Idioms, Adages & Proverbs — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
"The grass is always greener on the other side" means you should move to a different yard.
Corrected: "The grass is always greener on the other side" means other people's situations often seem better than your own.
The corrected sentence is: ""The grass is always greener on the other side" means other people's situations often seem better than your own." The error was literal interpretation — proverb is about envying what others have: the original sentence ""The grass is always greener on the other side" means you should move to a different yard." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
"You can't have your cake and eat it too" means cake should not be eaten.
Corrected: "You can't have your cake and eat it too" means you cannot keep something and use it up at the same time.
The corrected sentence is: ""You can't have your cake and eat it too" means you cannot keep something and use it up at the same time." The error was literal interpretation — proverb is about not having it both ways: the original sentence ""You can't have your cake and eat it too" means cake should not be eaten." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
"Curiosity killed the cat" means cats should not explore outdoors.
Corrected: "Curiosity killed the cat" means being too nosy or prying can lead to trouble.
The corrected sentence is: ""Curiosity killed the cat" means being too nosy or prying can lead to trouble." The error was literal interpretation — proverb warns against unnecessary prying: the original sentence ""Curiosity killed the cat" means cats should not explore outdoors." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. "Rome wasn't built in a day" means great things take time.
Rome was one of the greatest cities ever built, and it took centuries to complete. The proverb reminds us that worthwhile achievements require time and patience.
2. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" encourages people to eat healthy.
This proverb uses the apple as a symbol for nutritious food, encouraging people to eat healthy so they stay well and avoid getting sick.
3. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" means follow the customs of the people around you.
This proverb advises travelers (and anyone in a new situation) to follow the customs and traditions of the people around them, since respecting local habits helps you fit in.
4. "No pain, no gain" means you must work hard to achieve your goals.
"No pain, no gain" teaches that valuable rewards require hard effort and struggle, just like athletes must train intensely to improve their skills.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What does the proverb "birds of a feather flock together" mean? Give an example from school.
Sample answer: It means people who are alike tend to spend time together. For example, students who love reading often sit together at lunch and talk about their favorite books.
A good answer includes: It means people who are alike tend to spend time together. For example, students who love reading often sit together at lunch and talk about their favorite books.
2. Explain what "two wrongs don't make a right" teaches and why it is important.
Sample answer: It teaches that doing something wrong to get back at someone who wronged you does not fix the problem. It is important because it encourages solving conflicts peacefully.
A good answer includes: It teaches that doing something wrong to get back at someone who wronged you does not fix the problem. It is important because it encourages solving conflicts peacefully.