Exercises C1 : use Proverbs in English (answers)

These exercises are based on English proverbs studied in the course. Test your ability to decode figurative meaning, complete fixed expressions, and use proverbs naturally in context.

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Exercise 1 : Understanding Figurative Meaning

Choose the option that best explains the figurative meaning of each proverb.

1. What does 'The grass is always greener on the other side' mean?
   • A) Gardens in other countries are more beautiful than your own.
   • B) People tend to think others have a better situation than they do.
   • C) Nature thrives more in rural areas than in cities.
   • D) Jealousy is a natural human emotion that cannot be controlled.
2. What does 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' warn against?
   • A) Farmers should wait until their livestock is fully grown before selling.
   • B) You should avoid spending money on animals that might not survive.
   • C) You should not rely on something that has not yet happened or been confirmed.
   • D) Planning ahead is always a risky strategy in business.
3. What is the intended meaning of 'Actions speak louder than words'?
   • A) Shouting is more effective than speaking quietly in an argument.
   • B) What a person actually does is more telling and meaningful than what they say.
   • C) Loud people tend to be more active and successful in life.
   • D) Written communication is less reliable than verbal communication.
4. What does 'Every cloud has a silver lining' suggest about difficult situations?
   • A) Bad weather always eventually leads to sunshine and warmth.
   • B) Clouds are naturally beautiful and should be appreciated.
   • C) There is always a positive aspect or hopeful outcome to be found, even in hardship.
   • D) Difficult situations are inevitable and completely unavoidable in life.

Correction

1. B) People tend to think others have a better situation than they do.
2. C) You should not rely on something that has not yet happened or been confirmed.
3. B) What a person actually does is more telling and meaningful than what they say.
4. C) There is always a positive aspect or hopeful outcome to be found, even in hardship.

Exercise 2 : Matching Proverbs to Situations

Match each real-life situation to the proverb that best applies to it.

1. Sarah promises her team she will work harder, but she continues to arrive late and miss deadlines every week.
2. Tom has already planned how he will spend his bonus, but his manager has not yet confirmed whether he will receive it.
3. Despite losing her job, Maria discovered a passion for painting during her time off and eventually turned it into a successful career.
4. James is perfectly happy with his flat, but after visiting his friend's larger house, he suddenly feels dissatisfied with everything he owns.

• This situation illustrates 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch', because Tom is relying on an outcome that is not yet certain.
• This situation illustrates 'Every cloud has a silver lining', because a difficult event led to an unexpected positive outcome.
• This situation illustrates 'Actions speak louder than words', because Sarah's behaviour contradicts her promises.
• This situation illustrates 'The grass is always greener on the other side', because James only became unhappy after comparing his life to someone else's.

Correction

1. Sarah promises her team she will work harder, but she continues to arrive late and miss deadlines every week. – This situation illustrates 'Actions speak louder than words', because Sarah's behaviour contradicts her promises.
2. Tom has already planned how he will spend his bonus, but his manager has not yet confirmed whether he will receive it. – This situation illustrates 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch', because Tom is relying on an outcome that is not yet certain.
3. Despite losing her job, Maria discovered a passion for painting during her time off and eventually turned it into a successful career. – This situation illustrates 'Every cloud has a silver lining', because a difficult event led to an unexpected positive outcome.
4. James is perfectly happy with his flat, but after visiting his friend's larger house, he suddenly feels dissatisfied with everything he owns. – This situation illustrates 'The grass is always greener on the other side', because James only became unhappy after comparing his life to someone else's.

Exercise 3 : Complete the Proverb

Fill in the blank to complete each proverb correctly, then write the full expression.

1. Actions speak louder than ___ .
2. Every cloud has a silver ___ .
3. Don't count your ___ before they hatch.
4. The grass is always greener on the other ___ .

Correction

1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining.
3. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
4. The grass is always greener on the other side.