Proverb

 

English and American proverbs are almost second nature when delivered. The origins are quite often little known, yet the expressions are popular. Ethnic proverbs, on the other hand, may be a little deeper to digest, and require non-natives of the proverb’s country of origin, to think about the meaning in order to better understand how it applies to their lives.

What is a proverb?
A proverb is most often a phrase or saying that gives advice in an obscure way. The phrase usually has an allegorical type of message behind that when first heard may seem a little odd. Usually a proverb is very well known because of its popular use in colloquial language.

Role of Proverbs in Society
 Proverbs play many roles in society. The first, possibly, most common role that a proverb plays is to educate. Most often tossed around as expert advice in conversation, the innate role to educate people on what might happen if they do something.

Think of a proverb as a little tidbit of wisdom that just about everyone no matter where they are from can offer. There is a proverb for just about every circumstance, and proverbs can be applied to any situation.

English and American proverbs are almost second nature when delivered. The origins are quite often little known, yet the expressions are popular. Ethnic proverbs, on the other hand, may be a little deeper to digest, and require non-natives of the proverb’s country of origin, to think about the meaning in order to better understand how it applies to their lives.

 English Proverbs

Some examples of English proverbs include:

1. Actions speaks louder than word.

Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.

Example: Don't just tell me you're going to change. Do it! Actions speak louder than word.

2. All good things must come to an end.

Meaning: Everything ends; good times don't last forever.

Example: I wish this vacation would go on forever. It's too bad that all good things must come to an end.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Meaning: An image can tell a story better than word.

Example: I wasn't sure that he loved her, but then I saw them hugging at their airport. A picture is  worth a thousand words.

4. A watched pot never boils. 

Meaning: If something takes time to do, it doesn't help to constantly check on it. You just have to give it time.

Example: I know you think he's going to be a great guitar player one day, but stop criticizing him so much. He just started taking lesson two weeks ago! A watched pot never boils.

5. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Meaning: what is "beautiful" is different for each person.

Example: I think their house is ugly, but they seem to like it. Beauty is in the eye of beholder.