Select the most appropriate proverb to replace the underlined part of the…
2026
Select the most appropriate proverb to replace the underlined part of the sentence.
This time, he carefully read the papers before signing them because a person who has once got into trouble because of something will avoid it thereafter.
Answer: D. a burnt child dreads the fire — ConceptA proverb is a fixed, concise saying that expresses a general lesson drawn from experience. To select a proverb for a sentence, identify its central…
- A.
the early bird gets the worm
- B.
a bad workman quarrels with his tools
- C.
a fool's bolt is soon shot
- D.
a burnt child dreads the fire
Attempted by 9 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
A proverb is a fixed, concise saying that expresses a general lesson drawn from experience.
To select a proverb for a sentence, identify its central cause-and-effect idea first, then match that idea rather than individual words.
Application
The sentence says that a person suffered trouble once.
That earlier harm makes the person cautious and likely to avoid the same source of trouble later.
This cause-and-effect idea is precisely expressed by “a burnt child dreads the fire.”
Contrast
“The early bird gets the worm” connects prompt action with gaining an advantage.
“A bad workman quarrels with his tools” connects poor performance with blaming one's equipment.
“A fool's bolt is soon shot” connects foolishness with acting or speaking too hastily.
“A burnt child dreads the fire” connects a painful past experience with later caution toward a similar danger.
Result
The appropriate substitute is “a burnt child dreads the fire.”