e nglishclub.

co m

http://www.englishclub.co m/ref/Sayings/

English Sayings
Vocabulary : Sayings

Sayings and proverbs in English

A saying is a short, clever expression that usually contains advice or expresses some obvious truth. Many traditional sayings are still in general use today. Most of the sayings in this section are well known in English, though some of them come f rom other languages. T he meaning or interpretation shown f or each saying is believed to be the generally accepted interpretation of the saying, though f or some sayings the interpretation may be more subjective than f or others. Sayings Quizzes: Have f un and test your knowledge of English Sayings and Proverbs by doing some of our 240 English Sayings Quiz Questions T here are literally thousands of sayings in English (and all languages). T he term saying conveys the idea of any expression of wisdom or truth, usually handed down by earlier generations. T he origin of a saying is, in most cases, unknown. Many English sayings have come f rom other languages, and vice versa. Most sayings are ef f ective thanks to their shortness and directness. T hey use simple, vivid language, of ten based on everyday domestic situations, making them easy to understand and remember. Sayings may be classif ied under a number of dif f erent terms, of which proverb is probably the best known. Other types of saying are adage, maxim, motto, epigram and aphorism, though f rankly the distinction between them is of ten vague: proverb : a piece of common-sense wisdom expressed in practical, homely terms ("A stitch in time saves nine") adage : is a time-honored and widely known saying ("Where there's smoke, there's f ire") maxim: a general rule of behaviour drawn f rom practical experience ("Neither a borrower nor a lender be") motto : a maxim adopted as a principal of conduct ("Honesty is the best policy") epigram: is a brief , witty, or satirical statement that of ten gains ef f ect through paradox ("T he only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it") aphorism: similar to an epigram but more prof ound rather than witty ("He is a f ool that cannot conceal is wisdom") Idioms and Sayings Forum Ask questions about and discuss English sayings and proverbs