English proverbs

– Hello, boys and girls! My name is Charlie.

– Hello, everyone! I’m Kevin.

– Welcome to our lesson.

– We are happy to see you!

– Kevin, it’s Sunday.

– Yes, that’s right!

– What are you going to do today? Have you got any plans?

– No, I haven’t got any plans for today.

– Great! Would you like to go for a walk with me?

– Sure! Why not?!

– We can also call James on the phone and offer him to come with us.

– Oh, it’s a brilliant idea. Let’s do that!

– Hi, James.

– Hi, Kevin. How are you?

– I’m fantastic, thank you. What about you?

– I’m fine, thanks.

– James, would you like to go for a walk with me and Charlie today?

– Oh, Kevin, I wish I could go for a walk with you and Charlie, but I have to do my homework.

– Well… We can wait for you until you finish it.

– Unfortunately, it may take three or four hours to do the homework.

– Well… Maybe we can help you with that. What do you have to do?

– I have to find the meanings of different English proverbs on the Internet.

– Oh, it’s easy! Charlie and I know a lot of English proverbs.

– Oh, really?

– Yes, of course! Come to our place right now, and we will help you to do your homework.

– Oh, Kevin, I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you so much. I’ll be there in a few minutes.

– Okay. See you, James.

– See you.

So, today in the lesson we will:

● talk about English proverbs;

And

● put the knowledge into practice.

First, let’s answer the question:

What is a proverb?

A proverb is a well-known phrase or sentence that gives advice or says something that is generally true.

Proverbs can be:

Figurative (They are used in a way that is different from the usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture.)

For example:

When you want to make an omelet, you need to break a few eggs.

(This sentence has a figurative sense. And it’s not about an omelet or eggs. It has the following meaning: It’s impossible to achieve something without making mistakes or creating a problem for someone else.)

Literal (They are used to describe the most basic meaning of a phrase or a sentence.)

For instance:

Be slow in choosing but slower in changing.

(This sentence has a literal sense. It means: Choose things or people with great caution and care, but once you choose, stick for long.)

There are many proverbs in the English language. They talk about a lot of themes from love and teamwork to work ethic and etiquette. Proverbs give us a common sense on how to live our lives well and successfully.

– Thank you, guys! That was interesting information.

– James, we’re glad to hear that.

– Now let’s talk about the English proverbs from your homework.

– Okay. The first proverb is…

All that glitters is not gold.

This proverb has the following meaning:

Something might not be as valuable and good as it seems to be.

For example:

– Dad, I want to be a movie star when I grow up.

– Joshua, film industry looks good from outside, but it has its own problems. Remember, son, all that glitters is not gold.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

The meaning is:

Eating an apple a day will keep you healthy.

For instance:

– Dr. Bishop, what should I do?

– Well… Switch from chips to apples for your snack, because an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

The meaning is:

It is easier to explain something through a picture than through words.

For example:

Students, it’s easier to learn biology through pictures than through different texts. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Beauty is only skin deep.

This proverb has the following meaning:

A person’s character, intellect and other inner qualities are more important than his or her physical appearance.

For instance:

The actress was really beautiful, but she behaved so rudely with the driver. It’s no wonder people say that beauty is only skin deep.

Better late than never.

The meaning is:

Getting something late is better than never getting it.

For example:

– Mike, can you imagine? Frank finally returned me the money he owed me.

– Well, it’s better late than never.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
This proverb has the following meaning:

A child usually has a similar character or similar qualities to his or her parents.

For instance:

Stephanie dances so well, just like her mother. Indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Actions speak louder than words.
The meaning of this proverb is:

Action is a better reflection of one’s character than words, because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.

For example:

– Katherine, I love you so much!

– Jordan, you keep saying that you love me, but your actions speak louder than words.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This proverb has the following meaning:

It is better to take some actions in order to avoid possible unpleasant consequences later.

For instance:

– Colin, don’t ride your bike without wearing a helmet. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

– Okay, mum!

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

The meaning is:

Don’t treat badly the person on whom you depend on, or who takes care of you in some way.

For example:

– Michelle, go home and be kind to your parents. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

– Okay, granny, but I’m still mad at them.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

The meaning of this proverb is:

Don’t form an opinion about people by their appearance.

For instance:

– Oh, come on! Look at her! She looks so innocent.

– Eric, she may look innocent, but don’t judge a book by its cover. She’s the greatest troublemaker I have ever seen.

It’s no use crying over spilt milk.

It means that…

You shouldn’t be upset over something that has already happened.

For example:

– Brandon, our trip was a complete disaster!

– Yes, Mary, I totally agree with you, but it’s no use crying over spilt milk.

– James, we’ve talked about the English proverbs from your homework.

– Now we would like to check your knowledge.

– Oh, okay.

Complete the proverbs!

Let’s check the right answers!

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Actions speak louder than words.

Beauty is only skin deep.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Now…

Match the following proverbs with their meanings!

Let’s check the right answers!

Don’t judge a book by its cover. The meaning is:

Don’t form an opinion about people by their appearance.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The meaning is:

Eating an apple a day will keep you healthy.

Better late than never. The meaning is:

Getting something late is better than never getting it.

All that glitters is not gold. The meaning is:

Something might not be as valuable and good as it seems to be.

It’s no use crying over spilt milk. The meaning is:

You shouldn’t be upset over something that has already happened.

– Well done, James!

– Thank you, guys. Now I know the meanings of some English proverbs.

– We are happy to hear that!

– Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate that.

– It’s our pleasure, James.

– All right, everyone! Now let’s go for a walk.

– Hooray! Let’s go!

– That’s all for today, boys and girls!

– See you soon!