Thai-English Proverbs

Thapiro&veErbnsglish

Learning 20 English proverbs that have similar
meanings to Thai proverbs to develop reading skills

Waritsara Jamboonma

What is proverb?

Granger & Paquot (2008) explained that
proverb is a type of communicative phrase
that is used to express feelings or attitudes

toward a propositional content and to
influence the interlocutors.

Benefits of Proverbs

Kuimova, Mazhanov, & Bazhenov (2017)
mentioned that knowledge of proverbs helps in
gaining a better understanding of folk's thought
patterns and characters. Also, proverbs provide

students with basic grammar, syntax, and
phraseology material, as well as cultural
information about the target language country.

CONTENTS

DECEPTION

Don't judge a book by its cover
All that glitters is not gold
Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see
Fine words butter no parsnips
Many kiss the hand they wish to cut off
Never judge by appearances
You can not make a silk velvet purse out of a sow’s ear
Cry wine and sell vinegar
Window dressing
Honesty is the best policy

SECRET

Walls have ears.
To wash dirty linen in public
Know inside out
Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard
Reveal a secret
What is done by night appears by day
Secret motive
There are no secrets in the world
A secret between more than two is no secret
Bad deeds cannot be hidden forever

EXERCISES

Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3

Photographed by
Felix Manzano

Don't judge a book
by its cover.

(อย่าตัดสิ นคนจากภายนอก)

We should not estimate things or people by
only their appearances because outside
looks cannot define how good they are.

Situation: At the bus stop, two teenagers are waiting for the
bus.

A: We would rather stay away from this man, and
watch our bags out.
B: Why?
A: Look! He might be a pickpocket.
B: “Don’t judge a book by its cover” His being
homeless doesn't mean he is a bad guy.
I saw a picture in the newspaper about a homeless man
helping a lost girl during the night, and I am sure that
man is him.
A: Maybe, I’m too pessimistic.

All that glitters is
not gold.

(ข้างนอกสุกใสข้างในเป็ นโพรง)



Things or people with good appearances
might be bad or have poor quality.

Situation: At the bakery shop, two women are
looking for sweets.

A: Wow, look at this cake. How beautiful it is! We
should get one.
B: “All that glitters is not gold” I bought it once.
Even though it looks wonderful, it tastes really bad.
A: But, I crave sugar.
B: Let’s buy brownies instead. They look weird, but
it tastes incredible. I have bought it 3 times.

Believe nothing of what
you hear, and only half

of what you see.

( ฟั ง หู ไ ว้ หู )



Stories you hear are likely to be untrue,
especially when they lack reliable evidence

or identifiable sources.

Situation: At the house, a married couple is talking about
the herb recipes that can cure one’s cancer that the
husband receives through his email.

A: This morning, I received an email. It says only boiling
cinnamon with salt and lemonade and eating nuts every
day will protect us from cancer.
B: Any medical evidence?
A: It doesn't have such a thing.
B: Come on, “Believe nothing of what you hear and only
half of what you see!” I think it’s just a piece of fake
news. If it was real, chemical therapy wouldn't matter
anymore. Don't believe all things you hear or see,
especially when there is no reliable evidence.
A: You're always right.

Fine words butter
no parsnips.

(หวานลิ้ นกิ นตาย)



Promises and flattery cannot ensure things
will happen. In other words, we should not

trust or believe in a promise or praise.

Situation: At the coffee shop, two people are talking
about Jay not refunding the money.

A: Jay has not given the money back yet. Should I ask for
the money and dun him?
B: Come on, how many times do you do that? I think more
than 100 times. I still haven’t seen him refund your money
yet. Give up.
A: But last time we talked, he said he will definitely transfer
it to my account within this week.
B: “Fine words butter no parsnips.” Promises can’t ensure
the future. Get it over! And do not lend him money again.
A: You may be right.

Many kiss the hand
they wish to cut off.

