Proverbs
Well hello there, in today’s podcast we will talk about proverbs. But first, what exactly are proverbs?
They are simple short phrases or sentences people say and repeat, which expresses popular knowledge based on common sense. They are often metaphorical clinches but nobody can deny that they are wise.
An interesting fact about proverbs is that a lot of them exist in many languages even though they change the words from language to language.
Let’s take a look at some English proverbs and their equivalence in Portuguese:
- A penny saved is a penny earned. (Quem poupa tem.)
- A close mouth catches no flies. (Em boca fechada não entra mosca.)
- All that glitters is not gold. (Nem tudo que reluz é ouro.)
- While there’s life, there’s hope. (A esperança é a última que morre.)
- You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. (Uma mão lava a outra.)
Another interesting fact about proverbs: when used in conversations, is that people often say the first half of the proverb and leave it unfinished. A reason for that is that most native speakers will easily recognize the proverb and know the ending. When people say the first half of the proverb, they usually say with a rising intonation to show that it isn’t complete.
Let’s listen to some practical examples:
Example 1:
A- I’ve been offered a job at a computer company. It’s quite a good job, but I don’t know whether to accept it or wait for something better to come up.
B- Well, you know what they say, a bird in the hand…
Example 2:
A- Oh my gosh, this stupid keyboard is not working right.
B- Hey, a bad workman well you know the rest.
Example 3:
A- No, sorry. I can’t go out this weekend; I have to finish my reports.
B- Oh, come on. All work and no play…
Example 4:
A- I know that Japanese people usually slurp when they eat noodles, but I can’t do that.
B- Yes, but when in Rome…
Now, the complete proverbs just mentioned are:
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A bad workman always blames his tools.
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
A few other proverbs that may only be said the first half of it are:
Birds of a feather flock together.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
A stitch in time saves nine.
So guys, that it for today. I hope you guys and girls enjoyed today’s podcast.
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Thank you very much
‘till next time, bye!
