The cat that always cries catches no mice
Meaning: Complaining and making noise accomplishes nothing; quiet, focused effort gets results.
Origin: A Japanese proverb, naku neko wa nezumi o toranu (鳴く猫は鼠を捕らぬ): a cat that meows a lot doesn't catch mice. It is said of people who talk a great deal but get little done, much like the English "empty vessels make the most sound."
Equivalents in French, Spanish, and Japanese
- French: Le chat qui crie toujours ne prend pas de souris (literally: The cat that always cries catches no mice)
- Spanish: El gato que siempre maúlla no atrapa ratones (literally: The cat that always meows doesn't catch mice)
- Japanese: 鳴く猫は鼠をとらぬ (Naku neko wa nezumi wo toranu) (literally: A meowing cat catches no mice)
More proverbs about Perseverance
- The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones — Great accomplishments are only possible through gradual, persistent small efforts.
- It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop — Progress at any pace is still progress; what matters is persisting, not speed.
- Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance — Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force.
- You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness.
- He who limps is still walking — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you.
- Stars cannot shine without darkness — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.
From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.