Funny Old Sayings for TikTok Videos: 100+ Hilarious Phrases to Go Viral

In a world where trends come and go overnight, one thing on TikTok continues to surprise everyone — the revival of funny old sayings. From quirky phrases your grandparents used to say to forgotten bits of wisdom that sound hilariously outdated today, these expressions have found a new life in short-form video comedy.

TikTok’s humor thrives on irony, timing, and relatability — and nothing hits those notes better than turning an old-fashioned saying into a modern joke. Whether it’s someone acting out “when pigs fly” with flying filters or dramatizing “don’t cry over spilled milk” with a slow-motion scene, creators are rediscovering the charm of vintage language.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into funny old sayings for TikTok videos, explore why they resonate with audiences today, and share over a hundred examples you can use to create relatable, viral, and truly timeless content.

What Are Funny Old Sayings?

Funny old sayings are short, often witty expressions passed down through generations that carry life lessons, humor, or irony. They’re part of everyday speech, filled with metaphors and cultural references that used to make perfect sense decades ago — but now sound wonderfully odd in the modern world.

These sayings fall into three main types:

Type	Description	Example
Old Sayings	General phrases expressing traditional wisdom or humor.	“A watched pot never boils.”
Idioms	Figurative expressions not meant to be taken literally.	“Bite off more than you can chew.”
Proverbs	Short, moral-based truths drawn from experience.	“Honesty is the best policy.”

The reason they work so well for TikTok is simple — they’re instantly relatable and perfect for short, visual storytelling. These quirky sayings can be acted out literally, reimagined with modern slang, or paired with trending audio to create something entirely new.

“Old sayings have a rhythm to them — and TikTok is built on rhythm, timing, and repetition.”
— Lydia Harper, Social Media Humor Researcher

How to Use Funny Old Sayings in TikTok Videos

Turning funny old sayings into viral TikTok content isn’t just about quoting them — it’s about making them visual, relatable, and ironic. Below are creative strategies to transform these age-old expressions into modern-day comedy gold.

Act Them Out Literally

One of the easiest ways to make people laugh is by taking an old saying literally.
Imagine someone chasing after a balloon labeled “opportunity” for “Don’t let the cat out of the bag.” Or pouring milk dramatically for “Don’t cry over spilled milk.”

Literal interpretations work because they blend the absurd with the familiar — and TikTok users love that contrast.

Use Them as Captions or On-Screen Text

Old sayings make catchy on-screen captions. They’re short, punchy, and recognizable, which helps with retention and engagement.
Example:

Caption: “A day late and a dollar short 😭”
Video: Missing a trend by one day.

Combine Old Sayings with Trending Sounds

Pairing an old saying with a viral TikTok sound can make it feel new again.
Example ideas:

• “That’s the way the cookie crumbles” + sad violin sound.
  
• “When pigs fly” + airplane filter.
  
• “Not my circus, not my monkeys” + chaotic audio clip.
  

Create Modern POV or Reaction Skits

POV-style videos work perfectly for these sayings. You can create a scene that captures the feeling of an expression.
For instance:

POV: You told your parents you’ll move out next week — “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”

Mix Them with Modern Slang

Blending old and new language makes your content funnier.
Example:

“He ghosted me again.”
Grandma: “Well, honey, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
This cross-generational humor is gold on TikTok.

Use Hashtags to Boost Visibility

To help your content reach the right audience, include targeted hashtags:
#FunnyOldSayings #OldSayingsForTikTok #TikTokHumor #VintageSlang #FunnyTikToks #OldSchoolComedy

Mini Case Study: How ‘When Pigs Fly’ Became a Viral Trend

A TikTok creator used the saying “When pigs fly” in a video where she edited wings onto a plush pig toy and launched it off her balcony in slow motion. The video paired with the sound “I Believe I Can Fly” went viral with over 4 million views, spawning a whole trend of users acting out impossible sayings.

Why It Worked:

• Simple, visual concept.
  
• Universal humor.
  
