Czech proverbs

Proverbs from all Czech speaking parts of the world.

B

• Ber rád, když dáváji.
  • Translation: Seize the offer.
  • English equivalent: When the pig is proffered, hold up the poke.
  • Meaning: We should accept the offers that has been given us.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1226. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Bez práce nejsou koláče.
  • Literal translation: There are no cakes without a job.
  • Idiomatic translation: No pain, no gain.; He that would eat the kernel must crack the nut.
  • Source: Šedivý, Ivo Bez práce nejsou koláče (1982)

• Bude-li v holubníku krm, holubi se sletí.
  • Idiomatic translation: He that makes himself an ass must not take it ill if men ride him.
  • Meaning: Other people will abuse you, if you let them.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 676. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Hlubší voda kalná jen když se mele.
  • Idiomatic translation: Crooked logs make straight fires.
  • Meaning: If nothing better is available, anything flawed is also useful; Instead of being frustrated by a bad situation, try to find ways to improve it.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 683. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Bůh dá den, Bůh dá pokrm.
  • Idiomatic translation: Each day brings it own bread.
  • Meaning: Try not to worry so much about the future.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 757. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Bůh neopustí toho, kdo se naň spustí.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who serves God has a good master.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 873. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Bůh območí, Bůh též osuší.
  • Idiomatic translation: God who gives the wound gives the salve.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 874. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Bůh trojici miluje.
  • Idiomatic translation: All good things are three.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 80. ISBN 0415096243. 

C

• Chudoba cti netratí.
  • Translation: Poverty does not lose honour.
  • Meaning: Even a poor man can be honorable.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Chudobná to myš, co jen jednu díru má.
  • Idiomatic translation: It is a poor mouse that has only one hole.
  • Meaning: It is dangerous to always depend on just one thing, because if it fails you, you will not have any alternatives.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 375. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Chceš-li z pole bráti, musíš na ně dáti.
  • Idiomatic translation: Plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and keep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Co je napsáno, to nesmyješ.
  • Idiomatic translation: Never write what you dare not sign.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Co můžeš udělat dnes, neodkládej na zítřek.
  • Translation, English equivalent: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
  • DeCost (2007). Milenka. Absent Willow Publishing. p. 51. 

• Co se doma uvaří, má se doma sníst.
  • Idiomatic translation: It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest; Don't wash your dirty linen in public.
  • Meaning: Don't speak ill off yourself and the groups you belong to.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Co se lehce nabude, snadno se pozbude.
  • Idiomatic translation: Easy come, easy go.
  • Meaning: Something good that enters your life easily, will also often leave quickly.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 762. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Co si naseješ, to žáti budeš.
  • Translation: What you reap is what you sow.
  • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Co oči nevidí, srdce nebolí.
  • Translation: What eyes don´t see, heart doesn´t hurt.
  • English Equivalent: Out of sight - out of mind.
  • Kitz Volker. Jak žít podle vlastních představ. p. 113. ISBN 8024741881. 

Č

• Čas jsou peníze.
  • Idiomatic translation: There is nothing more precious than time.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1008. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Čiň čertu dobře, peklem se ti odmění.
  • Translation: Ingratitude is the worlds reward.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Čeho nelze předělati, darmo na to žehrati.
  • Translation: Times should be adapted to.
  • English equivalent: Take things as you find them.
  • Meaning: Adapt yourself to new surroundings or conditions. For instance, if you are ill, do what you still can instead of waiting to get healthy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243. 

D

• Dlouhý jazyk, krátké ruce.
  • Idiomatic translation: He that promises too much means nothing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 92. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Dvakrát měř, jednou řež.
  • Literal translation: Measure twice, cut once.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap.
  • Meaning: Think before you act.
    • Quoted in collected works of Karolina Světlá, p 155 (1903).: Measure twice, cut once; before you speak, think over again at least once what you intend to say.

• Darovanému koni na zuby nehleď.
  • Literal translation: Don't look at a gift horse's teeth.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
    • Quoted in collected works of Jan Evangelista Purkyně, p 55 (1968): Einem geschenkten Gaul - a variant of the Czech proverb: Don't look at a gift horse's teeth.

