English people use proverbs in speech so often that a proverbs work with explanations, examples and exercises will be a valuable help to the advanced student of the English language.
This part of the book comprises forty seven proverbs used in Modern English. The proverbs are arranged in alphabetical order there are eight sections in this part of the book, each dealing with some proverbs. Each unit is in its turn subdivided into Explanatory Notes and Exercises.
Explanatory Notes give established forms of proverbs, explanations of their meaning, their Russian equivalents.
The aim of the exercises is to improve the students understanding and use of proverbs, and help them master spoken English in general. The exercises are meant for writing work at home. In class the students may be given exercises, such as:
– Build up a dialogue around a situation covered by this or that proverb
– Explain the meaning of the following proverbs or phraseological units in English
– In the book you are reading find passages which may be commented upon by using certain proverbs
– In the book you are reading find proverbs or phraseological units originating from them and comment on their use
– Translate from Russian into English the following passages containing proverbs
– Make up a story using the given proverb in the end or in the beginning of it
Technically speaking, a proverb is a sentence which has the following characteristics:
– it is not created in the process of speech but exists and is reproduced as a ready-made unit;
– it is characterized by the stability and relative constancy of its structure;
– it expresses some well-known truth or some kind of admonition and always has a generalized meaning;
– it is brief and vivid and often contains parallel or contrasting parts, rhyme, alliteration, and a certain rhythm.
All the components of a proverb are very important and interdependent.
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Лучше синица в руке, чем журавль в небе.
2. A burnt child dreads the fire.
Обжегшись на молоке, дуешь и на воду.
3. Actions speak louder than words.
Не по словам судят, а по делам.
4. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
Утопающий за соломинку хватается.
5. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Друзья познаются в беде.
6. All's well that ends well.
Все хорошо, что хорошо кончается.
7. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Кому на месте не сидится, тот добра не наживет.
8. Ask no questions and you'll be told no lies.
Не лезь в душу.
9. A stitch in time saves nine.
Хороша ложка к обеду.
10. As you make your bed, so you must lie on it.
Что посеешь, то и пожнёшь.
11. A watched pot never boils.
За которым горшком наблюдают, тот не скоро вскипает.
Когда ждёшь, время тянется медленно.
12. Better late than never.
Лучше поздно, чем никогда.
13. Don't cross the bridges before you come to them.
Не стоит беспокоиться раньше времени.
14. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Нет худа без добра.
15. Half a loaf is better than no bread.
На безрыбье и рак рыба.
16. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Назвался груздем – полезай в кузов.
17. It's a long lane that has no turning.
Сколько веревочке не виться.
18. It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.
Нет худа без добра.
19. Least said, soonest mended.
Меньше слов, больше дела.
20. Like mother, like daughter (or: Like father, like son).
Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает.
Сын в отца пошел.
21. Look before you leap.
Семь раз отмерь, один отрежь.
Не зная броду, не суйся в воду.
22. Make hay while the sun shines.
Коси, коса, пока роса.
Куй железо, пока горячо.
23. Misfortunes never come alone.
Пришла беда ─ отворяй ворота.
24. No news is good news (also: No news good news).
Отсутствие новостей – хорошая новость.
25. None so blind as they who will not see (also: There are none so blind as those who won't see).
Нет более слепого, чем тот, кто не желает видеть.
26. No smoke without fire.
Нет дыма без огня.
27. Nothing venture, nothing have.
Попытка ─ не пытка.
Волков бояться ─ в лес не ходить.
Риск ─ благородное дело.
Смелость города берет.
28. Old birds are not to be caught with chaff.
Старого воробья на мякине не проведешь.
29. Once bit (or: bitten), twice shy.
Пуганная ворона куста боится.
30. One good turn deserves another.
Услуга за услугу.
Долг платежом красен.
31. Out of sight, out of mind.
С глаз долой, из сердца вон.
32. Prevention is better than cure.
Предупреждение лучшее лечение.
33. Seeing is believing.
Лучше один раз увидеть, чем сто раз услышать.
34. Second thoughts are best.
Семь раз отмерь, один отрежь.
35. Still waters run deep.
В тихом омуте черти водятся.
36. Strike while the iron is hot.
Куй железо, пока горячо.
37. The devil is not so black as he is painted.
He так страшен черт, как его малюют.
38. The early bird catches the worm.
Кто рано встает, того удача ждет.
Кто рано встает, тому бог подает.
39. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Обед узнают по кушанью, а ум по слушанью.
40. There is no accounting for tastes. Tastes differ.
На вкус и цвет товарищей нет. О вкусах не спорят.
41. There's many a slip between the cup and the lip.
He говори «гоп», пока не перепрыгнешь.
