proverb · Words worth keeping
An old doctor, a young lawyer.
An old doctor, a young lawyer.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying prefers an old doctor and a young lawyer. It assigns different age ideals to two professions without explaining the comparison.
Example
A reader asks why the saying gives the professions different standards instead of using age alone to evaluate a person.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Old and young create a deliberately unequal preference. A careful interpretation identifies that preference rather than inventing evidence about professional competence. Age by itself does not establish the knowledge, judgment or suitability of a practitioner. The useful question is what relevant experience and ability matter in the actual situation.
When to use it
Use it to examine an unexplained pair of professional preferences.
Keep in mind
It is not medical or legal advice and does not verify competence by age.
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
- Culture
- English