Famous Irish Sayings

Endowed with a rich culture, Ireland today is one of the most developed, wealthiest and peaceful countries in the world. The Irish people are a Western European group who have their origins in Ireland, situated in northwestern Europe.

The Celtic people established themselves in Ireland hundred years before the advent of Christ, and the island was dominated by them for almost 1000 years. Much of the essence of the Irish people’s heritage still retains the Celtic influence at the core even today. Down-to-earth and full of wisdom, here are some famous Irish sayings that reveal the nature and ethos of the Irish people.

"The best looking glass is the eyes of a friend."

"A postponement till morning - A postponement for ever."

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

"A sly rogue is often in good dress."

"Constant company wears out its welcome."

"As honest as a cat when the meat is out of reach."

"Don't throw out the dirty water until you have the clean water in."

"A secret is a weapon and a friend."

"Long churning makes bad butter."

"A scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood."

"Only the rich can afford compassion."

"Don't let your tongue cut your throat."

"A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea."

"Make hay while the sun shines."

"Don't count your chickens before they are hatched."

"As the old cock crows the young cock learns."

"Least said soonest mended."

"An old broom knows the dirty corners best."

"Don't tell your complaint to one who has no pity."

"A loud voice can make even the truth sound foolish."

"Better an idle house than a bad tenant."

"A little of anything isn't worth a pin; but a wee bit of sense is worth a lot."

"If a rogue deceives me once, shame on him. If he deceives me twice, shame on me."

"A heavy purse makes a light heart."

"Don't rest your eyes beyond what is your own."

"A guest should be blind in another man's house."

"Fat is not to be had without labour."

"A good beginning is half the work done."

"Every patient is a doctor after his cure."

"A fool and his money are easily parted."

"Castles were built a stone at a time."

"A windy day is the wrong one for thatching."

"Do not mistake a goat's beard for a fine stallion's tail."

"A wise head keeps a shut mouth."

"Don't say everything you want to say lest you hear something you would not like to hear."

"Never ask a fox to mind the hens."

"Be kind to those that meet you as you rise, you may pass them again as you fall."

"A watched kettle never boils."

"Never praise your son-in-law until the year is out."

"Don't bid the devil good day till you meet him."

"Firelight will not let you read fine stories but it’s warm and you won’t see the dust on the floor."

"No matter how tall your grandfather was, you have to do your own growing."