• Playful nostalgia tied to an old expression.
  

TikTok thrives on irony, and old sayings deliver that naturally.

Funny Old Sayings About Life (Perfect for Relatable Skits)

Life has always been full of humor, chaos, and irony — which makes funny old sayings about life perfect for TikTok videos. These sayings capture timeless truths, often wrapped in witty language that’s still relatable today.

They work beautifully in relatable skits, POV clips, or even text overlays reacting to everyday chaos — like spilling coffee, running late, or missing a trend by 10 seconds.

Here are some of the most engaging old sayings about life — and how you can bring them to life on TikTok.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”	Things don’t always go as planned.	Drop cookies in slow motion after failing a recipe trend.
“Bite off more than you can chew.”	Taking on more than you can handle.	Show someone trying every TikTok challenge at once.
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”	Don’t assume success too early.	Celebrate before checking the test results.
“A day late and a dollar short.”	Just missing an opportunity.	Post about discovering a trend after it’s over.
“The pot calling the kettle black.”	Criticizing someone for the same thing you do.	Roommate drama or “hypocrisy” skits.
“When pigs fly.”	Something that will never happen.	Use wings filter or animation for comedic effect.
“It’s not my first rodeo.”	I’ve done this before — confidently or sarcastically.	Show off your “expert” dance skills gone wrong.
“Hold your horses.”	Wait or slow down.	Add this as a voiceover during an impatient moment.
“Not the sharpest tool in the shed.”	A funny way to call someone slow or clueless.	React to an obviously bad decision.
“Running around like a chicken with its head cut off.”	Acting frantically or disorganized.	Showcase “Monday morning chaos.”
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”	Kids resemble their parents in habits or looks.	Parent-child comedy sketches.
“Don’t cry over spilled milk.”	Don’t stress about what’s already done.	Overly dramatic reaction to a small mistake.
“Kick the bucket.”	Die (used humorously).	Dark humor trend — someone “dramatically fainting.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”	Good can come from bad.	Glow-up or “before and after” skits.
“Let sleeping dogs lie.”	Don’t stir up old drama.	Skit of reopening old texts or group chats.

“Life was never meant to be serious — and that’s why old sayings still hit home. They laugh with life, not at it.”

These life sayings often get millions of views because people relate instantly. Viewers comment things like “My grandma used to say this!” or “Why is this still true in 2025?” — building engagement and nostalgia at once.

Funny Old Sayings About Love and Relationships

When it comes to romance, funny old sayings have always added humor to heartbreak, chaos, and affection. On TikTok, these are a hit for dating humor, couple challenges, and relationship parodies.

They perfectly describe situations that never go out of style — the overthinker, the ghoster, the jealous partner, or the hopeless romantic.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”	Distance makes you miss someone.	Long-distance relationship POVs.
“Two’s company, three’s a crowd.”	Third wheel moments.	Comedy skits about unwanted guests.
“A leopard can’t change its spots.”	People don’t really change.	Relationship “red flag” videos.
“The grass is always greener on the other side.”	Others’ relationships look better than yours.	Comparison or envy humor.
“Love is blind.”	Love makes people ignore flaws.	Funny glow-up or “love goggles” skits.
“Cold feet.”	Getting nervous before a big commitment.	Wedding or dating anxiety TikToks.
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”	Don’t depend on one person.	Dating multiple people jokes.
“Like oil and water.”	Two people who don’t mix.	Opposite personality couples.
“Head over heels.”	Completely in love.	Romantic comedy POVs.
“The cat’s out of the bag.”	A secret relationship revealed.	“We weren’t hiding it, just not posting it” trend.

Pro tip: These sayings work great as voiceovers with facial reactions or lip-syncs. For instance, pairing “Love is blind” with a trend sound like “Oh no, oh no, oh no no no” gives it a modern spin.

“Old romantic sayings add warmth and wit — they turn everyday love stories into something poetic and funny.”

If you’re building a couples’ TikTok account, using these sayings as hooks in captions can make your videos instantly relatable and shareable.

