. Literally: Pride precedes the fall.
Une pomme par jour éloigne le médecin — Regular healthy habits prevent illness. Literally: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Il y a une méthode dans la folie — Apparent chaos may have an underlying purpose. Literally: There is method in the madness.
La justice a des ailes lentes — Justice takes time but eventually arrives. Literally: Justice has slow wings.
Le diable est dans les détails — Small details can cause major problems. Literally: The devil is in the details.
Prendre son courage à deux mains — Face an unpleasant situation with courage. Literally: Take your courage in both hands.
La variété est le sel de la vie — Diversity makes life interesting. Literally: Variety is the salt of life.
Toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin — Nothing pleasant lasts forever. Literally: All good things have an end.
Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue — Said when someone appears just as they're being discussed. Literally: Speak of the wolf, you see its tail.
On ne peut pas plaire à tout le monde — It's impossible to satisfy every person all the time. Literally: You can't please everyone.
Faute de grives, on mange des merles — Something is better than nothing. Literally: Lacking thrushes, one eats blackbirds.
Ne réinvente pas la roue — Don't waste effort on solved problems. Literally: Don't reinvent the wheel.
Ne mets pas la charrue avant les bœufs — Do things in the correct order. Literally: Don't put the plow before the oxen.
Il faut parfois prendre un chemin détourné — Sometimes unconventional paths lead to correct outcomes. Literally: Sometimes one must take a roundabout path.
Si au premier coup tu ne réussis pas, essaie encore — Persistence is essential to success. Literally: If at first you don't succeed, try again.
La fin justifie les moyens — A good outcome excuses questionable methods. Literally: The end justifies the means.
Les grands esprits se rencontrent — Intelligent people often reach the same conclusions. Literally: Great minds meet.
L'union fait la force — Tasks are easier when shared among many people. Literally: Unity makes strength.
Ne remets pas à demain ce que tu peux faire aujourd'hui — Avoid procrastination. Literally: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop — People can't fundamentally change their nature. Literally: Chase away nature, it comes back galloping.
Quand le chat n'est pas là, les souris dansent — People behave freely when authority is absent. Literally: When the cat isn't there, the mice dance.
Les léopards ont bonne mémoire — Certain offenses are never truly forgiven. Literally: Leopards have good memory.
La foudre ne frappe jamais deux fois au même endroit — Rare events are unlikely to happen to the same person twice. Literally: Lightning never strikes twice at the same place.
Du sang, de la sueur et des larmes — Great achievement requires immense effort and sacrifice. Literally: Blood, sweat, and tears.
Chaque chose en son temps — Deal with problems only when they arise. Literally: Each thing in its time.
Plus le risque est grand, plus la récompense est grande — Greater rewards require greater risks. Literally: The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.
Charité bien ordonnée commence par soi-même — Take care of your own family before helping others. Literally: Well-ordered charity begins with oneself.
Diviser pour régner — Achieve dominance by breaking opposition into smaller parts. Literally: Divide to rule.
À cheval donné, on ne regarde pas les dents — Don't question the value of a gift. Literally: Don't look at the teeth of a gifted horse.
Un malheur ne vient jamais seul — Troubles often come all at once. Literally: A misfortune never comes alone.
Tous les chemins mènent à Rome — There are many ways to reach the same goal. Literally: All roads lead to Rome.
On apprend à tout âge — Learning is a lifelong process. Literally: You learn at every age.
Si la chaleur te dérange, sors de la cuisine — If you can't handle pressure, leave the situation. Literally: If the heat bothers you, leave the kitchen.
À chacun son goût — Everyone has their own preferences and choices. Literally: To each their taste.
On ne change pas les vieilles habitudes — It's difficult to change established habits. Literally: Old habits don't change.
Les chemins les moins fréquentés mènent souvent le plus loin — Unconventional choices often lead to the most meaningful outcomes. Literally: The least traveled paths often lead furthest.
Rien n'est gratuit dans la vie — Everything has a hidden cost. Literally: Nothing is free in life.
Il n'y a que le premier pas qui coûte — Starting something new requires the most courage. Literally: Only the first step is costly.
La belle et la bête — Opposites can coexist or attract. Literally: The beautiful and the beast.
Le temps semble long quand on l'attend — Time seems slower when you're focused on it. Literally: Time feels long when you wait for it.
Espérer le meilleur, se préparer au pire — Optimism should be balanced with practical preparation. Literally: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Ne fais pas d'une mouche un éléphant — Don't exaggerate small problems. Literally: Don't make a fly into an elephant.
La patience est une vertu — The ability to wait calmly is a valuable quality. Literally: Patience is a virtue.
Ce que tu vois, c'est ce que tu obtiens — There's nothing hidden or disguised. Literally: What you see is what you get.
L'herbe se fane et la fleur tombe — All worldly things are temporary. Literally: The grass withers and the flower falls.
Premier arrivé, premier servi — Opportunities go to those who arrive early. Literally: First arrived, first served.
L'appétit est le meilleur cuisinier — Food tastes better when you're truly hungry. Literally: Appetite is the best cook.
La main qui berce le berceau gouverne le monde — Mothers have profound influence on society. Literally: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
Pas de nouvelles, bonnes nouvelles — The absence of bad news is itself good news. Literally: No news, good news.
Chacun pour soi et Dieu pour tous — In crisis, everyone must look after their own interests. Literally: Each for himself and God for all.
Nul homme n'est une île — Humans need connection with others. Literally: No man is an island.
Si le chapeau vous va, portez-le — Accept criticism that accurately applies to you. Literally: If the hat fits you, wear it.
L'hésitation perd la bataille — Indecision leads to missed opportunities. Literally: Hesitation loses the battle.
Donnez à un gueux un cheval, il ira au diable — Those given power abuse it worst. Literally: Give a beggar a horse, he'll ride to the devil.
La familiarité engendre le mépris — Being too close to something can reduce appreciation for it. Literally: Familiarity breeds contempt.
Le sot et son argent se séparent vite — Foolish people quickly lose their wealth. Literally: The fool and his money part quickly.
Le client est roi — In business, the customer's satisfaction takes priority. Literally: The customer is king.
Une mer calme n'a jamais fait un bon marin — Hardship and challenges are what build true expertise and resilience. Literally: A calm sea never made a good sailor.
Le meilleur moment pour planter un arbre était il y a vingt ans ; le deuxième meilleur moment est maintenant — The right time to act is always now, no matter how late it feels. Literally: The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best moment is now.
Pour connaître la route qui s'ouvre, demandez à ceux qui reviennent — Learn from people with experience before embarking on an unfamiliar path. Literally: To know the road ahead, ask those who are returning.
Une gemme ne peut être polie sans frottement — Excellence and greatness are only achieved through struggle and hardship. Literally: A gem cannot be polished without friction.
L'eau qui coule finit par creuser la pierre — Persistent small efforts accomplish what force alone cannot. Literally: Flowing water eventually hollows out stone.
C'est à l'heure la plus sombre qu'apparaît l'aube — Situations often worsen right before they improve dramatically. Literally: It is at the darkest hour that dawn appears.
Le bambou qui se plie est plus fort que le chêne qui résiste — Flexibility and adaptability are greater strengths than rigid resistance. Literally: The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.
Dis-moi qui tu fréquentes, je te dirai qui tu es — The company you keep reflects and shapes your own character. Literally: Tell me who you associate with, I will tell you who you are.
Une parole douce ouvre une porte de fer — Kindness and diplomacy can overcome even the most resistant obstacles. Literally: A gentle word opens an iron door.
Quand l'élève est prêt, le maître apparaît — Learning happens when one is truly open and prepared to receive knowledge. Literally: When the student is ready, the master appears.
Un mot gentil peut réchauffer trois mois d'hiver — A single act of kindness has an impact far greater and longer-lasting than the moment it was given. Literally: One kind word can warm three months of winter.
Même un imbécile semble sage s'il se tait — Saying nothing is often wiser than speaking without knowledge. Literally: Even a fool seems wise if he keeps quiet.
Il vaut mieux allumer une bougie que de maudire l'obscurité — Taking constructive action is more effective than complaining about a problem. Literally: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
Celui qui pose une question est un imbécile cinq minutes ; celui qui ne pose pas en reste un pour toujours — Admitting ignorance and seeking knowledge is always wiser than pretending to understand. Literally: He who asks is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask remains a fool forever.
Le poisson pourrit par la tête — Problems in an organization or society start at the top, with its leaders. Literally: The fish rots from the head.
C'est celui qui porte la chaussure qui sait où elle fait mal — Only the person experiencing a difficulty truly understands its depth. Literally: The one who wears the shoe knows where it hurts.
Ne regarde pas où tu es tombé, mais où tu as glissé — Focus on the root cause of a problem rather than just its consequence. Literally: Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped.
