Sometimes, we need help to make good choices. This can happen at school, with friends, or at home. When people give us help using wise words, we call it advice. Many times, people use short and special phrases to give advice. These are called idioms. Idioms are not always easy to understand just by looking at the words. But once you learn them, they can make talking and listening more fun.
In this article, you’ll read about idioms that people use when giving advice. These idioms help share ideas in a clear and friendly way. You might hear them from teachers, parents, or even friends. Learning these idioms will help you understand others better and give advice to someone else, too. Let’s explore some of these helpful and smart phrases.
Idioms for Advice
1. A Word to the Wise
Meaning: A piece of advice meant for someone who already knows what they’re doing.
For Example: Before you go on the field trip, a word to the wise: don’t forget your lunch!
Alternatively: Here’s a little tip for you: make sure to pack an extra sweater.
2. Take It with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: To not take advice or information too seriously.
For Example: He told me that the test would be easy, but I took it with a grain of salt.
Alternatively: She gave me some advice on how to win the game, but I took it with a grain of salt.
3. Think Twice
Meaning: To carefully think about something before making a decision.
For Example: You should think twice before buying that expensive toy.
Alternatively: Think twice about giving your friend that secret; it might cause trouble.
4. Better Safe Than Sorry
Meaning: It’s better to be cautious than to regret something later.
For Example: You should wear your helmet while biking better safe than sorry.
Alternatively: Double-check your answers on the test better safe than sorry.
5. Look Before You Leap
Meaning: Think carefully before taking action.
For Example: Before signing the contract, remember to look before you leap.
Alternatively: Look before you leap when trying out a new recipe read all the steps first!
6. Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk
Meaning: Don’t get upset over something that cannot be changed.
For Example: It’s okay that you lost your pencil. Don’t cry over spilled milk.
Alternatively: We missed the bus, but it’s no big deal. Don’t cry over spilled milk.
7. A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush
Meaning: It’s better to keep what you have than risk losing it by trying to get something better.
For Example: Don’t sell your old car unless you’re sure you’ll get a better one. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Alternatively: You already have a good job, so be careful before quitting. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
8. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
For Example: He promised to help me with my homework, but actions speak louder than words.
Alternatively: She always says she’ll clean her room, but actions speak louder than words.
9. Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Meaning: Great things take time, so don’t expect fast results.
For Example: I know you want to be the best player, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Alternatively: Learning a new language takes time Rome wasn’t built in a day.
10. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Meaning: Don’t take on too many tasks at once.
For Example: You shouldn’t try to do all your homework in one night don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Alternatively: Be careful not to take on too many after-school activities; don’t bite off more than you can chew.
11. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: There’s always something good even in bad situations.
For Example: Even though the trip was canceled, every cloud has a silver lining we got to spend more time at home.
Alternatively: I didn’t get the part I wanted in the play, but every cloud has a silver lining; I’ll still help backstage.
12. You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can’t Make It Drink
Meaning: You can offer advice or help, but you can’t force someone to accept it.
For Example: I told him how to study for the test, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Alternatively: I gave her advice on how to organize her room, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
13. The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Meaning: People who wake up early or start early have an advantage.
For Example: If you want to finish your project on time, start working now the early bird catches the worm.
Alternatively: You’ll have a better chance at the game if you practice early. The early bird catches the worm.
14. Two Heads Are Better Than One
Meaning: Working together is often better than working alone.
For Example: I’m stuck on this math problem, but two heads are better than one. Let’s solve it together!
Alternatively: We can plan the party together two heads are better than one.
15. It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Meaning: You can always start learning something new, no matter your age.
For Example: It’s never too late to learn how to play the guitar.
Alternatively: It’s never too late to improve your cooking skills, just practice!
16. You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Meaning: Don’t make judgments about something or someone based on appearances.
For Example: He may seem shy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover he’s a great leader.
Alternatively: That old building looks boring, but you can’t judge a book by its cover it has a beautiful garden.
17. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on one chance or plan.
For Example: If you want to succeed in your career, don’t put all your eggs in one basket try different things.
Alternatively: You should apply to several colleges don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
18. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: Don’t stir up trouble or bring up old issues.
For Example: I know we had an argument, but let sleeping dogs lie it’s best not to talk about it again.
Alternatively: If you’re going to talk about your old fight with your brother, remember, let sleeping dogs lie.
19. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Meaning: Solving a problem early can prevent it from getting worse.
For Example: You should fix that leak now remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
Alternatively: If you study for the test now, a stitch in time saves nine you’ll be prepared.
20. Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
For Example: You’re planning for the concert, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch it might get canceled.
Alternatively: He’s already planning his victory speech, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
21. The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side
Meaning: People often think others have it better, but it’s not always true.
For Example: You think your friend’s life is perfect, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
Alternatively: Don’t wish for someone else’s job; the grass is always greener on the other side.
22. Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse
Meaning: Don’t do things in the wrong order.
For Example: You can’t start your business before doing proper research don’t put the cart before the horse.
Alternatively: Don’t buy new clothes before finding a job don’t put the cart before the horse.
23. You Reap What You Sow
Meaning: The actions you take now will affect your future.
For Example: If you study hard, you’ll get good grades remember, you reap what you sow.
Alternatively: If you’re kind to others, you’ll receive kindness in return you reap what you sow.