Funny Old Sayings About Work and Money

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed over centuries, it’s how people feel about work and money. Funny old sayings about work have been used to vent frustration, share wisdom, or laugh about the daily grind — all of which fit perfectly into modern TikTok humor.

Creators use these sayings for office skits, work-from-home jokes, or “corporate satire” videos that always perform well on the For You Page.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“Burning the midnight oil.”	Working late into the night.	Office or student “grind” clips.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”	Money is hard to earn.	POV: Asking parents for money.
“Another day, another dollar.”	The daily grind.	Monday work mood TikToks.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”	Everyone needs rest.	Burnout or “corporate life” humor.
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”	Saving money is valuable.	Budgeting or minimalist lifestyle videos.
“Bring home the bacon.”	Earning money for the family.	Paycheck reveal or “side hustle” humor.
“On the gravy train.”	Earning money easily.	Influencer lifestyle parody.
“Pay through the nose.”	Paying too much.	Overpriced coffee or rent videos.
“Tighten your belt.”	Spend less or cut expenses.	Budget TikToks during tough times.
“Rolling in dough.”	Being rich or successful.	Exaggerated luxury or “rich friend” skits.

These sayings also make great TikTok sounds or caption ideas for finance creators and lifestyle influencers who mix humor with relatable struggles.

“The funniest truths about money haven’t changed in centuries — only the currency has.”

💡 TikTok Tip: Use trending sounds like ‘Money, Money, Money’ or ‘I’m Not Rich But…’ with these sayings to boost discoverability in both humor and finance niches.

Funny Old Sayings About Luck and Wisdom

Old sayings about luck and wisdom have been around for centuries — and they still ring true (and hilarious) today. These expressions make perfect TikTok content because they turn ordinary moments into mini life lessons, often with an ironic twist.

TikTok creators use these sayings for mock-advice videos, POVs of bad decisions, and even “life hack” parodies that poke fun at how unpredictable life can be.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“A stitch in time saves nine.”	Fix problems early to prevent bigger ones.	Skit about ignoring a small issue until it explodes.
“The early bird catches the worm.”	Being proactive pays off.	Morning routine parody that goes wrong.
“A watched pot never boils.”	Waiting feels longer when you’re watching.	React to slow WiFi or late text messages.
“Fortune favors the bold.”	Taking risks brings rewards.	Try a weird challenge that actually works.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”	Don’t change what’s already working.	Update gone wrong skit — phone, hairstyle, or recipe.
“Better late than never.”	It’s okay to be late as long as you show up.	Posting late to a trend but still going viral.
“Look before you leap.”	Think before acting.	Funny “impulse decision” moments.
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”	Too many people ruin a plan.	Group project disaster humor.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”	Appearances can deceive.	Transformation or “expectation vs reality” trend.
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”	It’s hard to change old habits.	Parent or boss learning TikTok dances.

“These sayings blend timeless advice with modern irony — the perfect combo for TikTok humor.”

TikTok Tip

Try using a “wise old narrator” voice filter while acting out a ridiculous situation. The contrast between old-fashioned advice and chaotic reality creates instant comedy gold.

Funny Old Sayings About Friendship

Friendship content thrives on TikTok — it’s authentic, emotional, and hilarious all at once.
Funny old sayings about friendship capture the ups, downs, and occasional drama of close relationships. They’re great for duo videos, reaction skits, or even mock motivational posts with your bestie.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“Birds of a feather flock together.”	Friends share similar interests.	Twin outfit or “same brain” trend with your bestie.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”	True friends help in hard times.	Helping each other through silly crises.
“Like two peas in a pod.”	Extremely close friends.	Friendship montage or inside joke compilation.
“Thick as thieves.”	Very close and possibly mischievous.	Sneaky or “partner in crime” skits.
“Fair-weather friend.”	Someone who disappears when things get tough.	Skit: friend vanishing when you need help.
“Go the extra mile.”	Doing more than expected for a friend.	Over-the-top help scene for comedic effect.
“Old friends are gold.”	Value your long-term friendships.	Throwback clips or photo transitions.
“Bend over backward.”	Making a big effort to help someone.	Funny exaggerated “helping” moment.
“Through thick and thin.”	Sticking together in all situations.	Before-and-after friendship glow-ups.
“A shoulder to cry on.”	Offering comfort and support.	Mock emotional skits or parody therapy sessions.

Why It Works on TikTok

• Friendship-based content often performs well because it feels real and relatable.
  
• These sayings are short enough to be used as captions, sound bites, or titles.
  
• The combination of loyalty, chaos, and laughter in friendship perfectly matches TikTok’s tone.
  

“People don’t just scroll for laughs — they scroll for connection. Friendship humor delivers both.”

Creative Idea

Start a series called “Sayings My Grandma Would Say About My Friends” — use an old saying each episode and act it out with your bestie. It’s nostalgic, funny, and highly shareable.

Funny Old Sayings About Food and Daily Life

Food is one of the most universal themes on TikTok, from cooking fails to mukbangs to aesthetic recipe videos. Combine that with funny old sayings about food, and you’ve got an endless well of humor and relatability.

These sayings often sound absurd when taken literally — which makes them perfect for visual comedy.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Video Idea
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”	You can’t have it both ways.	Choosing between two bad options skit.
“Spill the beans.”	Reveal a secret.	Gossip or dramatic reveal videos.
“Cry over spilled milk.”	Don’t stress about what’s done.	Comedy over tiny kitchen disasters.
“Full of beans.”	Energetic or lively.	Funny morning-person vs night-owl clips.
“Cool as a cucumber.”	Calm and unbothered.	Reacting to chaos calmly.
“Piece of cake.”	Something very easy.	Tutorial of an “easy” task that fails.
“Bring home the bacon.”	Earn money or achieve success.	Humorous “payday dance” videos.
“Salt of the earth.”	A genuinely good and humble person.	Wholesome content trend or tribute to someone.
“Hard nut to crack.”	Difficult to understand or deal with.	Comedy sketch about a stubborn person.
“Sour grapes.”	Pretending not to care because you can’t have something.	Reaction video about rejection or envy.

Table: Old Food Sayings Turned Modern Humor

Old Saying	Modern Twist for TikTok
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”	Group cooking chaos.
“Butter someone up.”	Flattering for clout or favors.
“Out to lunch.”	Zoning out at work.
“Cool as a cucumber.”	Unbothered Gen Z attitude.
“Egg on your face.”	Public embarrassment moment.

Creative Concept Example

A TikTok creator once used the saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” by showing themselves eating two different desserts — only for the video to end with a “2025 fitness goals” fail. It gained over 2.3 million likes because it mixed visual humor with a relatable theme.

“Food sayings remind us that life’s funniest lessons often come from the kitchen — and TikTok loves to serve that flavor.”

Funny Old Sayings from Different Cultures

One of the most fascinating things about old sayings is how every culture has its own version of humor, wisdom, and irony. Funny old sayings from around the world work incredibly well on TikTok because they’re fresh to many viewers — and their unusual phrasing often sounds hilarious when acted out or translated literally.

They’re great for international creators, language-learning content, or anyone who wants to give their followers a taste of global humor.

Country / Origin	Funny Old Saying	Literal Meaning	What It Really Means
Poland	“Not my circus, not my monkeys.”	It’s not my problem.	Stay out of other people’s drama.
Russia	“Don’t make an elephant out of a fly.”	Don’t exaggerate.	Stop overreacting.
England	“The cat would eat fish but not wet her paws.”	Want results without effort.	Lazy people want easy success.
Japan	“Even monkeys fall from trees.”	Everyone makes mistakes.	No one’s perfect.
Spain	“Throwing the house out the window.”	Spend a lot for celebration.	Going all out for a party.
Germany	“To tie a bear to someone.”	To trick someone.	Pulling a prank or deceiving someone.
France	“The carrots are cooked.”	It’s too late to change things.	The situation is final.
Italy	“Not all doughnuts come with a hole.”	Things aren’t always perfect.	Expect imperfections in life.
China	“Kill two birds with one stone.”	Accomplish two things at once.	Be efficient or smart.
Sweden	“There’s no cow on the ice.”	Everything is fine.	Don’t worry.