(หน้ าเนื้ อใจเสือ)



People who do something good to you
sometimes may intend to exploit or harm

you.

Situation: At home, the daughter sees her mom with a
new vacuum.

A: A new vacuum?
B: Yeah, I bought it from a man. He knocked on the door
and presented me with this wonderful vacuum.
A: Why don’t you buy one from the store?
B: It’s cheaper, and the man is really humble and polite.
A: Really? Many kisses the hand they wish to cut off. He
was humble and polite because he just wanted to reach
the sales target. See, there is not even a warranty. Next
time, don’t buy anything from him. I hope I won’t
explode.

Never judge by
appearances.

(ข้างนอกขรุขระ ข้างในต๊ ะติ๊ งโหน่ง)



Things that don't look good on the outside
or look bad. In fact, there is beauty or
goodness hidden within.

Situation: two friends are talking about Dan’s new
girlfriend.

A: Yesterday, I saw Dan and his new girlfriend at Central Plaza.
You are friends in the same gang as Dan. Have you ever met his
new girlfriend before?
B: Sure, I have met her many times. Why?
A: I think Dan's new girlfriend isn't as pretty as his ex. Besides,
she was dressed in old clothes and looked tacky.
B: You shouldn't say that. Even though Dan's new girlfriend
isn't as pretty as his ex and doesn't dress well, she is also a
very kind and generous person. It's like the proverb that never
judges by appearances. Besides, she is beautiful in her own
way. You shouldn't compare her to other people.
A: I understand. I won’t say this again.

You can not make a
silk velvet purse out

of a sow’s ear.

(ใส่ ตะกร้ าล้างน้ำ)



It is impossible to make something really
successful or of high quality.

Situation: Two friends are talking about their
future careers.

A: we will graduate in 2 years. Have you thought about what
career you want to do?
ฺB: I want to work as a secretary and I think I can be a good
secretary. What about you?
A: I want to be a flight attendant, but I'm only 153 centimeters
tall.
ฺB: You can not make a silk velvet purse out of a sow’s ear.
Your height doesn't meet the requirements of the flight
attendant. I think you are better suited to be a translator
because you are good at English, Chinese, and Korean.
Moreover, you have a great ability in translation.
A: Thank you for the advice.

Cry wine and sell
vinegar.

( ย้อมแมวขาย)



To decorate bad people or things with the intent to
deceive others into believing that they are good.
They are misrepresenting something.

Situation: At the supermarket, two friends are talking
about a newly bought mobile phone.

A: I just bought a mobile phone from an internet shop less than a
week ago and it was broken.
B: That doesn't sound good at all. Have you had your mobile
phone repaired yet?
A: Of course. I just took my mobile phone to repair yesterday.
B: So, why did your mobile phone break when you just bought it?
A: The technician said my mobile phone is old. The seller replaced
the screen and sold it for the same price as the new one.
B: What? it seems to be cry wine and sells vinegar. Where did
you buy it? I won't buy from that store.

Window dressing

(ผักชี โรยหน้ า)



Making things in the foreground look nice,
neat, and beautiful to cover up the bad
inside.

Situation: At the office, two office workers are talking
about Ploy who is abnormally diligent in working
today.

A: Why does Ploy look so diligent today? I usually see her
playing with her mobile phone and falling asleep during
working.
B: Well, the boss sent someone to evaluate the work today. If
Ploy was like this every day, she wouldn't pass the evaluation.
A: So, Ploy acted like window dressing. She only did one good
day to show the boss that she was working hard.
B: I believe that she will be lazy again tomorrow.

Honesty is the best
policy.

(ซื่ อกิ นไม่หมด คดกิ นไม่นาน)



It is better, to tell the truth than to tell a lie,
no matter the consequences.

