How much is your time worth?
What is a Proverb? Exercises, Definition and Examples
A proverb is a short, traditional saying that offers advice or expresses a general truth. Proverbs are often based on common sense, cultural beliefs, or observations about human behavior.
Proverbs are figures of speech that have a special meaning.
They are called figurative language, which means they have an additional meaning more than the individual words.
English Dictionary Definitions
“a short sentence, etc., usually known by many people, stating something commonly experienced or giving advice” [1]
“a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful though” [2]
The early bird gets the worm
This is a phrase used to advise people that are active early are often rewarded with success.
Adages
Adages are short, memorable sayings that express general truths or practical wisdom, often based on experience. They are very similar to proverbs, as both convey universally accepted truths or moral lessons.
The main difference is that adages tend to be older and more established, while proverbs may evolve with language and culture over time.
Examples of adages:
- “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire” (indicating suspicion often has a basis).
- “Slow and steady wins the race” (promoting perseverance over haste).
Adages and proverbs are often used in the same way, but adages are usually considered more timeless and widely accepted.
Grammar
- Structure and Syntax: Proverbs follow grammatical rules and often demonstrate correct sentence structure, making them useful for teaching or reinforcing aspects of grammar. For example, “A stitch in time saves nine” is a well-formed sentence using subject-verb agreement and proper word order.
- Teaching proverbs: Proverbs help students understand how grammar can sometimes be different from the meaning of the words
- Cultural Expressions in Language: Proverbs reflect how grammar operates within a language and culture, offering insights into linguistic patterns. For instance, the use of tenses or articles in proverbs like “The early bird catches the worm” illustrates the use of articles (“the”) and verb tense (present simple) in English.
2 -Difference Between Sayings, Idioms and Proverbs
A proverb contains a lesson or meaning that holds true over time. This is similar an ‘old saying’ but sayings could be anything that is said, and the term ‘sayings’ is used for phrases that are recognized or popular and repeated.
Proverbs and Idioms
An idiom has a meaning that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words. Proverbs too have a special meaning but these are normally easier to understand from the words and they express a belief of how to act or behave.
3 - How to Use Proverbs
Proverbs are useful tools for communication, allowing you to convey meaning strongly. The use of the proverb adds weight as it is a confirmed peice of wisdom shared by many others beforehand.
For example, if you say, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” you’re expressing the idea that it’s better to appreciate what you have than to risk it for something greater that may not materialize. The listener can relate to the deeper meaning behind the proverb.
Choose a proverb that is well-known and relevant to the conversation so your message is clear.
Cultural Context
Proverbs can reflect the values and beliefs of a culture. For instance, “Actions speak louder than words” is a widely recognized English proverb that emphasizes the importance of demonstrating your intentions through behavior rather than mere statements. This saying serves as a reminder that what you do often has more impact than what you say.
Understanding the cultural context of proverbs allows you to use them more effectively. By using commonly understood sayings into your conversations or writing, you can connect with others on a deeper level.
4 - Examples of Proverbs
To understand proverbs and how they are used here are four examples with definitions, example sentences and conversation and an explanation of their use
Meaning of Common Proverbs
Actions speak louder than words
Definition: This proverb suggests that what people do is more important or revealing than what they say.
Example Sentences:
- “He keeps promising to help, but actions speak louder than words. He hasn’t done anything yet.”
- “She didn’t say much about her plans, but her hard work shows that actions speak louder than words.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “Do you think he’ll really follow through on his promise?”
- Person 2: “I’m not sure. Actions speak louder than words, so I’ll believe it when I see it.”
- Person 1: “Good point. Let’s wait and see.”
Explanation: This proverb states that people’s actions are more meaningful and truthful than what they say. It reminds us that words can be empty unless backed by action.
Although actions don’t ‘speak’, they are stronger than words as anyone can say anything but doing what you say can be more difficult. In this proverb the use of louder is used to show this strength of actions over words.
A penny saved is a penny earned
Definition: Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.
Example Sentences:
- “I always try to put aside some cash; a penny saved is a penny earned.”
- “Her father taught her that a penny saved is a penny earned.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “Why do you bother saving money?”
- Person 2: “Because a penny saved is a penny earned!”
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the importance of saving and managing finances wisely. A penny is used to represent money and also to indicate that even savings small amounts is beneficial. This saved money is the same tomorrow as money earned, and will even grow in its value and usefulness to you in the future.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Definition: Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example Sentences:
- “It’s great that you’re excited about the project, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- “She learned the hard way not to count her chickens before they hatch.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “”I’m sure you will get that promotion.””
