Laugh before breakfast, you'll cry before supper.
Laugh before breakfast, you'll cry before supper.
Meaning in plain English
Laughter before breakfast followed by tears before supper predicts a reversal within the day. It warns that early cheer may not describe the whole day.
Example
A reader recognises the emotional reversal image without expecting an enjoyable morning to cause a difficult evening.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The timed contrast is a saying’s prediction rather than an evidenced effect of laughter on later mood. A qualified reading recognises changing circumstances without suggesting that happiness causes misfortune or should be avoided. The supplied risk-of-foul-mood gloss is not a measured association.
When to use it
Use it to discuss the prediction critically rather than as a mood forecast.
Keep in mind
No causal link, inevitable misfortune or reliable daily emotional pattern is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 939; PDF page 131
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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