Dutch proverbs

A proverb is a pithy expression stating wisdom believed to be true by the majority of the population. Contrary to a saying, the proverb is always phrased the same way.

A

• Aan de vruchten kent men den boom.
  • 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.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 488. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Aanval is de beste verdediging.
  • Translation: Attack is the best form of defence.
  • English equivalent: The best defence is a good offense.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 518. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Acht is meer dan duizend.
  • Idiomatic translation: Diffidence is the right eye of prudence.
  • Meaning: Diffidently pondering something will often lead to a sensible solution.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding.
  • Translation: Although a monkey wears a golden ring, it remains an ugly thing.
  • English equivalent: A golden bit does not make the horse any better.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Afwisseling verheugt.
  • Idiomatic translation: Variety pleases.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 89. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Alle waar is naar zijn geld.
  • Translation: All things are worth their price.
  • English equivalent: Everything is worth its price.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 800. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Alle waarom heeft zijn daarom.
  • Idiomatic translation: Every why has a wherefore.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Als de berg niet tot Mohammed wil komen dan moet Mohammed naar de berg gaan.
  • Translation: If the mountain will not go to Mohammed, Mohammad must go to the Mountain.
  • English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.
  • Meaning: If reality does not adapt itself to one's personal whims, one must adapt himself to reality.
  • Source: Coolen, J.; Steerneman, Pim; Vandormael, Jan (2004). Kind in de knel: ontwikkelingsstoornissen in de praktijk van de jeugdzorg: samen-werken. Garant. p. 99. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Als je hem een vinger geeft, neemt hij de hele hand.
  • Translation: If you give him a finger, he will take the whole hand.
  • English equivalent: Give him an inch he will take a yard.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 228. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Als 't schip lek is gaan de ratten van boord.
  • Idiomatic translation: Rats desert a sinking ship.
  • Meaning: A leader or organization in trouble will quickly be abandoned.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1150. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Alles komt op zijn tijd.
  • Idiomatic translation. He that can have patience can have what he will.
  • Other idiomatic translation: Patience is a remedy for every sorrow.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 0415160502. 

B

• Blaffende honden bijten niet.
  • Translation: Barking dogs don't bite.
  • Meaning: A person who often threatens rarely carries out his threats.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Beter alleen, dan in kwaad gezelschap.
  • Translation: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 162. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Beter één vogel in de hand dan tien in de lucht.
  • Translation: Better is one bird in the hand than ten in the air.
  • English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 8. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Beter hard geblazen, dan de mond gebrand.
  • Idiomatic translation: Better to have blown hard, than to have a burned mouth.
  • English equivalent: Better safe than sorry.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Beter voorkomen dan genezen.
  • Translation: It is better to prevent than to cure.
  • Meaning: It is better to prevent than to cure.
  • English equivalent: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 332. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Bezint eer gij begint.
  • Translation: Consider before beginning.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap.
  • Meaning: Think before you act.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1069. ISBN 0415096243. 

D

• De appel valt niet ver van de boom.
  • 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. 

• De baard maakt geen wijsgeer; anders was er de bok goed aan.
  • Idiomatic translation: If the beard were all, the goat might preach.
  • Meaning: Mere formal signs of being an authority does not make you one.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 117. ISBN 0415160502. 

• De baas woordt altijdt het slechtst bedient.
  • Idiomatic translation: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De draad breekt daar hij zwakst is.
  • Idiomatic translation: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
  • Meaning: A group is not stronger than its weakest member or its most lacking element.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 19. ISBN 0415160502. 

• De duivel heeft het vragen uitgevonden.
  • Translation: The devil invented questioning.
  • English equivalent: Curiosity killed the cat.
  • Meaning: Inquisitiveness is harmful to you.
  • Laan, Heidt (1979). Nederlandse spreekwoorden/spreuken en zegswijzen. Elsevier. p. 82. 

