proverb · Words worth keeping
A Wise Old Owl.
A Wise Old Owl.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The phrase pictures a wise old owl as a figure of cleverness or judgment. It combines age and an animal image in a compact compliment.
Example
A speaker uses the phrase to compliment a thoughtful decision and explains what made the decision helpful.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Wise names the quality attributed to the person, not a tested property of all owls. A useful application can explain the praise while still asking what conduct supports it. Age or a familiar symbol alone does not establish knowledge.
When to use it
Use it to explain figurative praise with attention to actual judgment.
Keep in mind
No owl-intelligence rule or wisdom guaranteed by age is verified.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown