Proverbs Index: College Students
Scholarship for College Students through English Proverbs
How are Proverbs to be interpreted?
Proverbs contain popular wisdom acquired by mankind over the ages.
Proverbs are to be interpreted primarily in two ways: literally
and metaphorically.
Many Proverbs contain a universal truth and
are to be interpreted literally. Consider the following examples:
- The greatest talkers are the least doers
- Out of debt, out of danger
Other Proverbs apply to a variety of situations and
are to be interpreted in a broad metaphorical sense
(and not just literally). Consider the examples that follow:
- Between two stools you fall to the ground
- Who repairs not his gutters repairs his whole house
What is the role of Proverbs in learning and education?
Proverbs are conspicuous in cursive copywriting books. Children
in their early years of learning use proverbs to not only improve
their handwriting but also develop their intellect. In addition,
they form a vital component of English language courses.
More importantly, understanding the meaning of Proverbs provides the
real challenge for students at all levels.
Many proverbs convey essentially the same or similar
meaning when they are interpreted in the metaphorical sense.
It is engaging to figure out the subtle differences in meaning.
Consider the following:
- Make hay while the sun shines
- A mill cannot grind with the water that is past
- Never put off till tomorrow what may be done today
- One of these days is none of these days
- Opportunity seldom knocks twice
- Procrastination is the thief of time
- Strike while the iron is hot
- Take time by the forelock
- There is no time like the present
- Tomorrow never comes
- What may be done at any time is done at no time
Some proverbs offer contradictory pieces of advice. It is
valuable to figure out the truth in these situations.
Consider the following:
- Absence makes the heart grow fonder
- Out of sight, out of mind
Proverbs educate at all times and offer learning for all ages.
Proverbs determine actions and emotions. Proverbs are expressions
of hope, fatalism, cynicism and consolation. Study the following:
- The darkest hour is that before the dawn
- Man proposes, God disposes
- Many would be cowards if they had courage enough
- Marry in haste, repent in leisure
- Spare the rod and spoil the child
- What can't be cured must be endured
Interpreting and understanding the entire gamut of Proverbs
allows an individual to formulate a philosophy of life. As you
discover new Proverbs in the Syvum Family Fun Zone, you are sure
to experience a sense of enlightment and a feeling of refreshment.
How does one gain mastery over Proverbs?
You can gain mastery over Proverbs by attempting the associated activity
for College Students in the Syvum Family Fun Zone. You will be required to
fill in the missing word to complete the proverb. On clicking
the "Score" button, your answers will be evaluated. You can try
answering another time those questions you got incorrect.
Clicking the "Score and Show Answer(s)" button anytime will allow you
to evaluate your answers and, at the same time, view the correct
answers.
There are over 400 proverbs for College Students in the Proverbs Activity
in the Syvum Family Fun Zone.
To allow you to learn them in a systematic manner,
the Proverbs are classified into ten categories based
on their starting letter (ignoring
The, An and A) as given below.
| Proverbs Category |
Examples |
Answers |
| A-B
| _______ when most needed is least heeded.
| Advice
|
|
| Better to ask the way than go _______.
| astray
|
| C-D
| A contented mind is a perpetual _______.
| feast
|
|
| Discontent is the first step in _______.
| progress
|
| E-F
| _______ is better than precept.
| Example
|
|
| _______ on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.
| Footprints
|
| G-H
| A good _______ makes a good wife.
| husband
|
|
| He that would the _______ win, must with the mother first begin.
| daughter
|
| I-K
| Idle folk have the least _______.
| leisure
|
|
| Know your own faults before _______ others for theirs.
| blaming
|
| L-M
| Love your neighbor, yet put not down your _______.
| fence
|
|
| Many _______ the hand they wish to cut off.
| kiss
|
| N-O
| Nothing _______, nothing have.
| venture
|
|
| An ounce of _______ is worth a pound of wit.
| discretion
|
| P-S
| Prosperity makes _______, adversity tries them.
| friends
|
|
| Self-praise is no _______.
| recommendation
|
| T-V
| Through _______ learn to command.
| obedience
|
|
| Virtue is its own _______.
| reward
|
| W-Z
| What _______ little is little esteemed.
| costs
|
|
| You cannot run with the _______ and hunt with the hounds.
| hare
|
Get started on the Proverbs Activity
by clicking above on the letters in the Proverbs Category now!!
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