The 160 best short phrases in English (with translation)

There are many people who enjoy putting phrases in English on their Facebook or WhatsApp states. Phrases that, despite meaning the same as in Spanish, seem to take on another dimension. Some people wear them to show that they are fluent in the language, others simply because they think they sound better, but the fact is that they are used almost like memes.

The concept of meme was first coined by the biologist Richard Dawkins to refer to cultural elements that, as they spread throughout society passing from one person to another and massifying, remind us of the way in which genes are transmitted from generation to generation generation. Short sentences in English are equated to one of these elements, since they are used practically as conventional ways of expressing feelings or life mottos. Next we will see some examples.

• Related article: "The 55 best phrases about Psychology... and its meaning"

Short phrases in English (and what they mean)

If you also like to use a phrase in English on your social networks from time to time, in this article you will find a list of short phrases in this language. If you don't know English, don't worry, all the quotes are translated.

1. Well done is better than well said

• Translation: well done is better than well said

Benjamin Franklin reminds us that words are carried away by the wind.

2. Success in management requires learning as fast as the world is changing

• Translation: Success in management requires learning as quickly as the world is changing

A phrase that deals with business success.

3. where there is love there is life

• Translation: Where there is love, there is life

A nice quote from Mahatma Gandhi about the greatness of love.

• Related article: "80 Gandhi phrases to understand his philosophy of life"

4. Once you choose hope, anything's possible

• Translation: When you choose hope, everything is possible

They say hope is the last thing you lose. And it is true.

5. Try it again. Fail again. fail better

• Translation: Try again. Fail again. fail better

Failure is part of life and it is a great opportunity to grow.

6. Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud

• Translation: try to be the rainbow in someone else's cloud

A reflection by Maya Angelou on how nice it can be to love someone.

7. Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom

• Translation: Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom

the people knew has learned to be honest.

8. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change

• Translation: If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change

A phrase that talks about how we can change the perception of things.

9. Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.

• Translation: Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it

It is always better to share happiness with others.

10. You change your life by changing your heart

• Translation: You change your life by changing your heart

We can change the world, but first you have to change your heart.

11. Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today

• Translation: Dream as if you are going to live forever. Live as if you were to die today

A phrase that invites you to live the moment with the maximum intensity.

12. Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life

• Translation: Love is life. If you miss love, you miss life

It is always better to spread love than spread war.

13. It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped

• Translation: It is in your moments of decision that your destiny takes its shape

Our choices determine our future to a greater or lesser extent.

14. The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it

• Translation: The best way to pay for a great moment is to enjoy it

We can only live the present once. So it's better to enjoy it.

15. You only live once

• Translation: You only live once

Similar to the previous sentence. It invites you to live in the present as if there were no tomorrow,

16. Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity

• Translation: Always look for the seed of triumph in every adversity

A motivating phrase in English, so that you remember it in difficult moments.

17. Love as long as you live

• Translation: Love while you live

Why waste your life hating? Better to give the best of yourself.

18. I will go anywhere as long as it is forward

• Translation: I will go anywhere, as long as it is forward

You have to be proactive, always be on the move.

19. Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds

• Translation: Without hard work, nothing grows except weeds

a phrase that invites to strive and to give the best of oneself.

20. The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda

• Translation: The secret of success is determined by our day-to-day agenda.

A quote from John C. Maxwell who reveals the secret to success.

21. If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door

• Translation: If opportunity does not knock, build a door

You don't have to wait for opportunities to arrive, but go out and look for them.

22. The dreamers are the saviors of the world

• Translation: Dreamers are the saviors of the world

Having dreams and trying to achieve them is what keeps us motivated.

23. You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear

• Translation: You always have two options: your commitment against your fear

Uncertainty can always exist, but you have to be brave.

24. Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail

• Translation: Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail

Limitations are often set by ourselves.

25. Turn your wounds into wisdom

• Translation: Transform your wounds into wisdom

A quote that talk about resilience and how important it is.

26. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going

• Translation: There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going

In other words, cheap ends up being expensive.

27. The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dream

• Translation: The greatest adventure you can embark on is living the life of your dreams

If you want to be a happy person, you must chase your dreams.

