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. He that will rise to the top of a high ladder must go up, not leap up.

L Machin

The Dumb Knight (Prate), Act I, Scene I

2. Set a thief to catch a thief.

Old Proverb

3. Let Hercules himself do what he may,
The cat will mew, and dog will have his day.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Hamlet (Hamlet), Act V, Scene I

4. The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
Sabbath.

The Bible

Mark 2:27

5. Labour is but refreshment from repose.

James Montgomery (1771-1854)

Greenland, Can. 11

6. Physician, heal thyself.

The Bible

Luke 4:23

Read Next

Prepositions

Make up sentences to show which prepositions we use after each word given.

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.