Explain the Meaning of Proverbs

In this worksheet, students explore the meaning of common proverbs and understand the words in context.

Key stage: KS 2

Curriculum topic: English

Curriculum subtopic: Standard Comprehension

Difficulty level:

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Worksheet Overview

QUESTION 1 of 10

Proverbs are short sentences or phrases that describe life or offer advice. They're pieces of wisdom that have been handed down through the ages.

For example:

A stitch in time saves nine.

cotton reel with a needle

This proverb isn't really about sewing. It tells us that if we deal with small problems straight away they won't turn into much bigger problems.

Often proverbs use everyday images that we all understand to explain much bigger concepts. They are popular in folk literature but also in spoken English. A proverb is a literary device and writers love to include these in their work for effect.

Why not listen out to see what ones the people around you use?

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