There are hundreds of sayings or aphorisms. Where they are common varies by region and a person's upbringing. The meanings of most are self-explanatory or can be Googled. Some use archaisms and word play and that is part of their charm. But the best way to learn the meaning is to live (experience) them. Here are some that I have used: He that strikes my dog would strike me if he durst. Time and tide wait for no man. Strike while the iron is hot. There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Marry in haste, repent at leisure. Children should be seen and not heard. A leopard cannot change its spots. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. Any port in a storm. Judge not, that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The emperor has no clothes. A fish rots from the head down. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do. You are what you eat. Discretion is the better part of valor. What is said in jest is ofttimes the truth. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Fish and guests stink after three days. Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.