28. Enthusiasm moves the world

• Translation: Enthusiasm moves the world

Enthusiasm can be considered a synonym for enthusiasm. motivation.

29. Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you

• Translation: Always keep your face towards the sunlight, and the shadows will fall behind you

Moving forward no matter what is what helps us achieve our purposes.

30. To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often

• Translation: To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often

A great phrase from Winston Churchill that invites reflection.

31. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark

• Translation: It was not raining when Noah built the ark

A reflection on the need to prepare for difficult times. Another of those short sentences that despite its brevity invite you to think deeply.

32. I would rather die of passion than of boredom

• Translation: I'd rather die of passion than of boredom

The great Vincent van Gogh gives us this beautiful phrase.

33. Light tomorrow with today!

• Translation: Light up tomorrow with today!

The here and now is what counts. What we do today will have repercussions tomorrow.

34. You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind

• Translation: You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind

One of those positive phrases that make you see life in a different way.

35. If you have everything under control, you're not moving fast enough

• Translation: If you have everything under control, you don't move fast enough

a certain touch of irony follows from this sentence.

36. Laugh as much as you breathe

• Translation: Laugh as much as you breathe

Breathing is vital and important, but so is laughing.

37. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant

• Translation: Do not judge each day by what you reap, but by the seeds you sow

In other words, you reap what you sow. The phrase is from Robert Louis Stevenson

38. You cannot have a negative mind and pretend that you'll be successful

• Translation: You cannot have a negative mind and think that you will succeed.

This short phrase in English reminds us that we must make our mentality and life goals consistent.

39. With pain comes strength

• Translation: With pain comes strength

Negative experiences are what make us truly grow.

40. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

• Translation: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

Undoubtedly, one of the keys to success is perseverance.

41. I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse

• Translation: I attribute my success to this: I never make excuses

Excuses can limit us when it comes to growing. They are a way of not facing reality.

42. Start wide, expand further, and never look back

• Translation: Start wide, expand further and never look back

Arnold Schwarzenegger, in addition to being an actor, bodybuilder and governor, also utters personal development phrases like this one.

43. You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

• Translation: You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough

A Mae West quote that invites you to do things right.

44. With love and patience, nothing is impossible

• Translation: With love and patience, nothing is impossible

Patience and love, two qualities that make us special beings.

45. Be the change you want to see in the world

• Translation: Be the change you want to see in the world

Start yourself to change the world.

46. We live with the scars we choose

• Translation: We live with the scars we choose

When things go wrong for us, we have two options: give up or keep going stronger than before.

47. Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye

• Translation: Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eyes

Sensitive people perceive things that others may not perceive.

48. Only do what your heart tells you

• Translation: Do only what your heart tells you

If you want to be happy, follow the advice of your heart.

49. Love conquers all

• Translation: Love conquers all

If anything can conquer the world, this is Love. One of the short phrases in English that talk about the importance of feelings.

50. Love is the beauty of the soul

• Translation: Love is the beauty of the soul

Saint Augustine, on how beautiful the soul is.

51. A goal is a dream with a deadline

• Translation: A goal is a dream with a deadline

The best goals are those that come from the heart.

52. Who seeks shall find

• Translation: who seeks finds

A phrase similar to the popular saying: "whoever follows it gets it".

53. If you have no critics you'll likely have no success

• Translation: If you don't have critics you probably won't be successful

Criticism can often be constructive.

54. With love and patience, nothing is impossible

• Translation: With love and patience, nothing is impossible

Both qualities are essential to be able to achieve success in this life.

55. Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life

• Translation: Be happy for this moment. this moment is your life

If you don't enjoy the present, you won't be able to enjoy the future.

56. Don't raise your voice, improve your argument

• Translation: Do not raise your voice, improve your argument

Communication skills are essential to interact with others.

57. Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity

• Translation: Trust in dreams, because in them the key to eternity is hidden

A nice quote that can be perfectly used as a Facebook status.

58. The best dreams happen when you're awake

Translation: The best dreams happen when you are awake

Few phrases on this list can be more beautiful than this dictum from Cherie Gilderbloom.

