What does the proverb “Common sense ain’t common” mean?
A. People who are common have no sense.
B. People who lack common sense are rare.
C. Common sense is not very important.
D. Common sense is often lacking in many people.
Explanation:
The proverb “Common sense ain’t common” means that common sense is often lacking in many people. It suggests that despite the fact that common sense should be common or easily understood, it is actually a rare quality to find in people. This proverb is often used to express frustration with the lack of critical thinking and reasoning skills in others.
Option A, “People who are common have no sense,” is incorrect because it confuses the term “common” as being synonymous with “ordinary” or “unremarkable,” rather than its intended meaning of “belonging to or involving the whole community or country.” Option B, “People who lack common sense are rare,” is also incorrect because it contradicts the meaning of the proverb, which emphasizes that common sense is not very common. Option C, “Common sense is not very important,” is also incorrect because it goes against the intended meaning of the proverb, which acknowledges the importance of common sense.
In summary, the proverb “Common sense ain’t common” means that common sense is often lacking in many people, despite its importance and the fact that it should be common or easily understood.