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 (Spanish-language collection)
Some forces are better given room than confronted directly. The bull and current of air invite attention to position and approach, without providing safety instructions or requiring surrender whenever resistance is difficult.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Wanting to deny another person a benefit can be more destructive than wanting an advantage for yourself. Notice when comparison turns a desire into resentment.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A choice or situation usually has more than one aspect. Look beyond its attractive face to understand the drawbacks, limits or obligations that accompany it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
People often recommend the cause they already favour. Consider their commitments and interests when evaluating enthusiastic advice rather than treating it as neutral by default.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
People commonly believe their own claim is justified. Confidence on both sides of a dispute is a reason to examine evidence, not a way to decide who is right.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
People selling or making something tend to praise it. Treat their description as one perspective and look for relevant evidence before deciding its quality or suitability.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Fear can produce ingenious preparations or imagined dangers. Examine whether a new idea responds to evidence and helps the situation rather than merely extending the alarm.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Even people considered wise may follow a fashion they did not examine. The contrast questions imitation based on acceptance, without proving that every novelty or popular choice is foolish.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Buying more than is useful can leave someone needing to dispose of the excess. The proverb points to the consequences of an unnecessary acquisition rather than proving that resale is the only remedy.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A change in circumstances can remove benefits that depended on those circumstances. Distinguish an external advantage from the skills, relationships or values that may remain.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Protection depends partly on continuing to notice changing conditions. A precaution taken once may become ineffective if its assumptions or surroundings later change.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Saving a comparatively slight thing while wasting something more valuable reverses sensible priorities. The ashes and flour contrast asks whether apparent carefulness protects what actually matters in the situation.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Using a resource before it has matured can consume the benefit expected later. The young crop represents an anticipated return spent or destroyed too soon.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Using your body in place of a suitable tool can impose a needless cost. Choose an appropriate method instead of proving determination through avoidable strain.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Calling someone clever can hide the harm of exploiting a friend. Skill in obtaining an advantage does not make deception admirable or fair.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A person can overlook something immediately available while searching farther away. Check the present situation before assuming that the missing resource must be elsewhere.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A defeat need not end someone’s wish to try again. Persistence is useful when it includes learning and a realistic choice about whether another attempt is worthwhile.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Building a house or marrying is pictured leaving little in the purse. The saying directs attention to the resources a major undertaking may consume, without claiming that every such choice causes poverty.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
The saying sets a strict limit after a first pardon. It warns against repeatedly overlooking the same conduct, while leaving room to question the blanket rule and distinguish forgiveness from restored trust.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Those who pursue a reward may be passed over while less suitable recipients obtain it. Question how benefits are assigned without accepting the proverb’s insults as an assessment of people.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Experience of your own situation can help you imagine another person’s circumstances. Treat that analogy as a starting point for questions rather than proof of sameness.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Praise can cloud judgement when it becomes something a person continually seeks. Notice whether admiration is helping recognition or making honest disagreement harder to hear.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
When the injury is the same, a superficial difference between its sources may not lessen what happened. Look at the effect and responsibility rather than using a label to excuse comparable harm.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Retain a practical way to guide or stop something entrusted to you. The bridle represents oversight that should not be abandoned merely because things seem calm.
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