"A tailor cuts as much cloth as he has." You can only work with what you have; one must adapt plans and ambitions to available resources. Don't promise or …

"There's half the world of that flower." Said of something — or someone — that is extremely common and plentiful. Often used with mild irony about people who …

"He who laughs last, laughs best." Don't celebrate too early — the final outcome determines who truly wins. Patience and perseverance matter more than early …

"This one his own, and that one his own." Each person sticks to their own opinion, interest, or way — neither side budges. Used to describe a stubborn standoff …

"To knock about like Marek in hell." To wander aimlessly, bumping into things, getting nowhere — like someone lost and confused in a chaotic place.

"A drowning man grasps at a razor." In desperation, people will clutch at anything — even something that will hurt them — rather than accept defeat. Describes …

"The scythe met the stone." Someone who is used to getting their way has finally met their match — a force or person they cannot overcome. The unstoppable has …

"Even a blind hen finds a grain." Even the most incompetent or unlucky person occasionally stumbles upon success by chance. Said with mild irony when someone …

"Clubs — a small suit." In card games, clubs (trefl) was considered the lowest suit. Used to describe something or someone of little importance, value, or …

"You must wear shoes to a wedding." There are occasions that demand proper preparation and appropriate dress. Don't show up unprepared for important events.

"One needs bread and heaven." Human beings need both material sustenance (bread) and spiritual nourishment (heaven). Neither the body nor the soul should be …

"One needs heaven and bread." A variant of the same proverb with the order reversed, placing spiritual need first. The meaning is identical: both the soul and …

"One needs heaven, but one also needs bread." A fuller, more balanced version of the same idea: spiritual life is important, but practical, earthly needs cannot …

"The third hand strikes." In card games, the third player (or the third hand dealt) often has the decisive advantage. More broadly: the unexpected third party, …

"The third hand beats and weeps." An extension of the card-game proverb: the decisive third party wins but also suffers. Victory and pain often come together.

"Keep your tongue behind your teeth." A direct instruction to stay silent, hold back what you know, and not say things that could cause trouble. Equivalent to …

"That's where the dog is buried." Used when the real reason, hidden cause, or crux of a matter is finally revealed. Equivalent to "that's the crux of the …

"Only fish don't take (bribes)." A cynical observation that everyone can be bribed or persuaded — except fish. Used ironically to comment on corruption or human …