Letter Substitute Proverbs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Every man has his price

The saying (E)very ma(n) ha(s) hi(s) pri(c)e means that given the right amount of money people can change their opinion of something, even if it goes against their moral code.

A well known play by Robert Bolt called "A Man For All Seasons" displays the truth in this common saying. Every character in the play, except one, shows that they will compromise their principles in exchange for something that will benefit them.

Answer: Dead men tell no tales

The saying De(a)d me(n) t(e)ll (n)o t(a)les, means that people who are no longer in the picture cannot cause difficulties by revealing some thing that may cause harm or embarrassment.

This saying may have come from pirate days when all those on board a ship being robbed were slaughtered. By killing off everyone, the pirates can't be blamed for their pilfering.

Answer: Better late than never

The saying B(e)tter (l)ate th(a)n (n)ever means it's better to go to something and show your face, than not to show up just because you are running behind schedule. You may miss something important or miss an opportunity if you don't go.

Often a "sorry I'm late" quote from someone results in a response from someone at a meeting with "it's better late than never".

Answer: Loose lips sink ships

The saying (L)oose (l)ips sin(k) sh(i)ps means that if you disclose important information to your competition or a person who you don't get on with, could result in large losses to you, a company or a friendship.

This saying was used in World War II to stop people from accidentally giving important information to the enemy who had spies infiltrated amongst their troops. This saying was used in conjunction with another one which was: "Careless Talk Costs Lives".

Answer: In for a penny in for a pound

The saying I(n) f(o)r (a) penn(y) (i)n fo(r) (a) (p)ound means that if you have already put a lot of effort or money into a project, then it's better to finish what you are doing, even if you have to spend more money.

The British origin of this saying refers to either gambling or when taking a chance, you may as well go all the way instead of just half the way. The penalty is just the same if you owe a little or a lot of money.

Answer: A new broom sweeps clean

The saying (A) n(e)w b(r)oom swee(p)s clea(n) means that a new person can often bring fresh ideas and more enthusiasm into a project compared to someone who has been dealing with the situation or project for quite a while.

This is quite an old saying and even Shakespeare has used it in many of his plays. It is seen in a collection of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546. Present day usage occurs when a new Company President comes in and employs new staff and ideas. The saying "out with the old and in with the new" is often heard as well during company takeovers or when there is new management.

Answer: A fool and his money are soon parted

The saying (A) (f)ool (a)nd h(i)s (m)oney ar(e) (s)oon pa(r)ted means that if someone is not careful with their money or assets, they may be taken advantage of by a much smarter person who wants what they have.

This saying comes from one of many quotes by Thomas Tusser (1524-1580), who was a farmer and poet. He refers to those people who spend their money too quickly, or don't know how to hold on to their money.

Answer: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

The saying Fo(o)ls rus(h) (i)n (w)here ange(l)s (f)ear (t)o trea(d) means that inexperienced people often act on impulse in situations that more intelligent people would avoid.

This phrase was used in the 1709 poem, "An Essay on Criticism" by Alexander Pope. The fools he is talking about are literary critics of his time.

In the 1940s Frank Sinatra, Ricky Nelson and others sang a song of the same title.

Answer: Half a loaf is better than none

The saying Hal(f) (a) loa(f) (i)s b(e)tter th(a)n no(n)e means you should be grateful for what you have or receive, even if it's not as much as you need or wanted.

Answer: Like father like son

The saying L(i)ke (f)ather (l)ike so(n) means a son's character can be expected to resemble his father's because he spends more time with him and his first lessons about life are learnt through him.

Many religious people liken this saying to Saint Joseph and Jesus. Even though Jesus was not the biological son, Saint Joseph taught him many things about being an orthodox Jew, The Scriptures and how to love God and his neighbor.