New Twists on Old Proverbs

An elementary school teacher gave each child in her class the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. Their insight may surprise you! And if you would like to try to guess the correct ending of the proverb, just type it in or remember it, and then click on the answer block to see how well you did.

As you shall make your bed so shall you ... mess it up.
The original proverb: As you shall make your bed so shall you lie there.

Better to be safe than... punch a 5th grader.
The original proverb: Better to be safe than sorry!

Strike while the ... bug is close.
The original proverb: Strike while the iron is hot!

It is always darkest before... daylight savings time.
It is always darkest before... I open my eyes.
The original proverb: It is always darkest before the dawn.

Never underestimate the power of... termites.
The original proverb: Never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed.
And you also frequently hear: Never underestimate the power of a woman.

A rolling stone... plays the guitar.
The original proverb: A rolling stone gathers no moss.

A bird in the hand is... a real mess.
The original proverb: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

It is better to light one candle than to... waste electricity.
It is better to light one candle than to... light an explosive.
The original proverb: It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

You have nothing to fear but... your Principal.
You have nothing to fear but... homework.
The original proverb: You have nothing to fear but fear itself.

If you can't stand the heat... don't start the fireplace.
If you can't stand the heat... go swimming.
The original proverb: If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

The squeaking wheel gets... annoying.
The original proverb: The squeaking wheel gets the grease.

To err is human... to eat a muskrat is not.
The original proverb: To err is human, to forgive, divine.

I think, therefore I... get a headache.
The original proverb: I think, therefore I am.

Early to bed and early to rise... is first in the bathroom.
The original proverb: Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a... blister.
The original proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

There is nothing new under the... bed.
The original proverb: There is nothing new under the sun.

The grass is always greener... when you leave the sprinkler on.
The grass is always greener... when you put manure on it.
The original proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Don't count your chickens... it takes too long.
The original proverb: Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

You can lead a horse to water but... how?.
The original proverb: You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

Don't bite the hand that... looks dirty.
The original proverb: Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

No news is... impossible.
The original proverb: No news is good news.

A miss is as good as a...mister.
The original proverb: A miss is as good as a mile.

You can't teach an old dog new... math.
The original proverb: You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

If you lie down with dogs, you'll... stink in the morning.
The original proverb: If you lie down with dogs, you'll rise with fleas.

Love all, trust... me.
The original proverb: Love all, trust few, do wrong to none. (Shakespeare)

The pen is mightier than the... pigs.
The original proverb: The pen is mightier than the sword.

Where there's smoke there's... pollution.
The original proverb: Where there's smoke there's fire.

Happy the bride who... gets all the presents.
The original proverb: Happy the bride who the sun shines on.

A penny saved is... not much.
The original proverb: A penny saved is a penny earned.

Two's company, three's... the Musketeers.
The original proverb: Two's company, three's a crowd.

Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you... put on to go to bed.
Never put off 'til tomorrow what you... should have done yesterday.
The original proverb: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and... you have to blow your nose.
Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and... someone yells, "Shut up!"
The original proverb: Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.

Children should be seen and not... spanked or grounded.
The original proverb: Children should be seen and not heard.

If at first you don't succeed... get new batteries.
The original proverb: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

You get out of something what you... see pictured on the box.
The original proverb: You get out of something what you put into it.

And the WINNER!

Better late than... pregnant.
The original proverb: Better late than never.