• Dáš-li prst, vezme hrst.
  • Idiomatic translation: Give him an inch and he will take a yard.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 240. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Dobrá vůle stojí za skutek.
  • Idiomatic translation: Take the will for the deed.
  • Meaning: Judge by the well intentioned effort, and not its effects.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Dobré jméno, nejlepší dědictví.
  • Idiomatic translation: A good name is the best of all treasures.
  • Meaning: It is wise not to speak when it is not necessary.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Do zavřených úst nevletí moucha.
  • Idiomatic translation: A closed mouth catches no flies.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 751. ISBN 0415096243. 

E

• Čeho nelze předělati, darmo na to žehrati.
  • Idiomatic translation: Gnaw the bone which is fallen to thy lot.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243. 

H

• Hlas lidu, hlas boží.
  • Idiomatic translation: The voice of the people is the voice of god.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1164. ISBN 0415096243. 

CH

• Chceš-li tajnou vĕc aneb pravdu vyzvĕdĕti, blázen, dítě, opilý člověk o tom umějí pověděti.
  • Idiomatic translation: Children, fools and drunken men tell the truth.
  • Meaning: Children and fools have no inhibition, and alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 272. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

J

• Jablko nepadne daleko od stromu.
  • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
  • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Jak k jídlu, tak i k dílu.
  • Idiomatic translation: Quick at meat, quick at work.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1150. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Jak kdo zaseje, tak také sklidí.
  • Translation: As one sows, so shall he reap.
  • English equivalent: As you sow, so shall you reap.
  • Jr (2011). Czechmate: From Bohemian Paradise to American Haven. AuthorHouse. p. 52. ISBN 1456714457. 

• Jak se do lesa volá, tak se z lesa ozývá.
  • Translation: You get what you give.
  • Idiomatic translation: The way you call into a forest, the way it echoes back.
  • Meaning: One will often be equally politely treated as one treats others.
  • Jr (2011). Czechmate: From Bohemian Paradise to American Haven. AuthorHouse. p. 51. ISBN 1456714457. 

• Jak chodí starý rak, mladý se učí tak.
  • Translation: What kind of parents, such children.
  • Meaning: Children will become like older generations.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Jaká matka, taková dcerka.
  • Translation: Such mother, such daughter.
  • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
  • Meaning: Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and rarely.
  • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Jeden blázen deset jiných nadělá.
  • Idiomatic translation: One fool makes many.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1132. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Jedna vlaštovka jaro nedělá.
  • Translation: A swallow does not make a spring.
  • Meaning: One occurrence is no indication that a major change is taking place.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Jiné má na srdci a jiné na jazyku.
  • Idiomatic translation: A honey tongue and a heart of gall.
  • Note: A hypo proverb of Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 0415160502. 

K

• Každý ptáček svým nosem se živí.
  • Idiomatic translation: Every bird must hatch its own eggs.
  • Meaning: We must depend on ourselves, financially and in other regards.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kde tě nesvrbí, nedrbej.
  • Translation: To whom it itches, scratches it.
  • English equivalent: If the shoe fits, wear it.
  • Meaning: Accept an unflattering, yet accurate, description of yourself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 998. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kdo chce příliš mnoho, nemívá nic.
  • Idiomatic translation: Grasp all, lose all.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 886. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kdo chce psa bít, hůl si vždycky najde.
  • Translation: He who wants to beat the dog will always find a stick.
  • Meaning: He who wants to be mean will find things to be mean about no matter what.
  • Novák (2005). Přestaňte se podceňovat!. Grada. p. 146. ISBN 8024711656. 

• Kdo do nebe plije, na jeho vlastní tvář slina bije.
  • Translation: He who digs a pit for others, will fall in it himself.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 651. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kdo dřív přijde, ten dřív mele.
  • Literal translation: He who comes sooner, grinds sooner.
  • Idiomatic translation: First come, first served.
    • Quoted by Božena Němcová in Babička (1855) (p 39 in 1950 reedition).

