What is a proverb and when do you use it?
A proverb is a witty or clever saying that gives someone advice about a general situation or a particular dilemma they are facing. Proverbs seem odd when you first hear them because on the surface they sometimes don't seem to make any sense. 'Don't count your chickens before they are hatched' is a very popular proverb, but why would anyone want to say this to you? You neither have any chickens, nor do you want any. It is a simple way of telling you not to do something before you are certain about it. It is no use counting chickens when they are still in the egg. You don't know how many will hatch.
Proverbs have been around in the English language for hundreds of years and they are still popular when you want to say something clever or witty to someone. Proverbs are great for making a conversation interesting. What do you think these proverbs mean?
1. Two heads are better than one.
a. It is sometimes better to ask someone to help you do something than to do it by yourself.
b. If two people put their money together, they could buy something expensive.
2. Look before you leap (to leap means to jump).
