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. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1839)

Odes to Rosa

2. Some bookes are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.

Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

Essay L, Of Studies

3. A man must serve his time to ev’ry trade
Save censure — critics all are ready made.

George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)

English Bards and Scotch Reviewers

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

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Rip Van Winkle

5. Hypocrisy the only evil that walks
Invisible, except to God alone.

John Milton (1608-1674)

Paradise Lost, Bk III, line 683

6. He must have a long spoon that must eat with the devil.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

The Comedy of Errors (Dromio), Act IV, Scene III

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

Tag Questions

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