Memory relies mostly on temporal (green area) and frontal (in red) areas of the brain. These are the areas where many neurons will get stimulated when you (assuming you are American or have lived in the US for long) try to remember the missing words in the American proverbs below.
However when it comes to the internationals proverbs below you will probably have to use your reasoning skills more than your memory skills — as it is likely you never even heard them. In this case, the frontal lobal exercise will be more intense.
Yes, if you live outside the USA, your experience will probably be the reverse.
Challenge: Try to remember (or guess) the final words of each proverb!
US proverbs
1. The early bird gets the ___________.
2. After all is _______ and done, more is said than __________.
3. From ___________ beginnings come great ____________.
4. Don’t ___________ horses while crossing a ____________.
5. The frog does not ____________ the pond in which he __________.
International proverbs
1. Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in ____________. (France)
2. A closed mouth catches no _____________ . (France)
3. Appetite comes with _______________ . (France)
4. If you are looking for a fly in your food it means that you are ___________. (South Africa)
5. Behold the iguana puffing itself out to make itself a ____________. (South Africa)
6. Milk the cow, but do not pull off the ___________. (Greece)
7. If you want to gather a lot of knowledge, act as if you are _________________. (Vietnam)
SOLUTIONS
US proverbs
1. The early bird gets the worm.
2. After all is said and done, more is said than done.
3. From small beginnings come great things.
4. Don’t change horses while crossing a stream.
5. The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.
International proverbs
1. Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.
2. A closed mouth catches no flies.
3. Appetite comes with eating.
4. If you are looking for a fly in your food it means that you are full.
5. Behold the iguana puffing itself out to make itself a man!
6. Milk the cow, but do not pull off the udder.
7. If you want to gather a lot of knowledge, act as if you are ignorant.
Next brain teaser in SharpBrains’ top 25 series:
- #20. Find the missing number in The Empty Triangle
— Pascale Michelon, PhD, is a scientist, educator, and contributing author to The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimize Brain Health and Performance at Any Age.
For more fun cognitive stimulation, try these Top 25 Brain Teasers, Games & Illusions for Adults.
