63 Sayings You Learned From Your Southern Grandma

If Grandma’s calling you the “bee’s knees,” you must be doing something right.

Never underestimate a little help.

When Grandma offers this advice, she wants to ensure that we don’t count on something that may not happen.

This classic proverb either encourages action instead of standing still or reminds that it's hard to put down roots when you're moving.

Made famous by Forrest Gump, this phrase reminds us to look a little deeper.

A little effort now may save you lots of effort later.

Kindness works. Try it.

Have you ever tried to herd cats?

Also: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The loudest problems receive all the attention.

Read a few pages first.

Grandma is a proponent of proactivity.

Take your mind off things. The time will pass anyway.

Collaboration is one thing. This phrase is another.

Don’t forget about that savings account.

First things first.

The jury’s still out on this one.

Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it.

There’s only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway).

No room for envy here.

Use your time wisely.

Say “Thank you,” and move on.

Though Grandma’s taste is impeccable.

This phrase is from John Keats’ Endymion.

It’s been said every day, all day, for as long as we can remember.

Beware the useless.

Habit, we guess.

A “thank you” will suffice.

Because those walls aren’t shatterproof. Or opaque.

Try and try again.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good friend’s ear.

Keep what you treasure, let the rest go.

Healthy eating, all the way.

And don’t you forget it.

A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtime—and general wellbeing. This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin.

Grandma knows. She always knows.

If it works, leave it alone.

So mop it up and move along.

It’s not ideal.

‘Cause she’s Grandma, that’s why. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.)

Grandma doesn’t have time for this.

Go boldly, Grandma says.

Whatever it is, it is not quite up to par.

She already knows anyway—somehow—so you should go ahead and come clean.

That’s quite a lot, indeed.

Seize the day!

Divide equally, and everyone will be happy.

Whether it’s attitude or style, we get it from our mamas (and grandmamas).

If at first you don’t succeed, there’s surely another strategy to try.

If Grandma’s surprised, you’ll hear this immediately.

You’re working too hard to convince people who are already on board.

Grandma would not recommend buying something sight unseen.

Grandma’s good at offering much-needed perspective.

She taught us this, and we took it to heart.

You can always count on Grandma to be realistic.

Good fortune comes to everyone eventually.

Keep your eyes—and wits—about you.

High praise.

Again, she’s a pro at offering perspective, which is one of the many reasons we love her.

AKA: “It’s time to go!” This is how Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and Grandpa.

If it’s appropriate for one, surely it’s appropriate for the other too.

Encouragement, Grandma style.

Always and forever.