Sayings Quiz: Talking 1

This quiz tests you on sayings about talking.

1. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse

The saying "A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse" suggests that we can show what we want

a. in a very subtle way

b. by nodding and winking

c. by explaining carefully

2. A still tongue makes a wise head

The saying "A still tongue makes a wise head" suggests that good judgement comes from

a. speaking

b. listening

c. tasting

3. A word to the wise is enough

If "a word to the wise is enough", then an intelligent person will understand

a. the briefest explanation

b. only one-word explanations

c. without a word being spoken

4. Barking dogs seldom bite

The proverb "Barking dogs seldom bite" suggests that people who say they are going to do something bad to us usually

a. sound like a dog barking

b. bite us

c. do nothing

5. Better the foot slip than the tongue

If you believe the proverb "Better the foot slip than the tongue", you will probably be most careful when

a. walking

b. talking

c. eating

6. Beware of a silent man and still water

The proverb "Beware of a silent man and still water" is really a warning about

a. running water

b. deep water

c. people who don't say much

7. Brevity is the soul of wit

If you agree that "brevity is the soul of wit", you probably enjoy

a. long jokes

b. short jokes

c. spiritual jokes

8. Dumb dogs are dangerous

If it's true that "dumb dogs are dangerous", you should be most careful of a person who is

a. eager to chat at any time

b. difficult to engage in conversation

c. kind to animals

9. Empty vessels make the most noise

"Empty vessels make the most noise" is a saying that really refers to

a. people

b. ships

c. containers

10. Least said soonest mended

The saying "Least said soonest mended" advises that a disagreement, for example, will be forgotten most quickly if we

a. write a letter of apology

b. take time to say how sorry we are

c. say nothing or very little

NB: you can also print this quiz on paper.

1. The saying "A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse" suggests that we can show what we want: a) in a very subtle way b) by nodding and winking c) by explaining carefully

2. The saying "A still tongue makes a wise head" suggests that good judgement comes from: a) speaking b) listening c) tasting

3. If "a word to the wise is enough", then an intelligent person will understand: a) the briefest explanation b) only one-word explanations c) without a word being spoken

4. The proverb "Barking dogs seldom bite" suggests that people who say they are going to do something bad to us usually: a) sound like a dog barking b) bite us c) do nothing

5. If you believe the proverb "Better the foot slip than the tongue", you will probably be most careful when: a) walking b) talking c) eating

6. The proverb "Beware of a silent man and still water" is really a warning about: a) running water b) deep water c) people who don't say much

7. If you agree that "brevity is the soul of wit", you probably enjoy: a) long jokes b) short jokes c) spiritual jokes

8. If it's true that "dumb dogs are dangerous", you should be most careful of a person who is: a) eager to chat at any time b) difficult to engage in conversation c) kind to animals

9. "Empty vessels make the most noise" is a saying that really refers to: a) people b) ships c) containers

10. The saying "Least said soonest mended" advises that a disagreement, for example, will be forgotten most quickly if we: a) write a letter of apology b) take time to say how sorry we are c) say nothing or very little

Contributor: Josef Essberger