American Proverbs - List One

Question 1

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Answer 1

Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.

Question 2

Actions speak louder than words.

Answer 2

What you do is more important than what you say.

Question 3

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Answer 3

Don’t make plans based on something that hasn’t happened yet.

Question 4

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Answer 4

Don’t risk everything on a single venture.

Question 5

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Answer 5

Even in difficult situations, there is hope.

Question 6

The early bird catches the worm.

Answer 6

Those who act quickly and decisively will succeed.

Question 7

Hindsight is always 20/20.

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Home is where the heart is.

Answer 8

The place where you feel happiest and most comfortable.

Question 9

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Answer 9

Don’t harm or show ingratitude to those who help you.

Question 10

Don’t cry over spilled milk.

Answer 10

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

Question 11

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Answer 11

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

Question 12

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Answer 12

People tend to desire what they don’t have.

Question 13

Birds of a feather flock together.

Answer 13

People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.

Question 14

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Answer 14

Important tasks take time and effort to accomplish.

Question 15

Better late than never.

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Easy come, easy go.

Answer 17

Things obtained quickly and easily are often lost or devalued just as easily.

Question 18

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Answer 18

Those who complain or make their needs known are the ones who receive attention or assistance.

Question 19

Two heads are better than one.

Answer 19

Collaborating with others can lead to better solutions.

Question 20

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Answer 20

Follow the customs or behavior of the people in a new environment.

Question 21

You can’t judge a tree by its bark.

Answer 21

You can’t judge someone’s worth or character by their outward appearance.

Question 22

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Answer 22

Don’t discard something valuable while getting rid of something undesirable.

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Complete tasks promptly rather than postponing them.

Question 24

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Answer 24

Visual representations can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.

Question 25

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Answer 25

Children often resemble their parents in behavior or character.

Question 26

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Answer 26

Retaliating or responding in kind to a wrongdoing does not justify it.

Question 27

You reap what you sow.

Answer 27

Your actions have consequences, either good or bad.

Question 28

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

Answer 28

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

Question 29

All good things must come to an end.

Answer 29

Even enjoyable experiences eventually finish.

Question 30

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Answer 30

Regular healthy habits can prevent illness.

Question 31

Curiosity killed the cat.

Answer 31

Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble.

Question 32

Don’t burn your bridges behind you.

Answer 32

Don’t do or say things that could damage your relationships with others.

Question 33

Practice makes perfect.

Answer 33

Repeating an activity leads to improvement.

Question 34

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Answer 34

Good intentions alone are not enough; actions matter.

Question 35

A watched pot never boils.

Answer 35

Time seems to pass more slowly when you’re waiting for something.

Question 36

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Answer 36

Perception of beauty is subjective.

Question 37

Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.

Answer 37

Don’t criticize others if you have similar faults.

Question 38

Don’t put the cart before the horse.

Answer 38

Do things in the proper order.

Question 39

Empty vessels make the most noise.

Answer 39

People who talk a lot may not have much substance.

Question 40

Fortune favors the bold.

Answer 40

Those who take risks are often rewarded.

Question 41

It takes two to tango.

Answer 41

Both parties involved in a conflict share responsibility.

Question 42

Knowledge is power.

Answer 42

Having information or understanding can give you an advantage.

Question 43

Laughter is the best medicine.

Answer 43

A positive attitude and humor can improve difficult situations.

Question 44

Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Answer 44

Money is not easy to come by; it must be earned.

Question 45

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Answer 45

Challenges or needs inspire creative solutions.

Question 46

Out of sight, out of mind.

Answer 46

People tend to forget about things that are not visible or present.

Question 47

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Answer 47

People should not criticize others for faults they also have.

Question 48

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Answer 48

There’s often some truth behind rumors or suspicions.