Proverbs not only help us transmit wisdom or knowledge from a particular culture, but they also help this learned wisdom reach many more people. Although we don’t know who created all the proverbs, thanks to their short length and frequent rhymes, they were very easy to pass down from generation to generation. It is true that some have been left behind because they convey negative ideas, but fortunately, the vast majority have passed on very useful and positive ideas that have endured through generations over time. And today, we bring you 10 proverbs related to time.
- Time is gold
This proverb is one of the most widely used by everyone. As we know, gold is one of the most valuable materials in the world. Therefore, this saying reminds us that we must be diligent in our affairs; life is short, and we must make the most of all the time we have.
For example: “Decide if you want to come to the concert, I don’t have all day, my time is gold.”
- A year of snow, a year of plenty
This is often used to express that when water accumulates as snow during the winter, it will greatly benefit agriculture and, therefore, everyone. It originated in a rural setting and was synonymous with excellent harvests. Now it’s used in the same context, but also to express that good things will happen and that it will be a fruitful year on different levels.
For example: “This year, with the January snowfall, I think it will be a good year; you know, a year of snow, a year of plenty.”
- In April, a thousand showers
You’ll hear this especially in the month of April, as it is known for being the rainiest month of the year, even more than the rainy months of autumn. In short, April is our rainy month of spring.
For example: “Remember to take your umbrella in your backpack! You know, in April, a thousand showers.”
- When the crow flies low, it’s freezing cold
This is used to state that it’s very cold; often, when certain birds fly low, it means it’s very cold.
For example: “It’s so cold today, you can really tell that when the crow flies low, it’s freezing cold.”
- Time heals all wounds
Sometimes there are problems, troubles, or situations that can’t be fixed, even if we want to, and the only thing that can resolve them in some way is the passage of time. This proverb refers mainly to those troubles caused by love or other emotional pain, not so much to physical problems.
For example: “Cry as much as you need to over your ex-girlfriend; time heals all wounds, and this will pass.”
- Until the fortieth of May, don’t take off your coat
This proverb is used a lot when May arrives, and “sayo” refers to a jacket or coat. What it means is that until June 10th, you shouldn’t take off that garment, since summer hasn’t fully arrived, and you’ll probably need to carry a jacket everywhere in case you feel a bit cold.
For example: “Did you forget your jacket? I told you, until the fortieth of May, don’t take off your coat—you never know when you’ll need one, my friend.”
- Spring stirs the blood
This is used to refer to the changes brought by the arrival of spring, mainly speaking about animal behavior since it’s their mating season, but also about people, as they also experience a certain awakening of sexuality and tend to be more open to interacting with others.
For example: “Juan has been flirting a lot lately; you can tell spring has arrived—after all, spring stirs the blood.”
- Better late than never
This proverb is used to point out that sometimes it doesn’t matter if you arrive a bit late, especially if it’s beneficial in some way for the person who is late or for those waiting.
For example: “Sorry for being late, but well, better late than never.”
- No evil lasts a hundred years
You’ll hear this proverb when someone tries to comfort someone who’s going through a tough time and wants to express reassurance that no bad situation lasts forever.
For example: “I know you’re sad now because you didn’t go on your trip, but no evil lasts a hundred years—everything will pass.”
- After the storm comes the calm
This is used to encourage the person you’re talking to, or even yourself; that is, even if we’re going through a stormy time in our lives, everything will pass, and we know that calm will come soon. It can also be used in its literal sense.
For example: “You’re angry now, but after a few hours you’ll talk; after the storm comes the calm.”
“Yesterday it rained a lot; good thing that after the storm comes the calm.”
After reading all these proverbs, which one was your favorite? Why? There are probably very similar proverbs in your native language; often there are very close translations. Can you name a proverb in your language that’s very similar? Is there a proverb in your language that isn’t on this list and is related to time?
