Language is a living thing—shaped by culture, place, and time. But just as new slang emerges, older expressions quietly vanish. Forgotten old sayings people used to say hold more than charm; they carry generations of wisdom, humor, and worldview that are slowly fading. In this article, we explore 150 of those forgotten gems—phrases that once colored conversations, guided choices, and stitched communities together.
Whether you’re reminiscing or discovering them for the first time, these sayings offer a rich linguistic legacy that deserves to be remembered and revived.
The Charm of Forgotten Old Sayings People Used to Say
Before texting and memes, people passed down knowledge through colorful expressions. These sayings were often born from necessity, everyday life, and cultural values. They were shared at the kitchen table, in dusty barns, and on front porches. Many are no longer common in daily speech, but their meanings remain powerful—and surprisingly relevant today.
Here’s what makes forgotten old sayings so captivating:
| Feature | Description |
| Cultural Time Capsules | Reflect the morals, beliefs, and humor of earlier generations. |
| Creative Wordplay | Often poetic, witty, or metaphorical. |
| Universal Truths | Speak to timeless human experiences like love, patience, and hard work. |
| Local Flavor | Many come from rural, regional, or generational sources. |
“Our grandparents didn’t need a therapist; they had old sayings, good pie, and a front porch.”
— Anonymous
Let’s dive into the wisdom and wit of these classic expressions.
Forgotten Old Sayings About Life and Wisdom
These phrases offered direction during uncertain times. Many were short, sharp, and packed with meaning. They guided people on how to live, love, and behave—with or without a rulebook.
Here are some of the most insightful forgotten old sayings about life and wisdom:
- “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
Meaning: You can’t turn something fundamentally bad into something good. - “Don’t borrow trouble.”
Meaning: Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet. - “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
Meaning: Don’t stir up old problems. - “Every tub must stand on its own bottom.”
Meaning: Everyone must take responsibility for themselves. - “As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.”
Meaning: Your choices create your consequences. - “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Meaning: The loudest problems are the ones that get solved first. - “Still waters run deep.”
Meaning: Quiet people often have deep thoughts or emotions. - “There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”
Meaning: Don’t waste energy on what can’t be changed. - “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Meaning: Don’t hurt or criticize those who help you. - “A stitch in time saves nine.”
Meaning: Fixing a small problem early prevents it from getting worse. - “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Meaning: Wanting to do good isn’t enough—you must act wisely. - “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”
Meaning: Hoping alone doesn’t make things happen. - “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Meaning: It’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them. - “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
Meaning: You can offer someone help, but they must accept it. - “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Meaning: Adapt to the customs of the place you’re in.
These old sayings reflect the kinds of values that don’t go out of style: personal responsibility, practicality, and emotional maturity.
Forgotten Old Sayings About Work and Money
Hard work, thrift, and honesty were once the pillars of survival. These forgotten old sayings people used to say about work and money offered both encouragement and caution.
Here’s a collection from a time when every dollar—and every hour—counted:
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Meaning: Saving money is just as valuable as making it. - “He doesn’t have two nickels to rub together.”
Meaning: He’s completely broke. - “Make hay while the sun shines.”
Meaning: Take advantage of good opportunities when they come. - “Cut your coat according to your cloth.”
Meaning: Live within your means. - “Too much month at the end of the money.”
Meaning: Ran out of money before the next paycheck. - “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
Meaning: Don’t waste money; it’s hard to come by. - “Time is money.”
Meaning: Don’t waste time—it’s valuable. - “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Meaning: Diversify your efforts or investments. - “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
Meaning: Careless people quickly lose their wealth. - “Throwing good money after bad.”
Meaning: Investing in a losing cause. - “The early bird catches the worm.”
Meaning: Those who act early gain an advantage. - “Keep your nose to the grindstone.”
Meaning: Stay focused and work hard. - “That job pays peanuts.”
Meaning: The wages are very low. - “He’s all hat and no cattle.”
Meaning: He talks big but doesn’t deliver. - “Living high on the hog.”
Meaning: Living in luxury or beyond one’s means.
These sayings remind us of a time when common sense, grit, and frugality were guiding principles—not financial advice found online.
Forgotten Old Sayings About Love and Relationships
Matters of the heart have always inspired some of the most poetic, humorous, and sometimes blunt expressions. These forgotten old sayings people used to say about love and relationships reflect both romantic ideals and cautionary tales passed from generation to generation.
Here are timeless sayings that shaped how people once viewed love, marriage, and friendship:
- “Marry in haste, repent at leisure.”