• Kdo hosta rád vidí, i psa jeho nakrmí.
  • Idiomatic translation: Love me, love my dog.
  • Meaning: If you love someone, you will like everything about him.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 952. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kdo se směje naposled, ten se směje nejlépe.
  • Literal translation: He who laughs last [is] the one who laughs best.
  • Idiomatic translation: He laughs best who laughs last.
    • Quoted by Emanuel Strauss in Concise dictionary of European proverbs, p167 (1998)

• Kdo si panskou lásku chválí, čímsi nejistým se šálí.
  • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Kdo uteĉ, ten vyhraje.
  • Translation: Who runs away, he wins.
  • English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Ke všem musíš rovnost míti, chceš-li spravedlivým soudcem býti.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't hear one and judge two.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 729. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kočka myši nenechá, liška slepic a vlk ovec.
  • Idiomatic translation: What is bred in the bone will not go out of the flesh.
  • Meaning: What is innate is not to be eradicated by force of education or self discipline: these may modify the outward manifestations of a man's nature, but not transmute the nature itself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 985. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. X. 

• Kočku pohladíš-li, hned ocas zdvíhá.
  • Translation: Cat patting leads to hump raising.
  • English equivalent: The more you stroke the cat's tail, the more he raises his back.
  • Meaning: Play hard to get, both in friendship and in courtship.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1184. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Koho pán potrestati chce, nejprv mu rozum vezme.
  • Idiomatic translation: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 841. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kolik jazyků znáš, tolikrát jsi člověkem.
  • Translation: As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.
  • Meaning: The more languages you know, the broader is your mentality.
    • Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (1850-1937), co-founder and first president of Czechoslovakia. Quoted in Český jazyk a literatura (Czech Language and Literature), Volume 56, Issues 1-5, p 54 (2006): Masaryk's As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being does not refer only to the ability to communicate in different languages, but also the ability to share in various spiritual spheres of different cultures.

• Komu není rady, tomu není pomocy.
  • Translation: He who can't be advised, can also not be helped.
  • English equivalent: He that will not be counseled cannot be helped.
  • Meaning: Advice often contain a genuine warning or an effective suggestion, which is unprudent not to take into consideration.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 964. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Kovářova kobyla chodí bosa.
  • Translation: The blacksmith's mare walks barefoot.
  • Idiomatic translation: The cobbler's children have no shoes.
    • Quoted by Karel Poláček in Hedvika a Ludvík (1931) (p 41 in 1993 reedition)

• Kradl zloděj, kradl, až z šibeničky spadl.
  • Idiomatic translation: Punishment is lame but it comes.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 682. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Krátké porovnání lepŝí, než dlouhé sporování.
  • Idiomatic translation: A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 68. ISBN 0415096243. 

L

• Láska prochází žaludkem.
  • Translation: Love goes via the stomach.
  • English equivalent: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
  • Alexander, Bastyra, Hutchings, Jansová, Lipman, Čech (1995). Láska procházížaludkem: Sexuálnía intimnírecepty pro hladovémilence. Mustang. ISBN 8071910163. 

• Lékaři, uzdrav se sám!
  • Idiomatic translation: Physician, heal yourself!
  • Meaning: Don't correct other's faults; correct your own faults instead.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Lépe pozdě než nikdy.
  • Translation, English equivalent: Better late than never.
  • Tolstoj (2005). Vojna a mír. Baronet. p. 415. ISBN 8072148621. 

• Lépe je více věděti a méně mluviti.
  • Idiomatic translation: Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Lépe míti sto přátel, než jednoho nepřítele.
  • Idiomatic translation: Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Lepší doma krajíc chleba než v cizině kráva celá.
  • Idiomatic translation: Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Lež má krátké nohy.
  • Translation: A lie has short legs.
  • English equivalent: A lie has no legs.
  • Simone (2010). Jak nebýt perfektní, ale úspěšný:. Grada Publishing a.s.. p. 72. ISBN 8024735407. 