- Person 2: “Maybe, but I will wait until it actually happens”
- Person 1: “Yeah, I suppose don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Explanation: This proverb warns against making plans based on uncertain outcomes. Although you see eggs this does not mean they will result in hatched, healthy chickens. And you may be convinced something will happen in the future, it does not always happen as you expect.
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Definition: Don’t judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
Example Sentences:
- “He may seem unfriendly, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
- “Remember, you can’t judge a book by its cover; get to know her first.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “I don’t like that restaurant; it looks shabby.”
- Person 2: “You can’t judge a book by its cover; the food is amazing!”
Explanation: This proverb teaches the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand true value. We read books but the quality of the book is not related to the book cover. We use this to state the outside appearance of something (the book cover) does not represent what is inside (the book’s contents).
5 - Proverb Examples
In this section there are a wide range of ways to use proverbs from human or animal traits and characteristics, the weather, colors to words of wisdom.
Proverbial Cultural Insights: Time and Healing
Rome wasn’t built in a day
- Important achievements take time and patience.
- Mastering a new skill can be challenging, but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Time heals all wounds
- Emotional pain diminishes with time.
- After her breakup, she felt heartbroken, but time heals all wounds, and she eventually moved on.
When it rains, it pours
- Misfortunes often occur simultaneously rather than separately.
- After losing his job and having a car accident, he realized that when it rains, it pours.
Rome wasn’t built in a day emphasizes the importance of perseverance and patience in achieving significant goals. It reassures us that great accomplishments require sustained effort over time.
Time heals all wounds offers comfort to those experiencing grief or loss, suggesting that emotional pain will lessen with the passage of time.
When it rains, it pours highlights the frustrating nature of life’s challenges, reminding us that difficult times can feel overwhelming, but can also prepare us for better times ahead.
Proverbs Decoded: Hard Work and Initiative
No pain, no gain
- Success requires hard work and sacrifice.
- She pushed through the tough workouts because she knew no pain, no gain.
The early bird catches the worm
- Those who take action early are more likely to succeed.
- Arriving early to the sale, she knew she had a better chance of getting what she wanted.
You reap what you sow
- Your actions determine your outcomes.
- If you work hard and treat others well, you will be rewarded in return.
No pain, no gain highlights the notion that success often comes at a cost, emphasizing the need for effort and perseverance to achieve desired results.
The early bird catches the worm underscores the advantages of initiative and timeliness, suggesting that proactive individuals are more likely to seize opportunities.
You reap what you sow serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, emphasizing the importance of putting in effort and treating others with kindness to receive positive outcomes in life.
Mastering Metaphors: Actions and Consequences
Actions speak louder than words
- What people do is more telling than what they say.
- Jane promised to help with the project, but her actions speak louder than words when she didn’t show up.
A penny saved is a penny earned
- Saving money is just as important as earning it.
- Instead of eating out, I cook at home because a penny saved is a penny earned.
The grass is always greener on the other side
- People often believe that others have better situations than their own.
- Although she thinks her friend’s life is perfect, she realizes that the grass is always greener on the other side.
Actions speak louder than words highlights the importance of evaluating people based on their behaviors rather than their words. It serves as a reminder that true character is revealed through action, not just intentions.
A penny saved is a penny earned emphasizes the value of frugality, suggesting that saving money contributes to wealth just as much as making it.
The grass is always greener on the other side warns against envy and the tendency to idealize other people’s circumstances, encouraging us to appreciate our own situations.
The Universal Language of Proverbs: Wisdom and Experience
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- Don’t assume success until it actually happens.
- He was excited about his promotion but learned not to count his chickens before they hatch.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
- It’s better to hold onto something you have than to risk it for more.
- She decided to keep her steady job instead of pursuing a risky opportunity because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Better late than never
- It’s better to do something late than not at all.
- He finally completed his degree at age 40, believing that better late than never.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch warns against premature optimism, reminding us to wait for outcomes before celebrating or planning.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush emphasizes the importance of valuing what we already possess rather than risking it for uncertain rewards.
Better late than never reassures us that it’s never too late to achieve goals, encouraging those who might feel discouraged to pursue their ambitions at any stage in life.
