Name: ______________________________

Proverbs and Adages:

What Do They Mean?
Proverbs and adages are short sayings that state a truth or give simple advice. Below are common proverbs
and adages. Explain what they mean in your own words.
1. Beggars cant be choosey.
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2. Dont put all your eggs in one basket.
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3. Every cloud has a silver lining.
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4. Dont cry over spilled milk.
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5. A stitch in time saves nine.
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Dont judge a book by its cover.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2015 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms.

Name: ______________________________
Key

Proverbs and Adages:

What Do They Mean?
Proverbs and adages are short sayings that state a truth or give simple advice. Below are common proverbs
and adages. Explain what they mean in your own words.
Answers: Students answers will vary, but should reflect the following:

1. Beggars cant be choosey.

If you need something, you cant be picky about what you receive.
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2. Dont put all your eggs in one basket.

Dont risk everything on just one thing; always have alternatives.
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3. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Every bad situation has something good come from it.
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4. Dont cry over spilled milk.

Dont become upset over something you cant change or that has already happened.

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5. A stitch in time saves nine.
Fixing something as soon as it needs repair takes less work than after the problem worsens.

____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Dont judge a book by its cover.
Dont make judgments on outer appearances.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2015 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms.