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Proverbs Part-1

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By Venugopal Bandlamudi ( Psychologist )

 



We are going to learn a few proverbs and their meanings now.


* Adversity and loss make a man wise :  We gain wisdom after experiencing difficulties

Example: 

After suffering heavy losses at the initial stage, now she is making big profit in her business. It’s rightly said adversity and loss make a man wise.

 

* All that glitters is not gold :  Outward appearance is often deceptive

Example: 

Many people who went to Dubai have become bonded labourers there. All that glitters is not gold. 

 

* Don’t blow your own trumpet :  We should not talk proudly about our achievements

Example: 

Don’t blow your trumpet in front of her, she may misunderstand you.

 

* Don’t judge a book by its cover : You can’t form an opinion about others just from their outward appearance.

Example: 

Don’t judge a book by its cover! He is a very good man, though he appears rude.

 

* Every cloud has a silver lining :  Every negative situation can result in some benefit to you

Example: 

The Covid Crisis has diminished the pollutants in the air. Every cloud has a silver lining.

 

* Fall seven times, Stand up eight : Try despite failures

Example: 

Edison invented the bulb, though he failed thousands of times. Fall seven times, stand up eight.

 

* Hope for the best, prepare for the worst : Be optimistic, but at the same time be prepared if something goes wrong.

Example: 

Big investors always keep some money as they can handle the situation if the market drops. That’s why, they say hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. 

 

* It takes two to make a quarrel : An argument or a fight is not the fault of one person

Example: 

India and Pakistan blame each other for the border tensions. But, it takes two to make a quarrel.

 

* Look before you leap : Consider all options and consequences before doing something

Example: 

'You want to go abroad? The current situation is not good. I would say look before you leap'. 


Practice: 

Use the following proverbs in your own sentences

1. Fall seven times, stand up eight.

2. Don't judge a book by its cover.

3. Look before you leap.

4. Don't blow your own trumpet.

5. It takes two to make a quarrel.




 


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