Bird and animal proverbs: what do they mean?
A proverb is a short sentence that gives advice or tells a truth about life. The words are often about animals or birds, but the meaning is about people. For example: “Birds of a feather flock together” talks about birds, but it means that people with the same interests become friends. We read the words first (the real meaning), then think about the lesson (the hidden meaning). Read the proverb and the dialog about birds on page 58 of your book with a grown-up. Then use these words for people: careful, sensible, wise and successful. Arabic has many proverbs too. For example, “Patience is the key to relief” means that waiting calmly helps us in hard times. Two proverbs can have a similar meaning in different languages.
| Proverb | What it says | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. | One bird you hold is better than two you do not have yet. | Be happy with what you have. |
| Many hands make light work. | Many hands carry things easily. | Work together and a job is easier. |
| Slow and steady wins the race. | The slow, steady runner wins. | Keep going carefully and you will succeed. |
What does ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ mean, Grandpa?
It is not really about birds, Hoda. It means be happy with what you have.
So a sensible person does not give up a good thing for a chance?
Yes. And a wise person thinks carefully.
Proverb talk. The grown-up says: “Many hands make light work.” The child says what the words mean and what the lesson is. Then the child writes one proverb from home (Arabic or English) and explains it in two sentences. Draw a small picture to remember it.