1. “A stitch in time saves nine” means —
A. It is better to act early than late
B. Always save nine stitches
C. Work fast
D. Save time by delaying
Answer: A
Explanation: Acting on a problem immediately prevents it from getting worse later.
2. “Actions speak louder than words” means —
A. Speaking is better than acting
B. Actions show true intentions more than words
C. Words are stronger than actions
D. Silence is golden
Answer: B
Explanation: What a person does is more important than what they say.
3. “All that glitters is not gold” means —
A. All shiny things are valuable
B. Appearances can be deceiving
C. Gold never shines
D. All gold is fake
Answer: B
Explanation: Not everything that looks valuable is actually valuable.
4. “Better late than never” means —
A. It’s okay to be late
B. Doing something late is better than not doing it at all
C. Never come late
D. Early work is useless
Answer: B
Explanation: It is good to do something even if delayed, rather than not doing it at all.
5. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means —
A. Expect success early
B. Don’t depend on something before it happens
C. Always count everything
D. Be overconfident
Answer: B
Explanation: Don’t assume you’ll get results before they actually happen.
6. “Where there is a will, there is a way” means —
A. Hard work is useless
B. Strong determination leads to success
C. Willpower is dangerous
D. Ways are easy to find
Answer: B
Explanation: If you are determined, you can find a solution to any problem.
7. “Rome was not built in a day” means —
A. Rome took a long time to build
B. Great achievements take time and effort
C. All big cities take years
D. Work fast to succeed
Answer: B
Explanation: Success requires patience and consistent effort.
8. “Practice makes perfect” means —
A. Practice is boring
B. Doing something repeatedly improves skill
C. Perfection is impossible
D. Practice ruins talent
Answer: B
Explanation: Repetition and practice lead to mastery.
9. “Honesty is the best policy” means —
A. Lies are acceptable
B. Being honest is always the best way
C. Honesty causes problems
D. Be silent instead of honest
Answer: B
Explanation: Being truthful is the best approach in life.
10. “Barking dogs seldom bite” means —
A. Dogs that bark are dangerous
B. Noisy people are usually harmless
C. Silence is bad
D. Barking is a threat
Answer: B
Explanation: People who make threats rarely act on them.
11. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” means —
A. Friendship is temporary
B. True friends help you in difficult times
C. Friends come and go
D. Needy friends are best
Answer: B
Explanation: Real friendship is proven in hard times.
12. “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush” means —
A. One sure thing is better than two uncertainties
B. Birds are precious
C. Don’t chase birds
D. Save animals
Answer: A
Explanation: It’s better to keep what you already have than risk it for more.
13. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” means —
A. Covers are deceptive
B. Don’t judge people or things by appearance
C. Read every book
D. Books can’t be trusted
Answer: B
Explanation: True value lies inside, not in outward looks.
14. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” means —
A. Copy others
B. Follow the customs of the place you visit
C. Be like Romans
D. Travel wisely
Answer: B
Explanation: Adapt to the culture and customs of where you are.
15. “Too many cooks spoil the broth” means —
A. Teamwork is bad
B. Many people on one job can ruin it
C. Cooking together is fun
D. Food gets spoiled easily
Answer: B
Explanation: Too many people trying to control a task often cause confusion.
16. “Every cloud has a silver lining” means —
A. Clouds are silver
B. There’s hope even in bad situations
C. Sadness is permanent
D. Rain brings sorrow
Answer: B
Explanation: Every bad situation has something good in it.
17. “A rolling stone gathers no moss” means —
A. Moving people avoid problems
B. People who keep changing get no stability
C. Rolling is good
D. Moss is dangerous
Answer: B
Explanation: Constant change prevents progress or stability.
18. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” means —
A. Eat fruits daily
B. Health is maintained by good diet
C. Doctors dislike apples
D. Avoid doctors
Answer: B
Explanation: Healthy food keeps you fit and prevents illness.
19. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” means —
A. Don’t harm those who help you
B. Bite carefully
C. Be strong
D. Don’t eat much
Answer: A
Explanation: Never turn against people who support or help you.
20. “The pen is mightier than the sword” means —
A. Writers are strong
B. Words and ideas have more power than violence
C. Swords are weak
D. Avoid fighting
Answer: B
Explanation: Communication and wisdom are stronger than force.
21. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” means —
A. Cakes are costly
B. You can’t enjoy two opposite benefits at the same time
C. Share cake with others
D. Don’t waste food
Answer: B
Explanation: You can’t have both sides of a situation that contradict each other.
22. “A penny saved is a penny earned” means —
A. Money saved is as valuable as money earned
B. Saving is boring
C. Money is useless
D. Spend carefully
Answer: A
Explanation: Saving money is just as important as earning it.
23. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” means —
A. Diversify risk
B. Protect eggs
C. Work in teams
D. Be careful
Answer: A
Explanation: Don’t depend entirely on one plan or source.
24. “Haste makes waste” means —
A. Quick work is efficient
B. Acting too fast leads to mistakes
C. Be slow always
D. Waste is good
Answer: B
Explanation: Rushing leads to errors and loss.
25. “No pain, no gain” means —
A. Pain is necessary for learning
B. Hard work brings success
C. Avoid struggles
D. Be patient
Answer: B
Explanation: Success comes only through effort and struggle.
26. “Empty vessels make the most noise” means —
A. People with little knowledge talk the most
B. Empty pots are noisy
C. Quiet people are bad
D. Sound is wisdom
Answer: A
Explanation: Foolish or ignorant people often boast and make a lot of noise.
27. “A watched pot never boils” means —
A. Time moves slowly when you are waiting
B. Always watch what you cook
C. Boiling takes time
D. Be patient in cooking
Answer: A
Explanation: When you wait anxiously, time feels longer.
28. “A bad workman blames his tools” means —
A. Good tools make work easy
B. Inefficient people blame others for failure
C. Tools are responsible for mistakes
D. Always buy new tools
Answer: B
Explanation: Incompetent people blame external factors instead of themselves.
29. “All’s well that ends well” means —
A. The beginning doesn’t matter
B. If the result is good, problems on the way don’t matter
C. Everything ends badly
D. Good things never last
Answer: B
Explanation: A happy ending makes earlier difficulties unimportant.
30. “As you sow, so shall you reap” means —
A. Farmers must sow seeds
B. You get results according to your actions
C. Reaping is difficult
D. Be kind to farmers
Answer: B
Explanation: Your actions (decisions or deeds) determine your future results.
31. “Beggars can’t be choosers” means —
A. Beggars choose gifts
B. People without choice must accept what is offered
C. Everyone should be selective
D. Giving is better than begging
Answer: B
Explanation: Those in need cannot afford to be picky.
32. “Birds of a feather flock together” means —
A. Similar people stay together
B. Birds move in groups
C. Friends must be different
D. Groups are dangerous
Answer: A
Explanation: People with similar habits or interests stay together.
33. “Curiosity killed the cat” means —
A. Curiosity is a good habit
B. Too much curiosity can lead to trouble
C. Cats are clever
D. Ask more questions
Answer: B
Explanation: Being over-inquisitive can be dangerous.
34. “Don’t cry over spilt milk” means —
A. Save your milk
B. Don’t regret what cannot be undone
C. Crying helps
D. Accidents can’t happen
Answer: B
Explanation: It’s useless to worry about past mistakes.
35. “Familiarity breeds contempt” means —
A. Knowing someone well may lead to disrespect
B. Friendship grows with time
C. People should stay close
D. Respect your elders
Answer: A
Explanation: Being too familiar can reduce respect.
36. “Fortune favours the brave” means —
A. Luck helps those who act courageously
B. Only brave people are lucky
C. Fortune is random
D. Avoid risks
Answer: A
Explanation: Courageous actions often bring success and luck.
37. “God helps those who help themselves” means —
A. Only self-reliant people succeed
B. Wait for divine help
C. God punishes laziness
D. Help everyone
Answer: A
Explanation: Self-effort attracts support and success.
38. “Half a loaf is better than none” means —
A. Accept partial help rather than nothing
B. Always demand full
C. Don’t share bread
D. Half is useless
Answer: A
Explanation: Something is better than nothing at all.
39. “If you can’t beat them, join them” means —
A. Compete harder
B. Work with those you can’t defeat
C. Always surrender
D. Avoid competition
Answer: B
Explanation: When opposition is too strong, it’s wiser to cooperate.
40. “It’s no use crying over spilt milk” means —
A. Same as earlier proverb
B. Start over again
C. Milk is precious
D. Fix everything
Answer: A
Explanation: Regretting the irreversible is futile.
