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
A Christian forgiving and an idiot forgetting contrasts religiously framed mercy with erased memory through an insult. The saying separates two responses to a wrong.
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A clenched fist unable to give or take gives closed posture an image of blocked exchange. The saying values openness through a physical metaphor.
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A council member required to listen well gives public responsibility a receptive role. The saying values hearing people before making decisions that concern them.
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A distorted approach can leave a corresponding mark on its results. The crooked tree and shadow picture that connection, without proving that every disappointing outcome reveals bad intent or a flawed person.
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The saying calls a day without laughter lost. It places a strong value on moments of enjoyment.
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One sorrowful day longer than a joyful month contrasts the felt duration of difficult and welcome experience. The saying makes emotional time vivid.
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A day without wine compared with a day without sunshine gives a drink an image of missing pleasure. The saying expresses a celebratory preference.
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A deaf husband and blind wife called happy associates marital harmony with not hearing or seeing. The saying uses disabilities and gender roles to imply selective inattention.
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A diplomat thinking twice before saying nothing makes silence itself a considered communication choice. The saying plays on caution normally associated with speaking.
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A dog owning nothing yet seldom dissatisfied contrasts possessions with an imagined contentment. The saying questions wealth as a complete measure of satisfaction.
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The saying makes a drowning person clutch at a straw. It depicts desperation reaching for something that seems unable to provide much help.
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The saying treats a face that never laughs as revealing an evil heart. It makes an adverse moral judgment from outward expression.
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A pleasing promise binding a fool questions commitment secured by attractive words rather than demonstrated reliability. The saying warns about the appeal of an offer.
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A fool following diversion like water pictures direction supplied from outside rather than examined independently. The saying questions influence accepted without reflection.
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The saying judges contempt for a father’s instruction as foolish. It values receiving guidance through a family relationship.
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A fool occupied with everyone’s business except their own questions attention that avoids a relevant responsibility. The saying criticises misplaced involvement.
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Handling a fool like a small fish in a pan compares an interaction with something requiring care. The saying gives delicacy a role in dealing with a person it disparages.
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Someone with a direct interest in an outcome may be unsuitable to judge it impartially. Identify conflicts of interest before entrusting a decision to an apparently knowledgeable participant.
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A free dog ranked braver than a caged lion gives freedom an advantage over an imposing appearance. The saying contrasts agency with restricted capacity.
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An influential supporter can sometimes secure help that money alone cannot obtain. The saying values access through a relationship, while leaving open whether that access is legitimate assistance or unfair favouritism.
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The saying prefers a nearby friend to a distant relative. It values available support over a relationship that may be harder to reach.
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Someone familiar with a decision-making process may help another person navigate it more quickly. The saying can describe useful guidance, but it also invites questions about favouritism and unequal access.
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Friendship as a paved road and enmity as a wall contrast connection with obstruction. The saying gives relationships a role in what becomes possible.
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The saying denies deep friendship to someone friendly with everyone. It questions whether broad sociability allows particular commitment.
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