译林版初中英语 八年级下册

Unit 5 Good MannersUnit 5 Good Manners

Study Skills

Using English Sayings

南京市六合区龙池初级中学 齐玲

A saying is a short wise statement that

usually gives advice or expresses some

truth about life.

谚语是一个通常给出建议或表达生活真理的简短且富含智慧的陈述。

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.入乡随俗

It also shows that we should learn to use English

sayings as the British do.

Fun with English Sayings

Sandy bought the air tickets a week before our trip because she believed that the early bird catches the worm. And thanks to her, we went on our trip on time.

You have to do something before others in order to be successful.

The early bird catches the worm.

Means:

e.g. Daniel always learns the new words before class because he believes that the early bird catches the worm. Now his English has become better and better.

My coffee. Sandy’s tea.

Sandy thought that my coffee was better than her tea. In fact, her tea was delicious too. I smiled and said, “ The grass is always greener on the other side.”

What other people have always seems better than your own.

The grass is always greener

on the other side.

Means:

e.g. Daniel thinks that Simon’ s phone is better than his. Maybe it’s just because the grass is always greener on the other side.

Daniel’s phone.

Simon’s phone.

Suddenly, it began to rain later that day. So we had to go back to our hotel. It never rains but it pours, we were in such a hurry that Sandy left her handbag in the taxi carelessly.

It never rains but it pours.

When one bad thing happens to you, other bad things happen soon after.

Means:

e.g.Simon is very sad because he lost his wallet and it never rains but it pours, he lost his job, too.

The hotel manager came and said ,“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and then he advised us to call the taxi company to try our luck.

We called the police for help.

Put all your eggs in one basket.

Risk( 冒险 ) losing everything all at one time.

Means:

e.g.

Wendy: I plan to see the new film with Millie at the Star Cinema this afternoon.

Mum: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. What if the tickets are sold out when you get there?

Wendy: You’re right. Let me check it online first.

Many hands make light work. Two hours later, we were told that Sandy’s handbag was sent to the Lost Property Office( 失物招领处 ).

Many hands make light work.

If lots of people share the work, it will make a job easier to complete.

Means:

e.g.Daniel made a kite with his friends last week. Many hands make light work, they finished it in just half an hour.

Every dog has its day. Sandy was very lucky to get her handbag back.

Every dog has its day.

Everybody will be lucky or successful sometime in their life.

Means:

e.g.Father: Peter, you look sad. What’s wrong?Peter: We lost the football match again. I want to quit( 退出 ).

Father: Don’t give up. Every dog has its day. You’ll be successful some day if you keep going.

The early bird catches the worm. 早起的鸟儿有虫吃。

The grass is always greener on the other side. 邻家芳草绿。

It never rains but it pours. 不雨则已，一雨倾盆。

Put all your eggs in one basket. 孤注一掷。

Many hands make light work. 众人拾柴火焰高。

Every dog has its day. 人人皆有得意时。

Interviewer: Why do you want to be a YOG volunteer?

You: Well, just as the saying goes, “_____.” I think we

can make it a great success if more people can join in

and do some voluntary work for it together.

A. It never rains but it pours

B. Put all your eggs in one basket

C. Many hands make light work

D. Every dog has its day

C

Quiz: Read the dialogue and choose the right saying.

Sayings are a great help if you need some wise words to express your ideas. They make what you say or write simple and vivid ( 生动的 ).

Find more sayings for yourself

because