La hache oublie, mais l'arbre se souvient — Those who cause harm often forget quickly, while those who suffer carry the wound far longer. Literally: The axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
Même le soleil a ses taches — Nothing and nobody is perfect; even the greatest things have their flaws. Literally: Even the sun has its spots.
La langue n'a pas d'os, mais elle est assez forte pour briser un cœur — Words, though intangible, can inflict deep and lasting wounds. Literally: The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart.
Celui qui a la santé a l'espoir, et celui qui a l'espoir a tout — Good health is the foundation upon which all other good things in life are built. Literally: He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.
Un problème partagé est un problème à moitié résolu — Talking about difficulties with others makes them easier to bear and to solve. Literally: A problem shared is a problem half solved.
L'eau trouve son propre niveau — People and things naturally settle into their proper place over time. Literally: Water finds its own level.
Quand les toiles d'araignée s'unissent, elles peuvent ligoter un lion — Collective effort by many can overcome even the most powerful opposition. Literally: When spiderwebs unite, they can bind a lion.
La forêt serait silencieuse si aucun oiseau ne chantait sauf le meilleur — Everyone has a unique contribution; holding back out of self-doubt robs the world. Literally: The forest would be silent if only the best bird sang.
Tel l'arbuste est plié, tel grandit l'arbre — Early experiences and upbringing shape a person's lifelong character and habits. Literally: As the sapling is bent, so grows the tree.
Une maison divisée contre elle-même ne peut pas tenir — Internal conflict destroys an organization from within; unity is essential for survival. Literally: A house divided against itself cannot stand.
Le bœuf est lent, mais la terre est patiente — Steady, unhurried work in harmony with natural rhythms eventually yields abundance. Literally: The ox is slow, but the earth is patient.
La lune n'est pas honteuse des aboiements des chiens — Those with true integrity remain unaffected by baseless criticism or petty noise. Literally: The moon is not shamed by the barking of dogs.
Plus on sait, plus on réalise qu'on ne sait pas — True knowledge reveals the vastness of what remains to be learned. Literally: The more we know, the more we realize we don't know.
Si tu veux aller vite, va seul ; si tu veux aller loin, allez ensemble — Short-term speed comes from solitude; long-term achievement comes from collaboration. Literally: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
La plus grande richesse est la santé — Good health is more valuable than any material possession or social status. Literally: The greatest wealth is health.
Ne juge pas, afin de ne pas être jugé — We should refrain from judging others because we ourselves are imperfect. Literally: Do not judge, so as not to be judged.
Si tu allumes une lampe pour quelqu'un, elle illuminera aussi ton propre chemin — Helping others ultimately benefits yourself as well. Literally: If you light a lamp for someone, it will also light your own path.
Les mauvais ouvriers ont toujours de mauvais outils — Incompetent people blame external factors for their failures instead of taking responsibility. Literally: Bad workers always have bad tools.
Il n'y a pas d'oreiller si doux qu'une conscience tranquille — Peace of mind and restful sleep come only from living and acting honorably. Literally: There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.
L'aigle ne chasse pas les mouches — People of high purpose and ambition don't concern themselves with petty matters. Literally: The eagle does not hunt flies.
Plus il y a de lois, moins il y a de justice — Excessive rules and regulations can undermine rather than promote fairness. Literally: The more laws, the less justice.
On ne se baigne jamais deux fois dans le même fleuve — Everything is constantly in flux; no experience can ever truly be repeated. Literally: One never bathes twice in the same river.
Les murs ont des oreilles — Be careful what you say — you may be overheard in unexpected places. Literally: Walls have ears.
Celui qui raconte les histoires gouverne le monde — Whoever controls the narratives shapes beliefs, cultures, and civilizations. Literally: The one who tells the stories rules the world.
Un peu de connaissance est une chose dangereuse — Partial knowledge breeds overconfidence and can be more harmful than honest ignorance. Literally: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Bien fait vaut mieux que bien dit — Actions and results are far more valuable than promises and fine words. Literally: Well done is worth more than well said.
Le chat qui crie toujours ne prend pas de souris — Complaining and making noise accomplishes nothing; quiet, focused effort gets results. Literally: The cat that always cries catches no mice.
L'homme qui déplace une montagne commence par emporter de petites pierres — Great accomplishments are only possible through gradual, persistent small efforts. Literally: The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones.
La grenouille dans le puits ne connaît pas le grand océan — Those with limited experience cannot comprehend the vastness of the wider world. Literally: The frog in the well doesn't know the great ocean.
