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
The back and its burden form an image of carrying responsibilities or difficulty. Read cautiously, the saying can encourage confidence in responding to a particular task; it cannot prove that every load is bearable or that hardship was assigned for someone’s benefit.
Read the explanation and example ↗quote · William Shakespeare
Courage works best with judgement: choosing when not to take an unnecessary risk can be wiser than proving bravery through reckless action.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Stars brighter in a darker night give brightness a contrast with surrounding darkness. Figuratively, a welcome thing may stand out amid difficulty.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Hero and coward distinguished by the direction of running frames courage through response rather than movement alone. The saying makes the purpose of action central to its contrast.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A decisive first step can provide an advantage in a difficult undertaking. Read the battle image figuratively; initiative is not a justification for violence, coercion or rushing past necessary preparation.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes the first step always the hardest. It highlights the challenge of beginning with an emphatic comparison.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A fox catching by cunning and a wolf catching by courage contrast different ways of overcoming another. The image compares craft with boldness.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The loudest threats do not always signal the greatest ability or intention to cause harm. Noise alone is an unreliable measure of strength.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A person who begins behind others may still obtain the desired result. The trailing-dog image leaves room for changed circumstances and a later opportunity, without guaranteeing a reversal or making preparation and timely action irrelevant.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A feared difficulty may be less daunting than its reputation suggests. Find out what the situation actually involves before allowing an exaggerated picture to decide for you.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes a first step necessary even for the longest journey. It connects an ambitious destination with the immediate act of setting out.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An oppressor called always cowardly challenges domination being mistaken for courage. The saying condemns harmful power through a bravery contrast.
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The lowest tide before turning gives a low point an image of approaching reversal. The saying offers hope through a cyclical natural scene.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Someone already wet said not to fear rain pictures changed concern after an experience has begun. The saying suggests that an anticipated burden may feel different once encountered.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Courage, sense and insight are called three friends. The saying values resolve together with judgment and understanding.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A path even to the highest mountain top offers an image of possibility despite an imposing aim. The saying encourages looking for an approach rather than assuming difficulty means impossibility.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying defines failure as ceasing to try. It values continued effort more than the result of any single attempt.
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The saying contrasts abundant ideas with insufficient will to carry them out. It makes execution the missing part rather than another proposal.
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When a preferred course is unavailable, consider what can realistically be done. The contrast between will and can separates desire from present capacity.
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A threatening advantage does not always remove every possibility of response. The fox-and-chicken image recognises that the weaker party may still have an option, without guaranteeing escape or blaming someone who cannot avoid harm.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Willingness can encourage a search for workable methods. The saying praises initiative but overstates it if every obstacle is treated as a lack of will.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Death threatened to the brave compared with water promised to a duck gives intimidation a supposedly ineffective target. The saying imagines courage resisting a threat.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes new opportunities erase earlier failures. It encourages attention to present possibilities instead of treating the past as a permanent verdict.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Even someone with little power may resist when pushed or harmed. The turning worm challenges the assumption that vulnerability means endless submission.
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