Do you know your English sayings and proverbs? This quiz will test your knowledge of 16 different English proverbs. You will be given the first half and asked to complete it. Good luck!
This phrase is believed to have been coined by st. Augustine in 390 AD.
"...do as a Roman does."
"...be a Roman."
"...act as a Roman"
"...do as the Romans do."
2 of 16
"Fortune favors..."
"Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat." was the original phrase in latin.
"...the brave."
"...the bold."
"...the pure."
"...the poor."
3 of 16
"A drowning man..."
The origin of this phrase dates back to 1382 when John Wycliffe translated the Bible.
"...will do anything."
"...will drown you too if you let him."
"...will clutch at a straw."
"...will clutch at anything."
4 of 16
"Among the blind..."
Believed to have been coined by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus during the 15th or 16th century. The original went: "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man in king."
"...the rat king is free."
"...the one-eyed man is king."
"...the devil is king."
"...the king is the devil."
5 of 16
"An idle brain..."
This proverb can be dated as far back as the 4th century by theologian St. Jerome. It may be one of the oldest expressions in English language.
"...is a terrible thing to waste."
"...is a cry for the devil."
"...is the devil’s workshop."
"...is the devil’s playground."
6 of 16
"An ounce of prevention..."
This axiom was coined by Benjamin Franklin.
"...is worth any sacrifice."
"...is worth a mountain of effort."
"...is worth a gallon of happiness."
"...is worth a pound of cure."
7 of 16
"Be slow in choosing a friend..."
Another great proverb coined by the great Benjamin Franklin.
"...lest you be chosen."
"...but slower in changing."
"...lest you choose rashly."
"...but quick in changing one."
8 of 16
"Cross the stream..."
"...when you see it."
"...where it is shallowest."
"...after you drink from it."
"...when you reach it."
9 of 16
"Don’t cast pearls..."
This quote should be familiar to those who know the bible, as it appears in Matthew 7:6.
"...before dimes."
"...before swine."
"...at the feet of evil men."
"...at the feet of poor men."
10 of 16
"Empty bags..."
Yet another great proverb coined by Benjamin Franklin.
"...cannot stand upright."
"...will always deflate."
"...cannot fight."
"...will always bend."
11 of 16
"Never test the depth..."
"...of water with your head."
"...of the ocean with your feet."
"...of water with both feet."
"...of an argument with shallow logic."
12 of 16
"Fools rush in..."
First written by Alexander Pope in his 1711 poem: An Essay on Criticism.
"...where the wise watch closely."
"...where angels fear to tread."
"...where wise men tread lightly."
"...where the wise do not tread."
13 of 16
"Give them an inch..."
This expression first appeared in writing in John Heywood's collection of proverbs from the year 1546. The original may have used "ell" instead of mile.
"...and they’ll take a mile."
"...and they'll take ten."
"...and they’ll take a foot."
"...and they’ll take it all."
14 of 16
"Grief divided..."
"...multiplies healing."
"...is made lighter."
"...is lighter to bear."
"...is always easier."
15 of 16
"Make hay..."
Originally a Tudor expression, it was first witnessed in writing in 1546.
"...while you live, for tomorrow you may die."
"...while the sun shines."
"...while the going is good."
"...while you're young."
16 of 16
"Marry at haste..."
This proverbial saying was first expressed in print by William Congreve in his comedy of manners The Old Batchelour, 1693: Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure: Married in haste, we may repent at leisure.
"...divorce at leisure."
"...undo at leisure."
"...repent at leisure."
"...repeat with leisure."
You Failed This Quiz
Getting less than 20% of the answers right, we're afraid you did not pass this proverb quiz. Granted, most of these... READ MOREGetting less than 20% of the answers right, we're afraid you did not pass this proverb quiz. Granted, most of these sayings aren't uttered that much anymore, but they do represent an enormous amount of wisdom gained over the years and condensed into these shorter sayings. To see the full proverbs as well as learn more about their origins, look below.
You got less than half of the proverbs correctly, which means you passed but just barely. You have some knowledge of... READ MOREYou got less than half of the proverbs correctly, which means you passed but just barely. You have some knowledge of proverbs but have quite big holes in your knowledge. Granted, they aren't in everyday use anymore, but they haven't vanished, either. They represent a lot of wisdom, and it's a shame not to learn them. You can probably find them in books and articles, and we encourage you to read more as well as perhaps expand your usual reading material.
To see the full proverbs as well as learn more about their origins, look below.
You have a good knowledge of proverbs and English sayings. You probably read quite a bit and enjoy the language, so you... READ MOREYou have a good knowledge of proverbs and English sayings. You probably read quite a bit and enjoy the language, so you remember these sayings. Perhaps your parents used to say them to you! That said, there is a little room for improvement. We're sure you've got an A grade in you to make it this far. If you'd like, you can retake the test. If not, you can see the full proverbs as well as learn more about their origins below.
You positively know your English proverbs! You must have a great memory as well as a keen interest in reading and the... READ MOREYou positively know your English proverbs! You must have a great memory as well as a keen interest in reading and the English language. Perhaps you come from a family where proverbs were used daily. If so, lucky you, as most people these days have forgotten most of these important proverbs that encapsulate so much learned knowledge. Good for you!
To see the full proverbs as well as learn more about their origins, look below.
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