42. There is no use crying over spilt milk.
Слезами горю не поможешь.
Что с возу упало, то пропало.
43. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
У семи нянек дитя без глаза.
44. Two is company but three is none.
Третий лишний.
45. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Где хотенье, там и уменье.
46. While there is life there is hope.
Надежда умирает последней.
47. You can't eat your cake and have it.
За двумя зайцами погонишься, ни одного не поймаешь.
Тask 1. Read and translate the meaning of the proverbs using the vocabulary.
Explanatory notes:
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: a sure advantage is better than an expected advantage. It is better to accept something tangible, if not very valuable, at the present moment than to wait for a more valuable thing which is however beyond our reach, so far. A bird in the hand is something that one already has as opposed to something one may possibly obtain, i.e. a bird in the bush.
2. A burnt child dreads the fire: after some bitter or painful experience one is supposed to become careful and keep away from the cause of one's troubles or sufferings.
Example: Her experience of love has been too bitter and she won’t like to taste it again, for a burnt child dreads the fire. (Thomas and Kelly)
3. Actions speak louder than words: a person is known and judged more by his actions than by his words, however smooth or coarse the latter might appear; actions are more important than words.
Example: "Am I to say nothing?" she stammers. "Nothing! Actions speak louder than words!!" (R. Broughton)
4. A drowning man will catch at a straw: anyone in desperate circumstances tries every possible means oil escape even though he knows it is not likely to be of any teal use. To catch at a straw means to avail oneself of even the slightest chance of rescue from one's difficulties, or to gain hope from the slightest sign that may seem favorable.
Example: Kate, a drowning man catches at straws, you know. I saw you waver just now. (R. Brougtiton)
5. A friend in need is a friend indeed: it is at a time of misfortune that you know your real friends.
Example: I thank you heartily… A friend in need is a friend indeed. (W. G. Smith)
Тask 2. Complete the following proverbs.
1) A friend in need ..................
2) Actions ................. words.
3) ......... ......... in the bush.
4) A burnt .................. fire.
5) .............. .... catch at a straw.
Тask 3. Find English equivalents to the Russian proverbs below.
Не по словам судят, а по делам.
Друзья познаются в беде.
He сули журавля в небе, а дай синицу в руки.
Обжегшись на молоке, дуешь и на воду.
Утопающий за соломинку хватается.
Тask 4. Use appropriate proverbs to fill in the blanks.
1) He had heard that «...........» and he acted. (A. Taylor, B. J. Whiting)
2) You came to my side when I was in trouble ......................... (W. G. Smith)
Тask 5. Find phraseological units and state what proverbs they originate from.
1) Today I am busted and almost beat. I dropped eighty percent of my business all because he put me on his D.D. (demand draft) list. I came up here on a hunch, grabbing at a straw. (R. Robbins)
2) She had closed the house at Hilltop and all her time she spent looking after Arthur, preparing his food, reading to him, or merely sitting in silent companionship by his bed. Strange behaviour for a woman naturally so indifferent, so apparently self-absorbed. It was perhaps an atonement, a clutching at this chance straw of expiation in the throbbing desire to prove that there was something of good in her. (A. Cronin)
3) "There really is nothing as important as giving our town dwellers decent living conditions." ─ "It's rather like going over to the enemy," muttered Michael. "Our future oughtn't to be so bound up in the towns." ─ "It will be, whatever's done. 'A bird in the hand', and such a big bird, Michael." (J. Galsworthy)
4) "I've always liked your mother," Tom went on. "I like the way she's always tried to clutch at straws, and the way she's always been running, trying to catch the bus." (P. Marquand)
Тask 6. Render in English several proverbs of your own language. Use them in situations.
He сули журавля в небе ─ дай синицу в руки.
Друзья познаются в беде.
Утопающий за соломинку хватается.
Пуганая ворона куста боится.
О человеке судят по делам.
Хвататься за соломинку.
Журавль в небесах.
Синица в руке.
Тask 7. Choose the right proverb for the given life situation.
I'm eager to buy a fashionable evening dress for the New Year party. It's so beautiful, but rather expensive. I think it is worth buying. The quality is excellent for the price. But my mother is against it. She says we can't afford it now. We are short of money, because my parents don't get their salary regularly.
а) Cut your coat according to your cloth.
b) A drowning man will catch at a straw.
с) A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Тask 8. Make up a story using one or more of the given proverbs at the beginning.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
A drowning man will catch at a straw.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Тask 1. Read and translate the meaning of the proverbs using the vocabulary.
Explanatory notes:
1. All's well that ends well: fears and anxieties are forgotten as soon as one's aim is reached.
Example: When the books were signed the vicar congratulated the husband and wife on having performed a noble, and righteous, and mutually forgiving act. "All's well that ends well," he said smiling. (Th. Hardy)
2. A rolling stone gathers no moss: a person who frequently changes his occupation does not attain a position of security, prosperity, success (just as a stone that never stays long in one place gives no chance for moss to grow on it). A person who moves around, never staying in one job, is called a rolling stone.
Example: "I want to see Dan settled somewhere. 'A rolling stone gathers no moss', and at twenty-five he is still roaming about the world without a tie to hold him. (L. Alcott)"
3. Ask no questions and you'll be told no lies: one should not ask inappropriate questions that may lead to deceitful answers.
Example: "What made you part from him?"
"Ask no questions and you'll be told no lies." (Т.А. Hardy)
4. A stitch in time saves nine: a little effort at the right time saves much work later.
Examples:
A Stitch in Time, or Pride Prevents a Fall. (J. Laver)
We take a stitch in time that may save nine. (B. Stevenson)
5. As you make your bed, so you must lie on it: a person must take the responsibility for, and suffer from the results of his own unwise actions, just as a man who makes his bed badly will certainly sleep uncomfortably.
Example: "Stop crying," she says, harshly, "you have made your bed, and you must lie on it." (R. Broughton)
Тask 2. Complete the following proverbs.
1) A rolling stone ...............
2) ............... saves nine.
3) Ask ................ no lies.
4) .................. that ends well.
5) As you make your bed, .........................
Тask 3. Find English equivalents to the Russian proverbs below.
Все хорошо, что хорошо кончается.
Что посеешь, то и пожнешь.
Кому на месте не сидится, тот добра не наживет.
Хороша ложка к обеду.
Не лезь в душу.
Тask 4. In the following passages find proverbs or parts of proverbs, explain their meaning in English and translate the passages into Russian.
1) One can almost hear the formula, "She has made her bed, now let her lie on it." (S. H. Adams)
2) If you do your rolling up-hill you will gather some moss. (B. Stevenson)
3) No one must know ─ certainly not her father, who had warned her so desperately! She had made her bed, and would have to lie on it. (J. Galsworthy)
4) I've been here twenty years myself. I always was one for sticking to a job. I always say when you get a good place, then stick there. A rolling stone gathers no moss, and it's true. (R. Wright)
Тask 5. Translate the passage into Russian. Retell it, and explain the use of proverbs.
Montanelli came slowly down the steps, the people crowding about him to kiss his hands.
"Peace be with you, my children!"
At the sound of the clear, silvery voice, the Gadfly bent his head, so that the white hair fell across his face. If only he could shrink into some corner and stop his ears to shut out, the sound! Indeed, it was more that any man should have to bear ─ to be so close, so close that he could have put out his arm and touched the dear hand.
"Will you not come under shelter, my friend?" the soft voice said. "I am afraid you are chilled."
The Gadfly's heart stood still. For a moment he was conscious of nothing but the sickening pressure of the blood that seemed as if it would tear his breast asunder; then it rushed back, tingling and burning through all his body, and he looked up. The grave, deep eyes above him grew suddenly tender with divine compassion at the sight of his face.
"Stand back a little, friends," Montanelli said, turning to the crowd; "I want to speak to him."
The people fell slowly back, whispering to each other, and the Gadfly, sitting motionless, with teeth clenched and eyes on the ground, felt the gentle touch of Montanеlli’s hand upon his shoulder.
"You have had some great trouble. Can I do anything to help you?"
The Gadfly shook his head in silence.
"Are you a pilgrim?"
"I am a miserable sinner."
The accidental similarity of Montanelli's question to the password came like a chance straw, that the Gadfly, in his desperation, caught at, answering automatically. He had begun to tremble under the soft pressure of the hand that seemed to burn upon his shoulder. (E. L. Voynich, The Gadfly)
Тask 6. Choose the best variant from those given below to complete the proverb.
1) A ............. stone gathers no moss.
a) rolling
b) nice
c) big
2) As you make you bed, so you ............. lie on it.
a) can
b) try
c) must
3) A stitch in time ............. nine.
a) saves
b) brings
c) makes
Тask 7. Complete the beginning or the end of the following proverbs.
1) A bird in hand .............
2) A rolling stone .............
3) Actions speak louder .............
4) All's well .............
5) A stitch in time .............
6) ............. and you'll be told no lies
7) ............. dreads the fire
8) ............. will catch at a straw
9) ............. a friend indeed
10) ............. so you must lie on it
Тask 8. Illustrate the proverbs using your body language/ gestures.
The appetite comes with eating. (Аппетит приходит во время еды.)