How to Use Cultural Sayings on TikTok

• Act them out literally: The funnier the translation, the better.
  
• Compare them with your own culture’s version: “In English we say X, but in Polish we say Y.”
  
• Make a mini-series: “Funny Old Sayings Around the World” can be a weekly content idea.
  

“When humor travels across languages, it becomes a bridge — and TikTok is the perfect platform for it.”

TikTok Tip

Pair each cultural saying with local background music or attire to create a quick “world tour” effect. This makes your content engaging and educational at once.

Funny Old Sayings That Still Go Viral Today

Some sayings have survived every generation — and are now trending again on TikTok. These expressions have a certain rhythm and sass that make them perfect for captions, reaction videos, and even meme-style edits.

Here are timeless sayings that continue to pop up across TikTok humor niches in 2025:

Still-Viral Old Saying	Meaning	TikTok Use Case
“Keep your eyes peeled.”	Stay alert.	Reacting to sneaky drama or updates.
“Cut to the chase.”	Get to the point.	Skit of someone rambling endlessly.
“The ball’s in your court.”	It’s your decision.	Relationship or team dynamic humor.
“Break a leg.”	Good luck!	Pre-performance or job interview TikToks.
“Speak of the devil.”	Someone you mentioned just appeared.	Reaction when someone texts you as you talk about them.
“Barking up the wrong tree.”	Going after the wrong target.	Comedy about blaming the wrong person.
“Hit the nail on the head.”	Be exactly right.	“That one friend who always gets it.”
“A dime a dozen.”	Common or overused.	Mocking trends everyone’s doing.
“Let the cat out of the bag.”	Reveal a secret.	Dramatic or unexpected reveal videos.
“Stealing someone’s thunder.”	Taking credit or attention.	Friend overshadowing your moment.

These sayings never lose their charm because they:

• Use visual metaphors (cats, trees, nails, balls).
  
• Are short and rhythmic, perfect for captions.
  
• Offer double meanings, which makes them easy to remix.
  

“Old sayings are the original memes — short, punchy, and instantly relatable.”

Modern Examples on TikTok

• “Keep your eyes peeled” used in mystery or “storytime” videos.
  
• “Speak of the devil” trending as audio clips during funny coincidences.
  
• “Break a leg” captioned over dramatic “before performance” bloopers.

Modern Twists: Turning Funny Old Sayings into Viral TikTok Content

The best TikTok creators don’t just quote old sayings — they reimagine them for a new audience. By adding filters, trending sounds, and irony, you can make a 100-year-old saying feel like it was made for 2025.

Here’s how to give those classic lines a viral glow-up:

Blend Old Sayings with Gen Z Slang

Mixing generations of language always gets laughs.
Example:

• “When pigs fly” + “Bet.”
  
• “A rolling stone gathers no moss” + “No cap.”
  It’s absurd, yet somehow it works.
  

Use Filters and Visual Effects

• Add wings for “When pigs fly.”
  
• Use water spill slow-mo for “Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
  
• Add grainy vintage filter for “Old-fashioned advice” style videos.
  

Pair with Trending Audio

TikTok’s success relies on matching words with sound.
Try pairing:

• “The early bird catches the worm” with “Good Morning” meme audios.
  
• “Not my circus, not my monkeys” with chaotic background clips.
  
• “Too many cooks spoil the broth” with loud group arguments.
  

Create a Series

A great way to stay consistent and build engagement:

“Funny Old Sayings Explained (Part 1–10)”

Each part can focus on one saying, explaining it in your style, showing a funny example, and adding your unique spin.

Include On-Screen Text and Captions

Viewers often scroll silently — captions like:

• “Ever heard this one before?”
  
