Idioms & Phrases • Topic 3 of 4

Proverbs

A proverb is a short, well-known saying that states a general truth or advice. SSC asks the meaning or the matching situation.

Common proverbs and what they teach

ProverbLesson
A stitch in time saves nineact early to prevent bigger trouble
Too many cooks spoil the brothtoo many people ruin a task
Where there's a will, there's a waydetermination finds a path
Look before you leapthink before acting
Actions speak louder than wordsdeeds matter more than talk
Make hay while the sun shinesuse an opportunity while it lasts
Match the situation. SSC often gives a small scenario and asks which proverb fits. Read the lesson column above as the "moral" each scenario should map to.

✅ Solved examples

1. Meaning of "A stitch in time saves nine".
Timely action prevents bigger problems later.
2. Meaning of "Too many cooks spoil the broth".
Too many people working on one task ruin it.
3. Meaning of "Where there's a will, there's a way".
Determination finds a way to succeed.
4. Meaning of "Don't count your chickens before they hatch".
Don't assume success before it happens.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Meaning of "Make hay while the sun shines".
Opportunity.
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Use an opportunity while it lasts
2. Meaning of "A rolling stone gathers no moss".
Stability.
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Constant change prevents lasting gains
3. Meaning of "Birds of a feather flock together".
Similar people.
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Similar people associate with each other
4. Meaning of "Look before you leap".
Caution.
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Think carefully before acting
5. Meaning of "Actions speak louder than words".
Deeds vs talk.
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What you do matters more than what you say

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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