As discussed in class, here are some quotes, proverbs and idioms you might find appropriate to include in your writing :)
Quote:
Life is about choices. Some we regret, some we are proud of. Some, however, will haunt us forever.
Proverb: An idle brain is the devil's workshop
meaning: People who have nothing worthwhile to think about will usually think of something bad to do.
Example : With only Jane and I at home, we had the perfect idle brains for the devil’s workshop! Before long, Jane came up with a really naughty plan.
Idiom: caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
meaning – to be in a dilemma; to make a difficult choice.
Example: He was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Should he confess he had stolen the money or be beaten up by the gangster for not handing in the protection money?
Idiom: caught between the shoulder angel and devil
A shoulder angel represents conscience and is often accompanied by a shoulder devil representing temptation. They are used as imagery to depict the inner conflict of a character.
Example :
• My shoulder angel urged me to return the bag of gold coins. However, my shoulder devil pointed out that nobody would find out even if I kept the money all to myself!
• I was caught between my shoulder angel and the devil. Should I return the wallet or keep it for myself. Nobody would find out anyway.
Idiom: devil of a time
meaning - a very difficult time
Example :
• This cold has been giving me a devil of a time.
• Fixing the car seemed easy, but I had a devil of a time doing it.
HONESTY
• Honesty is the best policy.
• An honest man is the noblest work of God.
• A half truth is a whole lie.
• If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.
• A clean conscience is a soft pillow.
• Honesty is better than ill-gotten wealth.
Example: Sally was glad to have owned up to her mistake. She realised that a clean conscience is indeed a soft pillow.
(About trouble)
Idiom: jump out of the frying pan and into the fire
meaning- to leave one dangerous or bad situation for a situation that is worse
Example : My friend jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. He changed jobs and had more problems in his new job than in his old one.
Idiom: a leopard can't change his spots
meaning- you cannot change someone's basic human nature
Example : He promised his parents that he would kick his gambling habits. But alas, a leopard couldn’t change his spots. He was soon running up a mountain of gambling debts again.
Idiom: no use crying over spilled/spilt milk
Example : David’s sister pointed out that there was no use crying over spilled milk. Instead, he should learn not to procrastinate and start preparing for his next competition.
Idiom: the pot calls the kettle black
meaning- someone criticizes somebody for a fault that they have themselves
Example : My friend always criticizes me for being late but iy is really the pot calling the kettle black. He is often booked for late-coming too!
Idiom: pride comes before a fall
meaning- If you are proud, you may soon meet a difficulty that will make you humble.
Example : Kelvin boasted that he would once again be the top pupil of the class. However, pride comes before a fall when it was announced that the top position went to the quiet and studious Fred.
Idiom: tell the truth and shame the devil
meaning- it is better to tell the truth even though there may be consequences
Example : She knew that the boys had stolen the laptop. After a few sleepless night, she decided to inform the principal about it. It was better to tell the truth and shame the devil than to remain silent.
Idiom: when the cat's away the mice will play
meaning- when someone who is in charge of children or students or workers is away then they will enjoy themselves and stop working
Example : The teacher returned to the classroom and everybody was running around. It was a perfect example that when the cat's away, the mice will play.
Idiom: judge a book by its cover
meaning- to make decisions or draw conclusion about someone by how he looks on the outside
Example : Looking at his drab appearance, nobody knew that he was actually very rich. How true it is that we can't judge a book by its cover.
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