24. What Goes Around Comes Around
Meaning: If you treat others badly, it will come back to you, and vice versa.
For Example: She wasn’t nice to her classmates, and now she’s being treated the same way what goes around comes around.
Alternatively: Help others when you can, because what goes around comes around.
25. A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots
Meaning: People cannot change who they truly are.
For Example: You can’t expect him to change; a leopard can’t change its spots.
Alternatively: I know she’s trying, but a leopard can’t change its spots she’ll always be late.
26. Practice Makes Perfect
Meaning: The more you practice, the better you will get.
For Example: Keep practicing your piano practice makes perfect!
Alternatively: He kept practicing his soccer skills, knowing practice makes perfect.
27. There’s No Time Like the Present
Meaning: It’s best to do something now instead of waiting.
For Example: Don’t wait for a better time to start your homework there’s no time like the present.
Alternatively: Want to go on that trip? There’s no time like the present!
28. A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
Meaning: Saving money is just as good as earning it.
For Example: If you don’t spend your allowance on candy, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Alternatively: You don’t have to spend money to be happy remember, a penny saved is a penny earned.
29. It’s the Thought That Counts
Meaning: The intention behind something is more important than the gift itself.
For Example: I know the present isn’t perfect, but it’s the thought that counts.
Alternatively: You don’t have to get me anything for my birthday it’s the thought that counts.
30. You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Meaning: You can’t have everything your way.
For Example: You can’t expect to relax all day and still finish your work remember, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Alternatively: He wants to have fun but still get good grades you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
31. All’s Fair in Love and War
Meaning: People will do anything to win in tough situations, even if it’s unfair.
For Example: He’ll do whatever it takes to win the game after all, all’s fair in love and war.
Alternatively: She’s competing with her sister for the last piece of cake after all, all’s fair in love and war.
32. Time is Money
Meaning: Wasting time is the same as wasting money.
For Example: Stop procrastinating on your homework time is money!
Alternatively: Don’t waste your day, remember time is money.
33. The Proof is in the Pudding
Meaning: The real value of something can only be judged after it’s been tested.
For Example: The new movie might look good, but the proof is in the pudding let’s see if it’s actually good.
Alternatively: I know you’re excited for the new app, but remember, the proof is in the pudding.
34. Don’t Burn Your Bridges
Meaning: Don’t do something that will make it impossible to go back.
For Example: Be careful how you treat people, don’t burn your bridges.
Alternatively: Even if you’re upset with your boss, don’t burn your bridges.
35. What You See Is What You Get
Meaning: There’s no hidden meaning, things are exactly as they appear.
For Example: She’s being honest with you; what you see is what you get.
Alternatively: Don’t expect any surprises. What you see is what you get.
36. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based on looks alone.
For Example: I know she looks serious, but don’t judge a book by its cover. She’s really friendly.
Alternatively: That old house looks small, but don’t judge a book by its cover; it’s beautiful inside.
37. Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You
Meaning: Don’t harm or criticize those who help you.
For Example: He’s been so helpful, don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Alternatively: She gave you a great job opportunity, don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
38. Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Meaning: Someone who is good at many things, but not an expert in any of them.
For Example: He can play guitar, paint, and do magic tricks, but he’s a jack of all trades, master of none.
Alternatively: She’s good at everything but not the best at anything she’s a jack of all trades, master of none.
39. A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
Meaning: People who keep moving or changing don’t get stuck or settle down.
For Example: He’s always traveling and never staying in one place he’s a rolling stone that gathers no moss.
Alternatively: You never know where she’s living next. She’s a rolling stone that gathers no moss.
40. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree
Meaning: Children often resemble or behave like their parents.
For Example: He’s just as creative as his mother. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Alternatively: She’s always playing the piano like her dad yep, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
True/False Quiz: Idioms for Advice
- If someone says “Take it with a grain of salt,” it means you should believe everything they say.
True / False - “Better safe than sorry” means it’s better to take risks than to be cautious.
True / False - “Look before you leap” advises you to act quickly without thinking.
True / False - If someone tells you “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink,” they mean you can’t force someone to accept your advice.
True / False - “The early bird catches the worm” suggests that staying in bed all day is a good idea.
True / False - “A penny saved is a penny earned” means that saving money is just as important as earning it.
True / False - “It’s the thought that counts” means that what you give is more important than the effort behind it.
True / False - “A leopard can’t change its spots” means that people can completely change their behavior if they want to.
True / False - “Practice makes perfect” suggests that the more you practice, the worse you’ll get.
True / False - “What goes around comes around” means that good actions often lead to bad outcomes.
True / False
Answer Key
- False
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- False
Scoring Guide
- 10 Correct Answers: Idioms Expert!
- 7–9 Correct Answers: You really know your idioms, great job!
- 4–6 Correct Answers: You’re getting there, keep it up!
- 0–3 Correct Answers: Let’s learn more about idioms together!
Conclusion
Advice is something we all need in life, and idioms make it easier to understand. These expressions are used in everyday situations to guide us in making better choices, whether it’s staying cautious or understanding that things take time. By learning these idioms, you’ll be able to communicate more clearly with others and give helpful advice yourself.
Keep practicing these idioms, and soon they’ll be part of your everyday conversations, helping you understand and share wisdom in a simple, fun way!
