'ad
Apheretic form of had.
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a bad penny always comes back
Alternative form of a bad penny always turns up.
a bad tree does not yield good apples
Bad parents do not raise good children.
a bad workman always blames his tools
It is not the tools we use that make us good, but rather how we employ them.
a blessing in disguise
Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be beneficial.
a buck's a buck
Every dollar of income counts toward one's financial well-being; money is a strong motivator, even in unpleasant situations.
a bull in a china shop
Someone very clumsy or careless in a delicate situation.
a burnt child dreads the fire
A person harmed by something becomes more cautious about it.
a camel is a horse designed by a committee
Too many people on one project can spoil it by having conflicting or inexperienced ideas.
a cat in gloves catches no mice
One cannot obtain what one desires by being cautious; one must be aggressive.
a change is as good as a rest
Doing something different from one's routine is as refreshing as taking a break from work altogether.
a closed mouth catches no flies
It's best not to talk too much.
a closed mouth doesn't get fed
Someone who does not express their needs or desires is less likely to obtain them.
a closed mouth gathers no feet
One who does not speak can be sure of not saying anything embarrassing.
a contented mind is a perpetual feast
Contentment derives from attitude more than circumstances.
a creaking door hangs longest
Someone who is apparently in poor health may well outlive the ostensibly-stronger.
a danger foreseen is half avoided
It is necessary to foresee danger as it helps you to avoid it.
a day late and a dollar short
Too little too late.
a different kettle of fish
Something else entirely; a completely different matter.
a dime a dozen
(US) Anything that is common, inexpensive, and easy to get or available anywhere.
a dumb priest never got a parish
Those who fail to speak up will fail to get what they desire.
a fair booty makes many a thief
People are easily tempted to dishonesty if there is a substantial prize to be gained.
a fault confessed is half redressed
By confessing to one's own faults, one will begin to make amends.
a fool and his money
Ellipsis of a fool and his money are soon parted
a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds
Consistency may not be the key to success; changes, even minor ones, must be introduced.
a golden key can open any door
Sufficient money can accomplish anything.
a good beginning makes a good ending
Start off on a good note to reap the benefits at the end.
a good conscience is a soft pillow
A clear conscience allows one to sleep peacefully.
a good deed is its own reward
One should not expect a reward for good deeds, but should perform them merely for the satisfaction of doing so.
a grey area
A situation without clear rules or boundaries, where the right answer is unclear.
a healthy body is a healthy mind
Physical fitness leads to mental acuity.
a hit dog hollers
Alternative form of a hit dog will holler.
a hit dog will holler
An offended or defensive response to a statement suggests that the statement applies to the person complaining.
a horse of a different color
A completely separate matter; something quite different from what was being discussed.
a house divided against itself cannot stand
A group or organization that is weakened by internal dissent will not remain united.
a house is not a home
A home is not merely a building but requires inhabitants and a friendly atmosphere.
a hungry man is an angry man
One who is deprived of a basic need is easily angered.
a into g
Abbreviation of ass into gear.
a kangaroo loose in the top paddock
Things that are not quite right in one's head; a situation of mental confusion or insanity.
a lie has no legs
One cannot get away with a lie; the truth will always come out.
a little bird told me
A teasing way of saying that you do not intend to divulge how you knew something.
a little birdie told me
A playful way to say a secret source told me something.
a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
A limited understanding of a subject can lead individuals to overestimate their expertise, often resulting in errors or misguided decisions due to false confidence.
a little pot is soon hot
Short people get angry easily.
a lot
dramatic, extra.
a man is known by the company he keeps
People are similar in character to their friends.
a man's home is his castle
A proverbial expression of personal privacy and security.
a mind is a terrible thing to waste
One should put one's mental faculties to good use.
a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips
Indulgence in food and drink gives a brief period of sensory pleasure but tends to increase one's body weight in the long term.
a new broom sweeps clean
New management will often make radical changes.
a new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners
New management imposes radical changes, but those with prior experience have more knowledge.
a nod is as good as a wink
The hint, suggestion etc. can be understood without further explanation.
a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse
Synonym of a nod is as good as a wink.
a penny saved is a penny gained
Synonym of a penny saved is a penny earned.
a piece of cake
Something very easy to do.
a plus
The highest possible rating.
a problem shared is a problem halved
If a problem is shared with others, its solution becomes easier.
a promise is a promise
One must keep one's promises.
a promise made is a promise kept
A promise that one makes should be or can be considered a promise that one will certainly honor.
a prophet has no honor in his own country
Synonym of a prophet is not without honor save in his own country.