• De eersten zullen de laatsten zijn.
  • Idiomatic translation: The last will be first, and the first last.
  • Meaning: Those who humbly serve the Lord will be rewarded, and those who are arrogant will be humbled; Humbleness is a virtue, pride is a sin.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1085. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De geschiedenis herhaalt zich.
  • Idiomatic translation: History repeats itself.
  • Meaning: Things that has happened will happen again. Religious myths for example, which are allegorical, will per definition reoccur; Things that has happened to you once will most likely happen again; Don't do the same thing again and expect different results.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De gestadige drup holt de steen.
  • Idiomatic translation: A constant drip wears the stone.
  • Meaning: Many small changes will soon make a big difference.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 

• De grote vissen eten de kleine.
  • Idiomatic translation: People are like fish; the big ones devour the small.
  • Meaning: A weak person/group/community/country can be an easy prey to an immoral, powerful one. ** Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1086. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 420. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• De mens wikt, maar God beschikt.
  • Translation: Man proposes but God disposes.
  • Meaning: Things often don't turn out as you have planned.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Die mij bemint, bemint ook mijn hond.
  • 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. 953. ISBN 0415096243. 

• De muren hebben oren.
  • Translation: The walls have ears.
  • Meaning: You will never know who will overhear you.
  • Source: Bodegom, Gerda; Donaldson, Bruce (2005). Colloquial Dutch 2: The Next Step In Language Learning. Routledge. p. 80. ISBN 0415310776. 

• De ouderdom zal men eeren, al zou men ook ze met stokken slaan.
  • Idiomatic translation: Grey hairs are honorable.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 35. 

• De rook van het vaderland is aangenamer dan een vreemd vuur.
  • 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. 

• De uitkomst zal het leren.
  • Idiomatic translation: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
  • Meaning: The worth of a thing is however it comes to use.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 1417964677. 

• De uitzondering bevestigt de regel.
  • Translation: The exception confirms the rule.
  • Source: Verklarend Handwoordenboek Der Nederlandse Taal. Taylor & Francis. 1971. p. 118. 

• Des volks stem is Gods stem.
  • 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. 

• De waarheid wil niet altijd gezegd zijn.
  • Idiomatic translation: All truths are not to be told.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 

•  De weg naar de hel is geplaveid met goede voornemens.
  • Translation: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Die den honing wil uithalen, moet het stijken der bijen ondergaan.
  • Idiomatic translation: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.
  • Meaning: Suffering is the acceptable in the quest for something great.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 837. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Die eens steelt is altijd een dief.
  • Idiomatic translation: Once a drunkard always a drunkard; Once a thief always a thief.
  • 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. 771. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Die goed doet, goed ontmoet.
  • Idiomatic translation: If you do good, good will be done to you.
  • Meaning: Good acts quiet often reward themselves.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Doet naar mijn woorden en niet naar mijn werken.
  • Idiomatic translation: Preachers say: do as I say, not as i do.
  • Possible interpretation: One should not reprimand those who are younger than yourself, when they are merely doing what you do or has done.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 706. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Door de bomen het bos niet meer zien.
  • Translation: Missing the forest because of the trees.
  • Meaning: While overlooking every detail you might miss out the big picture.
  • Theissen, S. and P. Hiligsmann (1999). Uitdrukkingen en spreekwoorden van A tot Z: Dictionnaire n√©erlandais-fran√ßais d'expressions et de proverbes Explication, traduction et exercices, De Boeck Universit√©.

E

• Een bloode hond word zelden velt.
  • Translation: Fortune favours the bold.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 130. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een dichter wordt geboren, een redenaar word gemaakt.
  • Idiomatic translation: Poets are born, but orators are trained.
  • Meaning: Some things can be improved by training, others require innate talent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een drenkeling klemt zich aan een strohalm vast.
  • Idiomatic translation: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een gek zegt wel eens een wijs woord.
  • Translation: A fool sometimes says a wise word.
  • English equivalent: A fool may give a wise man counsel.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 40. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een gewaarschuwd mens telt voor twee.
  • Translation: A warned man counts as two.
  • English equivalent: Warned is forearmed.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een gierigaard is nooit rijk.
  • Translation: Covetousness is its own stepmother.
  • Idiomatic translation: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Een goede naam is beter dan olie.
  • Idiomatic translation: A good name is the best of all treasures.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een kat in de zak kopen.
  • 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. 

