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Proverbs: action and caution

New · 0 of 10

Understand each item before testing yourself. Choose honestly whether it already feels familiar or needs practice.

1 of 10Expression

you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

you can offer an opportunity or advice, but you cannot force someone to act

Example

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink; the final choice is theirs.

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten familiar proverbs to discuss responsibility, resources, criticism, practical judgment, and steady action.

you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink
Expression
you can offer an opportunity or advice, but you cannot force someone to act
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink; the final choice is theirs.
too many cooks spoil the broth
Expression
too many people directing one task can make the result worse
Give one person responsibility for the final decision because too many cooks spoil the broth.
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
Expression
do not criticize others for faults that you also have
Before criticizing their mistake, remember that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
money doesn't grow on trees
Expression
money is limited and usually requires effort to earn
We need to control the budget because money doesn't grow on trees.
necessity is the mother of invention
Expression
urgent needs often encourage creative solutions
The shortage led to a clever new process; necessity is the mother of invention.
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Expression
do not criticize a gift because it is not perfect
The equipment was free, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
knowledge is power
Phrase
knowledge and education increase your ability to act and succeed
Learn how the contract works before negotiating because knowledge is power.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
Expression
avoid changing a system that already works well
The current system is reliable, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
fortune favors the bold
Expression
bold action can create opportunities for success
She presented her ambitious proposal because fortune favors the bold.
slow and steady wins the race
Expression
patient and consistent effort can lead to success
Keep making consistent progress; slow and steady wins the race.

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you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

Vocabulary in this set

you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

too many cooks spoil the broth

people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

money doesn't grow on trees

necessity is the mother of invention

don't look a gift horse in the mouth

knowledge is power

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

fortune favors the bold

slow and steady wins the race