• “Grandma would say this if she saw my TikToks.”
  increase watch time and comments.
  

Encourage Audience Participation

End your video with:

“What’s a funny old saying from your country?”
or
“What would your grandma say about this situation?”

This invites engagement and helps your video hit the “For You Page” algorithmically.

Mini Case Study: ‘Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk’ Challenge

A creator posted a simple video of accidentally spilling cereal, then dramatically lip-syncing “Don’t cry over spilled milk” to sad violin music.
The video sparked a viral challenge where users recreated everyday mishaps paired with different old sayings — from “When pigs fly” to “Bite off more than you can chew.”

Results:

• 45 million combined views across participants.
  
• Increased use of the hashtag #FunnyOldSayings by 300%.
  

It proved that old wisdom, when presented with irony and timing, is social media gold.

The Ultimate List: 100+ Funny Old Sayings for TikTok Videos

If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a massive collection of funny old sayings with their meanings — perfect for skits, reactions, or captions.
Use them to spark creativity, humor, or nostalgia in your TikTok videos.

Funny Old Saying	Meaning / Interpretation
A stitch in time saves nine.	Fix a small problem before it grows.
When pigs fly.	Something that will never happen.
Don’t cry over spilled milk.	Don’t stress over what’s already done.
Bite off more than you can chew.	Take on more than you can handle.
Barking up the wrong tree.	Accusing the wrong person.
The early bird catches the worm.	Success comes to those who act first.
A penny for your thoughts.	Asking what someone is thinking.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.	Too many people can ruin a task.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.	Kids resemble their parents.
Curiosity killed the cat.	Being too curious can lead to trouble.
Let the cat out of the bag.	Reveal a secret.
Actions speak louder than words.	What you do matters more than what you say.
Every cloud has a silver lining.	There’s something good in every bad situation.
You can’t judge a book by its cover.	Appearances can be misleading.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.	Stay positive in tough times.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.	Don’t rely on just one plan.
Two heads are better than one.	Collaboration brings better results.
The grass is always greener on the other side.	People think others have it better.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.	It’s better to keep what you have.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.	Great things take time.
A leopard can’t change its spots.	People rarely change who they are.
Better late than never.	It’s okay to be late than not show up at all.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.	Everyone has different tastes.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.	Don’t assume success too soon.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.	The loudest people get attention.
A watched pot never boils.	Time feels slower when you wait.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too.	You can’t have everything both ways.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.	Don’t hurt those who help you.
Hit the nail on the head.	Be exactly right.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire.	Going from one bad situation to another.
Make hay while the sun shines.	Take advantage of good opportunities.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.	Don’t lose something valuable while cleaning up.
You can’t please everyone.	Not everyone will like you.
It’s the pot calling the kettle black.	Being a hypocrite.
Don’t beat around the bush.	Get to the point.
The proof is in the pudding.	Results show the truth.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.	Don’t mess with something that works.
Once bitten, twice shy.	After a bad experience, you’re more cautious.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.	Keep moving to stay fresh or avoid stagnation.
It’s raining cats and dogs.	Raining heavily.
Like father, like son.	Kids resemble their parents.
Kill two birds with one stone.	Achieve two goals with one action.
There’s no use crying over spilled milk.	You can’t change the past.
Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.	Don’t exaggerate problems.
Every dog has its day.	Everyone gets a chance eventually.
Don’t put the cart before the horse.	Do things in the right order.
Let sleeping dogs lie.	Avoid reopening old issues.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.	You can’t force someone to act.
It’s not rocket science.	It’s simple or easy.
You reap what you sow.	Your actions have consequences.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.	Appearances can deceive.
Time flies when you’re having fun.	Enjoyable moments pass quickly.
Don’t burn your bridges.	Don’t ruin relationships you might need later.
There’s no smoke without fire.	Rumors usually have some truth.
The best of both worlds.	Enjoying two advantages at once.
Laughter is the best medicine.	Humor helps heal.
Practice makes perfect.	Keep practicing to improve.
All bark and no bite.	Someone who talks big but won’t act.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.	It’s hard to change old habits.
Birds of a feather flock together.	Similar people stick together.
A penny saved is a penny earned.	Saving money is as valuable as earning it.
Like a fish out of water.	Feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.	Don’t assume success before it happens.
Too big for your britches.	Acting more important than you are.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.	Spread your risks.
Keep your chin up.	Stay positive.
Crying wolf.	Giving false alarms too often.
The cat got your tongue?	Why so quiet?
On cloud nine.	Extremely happy.
Beat a dead horse.	Waste time on something pointless.
Let the chips fall where they may.	Accept the outcome.
Raining pitchforks.	Heavy storm.
Fit as a fiddle.	In great shape.
You’re barking mad.	You’re crazy.
Hold your horses.	Wait or be patient.
The ball’s in your court.	It’s your turn or decision.
Not playing with a full deck.	Someone who isn’t thinking straight.
Mad as a hatter.	Completely crazy.
It takes two to tango.	Both sides share responsibility.
Like pulling teeth.	Something very difficult.
Knock on wood.	Hoping for continued good luck.
Close but no cigar.	Almost succeeded but not quite.
As cool as a cucumber.	Very calm under pressure.
A tough nut to crack.	A difficult problem or person.
Not my circus, not my monkeys.	Not my problem.
Throw in the towel.	Give up.
All in the same boat.	Everyone’s in the same situation.
Get off your high horse.	Stop acting superior.
The elephant in the room.	An obvious problem no one talks about.
Cold feet.	Nervous before something big.
Take it with a grain of salt.	Don’t take it too seriously.
That’s the way the cookie crumbles.	That’s just how life goes.
You can’t have it both ways.	You must choose one side.
Go the extra mile.	Do more than expected.
The pot calling the kettle black.	Criticizing someone for what you do yourself.
The whole nine yards.	Doing something completely.
Burn the midnight oil.	Work late into the night.
The writing’s on the wall.	Warning signs of trouble ahead.
There’s more than one way to skin a cat.	Many ways to achieve a goal.
Don’t count your blessings before they’re hatched.	Don’t assume things too soon.
Old habits die hard.	It’s difficult to change routines.
What goes around comes around.	Karma.

