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Proverbs

Proverbs are short, wise sayings that teach lessons. KS1 children enjoy spotting their hidden meanings and using them in stories and conversations.

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Fascinating Fact:

Proverbs such as “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” say determination can solve very tricky problems.

In KS1 English, children meet proverbs as simple sayings that share good advice, like working hard, being kind or thinking before you act. Learning a few common proverbs helps them understand stories, talk about characters’ choices and connect language with everyday life.

Key Terms

Proverb: A short, well-known saying that gives advice or shares a truth, such as a wise reminder.
Moral: The lesson or message a proverb or story wants us to learn.
Meaning: What the proverb is really telling us, beyond the exact words used.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a proverb for KS1 children?

A proverb is a short, wise saying that teaches a simple lesson, like “Look before you leap,” which reminds us to think carefully before we act.

How can I explain proverbs to my KS1 class?

Read the proverb aloud, talk about what it seems to say, then link it to real-life examples, such as sharing, trying hard, or being patient, so children see the message clearly.

Why are proverbs useful in primary English lessons?

Proverbs build vocabulary, encourage discussion about choices and behaviour, and help children understand texts where characters show qualities like kindness, effort or determination.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What does 'All good things must come to an end' mean?

Anything good must end - eventually.

You must always turn left.

Never eat too much.

Say please and thank you.

This one is quite easy - it means that if you are sad that something like a birthday party is over, know that everything ends.

2 .

What does 'A picture is worth a thousand words' mean?

Pictures are beautiful.

Writing is better than any picture as stories are the best.

Take a picture of lots of words, maybe a thousand words.

A picture can show emotions and visions that can't be achieved through writing or speech.

Helen of Troy is known as the face that launched a thousand ships. That picture would definitely be worth more than a thousand words!

3 .

What does 'Practise makes perfect' mean?

Work hard.

Don't try new things.

The more you try something, the worse you will be at it.

The more you try something, the better you will be at it.

This one is certainly true for your handwriting. Only through practising can you get better at forming your letters correctly.

4 .

What does 'When in Rome, do as the Romans' mean?

Act like a Roman.

Act like a Greek.

Go to Rome.

Act like everyone around you.

Most people just say, 'When in Rome' as everyone knows the end of the proverb.

5 .

What does 'Two wrongs don't make a right' mean?

Take revenge on bullies.

Just because someone hurts you, doesn't mean you should hurt them back.

Always look left and right before crossing the road.

This is a maths equation.

You may hear this one a lot, especially in the playground. This means that if somebody hurts you, you shouldn't hurt them back and instead - tell a teacher or adult.

6 .

What does 'People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones' mean?

Don't live in a greenhouse.

Don't criticise other people, as nobody is perfect.

Grow flowers in greenhouses.

Don't throw stones.

This one is very true. It is easy to accuse somebody of being mean and forget that maybe we have been too.

7 .

What does 'There is no such thing as a free lunch' mean?

You should always pay for your lunch.

You should share your lunch.

You should eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Nothing is really free, they will want something from you.

This one means you should always be suspicious of other people...which is quite sad! Hopefully people give you free things without expecting something in return!

8 .

What does 'The early bird catches the worm' mean?

Start early and you will do much better than those that start late.

Start late and you will do much better than those that start early.

Eat worms as they are good for you, full of protein.

Wake up early and hear the birds tweet.

Blackbirds are ground feeders and often pull worms out of the mud to eat them.

9 .

What does 'You can't always get what you want' mean?

If you stamp your feet you might get something.

Don't complain if you don't get something because that's life!

If you don't want something then you get it.

You should write to Father Christmas.

This one is often said to children because there are so many toys that you may want and unfortunately, just because you want something - it doesn't mean you're going to get it.

10 .

What does 'Better late than never' mean?

Better to turn up than to not turn up at all.

Better to turn up late.

Better to turn up early.

Don't turn up.

This one means what it says, but if somebody says this to you then they are still a little annoyed that you didn't turn up or hand something in on time.

Author: Finola Waller (MEd, Primary School Teacher & KS1 English Quiz Writer)