Words worth understanding
Start with the thought in plain English. Then explore the imagery, a practical example, when to use it, and what the saying does not mean.
4,000 entries with editorial explanations. The wider collection also contains entries still awaiting an individual interpretation.
proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Accepting the benefits of a role also means considering its obligations. A favourable position should not be treated as though its accompanying duties disappear.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An initial choice can create pressures or obligations that shape the next one. Examine those commitments early without assuming that a mistaken course cannot be changed.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A person’s own instrument or action can cause the setback they suffer. Examine the self-defeating choice rather than assuming every problem came from outside.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A pause before a decision can allow reconsideration. Returning later may reveal another option, though delay alone does not guarantee a sound answer.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A request fails when the chosen source cannot supply what is needed. Match expectations to actual capabilities instead of demanding the impossible from an unsuitable resource.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Beginning at the wrong point can make a task unnecessarily difficult. Understand the sequence and dependencies before putting effort into an inconvenient starting place.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A small gain may not justify a larger expense. Compare the value of what you are trying to recover with the resources spent in the search.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
After losing something useful, a frustrated person may discard what remains. The image warns against letting one setback provoke further unnecessary loss or abandonment.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A bird crying only after capture pictures a warning raised when an earlier opportunity to act has passed. Notice difficulties while a useful response is still possible.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Competition over one limited resource can strain a relationship. Make the sharing arrangement explicit before scarcity turns ordinary cooperation into conflict.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The same event can disadvantage one person and benefit another. Assess its effects from several positions instead of assuming that everyone shares your gain or loss.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
After a loss, recovering something useful can still matter. Consider what can reasonably be salvaged without mistaking a partial recovery for the restoration of everything.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Advice sought only after an action may arrive too late to shape that choice. Consider relevant guidance while the decision is still open.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Options may become plentiful after a commitment has already been made. The married daughter and arriving sons-in-law expose awkward timing, without treating marriage or people as interchangeable purchases.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
You cannot use up a benefit and still keep it available. Some desirable outcomes conflict, so a decision requires accepting what you give up.
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