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. A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.

John Keats (1795-1821)

Endymion, line 1

2. Manners makyth man.

William of Wykeham (1324-1404)

Motto. Wykeham was Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England

3. Dearer is love than life, and fame than gold;
But dearer than them both your faith once plighted hold.

Edmund Spenser (1552-1599)

Faerie Queene, Bk V, Can. XI, St. 63

4. One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)

Old Mortality, Ch. XXXIV

5. He that first cries out ‘Stop thief!’ is often he that has stolen the treasure.

William Congreve (1670-1729)

Love for Love (Scandal), Act III, Scene XIV

6. Cut thy coat according to thy cloth.

John Lyly (?1553-1606)

Euphues and his England

Read Next

Truly, Madly

Words ending in -ly are often adverbs, but it’s a dangerous rule to follow: see if you can do better.

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.