Question

Choose the best proverb that corresponds to the given context.

We have two neighbours. One of them is a clever and polite man. He is educated and cultured. The other is rather selfish and stupid. He thinks he can buy everything as he is rich enough. He is a narrow-minded person. We don't like him.

• A. As the tree so the fruit.
• B. Health is above wealth.
• C. No pains, no gains.
• D. It's never too late to learn.
• E. Better short of pence than short of sense.

Answer 1

The correct option is E Better short of pence than short of sense.

Option E is the correct answer because the proverb 'better short of pence than short of sense' means that it is better to have sense than have money. A poor person with sense can often find contentment by living within their means.

Options A, B, C and D are incorrect because none of these proverbs suits the given context.

'As the tree, so the fruit' means that the quality of a tree is known by the quality of the fruits borne by the tree. This literally means that the tree should not be judged by its appearance but by the fruit which is generated by it.

'Health is above wealth' means that there is nothing more important than health.

'No pains, no gains' means that it is necessary to suffer or work hard in order to succeed or make progress.

'It's never too late to learn' means that you can always learn something new.