Do You Know What These Famous English Proverbs Mean?

The English language is full of figurative language and wise proverbs to keep us on a steady track. Many English proverbs have been used to give a bit of advice and wisdom to the younger generation. How well do you know some of the most famous ones?

Think you’re ready for this English proverbs quiz? We warn you. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. But then, you’re probably already eaten.

If you’re going to ace this quiz, you know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Good luck!

English Proverbs

There's no time like the present to take this quiz on classic English proverbs. A proverb is a short saying that expresses a general truth or gives advice. The sayings have been repeated often enough to become cliche. You may have heard such proverbial wisdom from your parents, teachers, or maybe even at a church service! Have you used any of these cliche phrases? After all, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

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Question 1/10

Which of these other proverbs is closest in meaning to the following proverb? "Better late than never."

All good things come to an end.
The early bird catches the worm.
Good things must come to those who wait.
Time is money.

Question 2/10

A good example of a situation in which a person might say, "Two wrongs don't make a right," would be...

When Jill and Sally both miss the same question on the history quiz.
When Jill has hurt Sally very badly, and Sally wants to retaliate.
When Jill misses Sally after not seeing her for several months.
When Jill and Sally foolishly invest all of their money into a financial venture they didn't take the time to research.

Question 3/10

Actions speak louder than words. In other words,...

Most people are hypocrites.
It can be hard to express how much you love a person.
You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you.
You should judge people by what they do rather than what they say.

Question 4/10

Ellen sees that you're struggling with a problem and offers to help. You say, "Sure...

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
"Two heads are better than one."
"Honesty is the best policy."
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Question 5/10

Which of these other proverbs is closest in meaning to the following proverb? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Familiarity breeds contempt.
Birds of a feather flock together.
There's no place like home.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Question 6/10

Which of these other proverbs is closest in meaning to the following proverb? "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Better safe than sorry.
Practice what you preach.
The grass is always greener on the other side.

Question 7/10

Which of these other proverbs most nearly means the opposite of the following proverb? "Many hands make light work."

Never put all your eggs in one basket.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Easy come, easy go.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Question 8/10

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. In other words...

Imperfect people shouldn't bad mouth others, since it's easy to bad mouth them in turn.
Real men live in log cabins.
People with the same background and interests tend to hang out together.
If you're mean to everyone, you'll never get what you want.

Question 9/10

Someone might say, "Never judge a book by its cover," in response to someone else who said...

"Her nickname may be 'Nutmeg,' but Maggie actually hates the taste of the spice."
"Janet's clothes are really expensive. She must be really snobby."
"John was really mean to me the other day."
"I know people say, 'It takes two to tango,' but I swear, the fight was all Bob's fault!"

Question 10/10

Which of these other proverbs is closest in meaning to the following proverb? "Practice makes perfect."

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
God helps those who help themselves.
Still waters run deep.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Calculating Result...

Do You Know What These Famous English Proverbs Mean?