• Een kroum hout brandt zowel als een recht.
  • 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 (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 70. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Een mens zijn zin is een mens zijn leven.
  • Idiomatic translation: His own desire leads every man.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Een slecht werksman beschuldigt altijd zijn getuig.
  • Translation: A bad craftsman blames his tools.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 4. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Er is niets nieuw onder de zon.
  • Idiomatic translation: Nothing is new.
  • Meaning: Absolutely everything has been done before.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Er schuilt een adder in 't gras.
  • Translation: A serpent hides in the grass.
  • Idiomatic translation: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1070. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Er zijn geen ergere blinden dan die niet zien willen.
  • Idiomatic translation: There are none so blind as they who will not see.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 320. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Er zijn geen erger doven dan die niet horen willen.
  • Idiomatic translation: None so deaf as those who will not hear.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1110. ISBN 0415096243. 

G

• Ga niet op het uiterlijk af.
  • 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. 

• Geeft men hem den duim, dan wil hij er de vingers nog bij hebben.
  • 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. 

• Geen geld, geen Zwitsers.
  • Translation: No money, no swiss.
  • Meaning: You can't get something for nothing.
  • English equivalent: The only free cheese is in the mouse trap.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 223. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Geduld gaat boven geleerdheid.
  • Translation: Patience goes beyond knowledge.
  • English equivalent: An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.
  • Meaning: Patience can often do more than your wits.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 415. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Geld mot rollen.
  • Translation: Money must roll.
  • English equivalent: Money is there to be spent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1013. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Gen haar zoo klein of het heeft ook zijn schaduw.
  • 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. 

• Geen regel zonder uitzondering.
  • Translation: There exists no rule without exceptions.
  • English equivalent: There is no rule without an exception.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1174. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Geen rook zonder vuur.
  • Translation: No smoke without fire.
  • Meaning: Rumors are always, partially, based on facts.
  • Other meaning: There is a reason behind everything that happens.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 232. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Gemeen gerucht is zelden gelogen.
  • Translation: Common rumor seldom lies.
  • English equivalent: Common fame is often to blame.
  • Meaning: A general disrepute is true.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 662. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Gemeene plaag rust wel.
  • Idiomatic translation: A problem shared is a problem halved.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 351. ISBN 0415096243. 

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

• Gezondheid is een grote schat.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good health is above wealth.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Geweld is geen recht.
  • Idiomatic translation: Might is not always right.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1090. ISBN 0415096243. 

• God behoede mij voor mijn vrienden, mijn vijenden neem ik zelf voor mijn rekening.
  • Translation: God save me from my friends; my enemies I can handle myself.
  • Idiomatic translation: A mans worst enemies are often those of his own house.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415096243. 

• God schept geen mond, of hij schept er ook brood.
  • 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. 

• Goed verloren, niet verloren; moed verloren, veel verloren; eer verloren, meer verloren; ziel verloren, al verloren.
  • Idiomatic translation: Courage lost, all lost.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 675. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Goede wijn behoeft geen krans.
  • Translation: Good wine needs no wreath.
  • English equivalent Good wine needs no bush.
  • Note: It was customary since early times to hang a grapevine, ivy or other greenery over the door of a tavern or way stop to advertise the availability of drink within.
  • Meaning: A good product does not need advertising.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 211. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Goedkoop is duurkoop.
  • Translation: Cheaply bought is expensively bought.
  • English equivalent: If you buy cheaply you pay dearly.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Goed begin, goed einde.
  • Idiomatic translation: A good beginning makes a good ending.
  • Meaning: Just trying something is a great way in order to solve a problem.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 54. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Goed is goed, maar beter is beter.
  • 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. 

• Goed voorgaan doet goed volgen.
  • Translation: A good example will gain much following.
  • English equivalent: Lead by example.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 

H

• Haast je langzaam.
  • Translation: Hurry slowly.
  • Meaning: Do your work slowly to make sure it gets thoroughly done.
  • English equivalent: More speed, less haste.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 113. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Herrenhulde is geen erve.
  • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Heden ik, morgen gij.
  • Translation: Today for me, and tomorrow for you.
  • English equivalent: Today me, tomorrow thee.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het gebed opent's hemels deur.
  • Idiomatic translation: Short prayers reach heaven.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 75. 

