Proverb Archive
To treat somebody with a dose of his own medicine
Gậy ông đập lưng ông
Meaning: This proverb means to punish or confront someone using the same methods they used against others. It highlights the idea that the traps or tricks we set for others may eventually come back to us. It emphasizes justice, irony, and the consequences of one’s actions.
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Misfortunes never come alone
Phúc bất trùng lai, hoạ vô đơn chí
Meaning: This proverb means that bad luck or troubles often arrive in clusters rather than singly. When one misfortune happens, it is common for others to follow, making life feel overwhelming. It emphasizes the tendency of difficulties to compound.
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Prevention is better than cure
Phòng bệnh hơn chữa bệnh
Meaning: It is wiser to take precautions and prepare in advance to avoid problems rather than dealing with them after they occur. It emphasizes foresight, planning, and proactive measures.
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Out of sight, out of mind
Xa mặt cách lòng
Meaning: This proverb means that when people or things are not present or visible, they are often forgotten. It reflects the idea that time and distance can weaken relationships, memories, or emotional connections.
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Seeing is believing
Nói có sách mách có chứng / Trăm nghe không bằng một thấy
Meaning: This proverb means that direct evidence or personal observation is more convincing than hearsay or abstract reasoning. It emphasizes the power of proof and experience in persuading people.
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All bread is not baked in one oven
Đừng quơ đũa cả nắm
Meaning: This proverb means that not everyone has the same opportunities, experiences, or life circumstances. People go through different processes, face different challenges, and achieve success in different ways. It emphasizes diversity and the uniqueness of each person’s journey.
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Tomorrow is another day
Sau cơn mưa trời lại sáng
Meaning: This proverb encourages optimism and resilience. It means that no matter how difficult today may be, tomorrow brings new opportunities, hope, and a fresh start. It reminds us not to lose heart because challenges are temporary.
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Beauty is only skin deep
Cái nết đánh chết cái đẹp
Meaning: This proverb means that physical appearance is superficial and does not reflect a person’s true character, values, or inner qualities. It emphasizes that inner beauty, kindness, and integrity are more important than outward looks.
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One good turn deserves another
Ở hiền gặp lành
Meaning: This proverb means that when someone does you a kindness, it is appropriate to repay that kindness with another good deed. It emphasizes reciprocity, gratitude, and the importance of mutual support in relationships.
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An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
Ân đền oán trả / Ăn miếng trả miếng
Meaning: This proverb expresses the principle of retributive justice — that punishment should be equal to the harm done. It reflects the idea of fairness in justice but is often debated because it can encourage cycles of revenge.
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We have gone too far to draw back now
Phóng lao phải theo lao
Meaning: This proverb means that once you have started something or committed to a course of action, you must continue, even if it is difficult or risky. It emphasizes persistence, determination, and the idea that retreat is no longer an option.
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Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours
Có qua có lại mới toại lòng nhau
Meaning: This proverb means that if you help me, I will help you in return. It teaches the idea of mutual assistance, cooperation, and reciprocity — people often support each other when they expect the same in return.
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My house is my castle
Đèn nhà ai nấy sáng
Meaning: This proverb means that a person’s home is their private place, where they have control and independence. It also teaches that sometimes it is best not to interfere with other people’s business, because everyone has the right to manage their own household or affairs.
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Bad news travels fast
Tin dữ đồn xa
Meaning: This proverb means that unpleasant or negative news spreads quickly, often faster than good news. It teaches us that people are more eager to share shocking or sad information than positive stories.
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A friend in need is a friend indeed
Hoạn nạn mới biết bạn hiền
Meaning: This proverb means that a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in trouble. It teaches that friendship is proven not by words, but by actions in difficult times.
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Diamond cuts diamond
Vỏ quít dày có móng tay nhọn
Meaning: This proverb means that one sharp or clever person can only be matched or defeated by another equally sharp or clever person. It teaches that strength, skill, or cunning is best met with equal strength, skill, or cunning.
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Man proposes, God disposes
Mưu sự tại nhân, thành sự tại thiên
Meaning: People can make plans, but in the end, it is fate or God that decides what really happens. This proverb teaches us that human effort is important, but we cannot control everything.
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Grasp all, lose all
Tham thì thâm
Meaning: If you try to take everything or be too greedy, you may end up losing it all. The proverb warns against greed and teaches that wanting too much often leads to failure.
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The more you have, the more you want
Được voi đòi tiên
Meaning: Human beings are never satisfied with what they have got, they always want to get more.
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Spare the rod and spoil the child
Thương cho roi cho vọt, ghét cho ngọt cho bùi
Meaning: If children are not disciplined when they misbehave, they will grow up spoiled or lacking respect. The proverb emphasizes the importance of correction and guidance in upbringing.
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When the cat is away, the mice will play
Vắng chủ nhà, gà mọc đuôi tôm
Meaning: People often misbehave or take liberties when authority or supervision is absent.
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East or West, home is best
Ta về ta tắm ao ta, dù trong dù đục ao nhà vẫn hơn
Meaning: No matter where you go, your home is the most comfortable and cherished place.
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More haste, less speed
Dục tốc bất đạt
Meaning: Acting too quickly or rushing often leads to mistakes and delays, making progress slower overall.
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