PROVERBS
WHAT IS A PROVERB?
Ø Is a short sentence, etc., usually known by
many people, stating something commonly experienced or
giving advice
Ø‘Look before you leap!’
ØThe proverb is telling us to be cautious before action.
WHAT IS A PROVERB?
ØOthers, however, are a little more complicated to
interpret:
Ø‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire!’
ØThis proverb is not really about a frying pan or fire…
ØIt’s really about going from a bad situation to an even
worse situation!
The first in line will be attended to
first.
First come, first served.
A person who never settles in one
place or often changes his job or
mind will not succeed in life.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
One who has nothing to do will be
tempted
to do mischievous acts.
An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
To do somthing that is right,
profitable or a good a little late is
still better than not doing it at all.
Better late than never.
We should be happy with what we
have and not try to get something
better but out of reach.
A bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush.
People of the same sort of
character
normally go together.
Birds of a feather flock together.
There is always a positive side
to sad or unpleasant situations.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Do not be deceived by things or
offers
that appear to be attractive.
All that glitters is not gold.
You should not risk everything
you have in a single venture.
Don’t put all your eggs
in one basket.
It’s better to do something rather
than
just talk about doing it.
Actions speak louder
than words.
Wise people will normally think and
behave alike in certain situations.
Great minds think alike.
You should not do an incomplete or
imperfect
task or job – finish it immediately.
Never do things by halves
If you do something too quickly you will
make a lot of mistakes.
Great haste makes great waste.
There’s no point being upset about
something lost which cannot be found
or a mistake done which cannot be
corrected.
It’s no use crying over
spilt milk.
It’s better to forget and forgive all bad
deeds done by others.
Let bygones be bygones
It’s better to avoid discussing
subjects
that could cause trouble.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Avoid acting hastily, without
considering the possible
consequences.
Look before you leap.
If you have been tricked once
you will
be more careful the next time.
Once bitten twice shy
Seize a good opportunity as
quickly as possible.
Strike while the iron is hot.
If you practise something often
you will excel in it.
Practice makes perfect
It is better to be careful
beforehand than to
try to solve a problem
afterwards.
Prevention is better than cure.