• Het geluk helpt de dapperen.
  • Idiomatic translation: Fortune favours the bold.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 38. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het middel is vaak erger dan de kwaal.
  • Idiomatic translation: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it off the mouse.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 646. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het gelijke word door het gelijke genezen.
  • Idiomatic translation: Fight fire with fire.
  • Meaning: One must defeat evil with the same type of evil. For example, if someone is being impudent– be equally impudent in return.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 688. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het getij wacht op niemand.
  • Idiomatic translation: Time and tide waits for no man.
  • Meaning: The Future will forsake those who forsake him; Focus on the major worries you have today, because you will have even more major worries tomorrow.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het is goed, twee pijlen op zijn boog te hebben.
  • Idiomatic translation: Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Het is niet alles goud wat er blinkt.
  • Translation: All that glistsers is not gold.
  • Meaning: Outward appearance can be deceiving.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Het verstand komt met de jaren.
  • Translation: Sense comes with age.
  • English equivalent: Reason does not come before age.
  • Source: Blokhuis, Annie; van Kooten, Nel (2011). Je luistert wel, maar je hoort me niet: over communicatie met mensen met een verstandelijke beperking. Routledge. p. 60. ISBN 9044126377. 

• Het zijn allemaal geen dieven daar de honden tegen blaffen.
  • Idiomatic translation: All are not thieves that dogs bark at.
  • Meaning: Not all people are as bad as they seem.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Het zijn slechte honden die hun eigen volk bijten.
  • Translation: Those are bad dogs who bite their own people.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't wash your dirty linen in public; It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
  • Meaning: Don't speak in public of unpleasant private affairs; Don't speak ill of yourself and the groups you belong to.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 45. 

• Het zijn sterke benen die de weelde kunnen dragen.
  • Translation: Legs that can carry wealth are strong.
  • English equivalent: Put a beggar on horseback and he'll ride it to death.
  • Meaning: Newly rich people will waste their money.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 22. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Hij is wel edel, die edele werken doet.
  • Idiomatic translation: Handsome is that handsome does.
  • Meaning: Being pleasant is more important than good looks.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 39. ISBN 1417964677. 

• Hoe meer zielen, hoe meer vreugd.
  • Idiomatic translation: The more the merrier.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1094. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Hoe ouder, hoe zotter.
  • Translation: The older, the more foolish.
  • English equivalent: Wisdom goes not always by years.
  • Meaning: Age will not refrain some people from acting foolish and imprudent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 39. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Hoogmoed komt voor de val
  • Translation: Pride comes before fall.
  • Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (1999). Uitdrukkingen en spreekwoorden van A tot Z. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 271. ISBN 2804131378. 

I

• In twijfel, onthoud u.
  • Translation: When in doubt, restrain yourself.
  • English equivalent: When in doubt, don't.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1223. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Indien gij iets doet, doe het dan goed.
  • Idiomatic translation: If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
  • Runge, Martin (2000). Geriatrische Rehabilitation im Therapeutischen Team (2 ed.). Georg Thieme Verlag. p. 282. ISBN 3131023821. 

J

• Je moet een gegeven paard niet in de mond kijken.
  • Translation: Don't look a given horse in the mouth.
  • Meaning: Don't criticize gifts.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 281. ISBN 2804159671. 

K

• Kennis is macht.
  • Translation: Knowledge is power.
  • 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. 

• Klein vischje zoet vischje.
  • Idiomatic translation: All is fish that comes to the net.
  • Meaning: We can make use of everything that happens to us: good and bad.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 

L

• Niet te veel hooi op de vork nemen.
  • Translation: Don't lay too much hay on the fork.
  • English equivalent: Don't have too many irons in the fire.
  • Meaning: Don't undertake too much work.
  • Afkari (2008). فرهنگاصطلاحات،هلندى-فارسى. Amsterdam University Press. p. 175. ISBN 908964007X. 

• Let op het ende.
  • Translation: In your every endeavor reflect the end.
  • English equivalent: Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Leugens hebben korte benen.
  • Translation: A lie has short legs.
  • Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 118. ISBN 2804159671. 

M

• Man vangt meer vliegen met een' lepel stroop, dan met een vat azijn.
  • Idiomatic translation: You can catch more flies with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 100. 