Somsri is a fruit seller in the market. Somsri fruit shop is
popular in the market because she sells various fresh fruits.
Due to the situation where the price of everything is more
expensive, this gave Somsri an idea to do something bad.
Somsri has reduced the amount of fruit sold. For example, a
customer buys 1000 grams of apples. Somsri sells them only
800 grams but charges the price of 1000 grams. Somsri has
been doing this behavior for almost a month. Finally, the
customers caught Somsri cheating because the amount of
fruit that was obtained was less than it should have been.
Somsri's action this time is like the proverb that Honesty is
the best policy. In addition, Somsri is known as a cheater. It
also caused Somsri to lose income from selling fruit because
no one wanted to buy fruit from the dishonest person.

Walls have ears

(กำแพงมีหู ประตูมีช่อง)



Anything secret when spoken must be very
careful because others may have heard and

revealed that secret.

Situation: In the bathroom of the dormitory, two girls
are talking about singing practice for the upcoming
competition.

A: I know what is the perfect song for our competition.
B: Shuuu!! “Walls have ears”.There might be someone
eavesdropping.
A: Come on, you are overthinking. There is no one here
except us.
B: But there might be someone outside. They might hear
what we are talking about. Let’s talk about it in my room.
A: I got it.

To wash dirty
linen in public.

(สาวไส้ ให้กากิ น)



To discuss very private, personal matters,
especially that which may be sensitive or
embarrassing, in public or with other people.

Situation: At the food court, two friends are talking
about discussing an argument with a boyfriend and
posting it on social media.

A: My mom warned me that when arguing with my
boyfriend, don't post it on social media. I got annoyed,
so I deleted my mom from my Facebook friends.
B: Why? Your mother warned you with good
intentions.
A: Well, I'm angry with my boyfriend. Why can't I
insult him?
B: The reason is that it will also make you look bad. It’s
like washing dirty linen in public.

Know inside out

(ไก่เห็นตีนงู งูเห็นนมไก่)



Two parties who know each other's
secrets.

Situation: At the school, two students are talking
about the exam cheating.

A: I heard that the students in room 1 secretly took the
exams out and sold them.
B: So, I think they might be punished severely.
What did the teacher say?
A: They were not punished at all. Both the students and
teacher knew inside out because the students knew
that teacher fixed the grades for rich students as well.
B: Both sides know each other's secrets, right?

Every family has a
skeleton in the
cupboard.

(ไฟในอย่านำออก ไฟนอกอย่านำเข้า)



Every family has a dark or embarrassing
secret about their past that they would

prefer to remain undisclosed.

Situation: Dad talks to mom while arguing in the
house.

A: How many times have I told you not to tell our story
to the neighbors?
B: You should behave well, not act badly like this
A: How good is it to take matters in our family to tell
others? Doing this, what does it help? Every family has
a skeleton in the cupboard.
B: All right, I won’t do that again.

Reveal a secret

(แฉโพย)



To disclose the secret to the public.

Situation: The reporters are reporting news on TV.

A: It has been reported that a large casino was found
near the famous shopping mall.
B: That place has been a secret for a long time. Our
news agency reveals a secret about this casino.
A: Yes, the police raided the people at the casino this
morning.
B: It is considered the big news of this month.

What is done by
night appears by

day.

(ช้ างตายทั้งตัว เอาใบบัวปิ ดไม่มิ ด)



The bad or offensive things are
hard to hide.

Situation: The villagers are talking about Somchai's
son being arrested by the police.

A: I heard the news that Somchai's son was arrested
for drug charges.
B: Finally, what is done by night appears by day. The
bad behavior that he did couldn't be concealed. I also
saw he was going to fight with someone else at a
liquor store yesterday.
A: Although his father was a senior police officer, he
was taken prisoner anyway.
B: He has done so many bad things. The people in the
whole village knew that he was a bad person.

Secret motive

(ลับลมคมใน)



Things that are hidden or
concealed.

Situation: At the coffee shop, a woman is talking
to a detective who she hired to investigate her
husband.

