Proverbs: progress and patience

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten common proverbs to talk about practice, preparation, persistence, and gradual progress.

1. practice makes perfect

   Phrase

   regular practice helps you improve a skill

   Practice makes perfect, so I speak English for ten minutes every day.

2. Rome wasn't built in a day

   Expression

   important work takes time to complete

   Rome wasn't built in a day, so be patient with your progress.

3. a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

   Expression

   a large or difficult goal starts with one small action

   A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so start with one lesson.

4. where there is a will there is a way

   Expression

   strong determination can help you find a solution

   Where there is a will there is a way, even when the task seems difficult.

5. every little helps

   Phrase

   even a small contribution can make a difference

   Every little helps, so review a few new words whenever you have time.

6. mighty oaks from little acorns grow

   Expression

   something great can develop from a small beginning

   Mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and this small project could become a real business.

7. measure twice and cut once

   Expression

   prepare carefully before taking action

   Measure twice and cut once before you send the final proposal.

8. old habits die hard

   Expression

   established habits are difficult to change

   Old habits die hard, but a simple daily routine can help you change.

9. never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

   Expression

   do not delay something you are able to do now

   Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today; finish the application now.

10. hindsight is 20/20

    Phrase

    past choices seem clearer after you know the result

    Hindsight is 20/20, so the correct choice looks obvious now.