What are Adages and Proverbs?

What are Adages and Proverbs? exercise

• Find the true sentences.

  Hints

  It's raining cats and dogs is an example of figurative language.

  There are three true choices and one incorrect choice.

  Adages and proverbs always have a message or point to share.

  Solution

  TRUE

  • Adages and proverbs are types of figurative language.
  • In figurative language, the meaning of the text is not the same as the exact literal meaning of the words.
  • Adages and proverbs are intended to tell a truth or give advice.

  FALSE

  • Adages and proverbs are intentionally made to be confusing. Adages and proverbs may sometimes be confusing, but they are not intentionally made to be so.

• Find the meaning of the proverb or adage.

  Hints

  Adages and proverbs are meant to share truths or lessons. Read the proverb again. What kind of moral, or lesson, or advice might the author be trying to share?

  "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is saying that sometimes we may find things difficult. What is a good way to react when something is difficult?

  Keeping in mind that birds like worms, what is the advantage of getting up early in the proverb, "The early bird catches the worm"?

  Solution

  • The meaning of the early bird catches the worm is that when you get started early, you have a greater chance of success.
  • The meaning of if you want to make an omelet, you need to break a few eggs, is that achieving your goal requires making sacrifices.
  • The meaning of when the going gets tough, the tough get going, is that when a goal or task becomes difficult to achieve, strong people persevere and work hard.
  • The meaning of you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, is that people are more likely to help you when you are kind to them.

• Which sentences are examples of figurative language and which aren't?

  Hints

  This is an example of a sentence that doesn't have figurative language: There is one red bird and one blue bird. In this example, the meaning of the sentence is exactly the meaning of the words.

  This is an example of a sentence that uses figurative language: He runs as fast as the wind. It means he runs very very fast, but it is impossible for a person to actually be as fast as the wind.

  Solution

  • The proverb, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" actually means that people who complain a lot, get more attention and help than people who are quiet. This is figurative language.
  • The proverb, "A picture is worth a thousand words" actually means that it takes much more text to explain all of the information someone can receive, than from simply looking at a picture. This is figurative language.

• Expain the meaning of the proverb.

  Hints

  Adages and proverbs are meant to share truths or lessons. What type of advice do you think the author is trying to share?

  In the proverb "The apple does not fall far from the tree", what does the tree stand for? What is the apple?

  In the proverb "Don't bite the hand that feeds you", think of what kind of reaction this is to someone who has offered you help or a gift.

  Solution

  • You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

  This means you can help someone to do something, but you cannot force them.

  • The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

  This means what someone else has always seems more attractive.

  • The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

  This means a child grows up to be similar to their parents.

  • Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

  This means do not act badly towards someone who has helped you.

• Find the meaning of the proverb.

  Hints

  Adages and proverbs are meant to share truths or lessons. Read the proverb again. What kind of moral or lesson might the author be trying to share?

  This proverb is talking about tasks, not necessarily lifting objects.

  When you are faced with a difficult job, it is often made easier when other people help.

  Solution

  Many hands make light work actually means that difficult tasks are completed more easily with many people working together.

• Find the meaning of the proverb or adage.

  Hints

  Adages and proverbs are types of figurative language. This means the meaning of the proverb is not the same as the literal meaning of the words used.

  Adages and proverbs are meant to share truths or lessons. Read the proverb again. What kind of moral, lesson, or advice might the author be trying to share?

  Even though glass can be expensive to replace, this isn't the meaning of an adage or proverb shown.

  Solution

  • "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" means you should watch your friends closely to see if they are honest. You should watch your enemies even more closely in case they are about to do something against you.
  • "Don’t count your chickens before they hatch" means you should not make plans for money or other resources you have not yet received.
  • "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones" means if you have any weaknesses yourself, you should not point out or judge the faults of other people.
  • "Good things comes to those who wait" means to stay patient, and eventually something good will happen to you.