Meaning: Rushing into marriage may lead to long-term regret. - “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Meaning: Being apart can strengthen love. - “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
Meaning: Too many people involved in something can ruin it. - “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Meaning: People with similar interests or values stick together. - “Opposites attract.”
Meaning: People who are very different often find each other appealing. - “Love is blind.”
Meaning: When in love, people overlook flaws. - “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Meaning: Too much closeness can lead to resentment. - “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
Meaning: A rejected or betrayed woman can be dangerously angry. - “It takes two to tango.”
Meaning: Both parties are responsible in a relationship or argument. - “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
Meaning: Cooking well is a way to win affection. - “Don’t go to bed angry.”
Meaning: Resolve conflicts before sleeping to keep peace. - “Old love never rusts.”
Meaning: True love remains strong over time. - “He’s not worth the salt in his bread.”
Meaning: He doesn’t deserve the affection or effort given to him. - “Wear your heart on your sleeve.”
Meaning: Be open and transparent about your feelings. - “Blood is thicker than water.”
Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than other relationships.
These expressions provide a window into how love was understood, nurtured, and sometimes warned against in earlier generations.
Forgotten Old Sayings from the Farm and Countryside
The countryside was fertile ground not only for crops but for idioms rich in meaning. These sayings were shaped by seasons, animals, weather, and the rhythm of rural life. Many of these forgotten old sayings people used to say on the farm still ring true today—though fewer people remember them.
Here are sayings rooted in agrarian wisdom:
- “Scarce as hen’s teeth.”
Meaning: Extremely rare. - “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it actually does. - “You’ve got the cart before the horse.”
Meaning: Doing things in the wrong order. - “Make hay while the sun shines.”
Meaning: Act while conditions are good. - “Madder than a wet hen.”
Meaning: Very angry. - “Chickens come home to roost.”
Meaning: Actions have consequences. - “Like water off a duck’s back.”
Meaning: Unaffected by criticism or hardship. - “That dog won’t hunt.”
Meaning: That idea or plan won’t work. - “Hogwash!”
Meaning: Nonsense or falsehood. - “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Meaning: Don’t risk everything in one venture. - “Knee-high to a grasshopper.”
Meaning: Very young or small. - “Slicker than a greased pig.”
Meaning: Very slippery or tricky. - “Sowing wild oats.”
Meaning: Engaging in youthful recklessness before settling down. - “Crying over spilt milk.”
Meaning: Complaining about something that can’t be changed. - “Like a bull in a china shop.”
Meaning: Clumsy or reckless in a delicate situation.
These phrases emerged from hard-earned experiences and keen observation of the natural world, often laced with humor or caution.
Forgotten Old Sayings from Grandparents’ Generation
When grandparents spoke, they used sayings packed with generational grit, humor, and perspective. These expressions were often part of everyday conversation—and though they’ve faded, they still echo with truth. This section honors the forgotten old sayings people used to say in your grandparents’ day.
Classic gems from Grandma and Grandpa’s toolbox:
- “That dog won’t hunt.”
Meaning: It’s a bad idea or ineffective solution. - “He’s full of beans.”
Meaning: He’s lively, silly, or exaggerating. - “Colder than a well digger’s backside.”
Meaning: Extremely cold weather. - “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”
Meaning: Don’t be fooled or swindled. - “He’s not playing with a full deck.”
Meaning: He’s a bit off mentally. - “It’s neither here nor there.”
Meaning: It’s irrelevant or doesn’t matter. - “If the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise.”
Meaning: I’ll do it—barring unforeseen trouble. - “You’re cruising for a bruising.”
Meaning: You’re asking for trouble. - “She’s a tough old bird.”
Meaning: She’s a strong, resilient woman. - “You’re getting too big for your britches.”
Meaning: You’re acting more important than you are. - “Bless your little heart.”
Meaning: A polite (or sarcastic) expression of sympathy or pity. - “Mind your Ps and Qs.”
Meaning: Be careful and behave properly. - “He’s as useless as a screen door on a submarine.”
Meaning: Completely ineffective. - “Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”
Meaning: A whimsical bedtime wish. - “I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.”
Meaning: It’s been a very long time.
These sayings painted daily conversations with color, warmth, and life experience. Bringing them back isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a way to honor the wisdom of past generations.
Forgotten Old Sayings Used in Everyday Conversation
Long before emojis and abbreviations dominated daily chatter, these expressions were part of casual talk in homes, schools, and workplaces. They were witty, expressive, and packed with personality. Though many have slipped from modern tongues, these forgotten old sayings people used to say in everyday conversation deserve a revival.
Here are some lively, casual expressions you might remember hearing around the house or at the corner store:
- “Hold your horses!”
Meaning: Slow down; be patient. - “What in tarnation?”
Meaning: What in the world? (expresses surprise or confusion) - “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.”
Meaning: Don’t get upset or overreact. - “That’s the bee’s knees.”
Meaning: That’s excellent or the best. - “Quit your bellyaching.”
Meaning: Stop complaining. - “I’m fit to be tied.”
Meaning: I’m extremely angry or frustrated. - “Heavens to Betsy!”
Meaning: An exclamation of shock or surprise. - “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
Meaning: Leave—and good riddance! - “No skin off my nose.”
Meaning: It doesn’t bother me either way. - “He’s got a screw loose.”
Meaning: He’s acting irrational or crazy. - “Hush your mouth!”
Meaning: Stop talking—often said playfully. - “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
Meaning: Don’t be ungrateful for a gift. - “I’ll be there with bells on.”
Meaning: I’ll show up happily and ready. - “You’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Meaning: You’ve misunderstood or are blaming the wrong person. - “That’s all she wrote.”
Meaning: That’s the end of it; nothing more can be done.
These expressions were the flavor of daily speech—casual, colorful, and uniquely expressive. They added emotion and flair to even the most mundane conversations.
Forgotten Old Sayings That Don’t Make Sense Today
Some sayings are so steeped in their time that their meanings have become obscure. These quirky expressions may confuse modern ears, but they still carry personality—and a hint of nostalgia. These are the forgotten old sayings people used to say that don’t quite make sense today, unless you’ve heard them growing up.
Here are some odd but fascinating examples:
- “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”
Meaning: Don’t let anyone trick you. - “I’ll be there with bells on.”
Meaning: I’ll be there enthusiastically (origin unclear but tied to festive travel). - “He’s got bats in the belfry.”
Meaning: He’s a little crazy. - “Like a chicken with its head cut off.”
Meaning: Acting in a frantic, directionless way. - “Go pound sand.”
Meaning: Go do something pointless; a dismissive insult. - “Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
Meaning: Extremely anxious or on edge. - “Let’s not gild the lily.”
Meaning: Don’t overdo something already beautiful. - “She’s no spring chicken.”
Meaning: She’s not young anymore. - “Jumped out of the frying pan into the fire.”
Meaning: Got out of one bad situation only to land in a worse one. - “That’s the cat’s pajamas.”
Meaning: That’s fantastic or high quality. - “It’s raining pitchforks.”
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily (now replaced by “cats and dogs”). - “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
Meaning: Don’t discard something valuable while getting rid of the bad. - “You’ve buttered your bread, now lie in it.”
Meaning: You have to deal with the consequences of your actions. - “Like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall.”
Meaning: It’s impossible or futile. - “You’ve got more nerve than a toothache.”
Meaning: You’re shockingly bold or rude.
Though confusing at first glance, many of these sayings carry deeper truth or sarcasm hidden in their quirky visuals.
Forgotten Old Sayings About Time and Patience
In a fast-paced world, wisdom about patience and timing can feel outdated—but these expressions still hold timeless lessons. These forgotten old sayings people used to say about time and patience were reminders to slow down, stay steady, and trust the process.
Collected below are expressions that once encouraged people to wait, endure, or act wisely with time:
- “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Meaning: Great things take time. - “Don’t put the cart before the horse.”
Meaning: Don’t reverse the natural order of things. - “Time and tide wait for no man.”
Meaning: Time moves on, no matter what. - “All in good time.”
Meaning: Things will happen when they’re meant to. - “Good things come to those who wait.”
Meaning: Patience is often rewarded. - “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Meaning: Consistent effort beats rushing. - “This too shall pass.”
Meaning: Difficult moments are temporary. - “Better late than never.”
Meaning: It’s good you did it, even if delayed. - “A watched pot never boils.”
Meaning: Time seems longer when you’re anxiously waiting. - “Strike while the iron is hot.”
Meaning: Act quickly while the opportunity lasts. - “Every dog has its day.”
Meaning: Everyone will have their moment of success. - “Patience is a virtue.”
Meaning: Waiting calmly is a moral strength. - “You can’t rush a good thing.”
Meaning: Quality takes time.
Time-tested and wise, these phrases were often said by elders trying to pass along not just patience—but perspective.
Forgotten Old Sayings About Luck and Fate
Superstitions, chance, and the unpredictability of life have always fascinated people. Long before horoscopes and lottery tickets, these forgotten old sayings about luck and fate were part of everyday language, often passed along with a wink, a warning, or a wish.
