What are “PROVERBS”?
1. A ‘Proverb’ is a short and wise saying with deep meaning.
Example-“All that glitters is not gold”
In this example, you can see that it’s a sentence with only a few words almost like a phrase, but the meaning of this sentence is way deeper than the number of words it holds.
The proverb “All that glitters is not gold” is basically a kind of a warning that something or someone may not be as good or valuable as it appears to be on the surface. As a human being might not be as kind, good, honest or true as they appear on their face.
There you see. The proverb is only of one line but the meaning is deep.
2. It represents truth or some sort of useful wisdom
Consider the same example.
Example- “All that glitters is not gold”
Now, as the example suggest. Isn’t it very true that all that glitters is not gold? Can you recall the substance used in arts & crafts? If not look at the picture above. Although it appears glittery & shimmery those are NOT GOLD. Am I right? So this wisdom is quite true & it’s very useful in our life as it makes us cautious.
3. It is generally based on common sense or practical experience
Example- “Beggars can’t be choosers”
There are many proverbs which will prove this point to be true even if you haven’t experienced one yourself. For now, take the above example. Imagine that your financial condition is very bad and you are in a new city in search of a job where you don’t even have a roof above your head. You searched every corner but didn’t get any place to stay. And there comes a friend of yours who is ready to help you. He says he has an empty place & you can stay there. When you reach there you see that it’s a small and a dusty room with hardly any amenities but bearable enough for survival. In that situation would you demand of a lavish fully furnished flat with all amenities? Of course NOT, because in that situation you are not in a position to ‘choose’. You will have to take whatever comes.
Or to understand it in a simple way, do you think a beggar will refuse a loaf of bread when offered and demand a burger instead? NO, because the one who doesn’t have enough money to satisfy his need, must be satisfied with what he gets.
4. The same proverb often occurs among person in different countries
Well, this is quite simple. Let me give you an example. In India, they say- “Bandar ke hath me nariyal” which means a right thing or a right opportunity in the wrong hands.
There is a saying in English “Cast pearls before swine” which also means the same i.e. a right thing or a right opportunity in the wrong hands.
Though these are basically a phrase but perfectly explain the above context i.e. the same proverb occurs among person of different countries.
• The proverbs or sayings have been passed from generation to generation
This is one of the best contexts of Proverbs because proverbs are something so universal that it is used by all generations. It is so possible that somewhere someone from the first generation will definitely mention it to the coming generation as an example of a life lesson. Also, there are some experiences that are so common in every human life that we do need that special advice& wisdom from someone who has already walked that path of life.
· Well, that’s pretty much of what proverbs are. Let’s look at some of the best-known proverbs.
- Honesty is the best policy
- It never rains but it pours
- Birds of a feather flock together
- East or West, home is the best
- Bad news travels fast
- Charity begins at home
- The early bird catches the worm
- Half a loaf is better than no bread
- Be cruel to be kind
- Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone
- The pen is mightier than the sword
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