Explanations + Practice
Here are the 5 proverbs explained in easy English:
- Beauty is only skin deep
This means that a person’s looks aren’t the most important thing. True beauty is about who you are on the inside, not just how you look on the outside. - The best things in life are free
This means that the most valuable things, like love, friendship, and happiness, don’t cost any money. You can enjoy them without paying for them. - Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
This means don’t assume something good will happen before it actually does. Wait until you’re sure before you celebrate. - Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
This means don’t hurt or be ungrateful to someone who is helping you. You should appreciate the people who support you. - Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
This means that if there are signs that something is wrong, there’s probably some truth to it. Rumors or warnings often have some real cause behind them.
Extra Practice
English Proverbs QUIZ
Quiz: What Would You Say?
Instructions: Read the situation and choose the correct proverb someone would say.
1. Situation: You see someone being really nice to others just to get attention, but you don’t think they’re a good person inside.
a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
b) “The best things in life are free.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
2. Situation: You’re making plans to spend a big bonus from work, but you haven’t received the money yet.
a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
c) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
3. Situation: Someone is saying bad things about their boss who has been very generous and kind to them.
a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
b) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
c) “The best things in life are free.”
4. Situation: Your friend thinks they will win the lottery and are already planning how they’ll spend the money.
a) “The best things in life are free.”
b) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
c) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
5. Situation: You see a lot of rumors about a celebrity being in trouble, and you believe there might be some truth to it.
a) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
b) “The best things in life are free.”
c) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
6. Situation: You and your friend are enjoying a beautiful day in the park, and you feel happy without spending any money.
a) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
b) “The best things in life are free.”
c) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
7. Situation: Someone is acting very kindly, but you suspect they have bad intentions behind their smile.
a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
b) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
8. Situation: A worker insults their boss after receiving a big raise.
a) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
b) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
c) “The best things in life are free.”
9. Situation: A company is planning a big party because they think they’ll get a new contract, but the deal isn’t signed yet.
a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
10. Situation: Your friend is complaining about their parents, even though their parents do a lot to support them.
a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
b) “The best things in life are free.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
11. Situation: You see a lot of smoke coming from a house, and you think there might be a fire even though you don’t see flames yet.
a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
b) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
12. Situation: Your friend is upset because they don’t have enough money to buy expensive clothes, but you remind them that other things in life make us happy.
a) “The best things in life are free.”
b) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
13. Situation: Your friend is talking about how good-looking someone is, but you remind them that what really matters is their personality.
a) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
b) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
c) “The best things in life are free.”
14. Situation: Someone believes a business deal will be successful and is already spending money in their head, but you warn them to wait until it’s confirmed.
a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
15. Situation: A rumor is spreading about a local politician, and you think the rumor might be true.
a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
b) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
c) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
Answers:
- a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
- b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
- c) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- a) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
- b) “The best things in life are free.”
- a) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
- b) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
- b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- a) “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
- c) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
- a) “The best things in life are free.”
- b) “Beauty is only skin deep.”
- b) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- b) “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”