The Old Sayings Are the Best

 

 

Proverbs are short well- known sayings that state a general truth or give advice. They are often based on images which reflect our culture and view of the world. For example, many houses in England have a garden with a lawn. As a result, the expression The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence means that people are never satisfied with their own situation, and always think that others are in a better position.
Moroccan Arabic has the same idea but expresses it differently in an expression which translates as the neighbour's apples always taste sweeter. The proverb Half a loaf is better than none exixts in both languages, reflecting the importance of bread in both cultures.

Look at these English Proverbs. For each proverb you should decide if your language:

a) has almost exactly the same proverb.
b) expresses the same idea but in different words.
c) does not have the same idea at all.

1.- Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
2.- Don't cry over spilt milk.
3.- Kill two birds with a stone.
4.- A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
5.- When the cat is away, the mice will play.
6.- People who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones.

 

 

YOU CAN TRY THESE EXERCISES ON PROVERBS

Proverbs, Proverbs 2, Proverbs 3, Proverbs 4