Proverb and Idioms

Enrich your Language with proverbs and idioms

-Published on 18th Feb 2023 by Oxford School of English-

Proverbs

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings expressing a general truth or advice. They are often metaphorical in nature and are used to convey wisdom or advice. Proverbs are often passed down through generations. They usually talk about general life truths. A famous example of a proverb is "Honesty is the best policy."

Idioms, on the other hand, are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. Idioms are used to add colour and interest to language and are often used to express emotions or ideas more creatively. An example of an idiom is, "Break a leg." (This idiom is used as good luck wishes for actors and it means to have a good performance)

Here are a few examples of commonly used proverbs:

1. Where there's smoke, there's fire This proverb means that if there is evidence of a problem or wrongdoing, there is likely a real issue.

2. A picture is worth a thousand words meaning, explaining something using a picture is a lot easier than words

3. All good things come to an end meaning, everything in this world ends in due time.

4. Better safe than sorry something that one says to tell that it’s better to take precautions than make mistakes and get hurt

5. Give a dog a bad name and hang him meaning that if bad things are said about someone, it will end up ruining their reputation

6. Don’t have too many irons in the fire something we say when we prefer focusing on one thing rather than doing too many things at the same time

7. Paddle your own canoe Means to be dependent on one’s own resourcefulness and ability to do things rather than depending on others

8. A new broom sweeps clean Something we say about someone who has just taken over a new job and tries to carry out every task with a lot of thoroughness, primarily to get attention

Idioms

Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the words. Here are some of the commonly used idioms :

1. Let the cat out of the bag This idiom means to reveal a secret unintentionally or prematurely.

2. The ball is in your court This idiom means that it's now someone else's responsibility or turn to take action

3. To take the bull by the horns meaning, to make a conscious decision to deal with a difficult situation

4. To have a word with someone meaning, to talk to somebody

5. In a rut something we say when we grudge about being in an undesirable job or a situation

6. Hair of the dog to go crazy

7. Go off like a frog in a sock Means to be dependent on one’s own resourcefulness and ability to do things rather than depending on others

8. Catch no ball used to say that you didn’t understand what was said