Black Valley, in Kenmare, County Kerry: Strange and wonderful Irish proverbs such as "For every mile of road there's two miles of ditches"Tourism Ireland / Irish Content Pool
We all know the Irish have a way with words, but some of these old proverbs are completely surreal!
These old Irish proverbs are certainly wise words to live by but these Irish nuggets of wisdom are both hilarious and really very strange.
1. For every mile of road there are two miles of ditches
Meaning: There are two sides to every story. (This comes from some parts of Ireland, where 'ditches' means hedges.)
2. There's no use boiling your cabbage twice
Meaning: Stop going over and over worries in your head because it solves nothing.
3. The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune
Meaning: Things and people improve over time.
4. A woman planted feathers in the dunkel and thought she'd grow hens
Meaning: Just because you 'thought' something would work doesn't mean you were right.
5. It's often that a man's mouth broke his nose
Meaning: Watch what you say because it could get you in trouble.
6. As the old cock crows the young cock learns
Meaning: Children learn by example.
7. If there was work in the bed he'd sleep on the floor
Meaning: Used to describe people who are very lazy.
8. No need to fear the ill wind when your haystacks are tied down
Meaning: Once you've prepared properly then there's no need to worry the outcome.
9. The longest road out is the shortest road home
Meaning: If you invest time and effort into something then it will pay off in the latter end.
"The longest road out is the shortest road home."
10. You'll arrive back with one arm as long as the other
Meaning: You heading out on a thankless quest. You'll arrive back with nothing to show for it.
11. You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind
Meaning: Merely thinking about something won't get it done.
12. He didn't lick it off a stone
Meaning: People’s actions are influenced by those around them.
"He didn't lick it off a stone."
13. I wouldn't call the Queen my aunt
Meaning: Being in such a contented mood that even becoming royalty couldn't improve upon it.
14. What I'm afraid to hear I had better say first myself
Meaning: One must be honest and wary of their own shortcomings.
15. Now you know you're home
Meaning: You're in a happy state.
16. It's a long road there's no turn in
Meaning: No matter how bad the situation is things always change.
17. Telephone, telegraph, tell a woman
Meaning: The three best ways to spread news. Back before the days of the internet.
18. An empty sack does not stand
Meaning: Bluffers and ignorance will always be found out.
19. Even black hens lay white eggs
Meaning: You should never judge a book by its cover.
20. The road to Heaven is well signposted, but it's badly lit at night
Meaning: Life has many challenges but the reward is good.
21. It's as easy to catch a cold in a King's castle as in a shepherd's hut
Meaning: Wealth doesn't protect you from the trials of life.
22. It's better to pay the butcher than the doctor
Meaning: Don't skimp on healthy food as it will cost you your health in the long run.
23. A lamb's bleat is often more telling than a dog's bark
Meaning: Subtlety and a quiet approach can be more beneficial than brute force and loudness.
24. A broken man is better than no man
Meaning: Having any man is better than being alone
25. No matter how many rooms you have in your house you can only sleep in the one bed
Meaning: Possessions are not what they're made out to be.
26. It's a lonely washing that has no man's shirt in it
Meaning: It's better to have a partner's laundry to do than no partner at all!
*Originally published in 2010. Updated in March 2024.