• Men melkt de koe door den hals.
  • Idiomatic translation: It is by the head that the cow gives the milk.
  • Meaning: Whatever input you give, whatever outpot you get.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Men krijgt niets voor niets.
  • Translation: Men get nothing for nothing.
  • Idiomatic translation: Nothing for nothing.
  • Meaning: He who works for nothing shall recieve nothing from others except complaint.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1111. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Men moet de dag niet prijzen voor het avond is.
  • Translation: Don't praise the day until it is evening.
  • Meaning: Don't celebrate until you are 100 % sure there is a reason to do so.
  • English equivalent: Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 89. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Men moet niet de eiren onder een hen (kip) leggen.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Men moet de huid niet verkopen voordat de beer geschoten is.
  • Translation: Don't sell the fur until the bear has been shot.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 639. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Men moet het ijzer smeden als het heet is.
  • Translation: You have to forge while the iron is hot.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 90. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Men moet niet het huis door de glazen gooien.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't burn the candles at both ends.
  • Meaning: Don't wake up early in the morning and stay up late into the evening as well.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Met de maat, warmee gij meet, zal u werder gemeten worden.
  • Idiomatic translation: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Met dieven vangt men dieven.
  • Idiomatic translation: Set a thief to catch a thief.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 74. ISBN 1417964677. 

• Met veel slagen valt de boom.
  • Idiomatic translation: Little strokes fell great oaks.
  • Meaning: A difficult task, e. g. removing a person/group from a strong position, or changing established ideas cannot be done quickly. It can be achieved gradually, by small steps, a little at a time.
  • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 252. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Met vuur spelen.
  • Translation: Playing with fire.
  • English equivalent: Do not play with edged tools.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 716. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Meet driemaal eer gij eens snijd.
  • Idiomatic translation: Measure thrice, cut once.
  • Meaning: One should always act only after due consideration. A hasty action may involve an improper consideration of important aspects.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 750. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 315. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

N

• Niemand kan regterzun in zijne eigen zaken.
  • Translation: No one can judge his own cases.
  • 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. 

• Niemand is onmisbaar.
  • Idiomatic translation: No man is indispensable.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 319. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Niemand weet waar een ander de Schoen wringt.
  • Idiomatic translation: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 

• Nieuwe bezems vegen schoon.
  • Translation: New brooms sweep clean.
  • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 317. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Niet geschoten is altijd mis.
  • Translation: To never have shot is always a miss.
  • Middelkamp, Dekker (2000). Niet geschoten is altijd mis!: praktische handleiding voor promotie en verkoop in fitnesscentra. ProFITS. 

• Nood breekt wet.
  • Idiomatic translation: Needs must when the devil drives.
  • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 

O

• Ondank is 's werelds loon.
  • Translation: Ingratitude is the reward of the world.
  • Istendael, Geert; Istendael, J. (2007). Vlaamse sprookjes. Atlas. p. 32. 

• Ongeluk komt te paard, en keert te voet.
  • 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. 

• Ongeluk komt zelden alleen.
  • Translation: An accident seldom comes alone.
  • English equivalent: Misery loves company.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 110. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Over honderd jaar zijn wij toch dood.
  • Translation: In a hundred years we will be dead anyway.
  • English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.
  • Meaning: So what if you embarrass yourself?
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 48. 

S

• Schande over hem, die er kwaad van denkt.
  • Idiomatic translation: Shame take him that shame thinketh.
  • Meaning: Don't think evil of others since they most likely act the way they do because of situational factors: Never attribute a thing to malice which can adequately be explained by stupidity.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 806. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Schijn bedriegt.
  • Translation: Appearances deceive.
  • Meaning: Things are not as they seem to be.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 232. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Schoenmaker, blijf bij je leest.
  • Translation: Cobbler, stick to your last.
  • Meaning: Don't talk about things you don't know anything about.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 185. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Stilstand is achteruitgang.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who does not advance goes backwards.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 445. ISBN 0415096243. 

V

• Van een vlieg een olijfant maaken.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
  • Meaning: Don't make a major issue out of a minor one.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 58. 

• Van niets komt niets.
  • 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. 

• Van twee kvalen moet men de ergste mijden.
  • Idiomatic translation: Of two evils choose the least.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 5. 

• Vertrouwen komt te voet en vertrekt te paard.
  • Translation: Trust arrives walking and departs riding.
  • Meaning: To trust someone takes time, but losing someone's trust happens quickly.
  • Becker, M. (1998). Bestuurlijke ethiek: een inleiding. Uitgeverij Van Gorcum. p. 136. ISBN 9023243641. 