41. “Let sleeping dogs lie” means —
A. Don’t disturb issues that are settled
B. Wake up the dog
C. Argue often
D. Solve problems quickly
Answer: A
Explanation: Avoid reviving old troubles or conflicts.
42. “Make hay while the sun shines” means —
A. Work only in sunlight
B. Take advantage of favourable conditions
C. Rest in the day
D. Delay work
Answer: B
Explanation: Act when conditions are right or favourable.
43. “Necessity is the mother of invention” means —
A. Need leads to creativity
B. Mothers invent everything
C. Laziness causes ideas
D. Inventions are accidental
Answer: A
Explanation: When there’s need, people find solutions.
44. “One good turn deserves another” means —
A. Help those who help you
B. Never return favours
C. Expect rewards
D. Avoid debts
Answer: A
Explanation: Kindness should be repaid with kindness.
45. “Out of sight, out of mind” means —
A. Absence weakens memory or affection
B. Distance increases love
C. Don’t look away
D. Forgetfulness is natural
Answer: A
Explanation: When people or things are not visible, they are often forgotten.
46. “The early bird catches the worm” means —
A. Waking early is lucky
B. Success comes to those who start early
C. Birds eat worms
D. Time is limited
Answer: B
Explanation: Acting promptly gives advantage over others.
47. “The grass is always greener on the other side” means —
A. Other people’s situations seem better
B. Green grass is lucky
C. Be jealous
D. Nature is kind
Answer: A
Explanation: People are often dissatisfied with their own lives.
48. “There’s no smoke without fire” means —
A. Smoke causes fire
B. Every rumour has some truth
C. Fire is dangerous
D. Ignore rumours
Answer: B
Explanation: Rumours often start from some real incident.
49. “You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” means —
A. Cooking is messy
B. Achievements require sacrifices
C. Avoid mistakes
D. Save eggs
Answer: B
Explanation: Progress often requires loss or effort.
50. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” means —
A. Animals are stubborn
B. You can offer help, but people must act themselves
C. Never help others
D. Forcing works
Answer: B
Explanation: You can guide someone, but you cannot force them to take action.
51. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” means —
A. Good people go to hell
B. Bad actions done with good intentions lead to trouble
C. Always plan properly
D. Hell is full of plans
Answer: B
Explanation: Having good intentions is useless unless followed by good deeds.
52. “Still waters run deep” means —
A. Deep rivers are silent
B. Quiet people often have strong feelings or wisdom
C. Silence is weakness
D. Noisy people are smart
Answer: B
Explanation: Reserved people may possess deep intelligence or emotions.
53. “You reap what you sow” means —
A. Hard work pays
B. Your actions determine your results
C. Farming is good
D. Fate decides all
Answer: B
Explanation: Your deeds—good or bad—bring corresponding outcomes.
54. “Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it” means —
A. Don’t worry about problems before they arise
B. Cross bridges early
C. Always plan in advance
D. Avoid travel
Answer: A
Explanation: Deal with difficulties only when they actually occur.
55. “Beauty is only skin-deep” means —
A. Beauty has no depth
B. Physical appearance doesn’t show true character
C. Beautiful people are proud
D. Skin defines beauty
Answer: B
Explanation: Real worth depends on a person’s nature, not looks.
56. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” means —
A. Taste before you cook
B. Results show the true value of something
C. Food must be tested
D. Avoid sweets
Answer: B
Explanation: The quality of a thing is proven only by practical results.
57. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” means —
A. Angels are wiser than fools
B. Rash people act without thinking where wise people hesitate
C. Be quick in action
D. Courage is foolishness
Answer: B
Explanation: Thoughtless people jump into danger without caution.
58. “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” means —
A. Ignorance is bliss
B. Partial knowledge can lead to mistakes
C. Learn everything
D. Avoid learning
Answer: B
Explanation: Superficial understanding often causes harm.
59. “Don’t put the cart before the horse” means —
A. Horses come first
B. Do things in proper order
C. Reverse logic works
D. Be different
Answer: B
Explanation: Follow the correct sequence; don’t act before proper preparation.
60. “A leopard cannot change its spots” means —
A. Leopards are proud
B. People cannot change their true nature
C. Change is easy
D. Nature is fake
Answer: B
Explanation: Basic character traits rarely change.
61. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew” means —
A. Eat slowly
B. Don’t take on more work than you can handle
C. Be greedy
D. Finish fast
Answer: B
Explanation: Take only as much responsibility as you can manage.
62. “One man’s meat is another man’s poison” means —
A. Food habits vary
B. What suits one may harm another
C. All food is same
D. Avoid sharing
Answer: B
Explanation: People’s preferences and reactions differ.
63. “Jack of all trades, master of none” means —
A. Skilled in everything
B. Knows many things but not an expert in any
C. Multi-talented genius
D. Works hard
Answer: B
Explanation: Having superficial skills in many areas but mastery in none.
64. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” means —
A. Old dogs are lazy
B. It’s hard to change old habits
C. Experience has limits
D. Teaching is waste
Answer: B
Explanation: People set in their ways find it difficult to learn new things.
65. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” means —
A. Quiet people are ignored
B. Those who complain get attention
C. Squeaky machines need oil
D. Talk less
Answer: B
Explanation: People who voice problems often get help or results.
66. “No news is good news” means —
A. Lack of information usually means things are fine
B. News is always bad
C. Don’t read newspapers
D. Avoid updates
Answer: A
Explanation: If you hear nothing, assume all is well.
67. “Many hands make light work” means —
A. Crowds are noisy
B. Teamwork makes tasks easier
C. Work alone
D. Share problems
Answer: B
Explanation: When people cooperate, work is completed faster.
68. “The end justifies the means” means —
A. Any method is acceptable if the result is good
B. Results don’t matter
C. Ends are dangerous
D. Always follow rules
Answer: A
Explanation: Sometimes unethical actions are tolerated for good outcomes (philosophical use).
69. “A fool and his money are soon parted” means —
A. Money disappears fast
B. Unwise people lose money easily
C. Fools are generous
D. Avoid saving
Answer: B
Explanation: Foolish people waste their wealth quickly.
70. “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” means —
A. Be careful not to lose something valuable while removing the unwanted
B. Babies need care
C. Don’t waste water
D. Start afresh
Answer: A
Explanation: In trying to remove faults, don’t destroy what’s good.
71. “The pen is mightier than the sword” means —
A. Writing is more powerful than fighting
B. Soldiers fear writers
C. Swords are weak
D. Books win wars
Answer: A
Explanation: Ideas and communication are stronger than violence.
72. “A drowning man will clutch at a straw” means —
A. Desperate people try anything
B. Swim carefully
C. Don’t help others
D. Straw saves lives
Answer: A
Explanation: In desperation, even the smallest hope is pursued.
73. “Charity begins at home” means —
A. Help yourself first, then others
B. Be selfish
C. Charity is useless
D. Home is heaven
Answer: A
Explanation: You should care for family before helping strangers.
74. “The child is father of the man” means —
A. Fathers become children
B. Childhood shapes adulthood
C. Children rule
D. Parents obey children
Answer: B
Explanation: A person’s adult behaviour reflects habits formed in childhood.
75. “Great minds think alike” means —
A. Intelligent people often have similar ideas
B. All people are equal
C. Minds are identical
D. Imitation is cleverness
Answer: A
Explanation: Smart people often come up with the same solutions independently.
76. “All good things must come to an end” means —
A. Happiness lasts forever
B. Nothing lasts forever, even good times
C. Endings are sad
D. Only bad things end
Answer: B
Explanation: Even pleasant or successful periods eventually finish; change is inevitable.
77. “Every dog has its day” means —
A. Every dog gets food
B. Everyone gets a chance at success one day
C. Dogs are lucky
D. Good days come only once
Answer: B
Explanation: Everyone experiences success or luck at least once in life.
78. “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” means —
A. Nature is beautiful
B. Other people’s lives seem better than ours
C. Grass grows faster away from home
D. Comparisons are useless
Answer: B
Explanation: People often envy others without realizing they too have problems.
79. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” means —
A. Taste is everything
B. The real value of something is known through experience
C. Cooking needs patience
D. Pudding is sweet
Answer: B
Explanation: The effectiveness or quality of something can only be judged by trying it.
80. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” means —
A. Carry eggs safely
B. Don’t rely on only one plan or resource
C. Buy more baskets
D. Save everything
Answer: B
Explanation: Diversify your efforts or investments to reduce risk.
81. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” means —
A. Weak people ruin groups
B. The strength of a group depends on its weakest member
C. Chains are strong
D. Unity is strength
Answer: B
Explanation: The effectiveness of a system or group is determined by its weakest part.
82. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” means —
A. Be grateful to those who help you
B. Avoid eating fast
C. Respect animals
D. Help others
Answer: A
Explanation: Never harm or betray those who support or assist you.
83. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” means —
A. Difficulties motivate strong people
B. Tough times make people lazy
C. Be still in crisis
D. Wait for others
Answer: A
Explanation: Strong people face challenges bravely instead of giving up.
84. “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes” means —
A. Shoes show personality
B. Understand others before judging them
C. Walk daily
D. Be fashionable
Answer: B
Explanation: Never criticize others until you experience their situation yourself.
85. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” means —
A. You can’t turn something inferior into something excellent
B. Work carefully
C. Pigs are intelligent
D. Waste nothing
Answer: A
Explanation: You can’t make something valuable from something of poor quality.
86. “Lightning never strikes the same place twice” means —
A. Accidents rarely repeat exactly
B. Avoid danger
C. Lightning is random
D. Fear nature
Answer: A
Explanation: Unusual events seldom happen to the same person or situation again.
87. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means —
A. Wait for results before celebrating
B. Be confident
C. Chickens need care
D. Expect rewards early
Answer: A
Explanation: Don’t assume success before it actually happens.
88. “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride” means —
A. Wishing alone doesn’t make dreams come true
B. Horses are expensive
C. Everyone should dream
D. Beggars need charity
Answer: A
Explanation: Dreams require action; wishing alone is not enough.
89. “When one door closes, another opens” means —
A. Failures lead to new opportunities
B. Doors are important
C. Don’t close doors
D. Life is short
Answer: A
Explanation: Losing one chance often leads to a new opportunity.
90. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” means —
A. Complaints get attention
B. Quiet people succeed
C. Machinery needs oil
D. Avoid noise
Answer: A
Explanation: People who speak up about problems are more likely to get help.
91. “The pot calling the kettle black” means —
A. Hypocrites criticize others for the same fault
B. Kitchen items are dirty
C. People argue over color
D. Avoid black utensils
Answer: A
Explanation: Criticizing someone for a fault you also possess.
92. “A rising tide lifts all boats” means —
A. Economic growth benefits everyone
B. Boats move with waves
C. Hard work lifts people
D. Life is like water
Answer: A
Explanation: Improvements in general conditions help everyone equally.
93. “Too little, too late” means —
A. Small actions taken after the right time are useless
B. Late efforts are better than none
C. Be early
D. Never start late
Answer: A
Explanation: A delayed response, even if correct, loses value.
94. “You can’t please everyone” means —
A. Not everyone will be happy with you
B. Try harder to satisfy all
C. Everyone must be respected
D. Avoid helping people
Answer: A
Explanation: It’s impossible to make everyone satisfied or happy.
95. “Beggars can’t be choosers” means —
A. People who depend on others must accept what they get
B. Choose carefully
C. Refuse gifts
D. Work independently
Answer: A
Explanation: Those without options must accept what’s available.
96. “Don’t burn your bridges” means —
A. Don’t destroy relationships or opportunities
B. Cross bridges carefully
C. Avoid danger
D. Keep moving forward
Answer: A
Explanation: Don’t act in a way that ruins future cooperation or chances.
97. “You can’t have it both ways” means —
A. You can’t enjoy two opposite benefits at once
B. Be careful
C. Dual options are best
D. Balance is easy
Answer: A
Explanation: You must choose one thing when two choices contradict each other.
98. “What goes around comes around” means —
A. Actions—good or bad—return to affect you
B. The world is round
C. Time repeats
D. Karma is random
Answer: A
Explanation: Your deeds eventually bring back similar consequences (karma-based idea).
99. “Don’t throw pearls before swine” means —
A. Don’t waste valuable things on unworthy people
B. Swine are greedy
C. Pearls are rare
D. Give to everyone
Answer: A
Explanation: Don’t offer wisdom or kindness to those who can’t appreciate it.
100. “A stitch in time saves nine” means —
A. Acting promptly prevents bigger problems
B. Stitching is important
C. Save cloth carefully
D. Work slowly
Answer: A
Explanation: Immediate attention to a small problem prevents it from growing larger.