Explanations + Quiz
5 English Proverbs:
- A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush
This means it is better to have something that is certain (like having one bird) than to risk it for something that you might not get (like two birds that are out of reach). - Beggars can’t be choosers
This means that when you need help or are in a difficult situation, you cannot be picky about what you get. You must accept what is offered to you. - Kill two birds with one stone
This means to accomplish two things at once with a single action. It’s a way to be efficient and save time. - Curiosity killed the cat
This means that being too curious or asking too many questions can lead to trouble. It’s a warning to be careful about wanting to know everything. - If the shoe fits, wear it
This means that if a criticism or description applies to you, then you should accept it. It’s a way of saying that you shouldn’t deny what is true about yourself.
Extra Practice
15-Question Quiz:
Instructions: Read the situation and choose the correct proverb someone would say.
1. Situation: You have a good job, but you are thinking about quitting for a better one that isn’t guaranteed.
a) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
2. Situation: Someone is asking for help with their homework but is refusing to accept any help that is suggested.
a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
c) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
3. Situation: You are trying to do two chores at once to save time.
a) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
b) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
c) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
4. Situation: A child keeps asking questions about everything and is getting into trouble.
a) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
c) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
5. Situation: You see someone wearing a shirt that they clearly shouldn’t wear, but they think it looks good.
a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
c) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
6. Situation: You only have a little money but want a new phone. You can’t be too picky if you can only afford a used one.
a) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
c) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
7. Situation: You’re making dinner and decide to cook rice and chicken at the same time.
a) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
b) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
c) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
8. Situation: You have a stable relationship but are tempted to look for someone better.
a) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
b) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
c) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
9. Situation: You are being criticized for being late, but you know it’s true.
a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
10. Situation: Your friend is too curious about your personal life and keeps asking questions.
a) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
11. Situation: You have a guaranteed scholarship for school, but you want to apply for another one that might be better but isn’t guaranteed.
a) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
c) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
12. Situation: A friend is complaining about not having the latest phone but refuses to buy a cheaper one that they can afford.
a) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
13. Situation: You are offered a free meal at a restaurant, but you don’t like the food.
a) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
b) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
c) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
14. Situation: You realize you should accept a mistake you made instead of denying it.
a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
15. Situation: You want to learn more about a new project, but it could be risky or dangerous to get involved.
a) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
c) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
Answers:
- a) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
- b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
- b) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
- a) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
- a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
- b) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
- a) “Kill two birds with one stone.”
- b) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
- a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
- b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”
- a) “A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.”
- a) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
- a) “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
- a) “If the shoe fits, wear it.”
- b) “Curiosity killed the cat.”