Can You Complete the English Proverb?

If you're like me, you love old sayings and proverbs that are full of wisdom and clever wordplay. In this quiz, we'd like to challenge you to finish these 17 old English proverbs. Can you do it?
 
 
like an old fool.
like a rich fool.
like a young fool.
like a wise man.
 
 
played on an old fiddle.
that came out of a broken fiddle.
produced by a broken voice.
played on an old guitar.
 
 
the spice of life.
the most important thing in life.
what separates prince and pauper.
the meaning of life.
 
 
is fire without light.
makes for happy fools.
is meat without salt.
makes for a poor student.
 
 
from a sow's ear.
from an ugly pig.
without gold.
without making an ugly effort.
 
 
from the chaff.
from the grain.
from the water.
from the dirt.
 
 
never did run smooth.
runs the most sweet.
makes for the prettiest tales.
zigs and zags.
 
 
and bark yourself?
and not feed it?
and not let it bark?
and not befriend it?
 
 
a lover.
a fool.
a baby.
a gift.
 
 
before the fall.
before fear.
and goes, but life remains.
and goes, but strength remains.
 
 
to catch a thief.
but don't trust him.
to lose your fingers.
and lose your honor.
 
 
no pockets.
no color.
no style.
always been and always will be.
 
 
we are merely the lesson.
we learn from both.
we learn nothing.
we are taught a lesson.
 
 
the iron is hot.
the enemy awakes.
the cock crows.
the moon shines.
 
 
is not worth a fly.
is not worth a cry.
is something on which you can rely.
is in ample supply.
 
 
but on its buttered side.
but is lost.
but from shaky hands.
but from lazy hands.
Try Again?
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, look at the quiz answers.
Good Score!
You 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 when clicking on the quiz answers.
Terrific Score!
You 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 look below as the quiz answers.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Rate:
Sign Up for a Free Daily Quiz!
Did you mean:
Continue With: Facebook Google
By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy