Proverbial Wisdom

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

Introduction

On this page you will a find a selection of brief sayings, including short quotations from English literature as well as traditional proverbs. Choose a saying, and try to express the idea in different words as much as you can. In what circumstances might you use this quotation?

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

1. It is the bright day, that brings forth the adder;
And that craves wary walking.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Julius Caesar (Brutus), Act II, Scene I

2. What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?

George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)

Childe Harold, Can. III, LXXXIV

3. Better one byrde in hand than ten in the wood.

John Heywood (?1497-?1580)

Proverbs, Bk I, Ch. XI

4. Spread yourself upon his bosom publicly, whose heart you would eat in private.

Ben Jonson (1572-1637)

Every Man Out of his Humour (Carlo Buffone),
Act II, Scene II

5. Bold knaves thrive, without one grain of sense.
But good men starve for want of impudence.

John Dryden (1631-1700)

Epilogue XII, To “Constantine the Great”

6. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The Bible

Matthew 6:34

Read Next

Adjectives

Compose your own sentences to bring out the meaning of these adjectives.

Metaphors

Choose one of these words and use it metaphorically, not literally.

Tag Questions

Complete each of these statements with a little request for confirmation.