A: What can you find out about my husband?
B: I think the movie ticket that your husband kept is a
secret motive. I have to find out the truth continuously.
A: my husband kept only one movie ticket. He also said that
he watched a movie at the cinema alone.
B: When he watches another movie at the cinema, does he
collect the tickets?
A: He never kept any movie tickets.
B: If it doesn't matter, why did he keep this movie ticket?

There are no
secrets in the

world.

( ค ว า ม ลับ ไ ม่มี ใ น โ ล ก )



There is no such thing as a secret;
try not to hide what can't be hidden.

Situation: In the bedroom, an older sister and a
younger brother are talking about an older sister
having a boyfriend without telling their parents.

A: Yesterday, I saw you and a man at the Japanese restaurant.
Is that guy your boyfriend?
B: Yes, but don’t tell mom and dad.
A: Why can't I tell mom and dad that you have a boyfriend?
B: I'm afraid they won't be able to accept that I have a
boyfriend. Besides, I've only been dating my boyfriend for 3
months.
A: There are no secrets in the world. Our mom and dad have
to know this one day. Also, I believe they will understand.
B: I will tell them when I'm ready.

A secret between
more than two is

no secret.

(ความลับที่รู้ เกิ น 2 คน ไม่ใช่ความลับ)



The secret, once said,
is no longer a secret.

Situation: High school students are talking while
they are walking home.

A: How did Fahsai know that I have a crush on Jack?
B: I don't know. Moreover, I'm not the one who tells Fahsai
A: Well, who told Fahsai? This was kept a secret.
B: You tell your whole group of friends that you have a
crush on Jack. A secret between more than two is no
secret.

Bad deeds cannot be
hidden forever.

(น้ำลดตอผุด)



The secrets of the bad things that have
been done are often revealed in unlucky

times.

Tom was elected as the head of the class of
Mathayom 5 because his classmates thought he was a
smart and responsible student. During Tom's tenure as
head of the classroom, he cheated on his classmates'
money and tried to cover up his guilt in various ways.
Finally, Bad deeds cannot be hidden forever because
the teacher caught Tom cheating on his classmates'
money of 400 baht. Therefore, he was punished by
being fired from the position of head of the class and
had to return the money to his classmates in the
amount of 400 baht. This situation made Tom realize
that he would never do this again and he sincerely
apologize to all his classmates.

Exercise 1

Instructions: Find and underline the proverbs in the following
story. Then write a brief definition of each on the following
page.

Chompoo walked past the student presidential candidate
campaign sign and saw the party slogan: “Honesty is the best
policy”. Chompoo looked at the faces of the candidates and felt
that their faces were sly and unreliable. So, Chompoo's friend told
her not to judge a book by its cover. Their looks are sly, but they
can be nice. On the other hand, many people act like many kiss the
hand they wish to cut off. Those who look like good people, but in
reality, their personality is not good. Chompoo agreed with what
her friend said because the current student council president
looked neat and good, but he liked to work only when the teacher
was checking. His actions were like window dressing. Chompoo's
friend argued that the current student council president worked all
the time and worked very well, but the rival parties spread rumors
like that. Chompoo still didn't believe what her friend said.
Besides, she realized that she should always believe nothing of
what you hear and only half of what you see.

Pro
verb Defin
ition

Exercise 2

Instructions: Fill in the blanks and complete the story by
selecting proverbs from the box given.

Walls have ears All that glitters is not gold Window dressing

Know inside out Never judge by appearances
Fine words butter no parsnips



Bad deeds cannot be hidden forever

To wash dirty linen in public What is done by night appears by day

Every family has a skeleton in the cupboard

Tangmo's mom always taught her that (1)................................., so
be careful when she speaks. Otherwise, the secret might spread.
Tangmo chooses to complain to a group of trusted friends about her
frequent arguments with her boyfriend. On the other hand, Tangmo is
the one who started arguing with her boyfriend first. Her friends
warned her that this was like (2).............................................. Tangmo
will look bad but she doesn't care because she assumes that she and
her friends (3)..................................... Tangmo knew the secrets of all
the friends in the group, so she wasn't afraid that her bad behavior
would be revealed. The next day, Tangmo's boyfriend knew that she
told her friends about their arguments. Tangmo's boyfriend told her
that (4)................................................ The quarrel was really about the
two of us. Therefore, Tangmo should not tell other people. Then,
Tangmo told her boyfriend that everyone else knows how bad her
boyfriend was because (5)....................................................................
Even if Tangmo's boyfriend tries to hide the bad, people also know
that he is flirtatious and a liar.