59. The harder I work, the luckier I get

• Translation: The more I work, the luckier I get

There is a great relationship between working hard and being lucky.

60. If you genuinely want something, don't wait for it. Teach yourself to be impatient

• Translation: If you genuinely want something. Teach yourself to be impatient.

The true goals are those that one pursues with the heart.

61. It is by acts and not by ideas that people live

• Translation: People live by actions, not by ideas

Words are of no use if actions do not match them.

62. The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have

• Translation: What we are is what we do with what we have

Actions define us more than we can say.

63. Well done is better than well said

• Translation: well done is better than well said

A phrase that has the same meaning as the previous one. Do the words are gone with the wind.

64. Success is where preparation and opportunity meet

• Translation: Success is where preparation and opportunity meet

Opportunities may emerge, but you have to be there to see them come.

65. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony

• Translation: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony

Mahatma Gandhi reminding us what happiness is. .

66. Change your thoughts and you change your world

• Translation: Change your thoughts and change your world

If we want a better world, the first thing we have to do is change our ideas.

67. There is only one happiness in this life, to love and to be loved

Translation: There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved

Love makes us happier than hate. Too bad we don't always keep it in mind.

68. We become what we think about

• Translation: We are what we think

Our thoughts have a decisive influence on our behavior.

69. Eighty percent of success is showing up

• Translation: 80% of success is showing up

A quote that refers to the importance of action to achieve success.

70. If there is no struggle, there is no progress

• Translation: If there is no struggle there is progress

These words are similar to the phrase: "no pain, no reward."

71. Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams

• Translation: Never let your memories be greater than your dreams

Dreams they are like our engine in life.

72. Everything you can imagine is real

• Translation: Everything you can imagine is real

Pablo Picasso was not only engaged in painting, but also in philosophizing.

73. All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them

• Translation: All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them

In difficult times, bravery and courage can get us out of the pit.

74. It's not what you look at what matters, it's what you see

• Translation: It is not what you look at that matters, but what you see

A great phrase that will surely make you think.

75. A smile is happiness that you will find under your nose

• Translation: A smile is happiness that you will find under your nose

Happiness is reflected on your face thanks to the smile.

76. Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself

• Translation: Life is not about finding yourself. Life tries to create yourself

Personal development depends on each one, and on the path they decide to take.

77. You must do the things you think you cannot do

• Translation: You must do the things you think you cannot do

To grow, you have to get out of comfort zone. You have to try different things.

• Related article: "How to get out of your comfort zone? 7 keys to achieve it"

78. It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light

• Translation: It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

We begin to see when we have been in the dark.

79. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant

• Translation: Do not judge each day by what you reap, but by the seeds you sow

The objectives must be achieved step by step.

80. The power of imagination makes us infinite

• Translation: The power of imagination makes us infinite

Imagination has immense power. That's why dreams take us where they take us.

81. As clean as a whistle

• Translation: Clean as hiss.

Designates someone who has been cleared of any incrimination or blame for anything, and is "clean."

82. Better safe than sorry

• Translation: Better safe than sorry.

In Spanish we say “Prevention is better than cure”.

83. Barking dogs never bite

• Translation: Barking dogs never die.

Our "barking dog, little biter".

84. Water under the bridge

• Translation: Water under the bridge.

In Spanish we say “past water”. It is used to designate those past events that will no longer return.

85. Easy eat, easy go

• Translation: What easy comes, easily goes.

Both the good and the bad, everything in life can change from one day to the next.

86. To each their own

• Translation: each to his own

Each one cares about her own interests, or talks about what interests her.

87. Be like chalk and cheese

• Translation: Be like chalk and cheese.

This phrase designates two people who are totally incompatible, like water and oil.

88. Where there's smoke, there's fire

• Translation: Where there is smoke, there is fire.

Set phrase that warns us that some rumors may be true.

89. Like two peas in a pod

• Translation: Like peas in a pod.

This phrase is used to describe two people who are close friends, have a lot of connection, or get along very well.

90. It's raining cats and dogs

• Translation: It rains cats and dogs.

It is used to say that it rains a lot. In Spanish we say “it rains heavily”.

91. nothing lasts forever

• Translation: Nothing lasts forever.

