On a souvent besoin de plus petit que soi. One often has need of a lesser than oneself.
On a tant crié Noël qu’à la fin il est venu. Christmas has been talked of so long that it has come at last.
On a toujours assez de force pour supporter le malheur de ses amis. One has always strength enough to bear the misfortunes of one’s friends.
On compte les défauts de ceux qu’on attend. People count up the faults of those who keep them waiting.
On connaît l’ami au besoin. A friend is known in time of need.
Oncques mâtin n’aima levrier. Mastiff never liked greyhound. (A churl never liked a gentleman.)
Oncques souhait n’emplit le sac. Wishes never filled the bag.
Oncques vieil singe ne fit belle moue. An old ape never made a pretty grimace.
On dit est un sot. ”They say” is a fool.
On fait dire aux cloches tout ce qu’on veut. People make the bells say what they please.