Vocabulary Worksheets Activity 6

Idioms and proverbs

1 Complete the following idioms with the missing words. Then match them with their
meanings.
1. To ___________ the ladder.

2. To ___________ out of hand.

3. ____________ and smell the coffee.
4. ____________ theres a will, theres a way.
5. ____________ the cats away, the mice will play.
6. To _____________ ends meet.
a. To be aware about whats going on around you.
b. When bosses are not present, employees tend to relax.
c. If you truly want to do something, you will find a way to do it, in spite of the obstacles.
d. To have enough money to pay for the monthly bills.
e. To improve your position in life.
f. To lose control of something.
2 Match the beginnings and the endings of the following proverbs.
Insert the missing middle word from the box below.
1. Dont count your
2. No use
3. Blood is
4. Dont judge a
5. A stitch in
6. Dont burn the
7. Curiosity
8. Two is a
9. The early
10. A picture is

a. over spilt milk

b. by its cover
c. saves nine
d. before they are hatched
e. than water
f. three is a crowd
g. catches the worm
h. a thousand words
i. at both ends

j. the cat

worth candle company book bird thicker time eggs crying killed

3 Explain the meaning of the four proverbs you like the most in your own words.
You may give examples.

EXAMPLE: You shouldnt take something for granted in advance. For instance, dont rely on your

dads permission to go out in the evening before he actually allows you to do so.