Shining Proverbs: Cleanliness and Clarity
Cleanliness is next to godliness
- Being clean and tidy is a virtue.
- She believes that cleanliness is next to godliness, so she keeps her home immaculate.
A stitch in time saves nine
- Taking care of problems promptly prevents bigger issues later.
- He fixed the leak as soon as he noticed it because a stitch in time saves nine.
Out of sight, out of mind
- If something isn’t visible, it’s easy to forget about it.
- Since he rarely saw the old toys, they remained out of sight, out of mind until he decided to donate them.
Cleanliness is next to godliness suggests that maintaining hygiene and order is a reflection of moral integrity. It highlights the connection between personal conduct and spiritual well-being.
A stitch in time saves nine stresses the importance of addressing small problems before they escalate into larger issues, promoting proactive behavior and responsibility.
Out of sight, out of mind emphasizes how easy it is to overlook things that are not present or visible, reminding us of the need to actively manage our belongings and responsibilities.
Wild Wisdom: Animal Comparisons in Language and Culture
Curiosity killed the cat
- Being curious can lead to trouble.
- She learned the hard way that curiosity killed the cat when she snooped around and got caught.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
- It’s challenging to change established habits or learn new skills as one gets older.
- He found it difficult to adapt to the new software, realizing that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
A leopard can’t change its spots
- People cannot change their inherent nature.
- Despite his promises to be more punctual, his friends believe a leopard can’t change its spots.
Curiosity killed the cat serves as a cautionary reminder that sometimes, seeking knowledge or probing into matters can have unintended consequences. It highlights the potential dangers of being overly curious or intrusive.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks reflects the difficulties associated with adapting to new situations, suggesting that older individuals may struggle to embrace change or learn new skills.
A leopard can’t change its spots implies that individuals are unlikely to alter their fundamental character or behavior, emphasizing the idea that innate traits are deeply ingrained and resistant to change.
Feasting and Dreaming: Proverbs of Eating and Sleeping
You are what you eat
- Your health and character are shaped by what you eat.
- She believes in healthy eating, convinced that you are what you eat.
Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite
- A joking way to wish someone a good night’s sleep.
- He always tells his children to sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite, before leaving their room.
Have your cake and eat it too
- You can’t have it both ways; wanting two unrealistic things is wanting too much.
- She wanted to travel while saving money, but her friend reminded her that you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
You are what you eat emphasizes the relationship between diet and health, suggesting that the food we consume reflects our well-being. It serves as a reminder to prioritize nutritious choices for a healthy lifestyle.
Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite conveys warmth and affection, wishing someone a peaceful night’s rest while playfully acknowledging common childhood fears.
Have your cake and eat it expresses the impossibility of enjoying two mutually exclusive benefits, prompting individuals to make choices and accept the limitations of their desires.
Vivid Imagery: Colors and Appearance in Proverbs
Out of the blue
- Something happening unexpectedly.
- She received an out-of-the-blue phone call from an old friend.
Seeing red
- Experiencing extreme anger.
- When he found out about the betrayal, he was seeing red.
Black sheep of the family
- A person who is considered different or an outcast in their family.
- He felt like the black sheep of the family because of his unconventional career choices.
Out of the blue indicates the suddenness of an event, emphasizing the element of surprise in life. It captures the unpredictability of relationships and interactions.
Seeing red represents very strong anger, suggesting that strong emotions can sometimes overwhelm reason. It serves as a reminder to manage feelings before they lead to regrettable actions.
Black sheep highlights the experience of feeling like an outsider, reminding us of the struggles faced by individuals who do not conform to expectations or norms.
6 - Proverb Practice Exercises
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Match the Proverbs:
- A penny for your thoughts
- Actions speak louder than words
- The early bird catches the worm
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- You can’t judge a book by its cover
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do
- The squeaky wheel gets the grease
Meanings:
- a. Be cautious about making predictions before outcomes are certain.
- b. People are often more inclined to take action than to talk about it.
- c. A reward is offered for someone’s opinion.
- d. Being adaptable is important in new environments.
- e. Those who complain are more likely to receive help.
- f. First come, first served.
- g. Appearances can be deceiving.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
- If you want to know what she’s thinking, just offer her a _______________.
- You should always remember that _______________ when dealing with your friends.
- He arrived early to the event because he believes that _______________.
- Don’t get too excited about that job offer; _______________.
- I thought that restaurant would be fancy, but _______________.
- When traveling to a new country, _______________.
- If you want to be heard, _______________.
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
- She always offers her opinion because she believes in a penny for your _______________.
- He often talks about his plans but rarely follows through; clearly, _______________.
- They got the best seats at the concert because _______________.
- She was disappointed when her plans fell through because _______________.
- When I first met him, I thought he was arrogant, but _______________.
- While in Japan, I learned that _______________.
- The manager took notice of the employee who complained, proving that _______________.
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- How does “actions speak louder than words” illustrate the importance of behavior in personal relationships?
- In what ways does “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” apply to decision-making in business?
- Discuss the implications of “you can’t judge a book by its cover” in the context of social interactions.
- How does the proverb “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” reflect the importance of cultural adaptability?
- Explain how “the early bird catches the worm” can motivate individuals to seize opportunities.
- What does “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” suggest about assertiveness in communication?
- Analyze how the saying “a penny for your thoughts” can encourage open dialogue in group settings.
PART 2
In this section we have 20 simple and 20 advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
“A penny for your ___.”
a) thoughts
b) feelings
c) time
d) ideas“Actions speak louder than ___.”
a) words
b) intentions
c) thoughts
d) feelings“The early bird catches the ___.”
a) opportunity
b) worm
c) fish
d) sleep“Don’t count your chickens before they ___.”
a) hatch
b) fly
c) grow
d) run“You can’t judge a book by its ___.”
a) author
b) cover
c) pages
d) title“When in Rome, do as the ___.”
a) tourists do
b) locals do
c) parents do
d) leaders do“The squeaky wheel gets the ___.”
a) oil
b) attention
c) support
d) grease“Curiosity killed the ___.”
a) cat
b) dog
c) mouse
d) bird“Better late than ___.”
a) early
b) never
c) lost
d) soon“A bird in the hand is worth two in the ___.”
a) air
b) bush
c) tree
d) house
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
“Don’t put all your eggs in one ___.”
a) basket
b) jar
c) place
d) bin“Time and tide wait for no ___.”
a) person
b) one
c) man
d) woman“Barking dogs seldom ___.”
a) bite
b) bark
c) howl
d) fight“Too many cooks spoil the ___. “
a) soup
b) recipe
c) dish
d) kitchen“The grass is always greener on the ___.”
a) other side
b) other hill
c) other field
d) other lawn“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it ___.”
a) drink
b) swim
c) run
d) walk“All that glitters is not ___.”
a) gold
b) silver
c) shiny
d) bright“A watched pot never ___.”
a) boils
b) cooks
c) heats
d) bubbles“Every cloud has a silver ___.”
a) lining
b) edge
c) thread
d) ray“A stitch in time saves __.”
a) a life
b) nine
c) effort
d) energy
7 - Proverb Q & A
What are some examples of proverbs?
Examples of proverbs include “as brave as a lion,” “like two peas in a pod,” and “as busy as a bee.” These comparisons enhance descriptions and make language more colorful.
How do proverbs differ from metaphors?
While proverbs use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to make comparisons, metaphors directly equate two things without using these words. Both proverbs and metaphors add depth to writing and create imagery.
What is the difference between a proverb and a metaphor?
A proverb compares two things using “like” or “as,” while a metaphor directly states that one thing is another. For example, “Life is like a journey” (proverb) versus “Life is a journey” (metaphor).
References
[1] Cambridge dictionary https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/proverb
[2] Dictionary.com https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proverb
Answers
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game
- b
- a
- c
- d
- e
- f
- g
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
- cool as a cucumber
- light as a feather
- sly as a fox
- cold as ice
- clean as a whistle
- busy as a bee
- bold as brass
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
- quiet as a mouse
- busy as a bee
- bright as a button
- cool as a cucumber
- tired as a dog
- sharp as a tack
- clear as day
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- A fox is often seen as clever and deceptive.
- Owls symbolize wisdom and knowledge across many cultures.
- A giraffe’s long neck makes it an ideal comparison for height.
- The ocean’s vastness and mystery relate to depth in understanding.
- Thunder’s loudness can evoke feelings of power and intensity.
- A button’s brightness reflects its significance and simplicity.
- “As fit as a fiddle” combines physical health with overall vitality.
PART 2
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
- b
- c
- a
- a
- a
- a
- b
- c
- a
- a
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
- a
- a
- a
- a
- c
- a
- a
- b
- a
- a