01Undated
The balance distinguishes not between gold and lead.Traditional · English / proverb
Meaning: A measure can register one property without recognising the differences that matter for another judgement. Equal weight does not mean equal value; choose evidence suited to the question.
↗02Undated
Any fool can bet.Traditional · English / proverb
Meaning: Making a wager is easy and does not itself demonstrate knowledge or judgement. The dismissive wording challenges treating willingness to stake something as proof of being right, rather than fairly describing the person making the bet.
↗03Undated
He that bites on every weed must needs light on poison.Traditional · English / proverb
Meaning: Trying every available thing without discrimination is pictured as eventually biting a poisonous weed. The warning favours judgment over indiscriminate sampling; it is a figurative caution, not evidence that curiosity is dangerous or a guide to identifying safe plants.
↗04Undated
As blind as a bat.Traditional · English / proverb
Editorial context: Bats can see. This expression exaggerates a failure to notice; it is not an accurate animal fact or a fair judgement about people who are blind.
Meaning: The expression exaggerates a failure to notice something or difficulty seeing it. Its bat comparison is factually misleading: bats can see. It should not be used to equate visual disability with carelessness or lack of understanding.
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