Proverbs are quite common in spoken English. We do not normally put them in a composition or letter. Sometimes it is helpful if you know what common proverbs mean. Here are a few examples: Once bitten, twice shy. If a dog bites me, I shall be twice as careful in future when I see it. This proverb is also used to apply to many things and not only to dogs. If you have been cheated at a shop, you will not go to the same shop again. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If I am a hunter, trying to catch birds, it is better to catch one bird than to see two birds in a bush but not be able to catch them. Thus this means that what you have already got is better than the chance of being able to get something bigger in the future. Too many cooks spoil the broth(soup). When too many people do something together, they get in each other's way and cannot do a good job. To pour oil on troubled waters Is to try to calm things down. Oil is lighter than water. If a ship is in trouble at sea, another ship may come to help it. The second ship can send small boats to rescue people. However, it may first pour oil on the sea to make the sea less rough. Don't be a dog in a manger . Means " Don't be selfish." In a stable , the manger is the place where the horse's food is put. Sometimes a dog will sleep in the manger and bard when a horse comes to get its food. The dog does not want to eat the hay in the manger but it will not let the horse eat it. He's sitting on the fence. Means that somebody will not say whether he is in favour of a plan or against it. He is sitting on a fence between two opposing sides, perhaps waiting to see which side will win. He who pays the piper calls the tune. A piper is a musician . The man who employs or pays a musician can say what tunes the man will play. Thus this means that if a man provides the money for a plan, he can say how it will be carried out. You can't get blood out of a stone means that you can't get something out of a person who has not got any of the things you want. For example,... Mrs Chen wanted to buy a new dress. Her husband suggested that she buy it from a shop near their home. Mrs Chen disagreed because she had been cheated by that shop. Then she said: " I won't go there again because _ ." A) a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush B) I am sitting on the fence C) Once bitten, twice shy D) too man cooks spoil the broth
C

My dad is very unique because of his personality and lifestyle.For instance,he put his watch on his left hand,even though he's a lefty,and parking his car only in the garage is just his thing and doesn't change. My father only wears suits during the week because it's something very professional and formal. He loves to teach what he knows,from teaching my mother,aunt,and sisters driving skills to teaching his kids vocabulary. Also,whenever he is asked to do something at work,whatever it is,he will always complete the task on time. My mother buys most of his clothes,as he hates big crowds. In his house,children watch TV only after finishing all homework,which he believes is the best,because the child does his homework and still stays happy. One of my father's main focuses in life is making sure his children grow up the right way,like he did.He grew up with one sister in Chicago. As he got older,he got married to my mother who is three years younger than him. My dad is an individual with numerous qualities. His personality is just very wonderful to live with. The manners he shows are so refined and probably much better than most people. I admire my father and want to be just like him when I grow up. According to the passage,the author's father _ . A) first met his wife in Chicago B) has a sister three years younger C) got married at a very old age D) gets along well with his family
D

Dogs and cats are not for students who live in the dormitory. Just think about the noise, the smell and all that wild behavior--chewing on whatever they can get their teeth on, or knocking over the trash can. But don't feel sad. There are smaller and less destructive pets to make your dormitory life colorful. Betta fish They make great pets with their big personality and astonishing colors, ranging from bright red, dark blue to lemon yellow. Unlike many fish, most bettas react to their owner's presence and become more active when they are nearby, which is unusual in the fish world. Chinchillas Without bad smell, about the size of a rabbit and with fur so dense that they can't get pests such as fleas , the friendly creature originally from the Andes Mountains in South America makes an ideal indoor pet. Chinchillas are very social animals, so if you only have one, you will become its family. In cold winter days, in a glance at this fury pet in a dorm will bring you a lot of warmth. Land hermit crabs In a society where owners are often asked "Are they tasty?", land hermit crabs are among the most unlucky animals commonly kept as pets. But they are easy to care for, inexpensive and fascinating to watch. And the fact that they don't cause any allergic reactions makes them perfect for college dormitories. Red-eared sliders If you're interested in a lifelong friend, a red-eared slider makes a wonderful pet. If well cared for, they can live for around 40 years. But there are a couple of things you should know. Red-eared can grow to an adult size of up to 30cm! So you may need a larger tank quickly. In addition, you will need to provide UV lighting, water heater, and a swimming area and a basking area. Housing a red eared slider is not easy. Which of the following is not true about these creatures? A) Bettas are active and rich in colors. B) Chinchillas are originally mountain animals. C) Land hermit crabs are allergic but tasty. D) Red-eared sliders need more care from the owner.
C