Тask 1. Read and translate the meaning of the proverbs using the vocabulary.

Explanatory notes:

1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: a sure advantage is better than an expected advantage. It is better to accept something tangible, if not very valuable, at the present moment than to wait for a more valuable thing which is however beyond our reach, so far. A bird in the hand is something that one already has as opposed to something one may possibly obtain, i.e. a bird in the bush.

2. A burnt child dreads the fire: after some bitter or painful experience one is supposed to become careful and keep away from the cause of one's troubles or sufferings.

Example: Her experience of love has been too bitter and she won’t like to taste it again, for a burnt child dreads the fire. (Thomas and Kelly)

3. Actions speak louder than words: a person is known and judged more by his actions than by his words, however smooth or coarse the latter might appear; actions are more important than words.

Example: "Am I to say nothing?" she stammers. "Nothing! Actions speak louder than words!!" (R. Broughton)

4. A drowning man will catch at a straw: anyone in desperate circumstances tries every possible means oil escape even though he knows it is not likely to be of any teal use. To catch at a straw means to avail oneself of even the slightest chance of rescue from one's difficulties, or to gain hope from the slightest sign that may seem favorable.

Example: Kate, a drowning man catches at straws, you know. I saw you waver just now. (R. Brougtiton)

5. A friend in need is a friend indeed: it is at a time of misfortune that you know your real friends.

Example: I thank you heartily… A friend in need is a friend indeed. (W. G. Smith)

Тask 2. Complete the following proverbs.

1) A friend in need ..................

2) Actions ................. words.

3) ......... ......... in the bush.

4) A burnt .................. fire.

5) .............. .... catch at a straw.

Тask 3. Find English equivalents to the Russian proverbs below.

Не по словам судят, а по делам.

Друзья познаются в беде.

He сули журавля в небе, а дай синицу в руки.

Обжегшись на молоке, дуешь и на воду.

Утопающий за соломинку хватается.

Тask 4. Use appropriate proverbs to fill in the blanks.

1) He had heard that «...........» and he acted. (A. Taylor, B. J. Whiting)

2) You came to my side when I was in trouble ......................... (W. G. Smith)

Тask 5. Find phraseological units and state what proverbs they originate from.

1) Today I am busted and almost beat. I dropped eighty percent of my business all because he put me on his D.D. (demand draft) list. I came up here on a hunch, grabbing at a straw. (R. Robbins)

2) She had closed the house at Hilltop and all her time she spent looking after Arthur, preparing his food, reading to him, or merely sitting in silent companionship by his bed. Strange behaviour for a woman naturally so indifferent, so apparently self-absorbed. It was perhaps an atonement, a clutching at this chance straw of expiation in the throbbing desire to prove that there was something of good in her. (A. Cronin)

3) "There really is nothing as important as giving our town dwellers decent living conditions." ─ "It's rather like going over to the enemy," muttered Michael. "Our future oughtn't to be so bound up in the towns." ─ "It will be, whatever's done. 'A bird in the hand', and such a big bird, Michael." (J. Galsworthy)