As you make your bed, so must you lie in it. (Как постелешь, так и поспишь.)
Тask 9. Make up a joke using one or more of the given proverbs in the end.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
A drowning man will catch at a straw.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
As you make your bed, so you must lie on it.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Ask no questions and you'll be told no lies.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
All's well that ends well.
Тask 1. Read and translate the meaning of the proverbs using the vocabulary.
Explanatory notes:
1. A watched pot never boils (or: a watched pot is long in boiling): time hangs heavy on one's hands during the period of waiting or expectation.
Example: I said to myself, "A watched pot never boils"; if I don't look for her she will come. (J. Galsworthy)
2. Better late than never: it is better to arrive late than never to arrive at all, or be late in the performance of something necessary or advisable rather than never do it. Compare: Лучше поздно, чем никогда.
3. Don't cross the bridges before you come to them (or: don't cross the bridge till you get to it): do not trouble yourself about future problems and difficulties, but wait till they have to be faced.
Example: "You know I get desperately frightened, sometimes," said Aileen. "Father might be watching us, you know. I've often wondered what I'd do if he caught us. I couldn't lie out of this, could I?"
"You certainly couldn't," said Cowper wood, "but you might as well not cross that bridge until you come to it," he continued. (Th. Dreiser)
4. Every cloud has a silver lining: nothing is wholly dark or full of unmixed sorrow or gloom; there is some good in every evil; a misfortune may turn into a benefit.
Example: "O, society!" said Kate, "society, in the sense you mean, and I have only a bowing acquaintance. Every cloud has a silver lining; and that is one advantage of being insignificant, ─ that you're not in much terror of Mrs. Qrundy." (R. Broughton)
5. Half a loaf is better than no bread: if it is impossible to have (receive, gain) exactly what one wants, it is better to have a substitute, however poor it may be, than nothing at all.
Example: We must live somehow, and half a loaf is better than no bread. (Ch. Kingsley)
6. In for a penny, in for a pound: as soon as one has entered into the engagement, one must go through with it at all costs.
Example: "She has not been here since Monday?"
"I believe not."
"Then you have been there?"
"Yes."
"What day?"
He hesitates. Shall he make a clean breast of it? Yes: in for a penny, in for a pound.
"I've been there five days," replies he slowly, and looking down. (R. Broughton)
Task 2. Complete the following proverbs.
1) Every cloud .........................
2) ........................ than never.
3) Don't cross ........................ you get to it.
4) Half a loaf ....................
5) ........................ in for a pound.
Тask 3. Find English equivalents to the Russian proverbs below.
На безрыбье и рак рыба.
Назвался груздем ─ полезай в кузов.
Взялся за гуж ─ не говори, что не дюж.
Нет худа без добра.
Лучше поздно, чем никогда.
Не стоит беспокоиться раньше времени.
Task 4. In the following passages find proverbs, or parts of proverbs, explain their meaning in English.
1) Every cloud has its silver lining but it is sometimes a little difficult to get it to the mint. (B. Stevenson)
2) The first time he was found there by the newspapers didn’t matter because you're crazy enough to do anything, but now it would be the final straw to break the back of this whole ridiculous situation. (J. Aldridge)
3) Hugo felt that he was about to swoon, that he had suffered just as much as a mart, could suffer, and that Fate was dropping the last straw on the camel's back. (A. Bennett)
4) "Tomorrow seemed such a long time off, that I thought I must know the worst or the best before the sun came up again. I don't quite know which it is now; which is it, Esther?" ─ "It's neither the one nor the other; it's the second best," she answers, all smiles again, at seeing some prospect of her admirer's departure. "It is that I really am very much obliged, though, all the same I wish you would think better of it and that I'll try." So with this half-loaf he goes. (R. Broughton)
5) The Spaniard seemed to catch sight of the bottle. "I'm so thirsty, do you mind if I have a glass of champagne?" Julia was silent for a fraction of a second. It was his champagne and his compartment. Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound. "Of course not." He poured himself a glass, lit a cigarette and sat down on the edge of her bed. (W. S. Maugham)
Task 5. Use appropriate proverbs to fill in the blanks.
1) The fact that almost immediately John found a better job than the one he lost is further proof of the saying that ......................... (H. Whitford, R. J. Dixson)
Task 6. Find phraseological units and state what proverbs they originate from.
1) Lancashire has seen its export markets whittled away over the past years often by what seemed in one way or another unfair practices. To be attacked in the home market, which now absorbs 75 per cent of Lancashire's output, is the last straw. (W. J. Ball)
2) There's a silver lining Through the dark clouds shining, Turn the dark cloud inside out, Till the boys come home. (B. Stevenson)