How to Make Funny Old Sayings Go Viral on TikTok

To make your videos trend, use these proven TikTok growth strategies tailored for old-saying content:

✔ Pair with Trending Sounds
Find audios that fit the emotion of the saying — sad violins for “Don’t cry over spilled milk,” or upbeat tunes for “When pigs fly.”

✔ Add Humor with Filters & Captions
Over-exaggerate. Use vintage filters, big text, and emojis to dramatize.

✔ Tell a Quick Story
Show a before-and-after clip that visually represents the saying. TikTok loves short narratives.

✔ Keep it Short and Punchy
Most viral videos are under 15 seconds — deliver the punchline fast.

✔ Use the Right Hashtags
Try these:

• #FunnyOldSayings
  
• #OldSayingsExplained
  
• #GrandmaWisdom
  
• #TikTokHumor
  
• #VintageVibes
  
• #SayingOfTheDay
  

✔ Engage the Audience
End with a question like:

“What’s a funny old saying from your country?”
“Which one do you still use today?”

This drives comments and shares — two of TikTok’s top ranking signals.

Conclusion: Old Sayings, New Laughs

Funny old sayings aren’t just relics of the past — they’re timeless nuggets of humor and truth that fit perfectly into today’s short-form, expressive TikTok culture.

They connect generations, make people laugh, and remind viewers that even centuries-old phrases can still trend in modern memes. Whether you act them out, twist their meaning, or share global versions, these sayings can bring both wisdom and wit to your videos.

“The charm of an old saying isn’t in its age — it’s in how you make it come alive again.”

So go ahead — open your camera, pick a classic line like “When pigs fly” or “Not my circus, not my monkeys,” and show your audience that humor never grows old.