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  1. 11+
  2. Year 5
  3. standard-comprehension
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Explain the Meaning of Proverbs

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

'Explain the Meaning of Proverbs' worksheet

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 give advice. They 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.

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

Column A

Column B

A fool and his money
gathers no moss.
A rolling stone
is a friend indeed.
A friend in need
are soon parted.

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

Column A

Column B

A problem shared
is a problem halved.
Where there's a will
soonest mended.
Least said,
there\'s a way.

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

Column A

Column B

A leopard cannot
change his spots.
Too many cooks
has a silver lining.
Every cloud
spoil the broth.

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

Column A

Column B

All that glitters
never boils.
A watched pot
is not gold.
Birds of a feather
flock together.

What does the following proverb mean?

 

Actions speak louder than words.

Noisy people are listened to more than quiet ones.

What you do is more important than what you say.

Be as loud as you can when you are dealing with other people.

What does the following proverb mean?

 

It's no use crying over spilt milk.

When you spill something you need to clear it up quickly.

You should laugh when something bad happens.

There is no point in being upset about something that has happened and can't be changed.

What does the following proverb mean?

 

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Don't be wasteful with your possessions.

Don't criticise others if you have weaknesses yourself.

Don't hurt other people.

What does the following proverb mean?

 

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Don't tease animals.

Let people have a rest when they want to.

Don't talk about things that are likely to cause trouble.

Which of the proverbs in the list has the following meaning?

 

If someone has been hurt they will be more careful in future.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Practice makes perfect.

All's well that ends well.

Which of the proverbs in the list has the following meaning?

 

Don't make a big fuss about something that isn't really important.

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

  • ANSWERS
  • Question 1

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A

Column B

A fool and his money
are soon parted.
A rolling stone
gathers no moss.
A friend in need
is a friend indeed.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 2

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A

Column B

A problem shared
is a problem halved.
Where there's a will
there\'s a way.
Least said,
soonest mended.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 3

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A

Column B

A leopard cannot
change his spots.
Too many cooks
spoil the broth.
Every cloud
has a silver lining.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 4

Match the beginnings of the proverbs with the correct endings.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A

Column B

All that glitters
is not gold.
A watched pot
never boils.
Birds of a feather
flock together.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 5

What does the following proverb mean?

 

Actions speak louder than words.

CORRECT ANSWER
What you do is more important than what you say.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 6

What does the following proverb mean?

 

It's no use crying over spilt milk.

CORRECT ANSWER
There is no point in being upset about something that has happened and can\'t be changed.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 7

What does the following proverb mean?

 

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

CORRECT ANSWER
Don\'t criticise others if you have weaknesses yourself.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 8

What does the following proverb mean?

 

Let sleeping dogs lie.

CORRECT ANSWER
Don\'t talk about things that are likely to cause trouble.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 9

Which of the proverbs in the list has the following meaning?

 

If someone has been hurt they will be more careful in future.

CORRECT ANSWER
Once bitten, twice shy.
  • ANSWERS
  • Question 10

Which of the proverbs in the list has the following meaning?

 

Don't make a big fuss about something that isn't really important.

CORRECT ANSWER
Don\'t make a mountain out of a molehill.
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