English proverbs and idioms are quite common in the language use due to its expressiveness. However, without the deep understanding of the cultures, history, folktales or legends behind them, English proverbs and idioms may easily lead to con-fusion or even misinterpretation. From a number of European-nation-related proverbs and idioms listed, the readers can have a glimpse of Greek legends, Roman wisdom, Anglo-Spanish and Anglo-Dutch Wars, and joking with their neighbouring coun-tries, and thus feel the love and hate between England and those nations in the profound historical background .