• Lepši jedno dnes, než dvoje zítra.
  • Translation: Better one today, than two tomorrow.
  • English equivalent: One today is worth two tomorrows.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Lepší málo, než nic.
  • Idiomatic translation: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Lepší vrabec v hrsti než holub na střeše.
  • Literal translation: Better [is] a sparrow in the hand than a pigeon on the roof.
  • Idiomatic translation: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
    • Quoted in correspondence between Josef Florian and Staša Jílovská (1919-1922, published 1993, p 82).

• Lépe jest v samotě býti, nežli spolek se zlými míti.
  • Translation: Better be alone than in bad company.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 163. ISBN 0415160502. 

M

• Malé ryby taky ryby.
  • Translation: Small fish is also fish.
  • English equivalent: Better a bad bush than no shelter.
  • Kukal (2007). Povídánía hry s českými příslovími - pro děti od 6 do 10 let. Grada. p. 52. ISBN 8024718200. 

• Mnoho povolaných, málo vyvolených.
  • Idiomatic translation: Many are called but few are chosen.
  • Note: A biblical parable about a controversial king who invited many guests to a party, but only a few showed up. Those who did received a blessing from Jesus and thus where chosen.
  • Moral: When opportunity invites you you better accept the invitation!
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1083. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Modlí se před kaplí a čert mu sedí v kápi. (= Zdání klame.)
  • Idiomatic translation: A fair face and a foul heart.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 34. ISBN 0415160502. 

N

• Na boha se spolehni, ale sám se přičiň.
  • Idiomatic translation: God helps those who help themselves.
  • Meaning: When in trouble first of all every one himself should do his best to improve his condition.
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 150. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 732. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Na dluženém koni nedobře se jezdí.
  • Idiomatic translation: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
  • Meaning: Your supposedly former enemies will cunningly take revenge on you just out of spite; Trust not a reconciled enemy more than an open foe.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Na každém šprochu pravdy trochu.
  • Literal translation: In every piece of gossip [is] a bit of truth.
  • Idiomatic translation: There is no smoke without fire.
  • Other meaning: Everything happens for a reason.
    • Quoted by Jan Cimický in Trápení lásky, p 29 (2007): Why, in every piece of gossip is a bit of truth! Such a stupid affair! Is it possible at all to explain that it isn't true, that they are only writing it as they need something to write about, so as to earn more by banner headlines and sell the biggest possible print run of the tabloid?

• Na ptáky lepem, ne cepem.
  • Idiomatic translation: Deal gently with the bird you mean to catch.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 689. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Na tvrdý špalek tvrdý klín.
  • Idiomatic translation: You must meet roughness with roughness.
  • Example: If someone treats you poorly, you should treat him equally poorly.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 12. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Nebuď zvědavý, budeš brzy starý.
  • Idiomatic translation: Curiosity killed the cat.
  • Meaning: Inquisitiveness is harmful to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 684. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nehas, co tě nepálí.
  • Translation: Don't put out a fire that isn't burning you.
  • English equivalent: Mind your own business.
  • Meaning: Don't get involved into other peoples' problems. The underlying meaning is either not to poke one's nose into other peoples' business, but more often it is meant as a controversial advice not to waste one's effort on issues that are indifferent to one (or might even cause hardship to one).
  • Kukal (2007). Povídánía hry s českými příslovími - pro děti od 6 do 10 let. Grada. p. 62. ISBN 8024718200. 

• Nemoc na koni přijíždí a pěšky odchází.
  • Idiomatic translation: Misfortune comes on horseback and goes away on foot.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nekupuj zajíce v pytli.
  • Idiomatic translation: Never buy a pig in a poke.
  • Meaning: At least do some research before buying a product.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Není štěstí bez závisti.
  • Idiomatic translation: Envy always shooteth at a high mark.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 766. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Není všechno zlato, co se třpytí.
  • Translation, English equivalent: Not all that glitters is gold.
  • Wienerová (2008). Napsáno životem a jinépovídky. Tribun EU. p. 138. ISBN 8073995050. 

