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)
Waiting without taking a necessary step may leave a need unmet. The sleeping fox’s empty mouth pictures the difference between wanting a result and doing something that could help obtain it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An inexperienced worker may learn at another person’s expense when that person does not recognise the risk. The saying criticises careless practice and unequal protection rather than recommending it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
An obligation may remain even when the activity expected to support it is not performed. Ploughing and rent are separated, so stopping the work does not itself settle the payment.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Recognising a wrong choice can involve costs beyond saying sorry. Consider what repair requires, while allowing remorse to become constructive action rather than permanent self-punishment.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Take a sustainable benefit without destroying what supplies it. The contrast between shearing and flaying warns against extraction that becomes ruinous or cruel.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Providing food after the animal has died makes the gesture too late for its purpose. The image urges timely care or action without suggesting that every loss could have been prevented.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Shared ownership can leave a task neglected when no one knows who is responsible. Agree practical care and maintenance rather than assuming that collective interest organises itself.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A useful performance may depend on the resources that make it possible. The filled bagpipe represents provision needed before an expected sound can be produced.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The person already harmed can face an additional penalty. The saying exposes unfair allocation of blame or cost rather than establishing that victims deserve punishment.
Read the explanation and example ↗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)
What is held or carried can place demands on its container. The blade and sheath invite attention to the cost of sustaining something powerful or continually active.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Help given before a difficulty may be more useful than help that arrives after it. Consider when information or support is needed, not only whether it is offered.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The seriousness of a fault can depend on the responsibility and influence of the person committing it. Greater power may create greater consequences and stronger duties.
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)
Appearance cannot give a person resources or abilities they do not have. Recognise actual limits instead of allowing an attractive impression to create unreasonable expectations.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Care often directs attention toward those who depend on us. Notice their needs without assuming that concern requires constant supervision or leaves no room for independence.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An eager audience can encourage someone to keep speaking maliciously about others. Consider how listening, approval or repetition helps the conversation continue.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
A mill produces through operation, not merely by standing ready. The image contrasts having the means to do something with putting those means to useful work.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The reply follows the tone set by the leader. The monk and abbot image asks how authority shapes participation, without removing the responsibility of those who respond.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
An established relationship can make a call more persuasive. The ox responding to its feeder links provision and cooperation, without making help a purchase of obedience or turning people into dependent animals.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Appreciation may disappear once the occasion or benefit has passed. Consider whether thanks reflects continuing regard or only a temporary need for someone’s help.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Immediate personal interests may feel stronger than interests at a greater distance. Recognise that closeness without assuming it justifies ignoring every obligation to others.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A strongly connected relationship or arrangement can be costly to break. Consider how deeply the parts are joined when assessing the consequences of a rupture.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The weakest person holding the candle pictures a supporting burden falling on someone with less power. The saying can prompt scrutiny of how tasks are assigned.
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