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
Courage achieves little when it is not guided by sound judgement. The saying asks a brave person to consider how an action can help, rather than treating boldness or willingness to face danger as sufficient.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying treats negotiation as a sign that courage is close to surrender. A critical reading questions that assumption rather than equating discussion with weakness.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes surviving a difficulty produce strength. It turns adversity into a claimed source of later resilience.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying claims that what one fool can do another can do. It uses a disparaging comparison to make a task seem within reach.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The end of one opportunity can leave room to pursue another. A closed route need not mean that every worthwhile direction is closed.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying gives tough people an active response when circumstances become tough. Its repeated word turns difficulty into a call to act.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying offers hope that a severe difficulty will improve. Its confidence that the worst must turn better is reassurance rather than a reliable prediction.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Mobilising courage when no choice seems available calls for resolve in a difficult situation. It presents courage as an inner resource.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Knowing paired with daring connects understanding with willingness to act. The saying gives informed judgment a role in confidence.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Keeping a lesson when losing distinguishes an unsuccessful outcome from what may be learned from it. The saying encourages reflection rather than only counting the result.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Determination can help you find practical ways around obstacles. Wanting a result strongly enough may encourage persistence, experimentation and asking for help instead of giving up immediately.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Thinking one can or cannot is made to confirm itself. The saying gives expectation an exaggerated influence over an attempt.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
As long as life continues, a worthwhile possibility may remain. The saying encourages perseverance when a person feels that a setback has ended every chance.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying pictures a sword drawn against a prince with its scabbard discarded. It presents defiance as a commitment that leaves no easy return to putting the weapon away.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Having legs when courage is absent contrasts standing one’s ground with getting away. The image gives departure a role when confrontation is not chosen.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Avoiding an attempt can also avoid the particular failure associated with it. The climbing image may explain caution or criticise inaction, depending on context; it does not decide whether the risk is worth taking.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Something that seems weak can still influence something stronger. The flexible willow challenges an assumption that visible strength is the only source of effect.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying ranks wisdom above strength. It favours sound judgment over relying on force alone.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An uphill route is called the right track. The saying treats demanding progress as a possible sign of a worthwhile direction.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Riding hell every day answers another person’s complaint with an exaggerated claim of daily difficulty. The saying uses a riding image for a demanding experience.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying asks for an attempt before concluding what someone can do. Experience can provide information that expectation alone does not.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying links winning with willingness to risk losing. It encourages participation despite the possibility of an unsuccessful outcome.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Young people may seek room to explore and act independently. The swing image recognises that impulse without making reckless conduct inevitable or harmless.
Read the explanation and example ↗