Proverbs in English: What are Proverbs?

What are proverbs? A proverb is a piece of advice or an observation that is considered to be true. Proverbs can give advice and observations. Here are a few. Advice: Don't count your chickens before they've hatched. To bite off more than he can chew. Observation: Rome was not built in a day. Can't cut the mustard. In these examples the proverbs are in bold. Check out our proverbs infographic below.

Proverb Sentence Examples

Practice proverbs in the sentences below. See how proverbs provide advice or observations. Analyse their cultural and historical context for deeper meaning. Have a go and make your own inferences with the proverbs poster.

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder: If people are parted for a time, they tend to appreciate each other more.
• All that glitters is not gold: Appearance can be deceptive one should not judge the value of things by their pleasing appearances.
• Actions speak louder than words: People can say many things because talking is easy, but what really matters is what one does, not what one says.
• Birds of a feather flock together: Persons of like tastes seek one another’s society.
• A bad workman quarrels with his tools: One tries to cover up one’s failures by putting the blame on the tools at one’s disposal.
• Blood is thicker than water: Bonds between blood-relation are stronger than other bonds.
• Cleanliness is next to godliness: Cleanliness is the biggest human virtue.
• Do not look a gift horse in the mouth: One should be grateful and question the quality or use of a lucky chance per gift.
• Do unto others as you would be done by: The kind of treatment you give to others, the kind you get.
• The early bird catches the worm: Immediately or quick action bring success.
• Every cloud has a silver lining: Even if the affairs are in the darkest condition, one should not despair. There is always a ray of hope
• He laughs best who laughs last: One should not rejoice until. one is sure that there are no further problems ahead.
• An honest man is the noblest work of God: Honesty is the best of virtues

Proverb Games and Worksheets

Looking for more resources related to the proverbs? Check out our comprehensive list of worksheets and video games. Download worksheets and play interactive games for free.

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