Exercise 3

Instructions: Read the passage below carefully, then answer
the 4 questions.

My daughter is very short. She would like to be taller, but I
tell her that good things come in small packages. Some valuable
things are very small, like diamonds and other jewels. I also tell
my children that all that glitters is not gold. Something may look
valuable, but may not really be valuable.

Moreover, I advise them not to judge a book by its cover. This
means that one should not judge something only by its
appearance. Sometimes, I tell my children to cooperate to solve a
problem. After all, two heads are better than one. On the other
hand, another proverb says too many cooks spoil the broth. It
means something may not be successful if too many people try
to do it at the same time.

I also tell my children that two wrongs do not make a right.
You should not do something bad just because someone did the
same to you.

1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The author teaches his children how to cook.
B. The author advises his children about living well.
C. The author advises ways to increase height for his daughter.
D. The author teaches his children to act like diamonds.

2. According to the passage, "all that glitters is not gold"
means.....................
A. Things or people with good appearances might be bad.
B. Things or people with bad appearances might be good.
C. Nothing is good quality forever.
D. No one is as good as everyone.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?
A. The author suggests his children that should not estimate

things or people by only their appearances.
B. The author tells his children that if one person hurts another

person, the hurt person should not do something hurtful in
return.
C. The author advises his children to work together to solve the
problem.
D. The author tells his children that there is no such thing as a
secret.

4. What does “two heads are better than one” mean?
A. An image can tell a story better than words.
B. People who are similar spend time together.
C. It's helpful to have the advice or opinion of a second person.
D. It’s always better, to tell the truth than it is to lie.

ANSWER KEYS

Exercise 1

Chompoo walked past the student presidential candidate campaign
sign and saw the party slogan: “Honesty is the best policy”. Chompoo
looked at the faces of the candidates and felt that their faces were sly
and unreliable. So, Chompoo's friend told her not to judge a book by its
cover. Their looks are sly, but they can be nice. On the other hand,
many people act like many kiss the hand they wish to cut off. Those
who look like good people, but in reality, their personality is not good.
Chompoo agreed with what her friend said because the current student
council president looked neat and good, but he liked to work only when
the teacher was checking. His actions were like window dressing.
Chompoo's friend argued that the current student council president
worked all the time and worked very well, but the rival parties spread
rumors like that. Chompoo still didn't believe what her friend said.
Besides, she realized that she should always believe nothing of what
you hear and only half of what you see.

Proverb Definition

Honesty is the best policy It is better, to tell the truth than to tell a lie,
no matter the consequences.

Don't to judge a book by its cover We should not estimate things or people
by only their appearances.

Many kiss the hand they wish to cut People who do something good to you
off sometimes may intend to exploit or harm

you.

Window dressing Making things in the foreground look nice,
neat, and beautiful to cover up the bad
inside.

Believe nothing of what you hear and Stories you hear are likely to be untrue,
only half of what you see especially when they lack reliable evidence or

identifiable sources.

ANSWER KEYS

Exercise 2

1. walls have ears
2. washing dirty linen in public
3. know inside out
4.every family has a skeleton in the cupboard
5.what is done by night appears by day

Exercise 3

1. B. The author advises his children about living well.
2. A. Things or people with good appearances might be bad.
3. D. The author tells his children that there is no such thing as a secret.
4. C. It's helpful to have the advice or opinion of a second person.