American Proverbs - List Three

Question 1

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Answer 1

A group or system is only as strong as its weakest member.

Question 2

A penny for your thoughts.

Answer 2

Asking someone what they are thinking about.

Question 3

A watched pot never boils.

Answer 3

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

Question 4

All that glitters is not gold.

Answer 4

Something may appear valuable or attractive but may not be.

Question 5

Beauty is only skin deep.

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Better late than never.

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

Answer 7

It’s safer to deal with a familiar problem than an unknown one.

Question 8

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Answer 8

Don’t take on more responsibility or tasks than you can handle.

Question 9

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Answer 11

Don’t risk everything on a single venture.

Question 12

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Answer 12

Even in difficult situations, there is hope or something positive.

Question 13

Every dog has its day.

Answer 13

Everyone gets a chance to be successful or lucky.

Question 14

Fortune favors the bold.

Answer 14

Those who take risks are often rewarded.

Question 15

Good things come to those who wait.

Answer 15

Patience is rewarded with positive outcomes.

Question 16

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

It takes two to tango.

Answer 17

Both parties involved are responsible for a situation.

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

Kill two birds with one stone.

Answer 20

Accomplish two tasks with a single action.

Question 21

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Answer 21

Avoid bringing up past issues that could cause trouble.

Question 22

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Answer 22

Challenges or needs inspire creative solutions.

Question 23

Out of sight, out of mind.

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Answer 24

Important tasks take time and effort to accomplish.

Question 25

The early bird catches the worm.

Answer 25

Those who act quickly and decisively will succeed.

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 or behavior of the people in a new environment.

Question 31

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

Answer 31

You can’t have everything; choices involve trade-offs.

Question 32

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Answer 32

Don’t judge someone or something by appearance alone.

Question 33

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Answer 33

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

Question 34

You reap what you sow.

Answer 34

Your actions have consequences.

Question 35

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Answer 35

Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.

Question 36

Actions speak louder than words.

Answer 36

What you do is more important than what you say.

Question 37

Better safe than sorry.

Answer 37

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

Question 38

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

Answer 38

Complete tasks promptly rather than postponing them.

Question 39

Hindsight is always 20/20.

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Practice makes perfect.

Answer 40

Repeating an activity leads to improvement.

Question 41

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Answer 42

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

Question 43

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

Answer 43

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

Question 44

Don’t put all your eggs in one nest.

Answer 44

Spread your risks; don’t invest everything in one place.

Question 45

Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

Answer 45

Individuals are responsible for their own success.

Question 46

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Answer 46

If something applies to you, accept it.

Question 47

Ignorance is bliss.

Answer 47

Not knowing about something unpleasant can be comforting.

Question 48

It’s never too late to mend.

Answer 48

It’s always possible to rectify mistakes or change behavior.