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What does it mean?

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.

197 matching explanations

proverb · Traditional

The instruction joins diligence with avoiding a rush. It favours attentive effort at a pace that allows the task to be done carefully.

proverb · Traditional

The saying divides an elephant-sized undertaking into mouthfuls. As an analogy, a large task may be approached in manageable parts.

proverb · Traditional

The saying notes that people cannot always obtain what they want. It recognises limits on the fulfilment of desire.

proverb · Traditional

The saying puts crawling before walking. As a learning metaphor, it asks for foundational practice before more demanding progress.

proverb · Traditional

Giving time some time repeats the word to ask for patience with an unfolding process. It resists demanding an immediate result.