If you are like me, you probably grew up hearing a lot of old sayings that were more like proverbs. Their meanings made you think or were very logical when you thought about them.

I thought I would whip out a few that I still use or have heard throughout the years.

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

This idiom suggests that people who make themselves heard are more likely to be listened to than those who remain silent. It emphasizes the importance of speaking up.

“Do not count your chickens before they hatch.”

This phrase warns against assuming success before it actually happens, reminding us to be cautious and not to take things for granted.

“You cannot have your cake and eat it too.”

This saying suggests that one cannot enjoy two mutually exclusive benefits at the same time. Sometimes you must make choices and sacrifices in life.

“To live and let live.”

This saying encourages tolerance and acceptance of others’ choices, promoting the idea that everyone should be free to live their life as they see fit.

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

This phrase expresses the idea that even in difficult situations, there is always a positive aspect or hope to be found.

“Actions speak louder than words.”

This idiom emphasizes that what people actually do is more important than merely saying the words or making the statement.

“Better late than never.” This one is for those procrastinators. This saying suggests that it is better to do something late than not do it at all, encouraging persistence and effort despite putting things off.

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

This is one we should all take heed of and use. But it is sometimes tough. This phrase highlights the value of saving money and being prudent with your finances.

“Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.”

This one can be an insult, indicating a lack of intelligence or understanding in a person.

“Barking up the wrong tree.”

This probably came from an old hunting dog that was not the best. It implies that the person is focusing their efforts in the wrong direction or misunderstanding a situation.

“Burning the midnight oil.”

This one is simple, it means someone is working late or overtime into the late night.

Before the days of electricity, oil lamps were used for lighting a room. Hence, you were burning oil at midnight if you were working late.

“Let us bury the hatchet.”

This saying simply means to end a disagreement and to move on.

This old saying comes from a Native American tradition. When tribes declared a truce from battle, the chief from each opposing side would take a hatchet and bury it during a ceremony.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Eating an apple a day can contribute to better health, but it is not a guarantee that you will avoid medical care. But it probably is good fiber – if you get my drift.

My research says this originated from a 19th-century Welsh proverb, first recorded in 1866, and became popular in its modern form in the early 20th century.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

This one means that taking prompt action can prevent bigger problems later. This idiom emphasizes the importance of addressing issues early to avoid more serious consequences later.

“Let sleeping dogs lie,”

This one is simple; it means do not stir up old conflicts – leave them be.

These old sayings or proverbs are expressions passed down through generations. I am sure many of you have heard these and many more from your parents and grandparents.

Until next time.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)