• Nepřidávej oleje k ohni.
  • Translation: You should not add oil to the fire.
  • English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
  • Meaning: One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark.
  • Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 338. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Neptej se starého, ptej se zkušeného.
  • Idiomatic translation: Experience keeps a dear school.
  • Meaning: Wisdom acquired by experience is basically only very bitterly acquired.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 808. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nevěř slovům, věř skutkům.
  • Translation: Do not trust words, trust deeds.
  • Idiomatic translation: No need of words, trust deeds.
  • Meaning: One should pay attention to what people do rather than what they say.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 91. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Nové koště dobře mete.
  • Idiomatic translation: New brooms sweep clean.
  • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243. 

O

• Obecná řeč, obecná pravda.
  • Translation: Generally said, generally true.
  • English equivalent: What everyone says must be true.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 662. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Oko hledí daleko, a mysl ještě dále.
  • Translation: Brains are farther than the eye.
  • English equivalent: The eye looks but it is the mind that sees.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1175. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Otep nepřelomíš, a po prutu všecku zlámeš.
  • Idiomatic translation: United we stand, divided we fall; Union is strength.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 79. ISBN 0415096243. 

P

• Pes, který štěká, nekouše.
  • Translation: A dog that barks doesn't bite.
  • English equivalent: Barking dogs seldom bite.
  • Meaning: Those who (often) threaten seldom carry out their threats.
  • Čechová (1996). Čeština: řeča jazyk. ISV Nakl.. p. 291. ISBN 8085866129. 

• Plavce topí moře a nás zasypuje hoře.
  • Translation: Sorrow makes gray hairs before the time.
  • English equivalent: Fretting cares make grey hairs.
  • Meaning: Worrying is a negative activity that can age you prematurely.
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 631. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Po bitvě je každý generálem.
  • Translation: After a battle everyone is a general.
  • English equivalent: Hindsight is 20-20.
  • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 291. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Prázdný klas vysoko hlavu nese.
  • Idiomatic translation: It is not the hen that cackles the most that lay the most eggs.
  • Meaning: It is not the one who advertises for himself the most that can achieve the greatest results.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1169. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Pravdu každý chválí, ale nekaždý ji brání.
  • Idiomatic translation: All truths are not to be told.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Pýcha předchází pád.
  • Translation: Pride preceeds the fall.
  • English equivalent: Pride comes before the fall.
  • Pavel (2010). Investičnístrategie pro třetítisíciletí- 6. přepracovanévydání. Grada Publishing a.s.. p. 50. ISBN 8024733153. 

R

• Ranní ptáče dál doskáče.
  • Literal translation: An early bird hops farther.
  • Idiomatic translation: The early bird catches the worm.
  • Meaning: Pioneers will get much.
  • Other meaning: Those who get up early in the morning will get much done.
    • Quoted by Robert Tilley in Fit for Business English, p 65 (2005).

• Ráno moudřejší večera.
  • Translation: Morning is wiser than evening.
  • Meaning: It's best to sleep on it.
    • Quoted by Miloslav Rechcígl in Czechmate: From Bohemian Paradise to American Haven, p 53 (2011)

• Ryba smrdí od hlavy.
  • Literal translation: A fish stinks from the head.
  • Idiomatic translation: A fish rots from the head down.
  • Meaning: When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.
    • Quoted by Ota Šik in Jarní probuzení - a skutečnost: iluze (1989) (p 152 in 1990 reedition): I often phrased it so that the reader could make out who I meant and that - according to a Czech proverb - a fish stinks from the head.

S

• S chutí do toho a půl je hotovo.
  • Idiomatic translation: Well begun is half done.
  • Binar, Ivan (1997). Ohrada. Mladá fronta. p. 92. ISBN 9788020406927. 

• S poctivostí nejdál dojdeš.
  • Translation: With honesty you will get the furthest.
  • English equivalent: Honesty is the best policy.
  • Jr (2011). Czechmate: From Bohemian Paradise to American Haven. AuthorHouse. p. 53. ISBN 1456714457. 

