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
An extremely distant destination suggests an undertaking of considerable scale. The expression can call attention to how far a task reaches, without treating the world as having a literal endpoint or promising that every journey is worth completing.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A resource should be considered together with the support needed to keep it useful. The horse carrying its own provisions pictures a capability that does not consume all the effort of those relying on it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A costly method can be disproportionate to the value of what it obtains. The silver shovel and lead invite a comparison between means and result, rather than assuming that any successful effort is worth its expense.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An attractive possibility is not yet an achieved result. The good fish still needing to be caught distinguishes what might be valuable from what is actually available to use.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A demanding undertaking needs means capable of supporting it. The tiny eggshell set against the sea pictures an unsuitable arrangement, rather than proving that every ambitious plan or modest beginning must fail.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Good intentions may not be enough when an activity requires resources. Recognise the practical costs that make a plan possible instead of assuming enthusiasm alone will carry it forward.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Describing an action can be much easier than carrying it out. Consider the effort, resources and difficulties behind a proposal before treating a simple instruction as a complete solution.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An official’s work can depend heavily on the person who prepares and manages its records. The saying draws attention to expertise behind visible authority.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Starting early can help you obtain an opportunity before others reach it. Timely preparation or action may matter as much as waiting for ideal conditions.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An intention or announcement can be far from its fulfilment. Judge a commitment by the steps needed and the action taken, not by words alone.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Good words are valuable, but doing the promised or useful thing gives them practical substance. The wordplay between say well and do well favours follow-through, without making thoughtful speech useless.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A bad haircut described as two people’s shame gives an unsatisfactory result a shared embarrassment. The saying points toward both sides of an encounter.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying pictures an unsuccessful worker blaming their tools. It questions an explanation that shifts responsibility away from skill or conduct.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Someone may blame their equipment to avoid recognising a weakness in their own work. Examine skill and method as well as tools when a result disappoints.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A task is soon finished when little remains to be done. The bald-head image emphasises the small amount of work, rather than establishing that quick completion proves unusual skill or that appearances reveal a person’s abilities.
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The saying makes a bird’s nest take shape little by little. As an explicit analogy, modest repeated contributions can build a larger result.
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The saying demands that a capable person contribute even when unwilling. The bird’s song makes the demand vivid but does not establish a right to force performance.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A small useful provision made early may be better than waiting all day with none. The morning morsel image values something available, without making any small response adequate for a larger need.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Continuous strain can weaken the capacity to continue. Allow appropriate release or rest rather than expecting a person or arrangement to remain under maximum pressure indefinitely.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A responsibility you choose may feel more worthwhile than one imposed on you. The proverb connects willingness with how a burden is experienced, while overstating matters if it suggests freely chosen work cannot be tiring or difficult.
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A busy mother causing a lazy daughter assigns a child’s conduct to a parent’s workload. The saying presents a gendered family explanation.
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The saying gives a gloved cat no mice to catch. As an analogy, an added constraint is pictured as obstructing the action someone wants to perform.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Wanting a benefit while refusing the effort it requires can leave the wish unfulfilled. Consider which inconveniences are genuinely necessary to obtain what you want.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes a chain’s strength depend on its weakest link. It highlights a vulnerable part within something that relies on connected parts.
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