American Proverbs - List Five

Question 1

A penny for your thoughts.

Answer 1

Asking someone what they are thinking about.

Question 2

A watched pot never boils.

Answer 2

Time seems to move slower when you’re waiting for something.

Question 3

All’s fair in love and war.

Answer 3

Anything is acceptable in pursuit of love or victory.

Question 4

Beauty is only skin deep.

Answer 4

A person’s character is more important than their appearance.

Question 5

Better safe than sorry.

Answer 5

It’s better to be cautious than to regret later.

Question 6

Curiosity killed the cat.

Answer 6

Being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble.

Question 7

Don’t burn your bridges behind you.

Answer 7

Don’t damage relationships that may be useful in the future.

Question 8

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

Answer 8

Don’t waste time worrying about things that can’t be changed.

Question 9

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 9

Don’t judge someone or something based solely on appearance.

Question 10

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Answer 10

Don’t risk everything on a single venture.

Question 11

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Answer 11

Even in difficult situations, there is hope.

Question 12

Every dog has its day.

Answer 12

Everyone gets a chance to shine or succeed.

Question 13

Fortune favors the bold.

Answer 13

Taking risks can lead to success.

Question 14

Good things come to those who wait.

Answer 14

Patience is rewarded with positive outcomes.

Question 15

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Answer 15

Don’t try to improve something that is already working well.

Question 16

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Answer 16

Accept criticism or responsibility if it applies to you.

Question 17

Ignorance is bliss.

Answer 17

Not knowing about something unpleasant can be comforting.

Question 18

It’s a piece of cake.

Answer 18

Something is very easy to do.

Question 19

It’s raining cats and dogs.

Answer 19

It’s raining heavily.

Question 20

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Answer 20

Be aware of your adversaries’ actions and intentions.

Question 21

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Answer 21

Avoid stirring up trouble by bringing up past issues.

Question 22

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Answer 22

Challenges inspire creative solutions.

Question 23

Out of sight, out of mind.

Answer 23

People tend to forget about things that are not visible.

Question 24

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Answer 24

Significant achievements take time.

Question 25

The early bird catches the worm.

Answer 25

Those who act quickly and decisively are often rewarded.

Question 26

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Answer 26

People often desire what they don’t have.

Question 27

There’s no place like home.

Answer 27

Home is the most comfortable and familiar place.

Question 28

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Answer 28

Too many people involved in a task can ruin it.

Question 29

Two heads are better than one.

Answer 29

Collaboration leads to better outcomes.

Question 30

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Answer 30

Follow the customs of the environment you’re in.

Question 31

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

Answer 31

You can provide opportunities, but you can’t force someone to take them.

Question 32

You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Answer 32

You can’t enjoy the benefits of something while avoiding its disadvantages.

Question 33

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 33

Don’t judge someone solely based on appearance.

Question 34

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Answer 34

It’s difficult to change someone’s habits or behavior.

Question 35

You reap what you sow.

Answer 35

Your actions have consequences.

Question 36

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Answer 36

Saving money is as valuable as earning it.

Question 37

Actions speak louder than words.

Answer 37

What you do is more important than what you say.

Question 38

Better late than never.

Answer 38

It’s better to do something late than not at all.

Question 39

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

Answer 39

Complete tasks promptly rather than postponing them.

Question 40

Hindsight is always 20/20.

Answer 40

It’s easy to understand something after it has happened.

Question 41

Practice makes perfect.

Answer 41

Repeating an activity leads to improvement.

Question 42

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Answer 42

Those who speak up or complain often get attention or help.

Question 43

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Answer 43

Retaliating to a wrongdoing doesn’t justify it.

Question 44

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 44

Don’t judge someone solely based on appearance.

Question 45

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Answer 45

It’s difficult to change someone’s habits or behavior.