Quiz Guy John Chaneski is puzzling over proverbs around the world, but he asks for help remembering the last word of each. For example, he knows there’s a German proverb that translates as “A clear conscience is a soft willow.” No, that’s not quite right. What’s the last word of this adage? This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Puzzling Proverbs Quiz”
You’re listening to A Way with Words, the show about language and how we use it.
I’m Martha Barnette.
And I’m Grant Barrett. And hey, there he is. It’s John Chaneski, our quiz guy. Hi, John.
Hi, John.
Hi, Grant. Hi, Martha. You know, I’ve got to tell you guys, I think you’ll like this one.
You know, I’m terrible at remembering adages and proverbs. I always get the last word wrong.
Luckily, I can usually remember the cadence and the rhyme.
For example, there’s this old German proverb, a clear conscience is a soft willow.
Wait, that’s not quite right.
A clear conscience is a soft willow.
No, no, it’s not willow.
It rhymes with willow.
That’s right.
A clear conscience is a soft pillow.
Yes.
I like that.
I also like a soft pillow.
Who doesn’t?
So it’s with clear conscience that I share with you these proverbs from around the world.
Remember, the last word is wrong.
The appropriate word will rhyme with it.
Here we go.
Here’s an Irish proverb. A drink precedes a glory.
A drink precedes a story.
Yes, that’s right.
That’s what it is here.
Let me make a note of that to myself.
Very good.
A drink precedes a story.
Thankfully.
I love that.
An Irish proverb, a friend’s eye is a good clearer.
Steerer?
A friend’s eye is a good mirror.
Yes, a friend’s eye is a good mirror.
Martha, you’re good at proverbs.
That’s good.
How about this German proverb? A teacher is better than two crooks.
Better than two books?
Yes, a teacher is better than two books.
The Yiddish proverb. All things grow with time except beef.
Grief?
Yes, all things grow with time except grief.
Nice, nicely done.
How about this African proverb? Do not look where you fell, but where you crypt.
Tripped?
Yes.
No, well, try it again.
It’s close.
Do not look where you fell but where you tripped.
It’s not that?
Not exactly tripped.
Slipped.
Slipped.
Slipped, yes.
Do not look where you fell but where you slipped.
Very nice.
Here’s an English proverb. He that seeks trouble never kisses.
No, never misses.
That’s right.
The German proverb. He who has burnt his mouth always blows his droop.
Soup?
Yes.
And finally, an Irish proverb. Sweet is the wine, but sour is the claimant.
Sweet is the wine, but sour is the…
Oh, the payment.
Yes, sweet is the wine, but sour is the payment.
Nice.
Very good.
Well, thank you, John.
Thank you, Martha.
Thank you, Grant.
And if you’d like to talk with us about any aspect of language at all, you can always give us a call at 877-929-9673 or send an email to words@waywordradio.org.
