It is not for the swan to teach eaglets to sing.

教小鹰唱歌不是天鹅的事。

It is not the surplice that makes parson or clerk.

牧师或书记员并不是靠衣服才成为牧师或书记员的。

It is of no use making shoes for geese.

为鹅做鞋是没有用的。

It is only the blind who ask why they are loved who are fair.

只有盲人才会问他们为什么被爱。

It is pleasant driving when there is no danger of upsetting.

没有烦恼危险的驾驶是愉快的。

It is poor comfort for one who has broken his leg, that another has broken his neck.

有人摔断了腿，有人摔断了脖子，这对他来说是可怜的安慰。

It is safe to lend barley to him who has oats.

有燕麦的，可以借大麦给他。

It is the raised stick that makes the dog obey.

是举起的棍子使狗服从。

It is time enough to take off your hat when you see the man.

当你看到那个人的时候，是时候摘下你的帽子了。

It is too late to cover the well when the child is drowned.

孩子淹死时，再盖井就太晚了。

It is too late to cry cat, when the bacon is eaten.

吃了熏肉，想哭就哭，已经太迟了。

It is too late to learn to swim when the water is up to your lips.

水到嘴边再学游泳就太晚了。

It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burnt down.

房子被烧毁时，再往煤渣上泼水就太晚了。

It is useless to gape against an oven.

对着炉子张口是没有用的。

It is vain to fish without a hook, or learn to read without a book.

钓鱼不带钩，读书不读书，都是徒劳的。