Modals in past forms

What is a proverb? (Part 1)
A proverb is a short saying or sentence that is generally known by many people. 

The saying usually contains words of wisdom, truth or morals that are based on 

common sense or practical experience. It is often a description of a basic rule 

of conduct that all people generally follow or should follow. 

Proverbs can be found in all languages.

Examples:

money doesn't grow on trees

- money is not easy to get and you must work hard for it
e.g: The girl's father often says that money doesn't grow on trees

       when she asks him for money.

the early bird catches the worm

- arriving early gives one an advantage
e.g: My boss always comes to work early because he believes that the early

      bird catches the worm.

the pen is mightier than the sword

 - writing and ideas are more powerful than the use of force
e.g: The pen is mightier than the sword and a good idea or strong beliefs will

        defeat the strongest army.

~~Examples of proverbs~~

Actions speak louder than words

Children usually learn more from the examples set by their elders than from what they are told ; 
a person's character is judged by the thing she does and not by what he says; actions give evidence or proof of.

Fortune knocks once at every man's door

Everyone gets at least one good opportunity in his lifetime; everyone has the 
opportunity to be successful in life.

Give the devil his due

 Be just and fair-minded , even to the one who does not deserve much or who is 
unfriendly or unfair; we should punish a person according to his wrongdoings.

God helps those who help themselves

God only helps those people who work hard and make an honest effort.

It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good

A bad or evil occurrence.

Great minds think alike

Wise people will normally think and behave alike in certain situations.

Habit is second nature

An act done repeatedly and often enough will sooner or later become a habit 
or second nature.

He laughs best who laughs last

A person who does his best is the one who will get the greatest satisfaction in the end.

Never do things by halves

 One should not do an incomplete or imperfect job - certain tasks must not be 
left half done; they must be done away with immediately.

Great haste makes great waste

If one does things hastily he will make a lot of mistakes - he will need to spend
a lot of time correcting those mistakes later.

It's never too late to mend

It is never too late to correct one's mistakes or faults.

It's no use crying over split milk

 It is pointless to feel remorseful over a thing lost that can never be found or 
a mistake done that can never be corrected or rectified.