A. Complete the following proverbs.
1. The early bird...
2. fine feathers make fine...
3. One good turn...
5. A bird in hand is better than...
7. A rolling stone...
9. As you sow...
Answers
Answer:
1. A bad workman always blames his tools.
This proverb is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly.
Example: X: The turkey isn’t cooked well because the oven is not functioning well. Y: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.
2. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Things we already have are more valuable than what we hope to get.
Example: X: Why did you turn down that job offer when you don’t have anything concrete in hand at the moment? Y: Well, I’m confident I’ll land one of the two jobs I interviewed for last week. And they’re better than this one. X: In my opinion, you should’ve taken it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
3. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
When people we love are not with us, we love them even more.
Example: When I was with her she always fought with me but now she cries for me on phone. I think distance made her heart grow fonder.
4. A cat has nine lives.
Cat can survive seemingly fatal events.
Example: I haven’t seen him for several weeks, but I wouldn’t really worry about him. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.
5. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
One weak part will render the whole weak.
Example: No matter how confident the team is, it is as strong as its weakest link – its defence.
6. Actions speak louder than words.
Actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.
Example: Julie always says she’ll donate to the school, and she never does, so I doubt she will this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.
7. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
When someone is in a difficult situation, s/he will take any available opportunity to improve it.
Example: After trying all reliable medicines, he is now visiting quacks to get a cure for his baldness. A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
8. Adversity and loss make a man wise.
We gain wisdom faster in difficult times than in prosperous times.
Example: After losing money in my investments, I know which investments to avoid. It is rightly said adversity and loss make a man wise.
9. A fool and his money are soon parted.
Foolish people do not know how to hold on to their money.
Example: She gave up her entire estate on the basis of a verbal promise. A fool and his money are indeed easily parted.
10. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.
Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.
Example: I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
11. A leopard can’t/ doesn’t change its spots.
A person can’t change its innate character, especially bad.
Example: X: Do you think he’ll stop copying after being caught and penalized? Y: I don’t think so. A leopard can’t change its spots.
12. All good things come to an end.
Good experiences eventually come to an end.
Example: I was so sad to graduate from college and separate from my friends, but I’ve to realize that all good things come to an end.
13. All’s well that ends well.
As long as the outcome is good, problems on the way don’t matter.
Example: I’m glad you finally got here, even though your car had a flat tire on the way. Oh well, all’s well that ends well.
14. All that glitters is not gold.
Things that look good outwardly may not be as valuable or good.
Example: X: I want to be a movie star when I grow up. Y: Film industry looks good from the distance, but it has its own problems. Remember, all that glitters is not gold.
15. All’s fair in love and war.
One can break the rules of fair play under extenuating circumstances.