Sayings/H

Sayings beginning with H. Select a saying for more details.

Handsome is as handsome does

Good character and behaviour are more important than good looks.

He teaches ill, who teaches all

The unusual structure of this proverb may make it difficult to understand. It becomes easier if we change the structure to "He who teaches all teaches ill." The word "ill" here means "badly". So it means that the teacher who teaches students everything, does not teach well. A good teacher lets students discover some things for themselves.

He that complies against his will, is of his own opinion still

If you force someone to do something or agree with something, it doesn't mean that they really agree.

He that lives by the sword shall die by the sword

The way that you treat others is the way that others will treat you. People who commit violence must expect to receive violence.

He that will learn to pray, let him go to sea

The sea is supremely powerful, and can be a terrifying and awe-inspiring place.

He that wills the end wills the means

If you are determined to do something you will find the way to do it.

He who hesitates is lost

The person who waits too long loses the opportunity; or, more seriously, delay or indecision may have disastrous results.

He who laughs last laughs longest

This saying advises against anticipating success, or thinking that you have won before you are sure.

He who pays the piper calls the tune

The person who pays a musician can decide what music he wants to hear. And the person who pays for any service has the right to say exactly what he wants.

He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon

If you eat with the devil, you need a (very) long spoon so that you can keep your distance. If you mix with bad people, you should be careful not to be influenced by them. A warning not to get too close when dealing with evil people.

Health is better than wealth

Being free from illness is better than being rich.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned

A woman rejected in love can be very angry and dangerous.

Honesty is the best policy

Both in the short term and in the long term, honesty will repay you better than dishonesty. It is best to be truthful at all times.

Hope springs eternal in the human breast

The normal interpretation of this saying is that people will always be optimistic and think that something better is coming.

Contributor: Josef Essberger