La joie partagée est une double joie ; le chagrin partagé est une moitié de chagrin — Happiness multiplies and burdens lighten when shared with others. Literally: Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.
Un estomac affamé n'a pas d'oreilles — People cannot focus on anything else when their most basic needs are unmet. Literally: A hungry stomach has no ears.
Ce n'est pas la taille du chien dans le combat, c'est la taille du combat dans le chien — Determination and spirit matter far more than physical size or advantage. Literally: It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
Bien commencer, c'est à moitié réussir — How you start something largely determines how it will finish; preparation and intention matter. Literally: Beginning well is half the success.
Un mot dit ne peut être repris — Choose your words carefully, for once said they cannot be unsaid. Literally: A spoken word cannot be taken back.
La bonté est un langage que les sourds peuvent entendre et les aveugles voir — Acts of kindness transcend words and communicate beyond all physical limitations. Literally: Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Qui parle beaucoup se trompe beaucoup — The more you speak, the more likely you are to make mistakes or say the wrong thing. Literally: Who speaks much errs much.
La langue est l'ennemie du cou — Careless speech can bring serious consequences upon the speaker. Literally: The tongue is the enemy of the neck.
Une douce réponse apaise la colère — Responding calmly to anger defuses conflict; harsh replies only escalate it. Literally: A gentle answer soothes anger.
Mieux vaut se taire et passer pour un idiot que de parler et en lever tout doute — Staying quiet is often wiser than speaking and confirming your ignorance. Literally: Better to keep quiet and seem a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Peu dire, beaucoup faire — Let your actions speak louder than your words; promise less and deliver more. Literally: Say little, do much.
Plus le tonnerre gronde, moins il pleut — The most dramatic announcements often yield the least substance. Literally: The louder the thunder, the less the rain.
Peu importe la lenteur, pourvu qu'on ne s'arrête pas — Progress at any pace is still progress; what matters is persisting, not speed. Literally: It doesn't matter how slowly, as long as one doesn't stop.
Les grandes œuvres ne sont pas accomplies par la force, mais par la persévérance — Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force. Literally: Great works are not accomplished by strength but by perseverance.
Il n'est pas nécessaire d'être grand pour commencer, mais il faut commencer pour être grand — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness. Literally: You don't have to be great to start, but you must start to be great.
Celui qui boite marche quand même — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you. Literally: He who limps still walks.
Les étoiles ne peuvent briller sans l'obscurité — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible. Literally: Stars cannot shine without darkness.
Même la plus haute tour a commencé par une seule brique — Every great achievement starts with one humble first step. Literally: Even the tallest tower started with a single brick.
Il conquiert celui qui persiste — Persistence and endurance are the ultimate keys to victory. Literally: He conquers who persists.
Perdre patience, c'est perdre la bataille — Losing your composure under pressure ensures defeat; staying calm is essential to success. Literally: To lose patience is to lose the battle.
Le poisson voit l'appât mais pas l'hameçon — People are often tempted by apparent benefits while ignoring the hidden dangers. Literally: The fish sees the bait but not the hook.
Ce que l'œil ne voit pas, le cœur n'en souffre pas — We only suffer from what we know about; ignorance can sometimes bring a measure of peace. Literally: What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't suffer over.
Nous sommes ce que nous faisons de façon répétée — Character and identity are shaped not by occasional acts but by consistent daily habits. Literally: We are what we do repeatedly.
La pluie ne tombe pas sur un seul toit — Hardship and misfortune are universal; no single person suffers alone. Literally: Rain does not fall on just one roof.
On ne voit pas la forêt à cause des arbres — Being too focused on small details can prevent you from seeing the overall picture. Literally: One doesn't see the forest because of the trees.
Le loup change de poil, non de naturel — Surface appearances can change, but a person's fundamental nature remains the same. Literally: The wolf changes its coat, not its nature.
Tout ce qui erre ne se perd pas — Those who explore unconventional paths may have a deeper sense of direction than it appears. Literally: Not all that wanders is lost.
Chaque personne est un miroir pour une autre — We see our own nature reflected in how we treat others and how others respond to us. Literally: Every person is a mirror to another.
Celui qui connaît les autres est sage ; celui qui se connaît lui-même est éclairé — Understanding others requires wisdom, but self-knowledge is the highest form of understanding. Literally: He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.
Mesure deux fois, coupe une fois — Take time to plan carefully before acting, to avoid costly and irreversible mistakes. Literally: Measure twice, cut once.