Here are sayings that once captured how people understood fortune and misfortune:
- “Knock on wood.”
Meaning: Said to avoid bad luck after a positive statement. - “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Meaning: Don’t interfere with what’s working. - “Don’t tempt fate.”
Meaning: Avoid taking unnecessary risks. - “Born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”
Meaning: Born into wealth or privilege. - “Third time’s the charm.”
Meaning: Success is more likely after two failures. - “Lady Luck was on his side.”
Meaning: Fortunate events happened unexpectedly. - “Luck of the Irish.”
Meaning: Good luck, often said with irony. - “He’s living on borrowed time.”
Meaning: He has narrowly escaped danger or death. - “It was written in the stars.”
Meaning: It was destined to happen. - “Fate deals the cards; you play the hand.”
Meaning: Life gives circumstances; we decide what to do with them. - “Throw caution to the wind.”
Meaning: Take a bold or risky chance. - “Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong, will go wrong.”
Meaning: If something bad can happen, it probably will. - “Better to be lucky than good.”
Meaning: Sometimes success comes from luck more than skill. - “The devil’s in the details.”
Meaning: A small overlooked detail could ruin the plan. - “He was born under a lucky star.”
Meaning: He always seems to have good fortune.
These sayings reflect a time when fate felt like a mysterious force—sometimes generous, often unpredictable, and always worth respecting.
Forgotten Old Sayings with Regional Flavors
Every region has its own brand of colorfully blunt, oddball, or humorous expressions. From the American South to rural Britain, these sayings once shaped local identities and social codes. These forgotten old sayings people used to say with regional flair add humor, grit, and charm to any conversation.
Here are regional classics that still hold punch:
- “Slicker than snot on a doorknob.”
Meaning: Extremely smooth or tricky (Southern U.S.). - “Madder than a wet hen.”
Meaning: Very angry (Southern U.S.). - “Bless your little cotton socks.”
Meaning: A sweet or affectionate phrase (British origin). - “Hotter than blue blazes.”
Meaning: Extremely hot (Southern or Midwestern U.S.). - “Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!”
Meaning: Expression of shock or surprise. - “She’s got a tongue like a barbed wire fence.”
Meaning: Very sharp-tongued or critical. - “That’s about as useful as a trapdoor in a canoe.”
Meaning: Completely useless. - “You ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie.”
Meaning: You’re absolutely right (Southern U.S.). - “Cute as a bug’s ear.”
Meaning: Very adorable (Midwestern/Southern). - “He’s grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater.”
Meaning: Extremely pleased or smug. - “Colder than a witch’s tit in a brass bra.”
Meaning: Very cold (dark humor, regional American). - “He’s got more front than Macy’s.”
Meaning: Brazen or full of attitude (New York). - “Don’t that just frost your cookies?”
Meaning: Doesn’t that just irritate you? - “All hat and no cattle.”
Meaning: All talk, no action (Texas origin). - “Busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.”
Meaning: Extremely busy (rural U.S.).
These sayings reflect a playful spirit and a strong connection to regional identity, often passed down through storytelling or family banter.
Why We Should Keep These Forgotten Old Sayings Alive
Language is more than communication—it’s a living archive of human experience. These forgotten old sayings people used to say aren’t just quirky old phrases. They are vessels of culture, humor, hardship, and inherited wisdom.
Here’s why they matter:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| Cultural Preservation | These sayings capture how previous generations viewed the world. |
| Linguistic Enrichment | They add flavor and nuance to conversations. |
| Intergenerational Connection | They’re bridges to grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. |
| Wisdom in Disguise | Many sayings offer truths still relevant today. |
“Old sayings may fade from use, but their wisdom never expires.”
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve smiled, chuckled, or nodded in agreement at least once. Maybe you remembered hearing one of these growing up—or you’re inspired to bring them back into your vocabulary.
So, the next time someone complains about the weather, try saying it’s “hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch.” You just might spark a story worth telling.
✅ Final Words
We’ve explored 150 forgotten old sayings people used to say, grouped by themes like life, love, work, patience, fate, and region. Each one carries a piece of the past and still holds meaning today. Whether you’re a writer, a language lover, or just someone who enjoys a good phrase, reviving these sayings is a small act of cultural preservation.
Which of these sayings do you still use—or plan to bring back?
Let us know in the comments or share one your grandparents used to say.
With a passion for clear communication and a history as a private tutor, Virna founded learnconversations.com to make expert advice accessible to all. She excels at transforming complex conversational theories into simple, actionable articles, establishing her as a go-to resource for anyone looking to connect and communicate more effectively.