• Vier dingen laten zich niet bergen: Vuyr, Schorfts, Hoest en liefde.
  • Idiomatic translation: Love, smoke and cough are hard to hide.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 50. 

• Vroeg rijp, vroeg rot.
  • Idiomatic translation: Early ripe, early rotten.
  • Meaning: Precocious children will mean much trouble later on.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243. 

W

• Wat alleman zegt is waar.
  • Idiomatic translation: What everybody says must be true.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Wat baten kaars en bril, als den uil niet zienen wil.
  • Translation: What difference do light and glasses make, if the owl does not want to see.
  • Meaning: There is no point in trying to cooperate with someone who doesn't want to.
  • English equivalent: It takes two to tango.
  • Source: Dedeurwaerder, Joris (2002). Professor Speleers: een biografie. Academia Press. p. 110. ISBN 9038202431. 

• Wat in't gebeente gegroid is, wil uit het vlees niet.
  • 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. 

• Wat men schrift, dat blijft.
  • Idiomatic translation: Paper is forbearing.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1160. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Wie dan leeft, wie dan zorgt.
  • Translation: Who lives then, worries then.
  • English equivalent: Don't cross your bridges until you reach them.
  • Meaning: Focus on a problem the moment you are facing it, and not earlier.
  • Source: Poldermans, M.W.E. (2008). Wie dan leeft... wie dan zorgt?. Eburon Uitgeverij B.V.. pp. 338. ISBN 9059722507. 

• Wie een hond wil slaan, kan gemakkelijk een stok vinden.
  • Translation: The one who wants to hit a dog can easily find a stick.
  • Meaning: Someone who wants to be mean will find things to be mean about no matter what.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 84. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er zelf in.
  • Translation: The one who digs a hole for another, will fall in it himself.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 181. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Wie niet met mij is, die is tegen mij.
  • Idiomatic translation: He who is not with me is against me.
  • Originally from the Bible, Luke 11:23 and Matthew 12:30. Specificed as a proverb in (Strauss, 1994 p. 974)

• Wie op twee hazen te gelijk jaagt, vangt geen van beide.
  • Translation: Who goes after two hares at the same time, will catch neither.
  • English equivalent: You must not run after two hares at the same time.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 102. 

• Wie rijk wil worden, komt in verzoeking.
  • Idiomatic translation: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Wie zijn eigen tuintje wiedt, ziet het onkruid van een ander niet.
  • Translation: He who tends to his own garden, does not see the weeds of his neighbors.
  • English equivalent: Mind your own business.
  • Source: Huijgen, Monique; Verburg , Marja  (1987). basiswoordenboek van de Nederlandse taal. De Ruiter. p. 181. 

Z

• Zachte heelmeesters maken stinkende wonden.
  • Translation: Lenient healers create stinking wounds.
  • Meaning: Half measures will worsen the ailment and not eradicate it.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 313. ISBN 0415160502. 

• Zeker is zeker.
  • Idiomatic translation: Distrust is the mother of safety.
  • Meaning: Trust no one except yourself, and don't trust yourself entirely either; Trust, but verify.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 699. ISBN 0415096243. 

• Zelfs lief, niemands lief.
  • Idiomatic translation: Don't blow your own horn.
  • Meaning: Don't praise yourself.
  • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 71. ISBN 1417964677. 

• Zolang er leven is, is er hoop.
  • Translation: As long as there is life, there is hope.
  • Meaning: There is always a chance that everything will work out no matter how seemingly desperate the situation is.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (2008). Néerlandais - Expressions et proverbes: Intermédiaire-avancé. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 119. ISBN 2804159671. 

• Zoals de ouden zongen, piepen de jongen.
  • Translation: As the old ones sing, so do the young ones chirp.
  • Meaning: Children will become like older generations.
  • Source: Hiligsmann, Philippe; Theissen, Siegfried (1999). Uitdrukkingen en spreekwoorden van A tot Z. De Boeck Supérieur. p. 280. ISBN 2804131378. 

• Zo vader, zo zoon.
  • Translation: Such father, such son.
  • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
  • Meaning: Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1065. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

• Zulke moeder, zulke dochter.
  • 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. 

See also

• Afrikaans proverbs
• Flemish proverbs
• Frisian proverbs