Proverbs Flashcards
Actions speak louder than words
Actions are more revealing of one’s true character since it is easy to say things or make promises, but it takes effort to do things and follow through.
Beggars can’t be choosers
If someone gives you something you asked for, you should not complain about what you get.
<i>I asked Joe to lend me his bicycle, and he sent me this old, rusty one. But beggars can’t be choosers. </i>
<i>Jill: Let me wear your green dress; I don’t like the blue one you lent me.
Jane: Beggars can’t be choosers.</i>
His bark is worse than his bite.
One’s words or demeanor is worse than one’s actual behavior.
<i>Mr. Stewart may yell a lot, but his bark is worse than his bite—he’s actually helped me carry my groceries many times. </i>
<i>Don’t worry about Sarah’s threats. Her bark is worse than her bite.</i>
Let bygones be bygones.
To stop focusing on something that happened in the past (usually a source of conflict or tension).
<i>I said I was sorry—can’t we let bygones be bygones?</i>
One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.
It only takes one bad person, thing, element, etc., to ruin the entire group, situation, project, etc. Refers to the fact that a rotting apple can cause other apples in close proximity to begin to rot as well.
<i>A: “It used to be considered the top research facility in the region, but after one of its researchers was discovered to have plagiarized a number of his papers, the whole department’s reputation has been dragged through the mud.”
B: “Well, a rotten apple spoils the barrel.”</i>
The show must go on.
A set phrase meaning that whatever has been planned or scheduled must be carried out, regardless of the current circumstances, including any problems or disruption. Most often applied to show business, particularly the theater.
<i>Our Juliet just called to say she had to go to the hospital. The show must go on! I will play Juliet, as soon as I shave my beard.
A: “Oh no! The birthday cake is ruined!”
B: “The show must go on. Stick a candle in that doughnut.”</i>
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
One should do what is customary or typical in a Behave however the people around you behave. Adapt yourself to the customs of the places you visit.
<i>Jill: Everyone in my new office dresses so casually. Should I dress that way, too?
Jane: By all means. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.</i>
(have) the keys to the castle
(idiom) information or knowledge which gives the possessor access to power
turn something on its head
to cause something to be the opposite of what it was before:
<i>These new findings turn the accepted theories on their head.</i>
