1. Proverbs can help us to learn more about the way different cultures communicate and the things that are important to them. They might also make us think about the world around us and using them correctly could make you sound like a native speaker!
2. Here are just a few proverbs that are often used in English — although not all are unique to the language.
Actions speak louder than words
3. We can talk all day long about what we think or believe but this proverb means the things you do are more important and they show more about who you really are.
(1)What are some of the most common proverbs or sayings in your language?
(2)What is your favorite proverb and why? How has it influenced your life?
Don’t judge a book by its cover
4. We are often told that first impressions are important but this proverb tells us that we should take time to look deeper before we make a judgment. The cover of a book does not always tell us very much about what the inside of the book will be like, just as the look of a person does not tell us everything about them.
Every cloud has a silver lining
5. This is a hopeful proverb, but perhaps not always a true one. It describes light — the “silver lining” — at the edge of a dark cloud. It means that even when something bad happens — that’s the cloud — there could be something good to come from it — the silver lining.
6. For example, you miss your train but because of this you bump into an old friend. Of course, sometimes we have to look for the silver lining ourselves.
(1)Have you ever used a proverb to give advice or guidance to someone? How did it impact the situation?
7. This is a proverb that the world continues to ignore — it suggests that the power of words and ideas is greater than the power of violence and war.
8. Starting something early or before other people is the best way to succeed, according to this proverb — although a worm probably won’t be your prize!
Phonetic Chart