Neither the good nor the bad; You can always improve or change a certain situation.

92. Born and raised

• Translation: Born and bred

It is used to designate the town or city in which one has lived all his life or has grown up during his childhood.

93. Tell me who you walk and I'll tell you who you are

• Translation: Tell me who you walk with and I will tell you who you are.

Proverb that reminds us how important friendships are and the role they play in building our own personality.

94. Hair of the dog that bit me

• Translation: Hair from the dog that bit me.

This phrase is used when we have a hangover and to pass it off we order the same drink we had last night.

95. Out of sight, out of mind

• Translation: Out of sight, out of mind.

What we don't see or what we keep outside of us will always affect us less than something we see every day.

96. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

• Translation: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

That which does not end with us, without a doubt it will make us stronger physically or intellectually.

97. never say never

• Translation: Never say "never."

We are not in a position to affirm that we will never do or say a certain thing.

98. A word is enough to the wise

• Translation: One word is enough for the wise.

The smartest people are the ones who need the least explanations.

99. A stitch in time saves nine

• Translation: A stitch/a stitch in time saves nine.

It's better to prevent than to cure.

100. Every cloud has a silver lining

• Translation: Each cloud has a silver lining.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

101. Better late than never

• Translation: Better late than never.

It is never late if happiness is good.

102. Birds of a feather flock together

• Translation: Feathered birds fly together.

Each sheep with its partner. Birds of a feather flock together.

103. With great power comes great responsibility

• Translation: With great power comes great responsibility.

A phrase belonging to the movie Spiderman (2002), which has become popular in recent decades.

104. What can't be cured must be endured

• Translation: What cannot be cured must be endured.

At bad times, good face.

105. Monkey see, monkey do

• Translation: Monkey sees, monkey does.

It applies to people who copy exactly what their friends or family do.

106. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched

• Translation: Don't count your eggs before they hatch.

Do not claim victory before ensuring success.

107. All's well that ends well

• Translation: All's well that ends well.

If the result of a situation is positive, it doesn't matter all the negative things we have encountered along the way.

108. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

• Translation: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

It is advisable not to risk everything on a single card and have several alternatives in life.

109. Politeness costs nothing

• Translation: Kindness costs nothing.

Being kind to others is effortless and worth a lot.

110. Actions speak louder than words

• Translation: Actions speak louder than words.

Nothing expresses who we really are like our actions.

111. All cats are gray in the dark

• Translation: All cats are gray at night.

At night, all cats are gray. At night it is easy to mask one's own flaws.

112. Little by little one goes far

• Translation: Little by little it is carried away.

Big feats start with small steps.

113. All that glitters is not gold

• Translation: All that glitters is not gold.

Appearances are often deceiving, we must be careful with first impressions.

114. It never rains, but it pours

• Translation: It never rains, but it pours.

Sometimes it seems that problems multiply when we are going through a rough patch.

115. Don't bite the hand that feeds you

• Translation: Do not bite the hand that feeds you.

We should be grateful to those people who have been good to us.

116. It's no good crying over spilled milk

• Translation: It is not good to cry over spilled milk.

When a tragedy occurs that we cannot avoid, it is better to look ahead and continue on our way.

117. To kill two birds with one stone

• Translation: Kill two birds with one stone.

Solve two important tasks or issues at the same time.

118. Like father, like son

• Translation: Like father, like son.

It is used to define those people who acquire habits or ways of being from their parents.

119. Rome wasn't built in a day

• Translation: Rome was not built in a day.

Things worthwhile take years to bear fruit.

120. In every country dogs bite

• Translation: Dogs bite in any country.

The problems here are repeated everywhere, wherever we go.

121. You can't judge a book by its cover

• Translation: You can't judge a book by its cover.

Looks are deceiving.

122. Don't miss the boat

• Translation: Don't miss the boat.

Don't miss the train. We must be vigilant so as not to lose the opportunity of our lives.

123. Stick your nose into something

• Translation: Stick your nose in some matter.

Stick your nose into something or get where you are not called.

124. Cat got your tongue?

• Translation: Did the cat take your tongue?

It is said to someone who is very quiet or not very talkative.

