Proverbs
A proverb is a short, generally known sentence of the folk which contains wisdom, truth,
morals and traditional views in a metaphorical, fixed and memorizable form and which is
handed down from generation to generation.
A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) or an adage is a simple, traditional saying that
expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience.
Proverbs represent the distilled wisdom of cultures, expressed through succinct, memorable
phrases. Speakers can use proverbs to impart knowledge, offer advice, teach or reinforce
morals, make an argument, relieve interpersonal tensions, aid in understanding, or to
console or inspire others. Some popular English-language proverbs include: Practice makes
perfect.
To expand a proverb involves understanding its meaning and significance, and using
examples and reasoning to clearly explain the proverb's wisdom to readers.
Today, such research can also be done by studying proverbs via the Web, such as was done
as one research technique in compiling The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs by Doyle,
Mieder, and Shapiro. This kind of literature-based proverb collection can be applied to a
wide variety of languages.
All proverbs differ in form in some way from ordinary speech. There may be pithy,
epigrammatic statement, antithesis, paradox, parallelism, metaphor, simile, rhythm,
rhyme, hyperbole, personification, alliteration, or some other imaginative touch in
phraseology.
Thus, proverbs are born from life and life’s experiences, and they often in their subtle
observations, show a great knowledge of the human heart.
Finally, after using proverbs becomes a part of the life of the people, it begins to influence
the thinking and the feelings of those who have adopted it. If it does not, it ceases to live. As
Westermarck says, “Proverbs are not merely reflections of life, but play an active part in
it.” The chief function is to influence the will and actions of people. One way to improve
one’s knowledge of a nation is to study its proverb.
Criteria for Selecting Best Proverbs
1. The initial acceptance of the proverb and its continued popularity largely.
2. current use of the proverbs because they convey an image with which everyone is
familiar. How widely used the sayings are.
1. As busy as bee.
2. As proud as a peacock.
3. Candy's dandy, but liquor's quicker.
4. Idleness is the root of all evil.
5. It’s a poor workman who blames his tools.
6. One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
7. The devil finds work for idle hands to do.
8. The longest journey begins with a single step.
9. To drink like a fish.
10. To screech like an owl.
