Page 161 - English Grammar - 7
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Proverbs

        A proverb is a short well-known statement that gives advice or expresses something that is
        generally true.

        ‘A penny saved is a penny earned’ is an example of a proverb.

        Here is a list of proverbs along with their meanings:


                      Proverb                                            Meaning

           1. A leopard can’t change its  People can’t change their personality, especially their
             spots.                           more negative characteristics.

           2. Beggars can’t be choosers.      If you are in a position where you are asking for help,
                                              you are not in a position to be picky, in fact, you should
                                              take what you are offered.

           3. Better late than never.         It is always better to arrive or do something late than not
                                              at all.

           4. Cross  that bridge when  Don’t waste time worrying about an issue until it arises
             you come to it.                  or happens. It also implies that a problem can be dealt
                                              with better when you know what it is, rather than trying
                                              to guess ahead of time.

           5. Absence makes the heart  Being away from someone or something for a period of
             grow fonder.                     time makes you appreciate that person  or  thing more
                                              when you see them or it again

           6. All that glitters is not gold. Everything that appears attractive is not always good.

           7. A stitch in time saves nine. Solving a problem immediately can help you spare time
                                              from putting in more effort or doing extra work later.


           8. Actions speak louder than  people’s intentions can be judged better by what they do
             words.                           than what they say

           9. An  apple a day  keeps  the  a small preventive treatment
             doctor away.


           10. A bad excuse is better than  always give an excuse when necessary, even if it’s a poor
             none.                            one

           11. A bad workman blames his  when someone blames their  tools for doing a bad job                     Glossary
             tools.                           rather than accepting the blame themself.

           12. A barking  dog seldom  someone who constantly  makes threats  rarely carries
             bites.                           them out

           13. A bird in hand is worth  it is better to be satisfied with what you have rather than
             two in a bush.                   to look for something else and lose even what you have
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