S
12 Sayings beginning with S
Possible interpretation: If you cannot speak good of someone or something, then it is better not to speak.
Note: say well (verb): say something good or nice | still (adj.): not moving; motionless; quiet (because you don't move your tongue)Quick Quiz:
Answer: c |
Possible interpretation: I will help you if you will help me. If you do me a favour I'll do one for you in return.
Note: scratch (verb) = rub (a part of the body) with one's fingernails to stop an itch or for pleasure | Also known as: "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."Origin: Possibly related to observations of animals like monkeys who scratch each other's backs because they can't scratch their own.
Quick Quiz:
Answer: b |
Possible interpretation: The idea here is that we usually think something is true when we see it with our own eyes. We have to see something before we can accept its real value, or that it exists at all.
Quick Quiz:
Answer: b |
Possible interpretation: Give everyone an equal portion.
Note: share (verb) = give part of something to another person or other people | share (noun) = a part or portion of something that has been divided between a number of people | alike (adverb) = in the same wayQuick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: This saying emphasizes the value of saying nothing.
Note: silence (noun) = complete absence of sound | golden (adj.) = made of gold | There is another, longer saying: "Speech is silver; but silence is golden."Quick Quiz:
Answer: c |
Possible interpretation: The idea here is that if you don't disagree, you automatically agree. Keeping quiet is the same as giving permission.
Note: silence (noun): absence of sound; not speaking | consent (noun): agreement; permission | The principle of "silence means consent" is not accepted in English law.Origin: From the Latin: "Qui tacet consentire videtur" ("He who is silent seems to consent")
Quick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: When people need help they usually need it immediately. If you delay in helping, it is like not helping at all.
Quick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: Something that is easy and quick to learn is easy to forget.
Note: learnt (mainly BrE) or learned = past participle of learnQuick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: Speaking is good but saying nothing is better. Discretion can be worth more than even eloquent words.
Note: speech (noun): the act of speaking | silver (noun): a greyish-white precious metal | gold (noun): a yellow precious metal (more valuable than silver) | This proverb is also found as: "Speech is silver but silence is golden."Quick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: A physical attack may injure me but a verbal attack cannot injure me.
Note: stick (noun): long, thin piece of wood | stone (noun): a small piece of rock | bones (noun): the hard, whitish material that makes our skeletons | hurt (verb): injure; cause pain | This children's taunt is also found as: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."Quick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: Some rivers have rough surfaces with waves. That's usually because the water is shallow and there are rocks near the surface. But deep rivers have no rocks near the surface and the water is smooth and still. "Still waters run deep" means that people who are calm and tranquil on the outside, often have a strong, "deep" personality.
Note: still (adjective) = calm, motionless | deep (adjective) = going far downQuick Quiz:
Answer: a |
Possible interpretation: Seize the opportunity! When we have the chance to do something, we should do it immediately. Otherwise it will be too late.
Note: strike (verb) = hit very hard and deliberately | iron (noun) = a strong, hard, grey metalOrigin: This saying refers to the blacksmith who works with iron. First he heats the iron until it is red hot and soft. Then he immediately hits the iron with his hammer to change its shape. If he waits, the iron becomes cold and hard again, and he cannot shape it.
Quick Quiz:
Answer: c |
