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Proverbs Exercises: Vocabulary Practice (B1-B2) with Answers

20questions
10:00minutes
+22XP on pass

How many proverbs words do you really know? Find out with 20 exercises for Level B1-B2 learners. Instant scoring shows where you stand, and detailed explanations turn every mistake into a learning moment.

Browse all Proverbs lessons

⏱ You have 10:00 to answer 20 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

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Questions 20
Q1  20
Q1 20

Question 1: Complete the proverb: "Actions speak louder than ___."

Question 1 options
'Words' is the correct answer because this proverb means what people do is more important than what they say. 'Thoughts' is wrong because the proverb contrasts doing with speaking. 'Feelings' and 'dreams' do not complete this well-known fixed expression.
Q2 20

Question 2: Complete the proverb: "Every cloud has a silver ___."

Question 2 options
'Lining' is correct because this proverb means every bad situation has a positive side. 'Edge' might seem plausible but is not part of this fixed expression. 'Layer' and 'coating' do not fit the established proverb.
Q3 20

Question 3: What does the proverb "Don't cry over spilt milk" mean?

Question 3 options
This proverb advises people not to waste time feeling upset about things that have already happened and cannot be changed. It does not relate to being careful, saving money, or cleaning up.
Q4 20

Question 4: The proverb "A penny saved is a penny earned" encourages people to spend money wisely and save.

Question 4 options
True. This proverb by Benjamin Franklin means that saving money is just as valuable as earning it, encouraging thrift and careful spending.
Q5 20

Question 5: Complete the animal proverb: "Curiosity killed the ___."

Question 5 options
'Cat' is the correct word in this well-known proverb, which warns that being too curious can lead to trouble. 'Dog,' 'bird,' and 'mouse' are animals but do not appear in this fixed expression.
Q6 20

Question 6: Which word is closest in meaning to "proverb"?

Question 6 options
'Saying' is closest in meaning to 'proverb' because both refer to a short, well-known statement of practical wisdom. A 'lecture' is a long talk, a 'riddle' is a puzzle, and a 'fable' is a story with a moral, not a single wise statement.
Q7 20

Question 7: Match each proverb to its meaning.

Question 7 options
The early bird catches the worm
Don't judge a book by its cover
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Too many cooks spoil the broth
Acting early brings rewards
Too many people involved cause problems
Appearances can be deceptive
Follow local customs

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

'The early bird catches the worm' means acting early brings rewards. 'Don't judge a book by its cover' means appearances can be deceptive. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' means follow local customs. 'Too many cooks spoil the broth' means too many people involved cause problems.
Q8 20

Question 8: "Practice makes ___." Which word completes this proverb?

Question 8 options
'Perfect' is the correct answer. This proverb means that repeating an activity regularly leads to mastery. 'Progress,' 'sense,' and 'better' do not complete this fixed expression.
Q9 20

Question 9: What does the proverb "Birds of a feather flock together" mean?

Question 9 options
This proverb means people with similar interests or characteristics tend to spend time together. It does not mean people should travel in groups, that birds are social, or that friends should dress alike.
Q10 20

Question 10: Complete the proverb about patience: "Rome wasn't built in a ___."

Question 10 options
'Day' completes this proverb, which means important achievements take time and cannot be rushed.
Q11 20

Question 11: The proverb "A ___ in need is a ___ indeed" uses the same word twice. Which word is it?

Question 11 options
'Friend' is correct. This proverb means that a true friend is someone who helps you during difficult times. 'Hand,' 'person,' and 'neighbour' do not fit this well-known expression.
Q12 20

Question 12: Complete the weather proverb: "It never ___ but it pours."

Question 12 options
'Rains' is correct. This proverb means that when something bad happens, other bad things tend to happen at the same time. 'Snows,' 'storms,' and 'drizzles' are weather-related but do not fit this expression.
Q13 20

Question 13: The proverb "The grass is always greener on the other side" means that people often think others have it better than they do.

Question 13 options
True. This proverb highlights the human tendency to envy what others have, believing their situation is more desirable than one's own.
Q14 20

Question 14: Complete the food proverb: "You can't have your cake and ___ it too."

Question 14 options
'Eat' is correct. This proverb means you cannot enjoy two desirable but mutually exclusive things at the same time. 'Bake,' 'share,' and 'slice' do not complete this fixed expression.
Q15 20

Question 15: Which word is closest in meaning to "adage"?

Question 15 options
'Proverb' is closest because both 'adage' and 'proverb' refer to traditional, widely known sayings expressing general truths. A 'rumour' is unverified information, a 'parable' is a story with a moral lesson, and a 'motto' is a short phrase adopted by an organization.
Q16 20

Question 16: "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw ___." Which word completes this proverb about hypocrisy?

Question 16 options
'Stones' is correct. This proverb warns against criticising others when you have similar faults yourself. 'Parties,' 'punches,' and 'tantrums' do not fit this fixed expression.
Q17 20

Question 17: The proverb "The pen is mightier than the ___" contrasts written words with physical force. Which word completes it?

Question 17 options
'Sword' is correct. This proverb means that writing and communication are more powerful tools of influence than violence. 'Shield,' 'fist,' and 'hammer' are related to force but do not appear in this expression.
Q18 20

Question 18: Which pair of words is commonly confused in proverbs? "A rolling stone gathers no ___" versus "Leave no stone ___."

Question 18 options
'Moss / unturned' is correct. 'A rolling stone gathers no moss' means a person who keeps moving avoids responsibilities. 'Leave no stone unturned' means to search everywhere thoroughly. These are two distinct proverbs using the word 'stone.'
Q19 20

Question 19: What does the proverb "Discretion is the better part of valour" mean?

Question 19 options
This proverb means that it is sometimes wiser to avoid danger than to show bravery needlessly. It values cautious judgment over reckless courage. It does not mean secrets are courageous, quiet people are brave, or one should always avoid conflict entirely.
Q20 20

Question 20: The proverb "You reap what you ___" uses an agricultural metaphor about consequences. Which word completes it?

Question 20 options
'Sow' is correct, meaning to plant seeds. The proverb means you eventually face the consequences of your actions. 'Grow' is related to farming but does not fit this fixed expression. 'Plough' and 'harvest' refer to other stages of farming.

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