Exercises

Proverbial Wisdom

Express the idea behind each of these proverbs using different words as much as you can.

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The sayings in this puzzle are taken randomly from a list of 750 proverbial sayings.

Note: Many of these proverbs and quotations are in archaic English, and neither grammar nor spelling has been modernised.

1. In vaine he seeketh others to suppresse,
Who hath not learnd himselfe first to subdue.

Edmund Spenser (1552-1599)

Faerie Queene, Bk VI, Can. I, St. 41

2. When fails our dearest friend,
There may be refuge with our direst foe.

James Sheridan Knowles (1784-1862)

The Wife (Mariana), Act V, Scene II

3. He’s half absolv’d who has confessed.

Matthew Prior (1664-1721)

Alma, Can. II, line 22

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