If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.

Meaning: A person who begins behind others may still obtain the desired result. The trailing-dog image leaves room for changed circumstances and a later opportunity, without guaranteeing a reversal or making preparation and timely action irrelevant.

Editorial context: This metaphor criticises refusal to consider evidence. Visual disability is not unwillingness to understand, and disagreement alone does not prove refusal.

Meaning: Someone who refuses to consider available evidence may resist understanding more than someone who lacks information. The saying criticises deliberate avoidance, but its sight metaphor must not equate visual disability with unwillingness or ignorance.

Meaning: The phrase offers having a bone in one’s arm as an explanation. Without its conversational setting, it does not say which action the speaker is avoiding or describing.