Le meilleur miroir est un vieil ami — True friends who have known us for a long time see us most clearly and honestly. Literally: The best mirror is an old friend.
Celui qui lutte contre des monstres doit veiller à ne pas devenir l'un d'eux — In struggling against evil, we risk adopting the very characteristics we oppose. Literally: He who fights monsters must take care not to become one.
La sagesse commence dans l'émerveillement — Curiosity and a sense of amazement at the world are the foundations of all knowledge. Literally: Wisdom begins in wonder.
Celui qui est partout n'est nulle part — Trying to do too many things at once means accomplishing nothing properly. Literally: He who is everywhere is nowhere.
N'allez pas là où le chemin mène ; allez là où il n'y a pas de chemin et laissez une trace — True innovation and leadership mean forging your own way rather than following the crowd. Literally: Don't go where the path leads; go where there is no path and leave a trail.
Un clou chasse l'autre — New habits, relationships, or ideas can effectively replace and eliminate old ones. Literally: One nail drives out another.
Commencer, c'est déjà à moitié faire — Starting something difficult is the hardest part; once begun, completion comes more naturally. Literally: To begin is already halfway to doing.
L'obstacle est le chemin — Difficulties are not barriers to our goals but the very means by which we achieve them. Literally: The obstacle is the path.
Après avoir gravi une grande colline, on découvre qu'il y a encore beaucoup d'autres collines à gravir — Every achievement reveals further challenges ahead; success is a continuous journey. Literally: After climbing a great hill, one finds there are many more to climb.
La chance favorise l'esprit préparé — Success comes not from luck alone but from being ready to seize opportunities when they arise. Literally: Luck favors the prepared mind.
Tout mur est une porte — What appears to be an impassable barrier can be transformed into an opportunity. Literally: Every wall is a door.
La peur fait le loup plus grand qu'il n'est — Anxiety and worry magnify threats beyond their actual size. Literally: Fear makes the wolf bigger than it is.
Cela semble toujours impossible jusqu'à ce que ce soit accompli — Before any achievement, it appears beyond reach; only completion reveals it was always possible. Literally: It always seems impossible until it is accomplished.
Transformez vos blessures en sagesse — Our deepest pains and failures can become our greatest teachers and sources of strength. Literally: Transform your wounds into wisdom.
Celui qui ose, gagne — Bold action and courage are rewarded; timidity leads to missed opportunities. Literally: He who dares, wins.
Connais-toi toi-même — Self-knowledge and self-awareness are the foundation of all wisdom and right living. Literally: Know yourself.
Rien de perdu, rien de manqué — Using things carefully and avoiding waste prevents future need and scarcity. Literally: Nothing lost, nothing missed.
Que la punition soit à la mesure du crime — Penalties should be proportional and appropriate to the offense committed. Literally: Let the punishment be proportionate to the crime.
Celui qui tolère le mal l'ordonne — Silently allowing wrongdoing makes you as responsible as the wrongdoer. Literally: He who tolerates evil commands it.
La vérité est rarement pure et jamais simple — Reality is complex and nuanced; anyone claiming simple certainty should be viewed with skepticism. Literally: The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
Le caractère, c'est ce qu'on fait quand personne ne regarde — True virtue is shown not in public performances but in private actions when there are no witnesses. Literally: Character is what you do when no one is watching.
La réponse la plus courte est de faire la chose elle-même — Action is more effective than deliberation; the most direct response to a challenge is to confront it. Literally: The shortest answer is doing the thing itself.
Rien n'est impossible à un cœur déterminé — With true determination and commitment, any obstacle can be overcome. Literally: Nothing is impossible to a determined heart.
L'art d'être sage, c'est de savoir quoi négliger — True wisdom includes knowing which details and offenses are not worth your attention or energy. Literally: The art of being wise is knowing what to neglect.
un chien regarde bien un évêque — Traditional English proverb.
La nuit tous chats sont gris — Traditional English proverb. Literally: By night all cats are grey.
charbonnier est maître en sa demeure — What more sacred, what more strongly guarded by every holy feeling, than a man's own home?.
bien mal acquis ne profite jamais — Traditional English proverb.
Qui se marie à la hâte, se repent à loisir — (by extension) Joining (or merging) two things together too soon will lead to problems. Literally: Marry in haste and repent at leisure.
Un malheur ne vient jamais seul — Traditional English proverb. Literally: Misfortunes never come single.
autres temps, autres mœurs — Traditional English proverb.
Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle — Traditional English proverb. Literally: The game is not worth the candle.
il y a un commencement à tout — It is wise to try different sorts of things or experiences that one is unaccustomed to or wary of.
c'est dans les vieux pots qu'on fait la meilleure soupe — Traditional English proverb.
le singe est toujours singe, fût-il vêtu de pourpre — Traditional English proverb.
Les absents ont toujours tort — Those not present to defend themselves get the blame. Literally: The absent are always in the wrong.
Vent au visage rend un homme sage — Hardship teaches wisdom even when it never fills your pockets. Literally: Adversity makes a man wise.
Pour néant demande conseil qui ne le veut croire — Asking for advice is pointless if you never intend to heed it. Literally: He asks advice in vain who will not follow it.
A chose faite conseil pris — Counsel offered after the deed is already done is worthless. Literally: When a thing is done advice comes too late.
Comme on fait son lit on se couche — Your choices about how you arrange your life will directly determine the comfort or discomfort you experience living it. Literally: As you make your bed so you must lie on it.
Les gueux ne sont jamais hors de leur chemin — A person with nothing to lose can afford to take any detour or accept any opportunity without disrupting their plans. Literally: A beggar is never out of his road.
Bon jour bonne ”oe]uvre — Good fortune amplifies moral responsibility—prosperity demands virtue, not vice. Literally: The better day the better deed.
Qui ne peut mordre, ne doit pas montrer les dents — Avoid displaying aggression or capability you lack; empty threats invite challenge and ridicule. Literally: Don’t show your teeth if you can’t bite.
En grand fardeau n’est pas l’acquêt — Heavy loads rarely yield profits; exhausting work often produces meager returns. Literally: The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest.
Faire des châteaux en Espagne — Imagination costs nothing, but translating dreams into reality requires effort and resources. Literally: To build castles in the air.
Près de l’église et loin de Dieu — Proximity to religious institutions cannot substitute for genuine spiritual devotion or moral integrity. Literally: The nearer the church the farther from God.
Dis-moi qui tu hantes, je te dirai qui tu es — Your character reflects your chosen associates; select companions who embody your aspirations. Literally: Tell me the company you keep, and I will tell you who you are.
Il faut casser la noix pour manger le noyau — Effort and perseverance are necessary prerequisites; you cannot enjoy rewards without enduring the difficult work required to obtain them. Literally: He that would eat the kernel must crack the nut.
C’est toujours la plus mauvaise roue qui crie — The most damaged or weakest part of any system draws attention and creates problems disproportionate to its size. Literally: The worst wheel always creaks most.
Le diable n’est pas toujours à la porte d’un pauvre homme — Misfortune strikes unpredictably from different directions, so vigilance must extend everywhere, not fixate on single threats. Literally: The devil is not always at a poor man’s door.
Qui veut plaire à tout le monde, doit se lever de bonne heure — Rising early cannot satisfy conflicting demands; some desires are inherently incompatible. Literally: He had need rise early who would please everybody.
Chacun pour soi et Dieu pour tous — Self-interest and communal welfare coexist; individual responsibility doesn't negate collective obligation to others. Literally: Every one for himself and God for all.
De deux maux il faut choisir le moindre — When facing unavoidable harm, select the option causing minimum damage rather than suffering the worst possible outcome. Literally: Of two evils choose the least.
Ce qu’”oe]il ne voit, au c”oe]ur ne deult — Ignorance of misfortune shields us from suffering its emotional weight. Literally: What the eye sees not the heart rues not.
Jamais honteux n’eut belle amie — Romantic success requires courage; passive timidity guarantees failure in matters of love. Literally: Faint heart never won fair lady.
Pas à pas on va bien loin — Steady, moderate effort sustains progress better than rushed, forceful action that exhausts itself quickly. Literally: Fair and softly goes far.
Une faute niée est deux fois commise — Refusing to acknowledge wrongdoing compounds the original error by adding dishonesty. Literally: A fault denied is twice committed.
Amour et seigneurie ne veulent point de compagnie — Deep affection and authority cannot coexist in the same relationship without one corrupting the other. Literally: Love and lordship like no fellowship.
On pêche bien en eau troublé — Exploiting chaos and confusion allows cunning people to gain unfair advantages over others. Literally: It is good fishing in troubled waters.
Un fou avise bien un sage — Even those lacking judgment can occasionally offer valuable advice through chance or simple observation. Literally: A wise man may learn of a fool.
