The following proverbs from around the world, taken from Charles Berlitz's Native Tongues, may seem unfamiliar at first. But read them again. Each one has an English language counterpart that expresses the same thought in a different way. What are our versions?

1. When the boss is not around we know a lot of songs. (Greece)

2. With too many rowers the ship will crash into a mountain. (Japan)

3. Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow. (Italy)

4. There's no way to turn a buzzard into a hawk. (France)

Answers:

1. When the cat's away the mice will play 

2. Too many cooks spoil the broth

3. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

4. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. 

Credit:

GAMES Magazine

July, 1991

Margot Seides