Well, it's the last poco  a poco of 2011 so what better way to end the year than with a wee quiz of proverbs? Some, we have come across in the column before, others are new. Just see if you can work out what they mean and what the corresponding English proverb might be. Then turn the paper upside down – or if you've had enough Christmas spirits, stand on your head – and check the answers!

1. Cuatro ojos ven más que dos.
2. Más vale malo conocido que bueno por conocer.
3. Antes que te cases, mira lo que haces.
4. A caballo regalado no le mire los dientes.
5. Agua pasada no mueve molina.
6. No necesita abuela.
7. Cuando el río suena, agua lleva.
8. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro.
9. Cuando el gato ne está los ratones se diviertan.
10. Más vale un pájaro en la mano que ciento volando.

Answers below

 

 

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1.  Two heads are better than one.   (Four eyes see more than two.)
2. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.   (The bad you know is better than the
good that you don't know.)
3.  Look before you leap.   (Before you get married, look at what you are doing.)
4.  Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.  (Don't look at its teeth)
5.   It's all water under the bridge.  (Water that has passed by doesn't move the mill)
6.   He/she blows  his/her own trumpet.  ( He/she doesn't need a Granny)
7.  There's no smoke without fire.  (When the river makes noise, it has water)
8.  Kill two birds with one stone.  (with one shot)
9.  While the cat's away, the mice will play.  (When the cat isn't there the mice have fun)
10. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.  (One bird in your hand is worth a hundred flying)

So, it's Felices fiestas - Happy holidays.   Feliz Navidad  -  Happy Christmas
And Feliz año nuevo (pronounced feliz anyo nuevo) - Happy New Year.
Hasta 2012,  Valerie.

Valerie runs the Centro Idiomas Language School in Coin.
Her books, “The First Twelve Shortcuts to Spanish” , “The Second Twelve Shortcuts to Spanish”   & “The Third Twelve Shortcuts to Spanish” (€5 each) and  “The Verb Book” (€7) are available from The News office in Coin, Woody’s Cards and Books in Los Boliches, David’s Books in Los Boliches or by email from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Valerie's books can also now be bought from her website - www.cslspain.com or call 952 450 747.