14 Phrases Only Your Grandma Used to Say
A charming deep-dive into the timeless wisdom, wit, and warnings only your grandma could deliver—one unforgettable phrase at a time.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
This anthology revisits the irrepressible phrases grandmas used to serve up—a healthy dose of life advice, humor, and heart. From offbeat admonitions about clean underwear to old-fashioned counsel about kindness and patience, each expression is a tale, a lesson, and a dash of magic. Whether you heard them growing up or are learning them for the first time, these grandma-isms are a bittersweet reminder that her voice remains in us in the best of what we have become.
1. “Wear clean underwear—in case you get knocked down by a bus.”
Image from hidefumi ohmichi
It wasn’t necessarily about hygiene–it was dignity, even during a crisis. Grandmothers recognized the importance of being ready for anything, especially how you presented yourself. It was also how she said, “The world notices you when you don’t even realize they are looking.”
2. “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
Image from Art Rachen
She reminded you that being nice always gets a better response than being crabby. This was Grandma’s diplomatic approach to conflict resolution. Let’s face it—she had a point.
3. “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?”
Image from Modestas Urbonas
This was the ultimate response to peer pressure. It was her way of saying to you, “Think for yourself.” It typically came after you had said, “But everyone else is doing it!”
4. “A watched pot never boils.”
Image from Michal Balog
This was her poetic response to “Be patient.” It wasn’t even about cooking—it was about life. Grandma understood anticipation better than anyone.
5. “Don’t sit so close to the TV—you’ll ruin your eyes!”
Image from PJ Gal-Szabo
When blue light alerts weren’t even a thing, Grandma was already ringing the alarm bell. It wasn’t necessarily scientific, but it was done out of love and the terror of having to take you to the eye doctor.
6. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
Image from Mika Wegelius
Translation: Don’t just sit around idle. If you were bored, she’d give you a broom, a recipe, a needle, and a thread. She had faith in the magic of purpose.
7. “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
Image from Nsey Benajah
This was her soft reminder to talk less than you listen. It most often came halfway through a rant. Somehow, when she said it, it didn’t sound like a lecture—it sounded like truth.
8. “This too shall pass.”
Image from Adora Goodenough
Her version of saying the bad things won’t endure. She did it with reassuring confidence that you knew it to be true. Grandma was the first emotional support human.
9. “Close the door—you’re letting the heat out!”
Image from Beto Galetto
Heating costs were a major issue in her household. This statement was always yelled from the next room, without exception. And mysteriously, you were always sorry about it.
10. “Pretty is as pretty does.”
Image from Lidia Nikole
It wasn’t about how you looked; it was about what you did. She thought good manners and good hearts made a person beautiful. And she demanded the same from you.
11. “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!”
Image from The New York Public Library
Half threat, half joke—but 100% effective. She used it to exercise parental rule with flair. You didn’t dare try her on it.
12. “Don’t make that face—its going to freeze that way.”
Vlad Rudkov from Unsplash
This is a warning that you received whenever you poked out your tongue or scowled. It was half myth, half behavioral psychology. It worked like a charm.
13. “There’s no use crying over spilled milk.”
Daniel Sinoca from Unsplash
She was the master of moving on. Her advice was not cold—it was practical. Life goes on, clean it up, and pour yourself another glass.
14. “I remember when bread was a nickel.”
Louise Lyshøj from Unsplash
It was a standby line for having any “back in my day” rant. The tales were more about enjoying what you had and less about the cost of groceries. They were always served with a side of “you kids have no idea how good you have it.”