Qui tôt donne, deux fois donne — Quick generosity prevents the recipient's anxiety and disappointment, making one gift feel like two. Literally: He gives twice who gives in a trice.
C’est quand l’enfant est baptisé qu’il arrive des parrains — Offering help after a child arrives proves easier than providing it during uncertain pregnancy and difficult labor. Literally: When the child is christened you will have godfathers enough.
On peut payer l’or trop cher — Excessive price paid for something, however valuable, can make the acquisition a poor bargain overall. Literally: One may buy gold too dear.
Le moulin ne moult pas avec l’eau coulée en bas — Dwelling on past opportunities wastes energy; focus your effort on present circumstances to achieve results. Literally: The mill does not grind with water that is past.
Mieux vaut être tête de chien que queue de lion — Leading a humble domain grants more authority and respect than serving in an exalted position. Literally: Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.
Où la haie est plus basse on saute dessus — Temptation proves strongest where safeguards are weakest, inviting transgression. Literally: Where the hedge is lowest men jump over.
Amour, toux, fumée, et argent, ne se peuvent cacher longuement — Genuine affection, like illness, inevitably reveals itself through visible signs despite attempts at concealment. Literally: Love, a cough, smoke, and money, cannot long be hid.
Ne sont pas tous chasseurs qui sonnent du cor — Not everyone who announces themselves possesses the skill or worthiness their proclamation implies. Literally: All are not hunters who blow the horn.
A qui veut rien n’est impossible — Determination and mental resolve can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable through sheer commitment. Literally: Nothing is impossible to a willing mind.
Toutes les clefs ne pendent pas à une ceinture — No single person possesses authority or knowledge over all matters; responsibility and expertise must be distributed. Literally: All the keys don’t hang at one girdle.
Grande chère petit testament — Excessive spending on pleasures leaves little inheritance or resources for one's heirs and future security. Literally: A fat kitchen makes a lean will.
Bon avocat, mauvais voisin — Good legal advocates thrive when disputes arise, making them prosperous through others' conflicts and grievances. Literally: A good lawyer is a bad neighbour.
La vie est moitié usée avant qu’on ne sache ce qu’est la vie — We waste years discovering our genuine desires and values, leaving limited time to pursue them meaningfully. Literally: Life is half spent before one knows what life is.
Aime-moi un peu, mais continue — Modest, steady affection endures better than intense passion that burns out quickly. Literally: Love me a little, but love me long.
Besoin fait vieille trotter — Urgent necessity compels even the most sluggish or elderly to move quickly and act. Literally: Need makes the old woman trot.
Chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin — Searching for something impossibly small in an overwhelming mass of material wastes effort fruitlessly. Literally: To look for a needle in a bundle of hay.
Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra — Fulfill your moral duties regardless of feared consequences or uncertain outcomes. Literally: Do what you ought, come what may.
Qui veut apprendre à prier, aille souvent sur la mer — Facing life's uncontrollable forces reveals humanity's powerlessness and awakens genuine spiritual need. Literally: If a man would learn to pray let him go often to sea.
Méchant poulain peut devenir bon cheval — Unpromising beginnings don't determine a creature's potential; proper care and time can transform rough youth into valuable maturity. Literally: A ragged colt may make a good horse.
Qui compte sans son hôte, compte deux fois — Failing to consult those involved in plans leads to miscalculation and necessary revision. Literally: He that reckons without his host must reckon again.
Chat échaudé craint l’eau froide — Past trauma causes excessive caution even toward harmless situations resembling the original threat. Literally: A scalded cat dreads cold water.
A brebis tondue Dieu mesure le vent — Hardship diminishes in proportion to one's vulnerability, or mercy matches misfortune. Literally: God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.
Mieux vaut glisser du pied que de la langue — A physical misstep heals quickly, but careless words cause lasting damage to relationships and reputation. Literally: Better a slip of the foot than of the tongue.
Qui ne veut parler, ne veut gagner — Restraint in both words and money preserves resources and prevents regrettable waste. Literally: Spare to speak and spare to speed.
A bon cheval point d’éperon — Pushing someone already willing to help creates resistance instead of cooperation. Literally: Spur not a willing horse.
Entre deux selles le cul à terre — Trying to sit on two stools simultaneously leaves you falling between them, unsupported and hurt. Literally: Between two stools the breech comes to the ground.
Il n’y a cheval si bon qui ne bronche — A flawless partner, like a flawless horse, doesn't exist—accepting minor faults shows wisdom. Literally: It is a good horse that never stumbles.
