Common Sayings and their Meanings

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Questions and Answers

What does 'in for a penny, in for a pound' mean?

To invest time only when certain of success.

To attempt something without seriousness.

To commit fully to something, regardless of the cost. (correct)

To hold back and wait for the right moment.

What is the meaning of 'a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush'?

Always aim for the best possible outcome.

It is better to take risks for greater rewards.

It's better to secure a certain opportunity than chase uncertain ones. (correct)

Two opportunities are better than one.

Which saying means to treat others as you wish to be treated?

Bear a grudge.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (correct)

Chip off the old block.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

What does 'don't cry over spilt milk' mean?

It's useless to dwell on things that cannot be changed. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'every cloud has a silver lining' suggest?

There is always hope in difficult situations. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be 'beside yourself with joy'?

To be very happy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'fair and square' imply?

To be honest, straightforward, and impartial. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'having an ace up the sleeve' mean?

To possess a hidden advantage or plan. Signup and view all the answers

To be a 'black sheep' means to be:

A disgraced member of the family or group. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hook, line, and sinker' mean?

To be completely convinced or taken in. Signup and view all the answers

Which saying emphasizes the importance of commitment even when additional effort is required?

In for a penny, in for a pound Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' suggest?

Good things can come from bad situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which saying relates to having a hidden advantage or plan?

Having an ace up the sleeve Signup and view all the answers

What does 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' imply?

Treat others as you wish to be treated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase 'don't cry over spilt milk'?

Move on from a situation that cannot be changed. Signup and view all the answers

Which saying is used to describe someone who is the odd one out in a group?

A black sheep Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase means to be extremely happy?

Beside yourself with joy Signup and view all the answers

What does 'looking to your laurels' warn against?

Becoming complacent with past successes. Signup and view all the answers

Which saying indicates the importance of honest dealings?

Fair and square Signup and view all the answers

What does 'chip off the old block' imply about a person?

They are similar to their parents. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Sayings and their Meanings

In for a penny, in for a pound: Indicates complete commitment to a venture or task, no matter the additional effort needed. Example: Jim's dedication to Athlead during its boom illustrates this saying.
A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush: Emphasizes the value of securing a certain opportunity over chasing uncertain ones. Example: A detective prioritizes apprehending criminals she can secure rather than risking a chase for one who may escape.
Chip off the old block: Describes someone who closely resembles a parent in behavior or character. Example: A grandson collecting coins like his father proves he is a chip off the old block.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you: Advocates treating others with the same respect and kindness desired in return. Example: A reminder for Peter to show compassion, reflecting the moral principle of reciprocity.
Don't cry over spilt milk: Suggests it is futile to mourn past mistakes or irretrievable situations. Example: A father advises his son not to dwell on his exam failure.
Every cloud has a silver lining: Indicates that negative experiences can eventually lead to positive outcomes. Example: A promotion after a phone theft serves as a silver lining for an unfortunate event.
Beside yourself with joy: Describes a state of extreme happiness or excitement. Example: Someone's enthusiasm after being selected for a job represents being beside themselves with joy.
Fair and square: Reflects honesty and impartiality in dealings with others. Example: A person's commitment to doing the right thing conveys fair and square ethics.
Having an ace up the sleeve: Signifies holding a strategic advantage or secret plan for future use. Example: Brian’s quiet demeanor in the board meeting conceals his hidden advantage.
A black sheep: Refers to a family or group member who is seen as different or undesirable. Example: Olive becomes the black sheep by marrying someone else while still engaged.
Hook, line and sinker: Indicates being completely convinced or deceived, often without skepticism. Example: A person dedicating themselves to a project wholeheartedly encapsulates this idiom.
Looking to your laurels: Warns against resting on past achievements and becoming complacent. Example: An encouragement to acknowledge past successes without stopping progress.
Bear a grudge: Describes the act of holding onto resentment or ill feelings toward someone or something.

Common Sayings and their Meanings

In for a penny, in for a pound: Indicates complete commitment to a venture or task, no matter the additional effort needed. Example: Jim's dedication to Athlead during its boom illustrates this saying.
A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush: Emphasizes the value of securing a certain opportunity over chasing uncertain ones. Example: A detective prioritizes apprehending criminals she can secure rather than risking a chase for one who may escape.
Chip off the old block: Describes someone who closely resembles a parent in behavior or character. Example: A grandson collecting coins like his father proves he is a chip off the old block.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you: Advocates treating others with the same respect and kindness desired in return. Example: A reminder for Peter to show compassion, reflecting the moral principle of reciprocity.
Don't cry over spilt milk: Suggests it is futile to mourn past mistakes or irretrievable situations. Example: A father advises his son not to dwell on his exam failure.
Every cloud has a silver lining: Indicates that negative experiences can eventually lead to positive outcomes. Example: A promotion after a phone theft serves as a silver lining for an unfortunate event.
Beside yourself with joy: Describes a state of extreme happiness or excitement. Example: Someone's enthusiasm after being selected for a job represents being beside themselves with joy.
Fair and square: Reflects honesty and impartiality in dealings with others. Example: A person's commitment to doing the right thing conveys fair and square ethics.
Having an ace up the sleeve: Signifies holding a strategic advantage or secret plan for future use. Example: Brian’s quiet demeanor in the board meeting conceals his hidden advantage.
A black sheep: Refers to a family or group member who is seen as different or undesirable. Example: Olive becomes the black sheep by marrying someone else while still engaged.
Hook, line and sinker: Indicates being completely convinced or deceived, often without skepticism. Example: A person dedicating themselves to a project wholeheartedly encapsulates this idiom.
Looking to your laurels: Warns against resting on past achievements and becoming complacent. Example: An encouragement to acknowledge past successes without stopping progress.
Bear a grudge: Describes the act of holding onto resentment or ill feelings toward someone or something.

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Description

Dive into the world of common sayings and discover their meanings. This quiz will challenge your understanding of popular expressions and how they can be interpreted in different contexts. Test your knowledge and learn something new!