125 Speaking of the devil

• Translation: Speaking of the devil.

A version of our "Talking about the King of Rome". It is used when someone we are talking about appears.

126. Give the benefit of the doubt

• Translation: Give the benefit of the doubt.

Before accusing someone we must prove that person is guilty.

127. sit on the fence

• Translation: Sit on the fence

Standing between two opposing positions or opinions without wanting to opt for either of them.

128. Third time lucky

• Translation: Third time lucky.

The third time lucky.

129. Easier said than done

• Translation: Easier said than done

It's easier to say things than to do them.

130. Let the cat out the bag

• Translation: Letting the cat out of the bag.

Go off the tongue Tell a secret that should be kept.

131. Make hay while the sun shines

• Translation: Harvest hay while the sun shines.

This phrase in English is an invitation not to waste the opportunities that life gives us.

132. No news is good news

• Translation: No news is good news.

Sometimes there is no better news than the fact that everything remains the same.

133. He who laughs last, laughs best

• Translation: He who laughs last, laughs best.

Victory should not be declared prematurely, since life holds many surprises for us.

134. In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

• Translation: In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Some people have no real talent but excel in an environment filled with mediocrity.

135. Give a dog a bad name and hang it

• Translation: Give the dog a bad name and hang him.

The bad reputation that a person is given can end up destroying them socially.

136. Beggars can't be choosers

• Translation: Beggars have no choice.

Expression used to say that we cannot opt ​​for anything better in any situation.

137. All griefs with bread are less

• Translation: All duels, with bread, are less.

A saying that we also have in the Spanish language and that comes to say that all problems have one or another solution.

138. call it a day

• Translation: Call it "one day."

Leave the work done for today.

139. Cutting corners

• Translation: Cut corners.

It is said that someone does that when they do a job quickly and without exerting themselves too much.

140. Not my cup of tea

• Translation: Not my cup of tea.

It's not something I like, or it's not my favorite thing.

141. hit the sack

• Translation: Hit the bed.

Go to bed.

142. It's not rocket science

• Translation: It's not rocket science.

It means that something is not especially laborious or complicated.

143. All roads lead to Rome

• Translation: All roads lead to Rome.

144. The best of both worlds

• Translation: The best of both worlds.

It means that we have found a compromise solution to two complex and apparently irreconcilable problems.

145. Under the weather

• Translation: Below the weather.

We use this phrase when we are sick or have an ailment in our health.

146. as good as it gets

• Translation: As good as it gets.

It is used to define a situation that cannot be improved in any way.

147. Happiness is only real when shared.

• Translation: Happiness is only real when shared.

People need to share our successes and happy moments with others to live a more intense experience of happiness.

148. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it

• Translation: We'll cross that bridge when it's time.

It means that we will discuss a topic or do something when it is appropriate to do so.

149. Everyone gets his comeuppance in the end

• Translation: Everyone gets what they deserve in the end.

A variation of our "each pig gets its San Martín".

150. Once in a blue moon

• Translation: Once every blue moon.

Expression used to designate something that occurs very infrequently or unusually.

151. you can say that again

• Translation: You can say it again,

It is used to emphasize that someone is right about something they have said.

152. An apple a day keeps the doctor away

• Translation: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

It means that through a healthy diet we will achieve greater health in general.

153. One of a kind

• Translation: One of a kind.

It is applied to define someone very particular or special.

154. All things come to those who wait

• Translation: All things come to those who wait.

Those who know how to wait always end up being rewarded.

155. A penny for your thoughts

• Translation: A penny for your thoughts.

A phrase used when we want to know exactly what someone is thinking about.

157. A picture is worth 1000 words

• Translation: A picture is worth 1000 words.

With a still image we can convey many more nuances and ideas than with any oral discourse.

158. A penny saved is a penny earned

• Translation: A penny saved is a penny earned.

Saving money is as useful as earning it, since it allows us to increase wealth.

159. Comparing apples to oranges

• Translation: Compare apples to oranges.

To put on an equal footing two components that are totally different or opposite.

160. Hear it through the grapevine

• Translation: Listen to it through life.

A version of our: “a little bird told me so”.