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. But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies they themselves commit.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

The Merchant of Venice (Jessica), Act II, Scene VI

2. No furniture so charming as books, even if you never open them or read a single word.

Sydney Smith (1771-1845)

Memoirs, Chap IX

3. A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Rip Van Winkle

4. No crime’s so great as daring to excel.

Charles Churchill (1732-1764)

Epistle to Hogarth, line 52

5. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Hamlet (Polonius), Act I, Scene III

6. Take time by the forelock.

Old Proverb

Read Next

Sentegrams

These sentences, taken from English literature, have been jumbled up like an anagram; see if you can piece them back together.

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.