Vocabulary: Idioms & Fixed Expressions (B2) - Lesson 3: Common Proverbs & Sayings and their Applications

Lesson 3: Common Proverbs & Sayings

Applying Traditional Wisdom

While idioms are phrases we use inside sentences, a proverb is often a complete sentence that gives advice or states a general truth about life. These sayings contain traditional wisdom that has been passed down through generations. Understanding their application—knowing *when* to use them—is a key skill for sounding wise and fluent in English.

Key Vocabulary

• Proverb (noun) | សុភាសិត
  A short, well-known sentence that states a general truth or gives advice.
• Wisdom (noun) | បញ្ញា
  The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Application (noun) | ការអនុវត្ត
  The practical use of something in a particular situation.

Key Proverbs and Their Applications

Let's look at some common proverbs and the situations where they are most useful.

1. Actions speak louder than words.

• Meaning: What you actually do is more important and more believable than what you say you will do.
• Application: Use this when someone makes a promise but doesn't keep it, or to praise someone whose actions are good.
• Example: He said he wanted to help the community, but he never volunteers. You know, actions speak louder than words.

2. The early bird gets the worm.

• Meaning: The person who starts something early or arrives first has the best chance of success.
• Application: Use this to encourage someone (or yourself) to wake up or start a task early to get an advantage.
• Example: If you want to buy the freshest seafood from the market in Kep, you must be there by 6 AM. The early bird gets the worm!

3. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

• Meaning: Don't make plans that depend on something good happening before you are certain that it has actually happened.
• Application: Use this to advise a friend who is overly confident about a future success that is not yet guaranteed.
• Example: She was already planning how to spend her bonus money before the company had even announced bonuses. I told her, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

4. Two heads are better than one.

• Meaning: It's easier to solve a problem or think of an idea when two people work together instead of one person working alone.
• Application: Use this to suggest collaboration or to ask for help with a difficult problem.
• Example: I can't solve this difficult math problem alone. Can you look at it with me? Two heads are better than one.

In Conversation

Chantha and Boran are discussing Chantha's plan to start a new business in Kampot.

Chantha: My business plan is perfect! I'm going to be so successful. I'm already looking at renting a big, expensive office.

Boran: That's exciting, but be careful. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. You should secure the loan from the bank first.

Chantha: You're right, that's more logical. The loan application is very complicated. I'm not sure I can do it alone.

Boran: I can help you review it this weekend. You know what they say, two heads are better than one.

Chantha: Thank you! I promise I'll work hard to make this succeed. I want to prove I can do it, not just talk about it.

Boran: That's the right attitude to have. After all, actions speak louder than words.

Check Your Understanding

1. To get the best seats at the cinema, you should go early. Which proverb applies here?
   • a) Two heads are better than one.
   • b) Actions speak louder than words.
   • c) The early bird gets the worm.
   Answer: c) The early bird gets the worm.

2. Your friend is having trouble planning a big event by herself. What can you say to offer help?
   • a) "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
   • b) "Let me help you. Two heads are better than one."
   • c) "Actions speak louder than words."
   Answer: b) "Let me help you. Two heads are better than one."

3. A politician makes many promises but does nothing. This situation demonstrates that...
   • a) the early bird gets the worm.
   • b) actions speak louder than words.
   • c) two heads are better than one.
   Answer: b) actions speak louder than words. (The lack of action is what is important).

Your Mission

1. Cultural Wisdom: Think of a wise saying or proverb from your own language (Khmer: សុភាសិត). Does its meaning match any of the proverbs in this lesson? Write it down.
2. Give Advice: Your friend has a great idea for a phone app but hasn't started writing any code yet. He is already talking about becoming a millionaire. What advice would you give him using a proverb from this lesson?
3. Tell a Story: Write two or three sentences about a time when you (or someone you know) succeeded because you started something early. Which proverb describes your story?