Words worth understanding
Start with the thought in plain English. Then examine its imagery, practical application and limitations.
2,058 selected entries have editorial explanations. An explanation is not independent authentication of an attribution. Start with the individually source-checked classics ↗
proverb · Traditional
Two differently described situations may leave a person in the same difficulty. Being in darkness and lacking light are equivalent images, so changing the description does not supply what is missing.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Begin conserving while supplies are plentiful instead of waiting until little remains. The brim and bottom contrast early care with late necessity.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Destroying or undoing something can require less effort than creating it. The contrast between pulling down and building asks for care before removing useful work, without making every existing structure or practice worth preserving.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A task can seem easy when the conditions already favour it. The downhill image asks how much the favourable situation contributes, rather than assuming a smooth result proves exceptional skill or that easy work has no value.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Protect what you will need afterward before taking an action that puts it at risk. Keeping clothes safe while swimming becomes an image of preparation and attention to foreseeable consequences.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A matter with serious consequences should not be treated as harmless experimentation. The edged-tool image warns about careless involvement, while leaving room for informed participation, appropriate support and a considered decision.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Do not keep adding resources to a failing course merely because you have already spent some. Judge the next commitment by what it can achieve now, rather than by a wish to justify the past.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An impressive display is different from performing the demanding task itself. The contrast between flourishing and fighting asks whether apparent readiness is supported by practical ability, without treating modest presentation as proof of competence.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Sound judgement can include choosing which matters deserve attention. The saying values proportion and restraint, without advising people to ignore important evidence, responsibility or harm.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A careless spender’s apparent economy can create greater costs. The paradox questions savings that preserve the wrong thing while undermining the larger purpose.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Something that permits no repair may be difficult to keep useful. The sack-and-patching image values room for correction, without making every proposed change good or blaming someone for a limit they cannot alter.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A setback for some people may create an advantage for others. The effects of an event are uneven, so one person’s experience may not represent everyone’s.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A fortunate outcome can sometimes help more than good judgement does. The saying comments on the power of chance, often wryly, without proving that preparation is useless or that success shows a person made a wise choice.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Disorder can create an opportunity for someone to gain an advantage. The saying may describe exploiting confusion, so the opportunity needs an ethical judgement rather than being treated as automatically good advice.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Enjoyment and good judgement can go together. You can be cheerful or playful while still paying attention to your responsibilities and the effects on others.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An approach that works against the nature of a task can make it unnecessarily difficult. Shaving against the wool pictures resistance created by the chosen method.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Look for something in a place suited to providing it. The contrast between fragrance and a dog’s kennel questions a mismatched search, without establishing that an unexpected source can never offer value.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An activity may offer too little enjoyment or benefit to justify the effort and resources it requires. The candle image asks whether the occasion is worthwhile, without giving pleasure a single price or measure.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Enjoyment pushed too far can become unpleasant. Surfeiting turns a welcome experience into an excess that defeats its original pleasure.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Do not judge a work only by how it appears before it is ready for use. The unfinished ship invites patience with the stage of construction, while leaving room for useful checks and criticism along the way.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Do not make a settled judgement from an initial appearance alone. Gather relevant information before deciding, while still responding appropriately to a clear immediate concern.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An object that seems unnecessary now may become useful later. The seven-year claim exaggerates that possibility, rather than giving a dependable timetable or requiring someone to keep every unused possession.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying warns that anger from a powerful person may have serious consequences. Recognise a difference in power without assuming that authority makes anger justified or requires silent acceptance of unfair treatment.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An unobvious difficulty may be harder to recognise than a visible one. Still and rough water contrast a concealed risk with something that already signals caution.
Read the explanation and example ↗