• Sdílené neštěstí je poloviční neštěstí.
  • Idiomatic translation: Misery loves company.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Strach má velké oči.
  • Translation: Fear has big eyes.
  • Meaning: People overestimate danger because of fear.
  • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 228. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Strpení přináší spasení.
  • Idiomatic translation: To love and heaven by suffering we attain.
  • Second idiomatic translation: Patience is the best remedy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1151. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Strpení přináší spasení.
  • Idiomatic translation: Paper is forbearing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1140. ISBN 0415096243. 

T

• Tak dlouho se chodí se džbánem pro vodu, až se ucho utrhne.
  • Translation: One goes to fetch water with a jug for so long, until the handle breaks away.
  • English equivalent: The pitcher goes so often to the well that it is broken at last.
  • Meaning: One keeps doing something risky until the risk actually happens.
    • Quoted in Literární měsíčník (Literary Monthly), Volumes 1-5, p 111 (1988): Pavel Pípal kept trying to persuade the landlady that one day it would surely come out and argued using the popular slogan that one goes to fetch water with a jug for so long, until the handle breaks away.

• Tichá voda břehy mele.
  • Translation: Silent water grinds the banks.
  • English equivalent: Still water runs deep.
  • Meaning: Inconspicuous people may one day surprise us by their acts.
  • Other meaning: A taciturn person might be taciturn because his head is filled with ambitious thoughts.
    • Quoted in Volume 14 of Collected Works of Josef Kajetán Tyl, p 60 (1859): 'But silent water grinds the banks,' the maid butted in, 'and I bet anything that Mr Vencl doesn't go to church so early each Sunday without a cause.'

• Tĕžko z kamene olej vytlačiti.
  • Translation: You cannot flay a stone.
  • English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.
  • Meaning: It is impossible to sway a hostile minded person.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1040. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Tonoucí se i stébla slámy chytá.
  • Idiomatic translation: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Trpělivost růže přináší.
  • Literal translation: Patience brings roses.
  • Idiomatic translation: Patience is the best remedy.
    • Quoted by Roman Chmel in Otázky a odpovědi o porodu (Questions and answers about childbirth), p 107 (2nd, amended and updated edition, 2008): They say that patience brings roses. Remember this proverb when pre-induction seems long to you.

V

• V práci a vědění je naše spasení.
  • Translation: At work and knowledge is our salvation.
  • Idiomatic translation: Learning is the eye of the mind.
  • Meaning: Learning about a subject such as psychology will increase your overall competence.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 149. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Važ si toho, co máš.
  • Idiomatic translation: 'Better is the enemy of good.'
  • Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might slow down progress.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Ve vlastní při nikdo soudcem býti nemůže.
  • Translation: No one can be the judge in his own trial.
  • English equivalent: No one can be the judge in his own case.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Vlas má svůj stín.
  • Translation: The hair has its shadow.
  • Idiomatic translation: A bad bush is better than no shelter; Every hair casts its shadow; There is no little enemy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 4. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Vrána vráně oka nevyklove.
  • Idiomatic translation: Crows do not pick out crow's eyes.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 31. ISBN 0415160502. 

Z

• Z ničeho nebude nic.
  • Idiomatic translation: From nothing nothing can come.
  • Meaning: If you don't do anything, nothing will come to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 238. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Závist se po živých ráda vozí.
  • Idiomatic translation: Envy takes no holiday.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 767. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Zdraví je největší poklad.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good health is above wealth.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Zlá huba na šíji neuvízne.
  • Idiomatic translation: Hard words break no bones.
  • Meaning: It is often good to tell someone a harsh truth (including yourself); Don't lie to yourself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 17. ISBN 0415160502. 

Ž

• Za nic zas nic koupíš.
  • Idiomatic translation: You can't get something for nothing.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1. Routledge. p. 799. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Zdání klame.
  • Idiomatic translation: Never judge by appearances; Judge not a man and things at first sight.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 713. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Zakázané ovoce chutná nejlépe.
  • Translation: Forbidden fruit tastes best.
  • Meaning: Prohibited things are the most desirable.
  • English equivalent: Forbidden fruit is the sweetest.
  • Piska (2008). Anna Marie na vlčím hrádku, aneb konec cudnosti. Tribun EU. p. 83. ISBN 8073994704.