Sayings About Sayings: Quotes on the Words We Live By

Sayings are everywhere. We hear them in conversations, read them in books, and sometimes even use them without questioning their meaning. But have you ever stopped to think about sayings themselves? Some are wise, some are ironic, and some are just downright confusing.

In this collection of quotes about sayings, we explore the humor, wisdom, and contradictions behind the phrases we so often repeat. Whether you love proverbs, question their logic, or simply enjoy a good laugh, these quotes will give you a fresh perspective on the words we live by!

Quotes That Question Sayings

Some sayings sound deep, but when you analyze them, they don’t always add up. These quotes challenge the logic behind common proverbs.

• "A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience." — Miguel de Cervantes

But does that experience always make sense?

• "The trouble with proverbs is that they’re always contradicting each other." — Leo Rosten

One minute we’re told "Haste makes waste," the next we hear "The early bird catches the worm." So, which is it?!

• "Sayings are like streetlights along the road; they don’t make the distance shorter, but they sure make the journey easier." — Unknown

Even if some of them lead us in circles!

• "If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning." — Catherine Aird

Some sayings come from success; others come from failure.

• "Some sayings are like a bad GPS—leading you confidently in the wrong direction." — Unknown

Ever followed "Fake it till you make it" and ended up completely lost?

Quotes About the Contradictions in Sayings

Sayings often come in pairs that completely disagree with each other. These quotes point out the irony of it all.

• "The wise make proverbs, and fools repeat them." — Isaac Disraeli

So… which one are we when we use them?

• "When a proverb contradicts another, it’s best to just do whatever you were going to do anyway." — Unknown

"Opposites attract" vs. "Birds of a feather flock together"—so should I date someone like me or not?!

• "A proverb is a mask for laziness; people use it to avoid thinking for themselves." — Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Maybe we should come up with our own sayings instead!

• "Do as I say, not as I do" is the unofficial motto of most proverbs." — Unknown

Wisdom is easier to share than to practice.

• "A saying is only as good as the moment it’s used in—otherwise, it’s just words." — Unknown

"Better late than never" works, but not when you’ve missed your flight!

Funny Quotes About Sayings

Some sayings are just downright funny when you really think about them. These quotes highlight the humor hidden in everyday expressions.

• "Old sayings have a way of making new nonsense." — Unknown

Ever heard "Happy as a clam"? How do we even know clams are happy?

• "He who laughs last… probably didn’t get the joke right away." — Unknown

But at least he’s laughing!

• "A penny for your thoughts? Well, with inflation, that’s not even worth asking anymore." — Unknown

Time to upgrade to "A dollar for your thoughts."

• "‘A watched pot never boils’—but it does, it just feels like forever." — Unknown

So, are we really learning patience, or just standing there wasting time?

• "Sayings are like bad weather forecasts—sometimes they’re spot on, but mostly they’re just guesses." — Unknown

And yet, we still listen to them!

Wise Quotes About Sayings

Not all sayings are flawed—some hold timeless wisdom. These quotes remind us why proverbs exist in the first place.

• "A proverb is the wisdom of many and the wit of one." — John Russell

One person’s clever insight becomes everyone’s shared knowledge.

• "There’s a reason why some sayings last for centuries—they contain truths that never change." — Unknown

"What goes around comes around" is a classic example.

• "Sayings are shortcuts to wisdom, but they should never replace original thinking." — Unknown

It’s okay to question even the wisest words.

• "Proverbs may be old, but they still hold the keys to new situations." — Unknown

"Measure twice, cut once" applies to everything from carpentry to life decisions.

• "The best sayings aren’t just words; they’re survival tools." — Unknown

"A fool and his money are soon parted" is a lesson that never stops being true!