THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Variety is the spice of life
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
New and different experiences make life more interesting.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I like trying new foods—variety is the spice of life.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I like trying new foods—________.
Show the answer
Variety is the spice of life — New and different experiences make life more interesting.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Variety is the spice of life” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
New and different experiences make life more interesting.
Compare: I like trying new foods—variety is the spice of life.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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How to use this expression
This proverb presents different activities or experiences as a source of interest and enjoyment. Use it to explain a preference for change. It expresses an attitude rather than a rule that everyone must always choose something new.
More examples
I usually read novels, but today I chose poetry. Variety is the spice of life.
We cook a different dish each weekend—variety is the spice of life.
Check your understanding
Is “spice” literal in this proverb?
Answer: No. It represents the interest that different experiences can add to life.
Explain why you want a change
Amir: “We take the same walk every weekend.” Lea: “Let’s try the riverside route. Variety is the spice of life.”
Think it through: Does Lea mean that their usual walk is necessarily bad?
Check the explanation
No. She suggests that a different experience could make life more interesting. The proverb supports trying variety; it is not evidence that every familiar routine must be abandoned. It fits a light conversation about activities, food or hobbies.
Your turn: Suggest a harmless change to a weekend routine and use the proverb to explain it.
Compare expressions: Choices and first impressions
Ask why someone makes a choice: are they following a trend, judging by appearances or looking for variety? Each situation calls for a different expression.
Try the situation question and check your answer →