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
Strong anger or agitation can carry a person into actions they would not choose calmly. The runaway horse suggests losing direction under an emotion, while allowing that feelings may reveal a concern worth addressing.
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The saying praises allowing anger to pass rather than keeping a grievance alive. Its moral judgement is too simple: lasting anger does not by itself show that someone lacks good character.
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A serious action may be preceded by a warning or an expression of anger. The barking image encourages attention to possible signals, without promising that every threat will be carried out or every harmful action announced.
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Avoid provoking a quiet problem without a useful reason. An unnecessary intervention can revive a conflict or danger that is currently inactive.
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A usually gentle person can still reach a limit. Do not interpret calmness as endless tolerance or assume that anger can arise only in people who appear forceful.
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The saying warns that anger from a powerful person may have serious consequences. Recognise a difference in power without assuming that authority makes anger justified or requires silent acceptance of unfair treatment.
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An unresolved grievance may produce a delayed response. The stored kick suggests that apparent quietness should not automatically be read as the end of a conflict.
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