A chaque jour suffit sa peine — Worrying about tomorrow's troubles prevents you from managing today's actual problems effectively. Literally: Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
Une hirondelle ne fait pas le printemps — A single favorable occurrence cannot establish a lasting pattern; sustained evidence requires repetition. Literally: One swallow does not make a spring.
Pense moult, parle peu, écris moins — Excessive speech and writing scatter thought; silence preserves wisdom's clarity and power. Literally: Think much, say little, write less.
Qui reste dans la vallée ne passera jamais la montagne — Comfort in familiar circumstances prevents growth and progress beyond current limitations. Literally: He that stays in the valley will not get over the hill.
Qui a tête de cire ne doit pas s’approcher du feu — Those with fragile vulnerabilities should avoid situations that expose or exploit their weaknesses. Literally: He that hath a head of wax must not approach the fire.
Où il est faible le fil se rompt — Failure occurs at the point of greatest vulnerability, not where strength exists. Literally: Where the thread is weakest it breaks.
L’intention est réputée pour le fait — Accept someone's sincere effort or intention as equivalent to successful completion when circumstances prevent actual results. Literally: The will is taken for the deed.
A bon entendeur demi-mot — The wise person needs only minimal guidance to understand and act on good advice. Literally: A word to the wise.
La moitié du monde ne sait comment l’autre vit — Wealth and privilege create invisible barriers preventing the comfortable from understanding the daily struggles of the poor. Literally: One half the world knows not how the other half lives.
Un ver se recoquille quand on marche dessus — Even the meekest, most powerless creature will resist when pushed to its absolute limit of suffering. Literally: Tread on a worm and it will turn.
L’abattu veut toujours lutter — One who has suffered defeat becomes perpetually combative, unable to accept vulnerability. Literally: He that is thrown would still wrestle.
Il ne choisit pas qui emprunte — Those lacking resources must accept what's offered rather than demanding preferences. Literally: Borrowers must not be choosers.
Heureux commencement est la moitié de l’”oe]uvre — Starting with proper preparation and intention dramatically increases your likelihood of completing any task successfully. Literally: Well begun is half done.
Mieux vaut faire envie que pitié — Living with others' jealousy over your success beats enduring their sympathy for your failure. Literally: Better be envied than pitied.
La belle plume fait le bel oiseau — Outward appearance and presentation significantly influence how others perceive and judge our worth and capabilities. Literally: Fine feathers make fine birds.
A beau jeu beau retour — Reciprocal kindness creates a cycle where helping others motivates them to help you in return. Literally: One good turn deserves another.
Qui mal cherche, mal trouve — Obsessing over potential dangers often manifests them through anxious behavior and poor judgment. Literally: Harm watch harm catch.
Chacun vaut son prix — Individual differences in temperament and preference are natural; tolerating varied dispositions maintains peaceful coexistence. Literally: Every man has his value.
Mauvaise herbe croît toujours — Neglected problems and bad habits flourish faster than good ones require deliberate cultivation. Literally: Ill weeds grow apace.
Trop de zèle gâte tout — Unlimited freedom without restraint breeds chaos; boundaries enable flourishing. Literally: Too much zeal spoils all.
Qui se ressemble s’assemble — People naturally gravitate toward and trust those who share their values, interests, or circumstances. Literally: Like will to like.
Les mariages sont écrits dans le ciel — Destined partners find each other through forces beyond human control, suggesting compatibility transcends deliberate planning. Literally: Marriages are written in heaven.
Faire de nécessité vertu — When circumstances force action, find dignity and purpose in accepting what you cannot avoid. Literally: To make a virtue of necessity.
Les bons comptes font les bons amis — Settling debts promptly prevents resentment from festering and eroding relationships over time. Literally: Short reckonings make long friends.
Abondance de biens ne nuit pas — Abundance acquired through prudent saving prevents the pain of future scarcity and want. Literally: Store is no sore.
Point de roses sans épines — Beautiful things inherently carry pain or difficulty as inseparable companions in life. Literally: No rose without a thorn.
Prendre l’occasion aux cheveux — Seizing opportunities requires swift action before they slip away or pass beyond your grasp. Literally: To take opportunity by the forelock.
Chacun à son goût — Individuals excel when focusing on their own expertise rather than attempting unfamiliar work outside their competence. Literally: Every man to his taste.
A bon vin point d’enseigne — Excellent quality requires no advertisement; genuine merit speaks for itself without promotional effort. Literally: Good wine needs no sign.

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