The collection / 127 fragments
Assessing evidence, consequences and other perspectives before deciding. These editorial selections encourage proportionate checks and fair tests, while distinguishing attractive presentation from demonstrated value. Connections follow agent-reviewed meanings, rather than source word matching. Reviewed editorial meanings may also connect entries to this topic; those assignments are labelled separately from word matching.
Meaning: Building a house or marrying is pictured leaving little in the purse. The saying directs attention to the resources a major undertaking may consume, without claiming that every such choice causes poverty.
Meaning: An obligation may remain even when the activity expected to support it is not performed. Ploughing and rent are separated, so stopping the work does not itself settle the payment.
Meaning: Powerful resources need capable and responsible handling. Arms and money put means with serious consequences beside the hands that decide how to use them.
Meaning: Even a friendly encounter can leave a hurtful mark. The cat image separates affectionate intention from the effects of contact, without proving that every friendship causes harm.
Meaning: Enjoyment of a result begins before the work producing it has started. The roasting and sops image questions consuming an expected benefit as though it were already available.
Meaning: The hearer can exercise judgement even when the speaker does not. The saying places responsibility for a response with the listener rather than making another person’s manner dictate it.
Meaning: What is visible now may not show all that someone has available. The speaker’s other coat challenges a conclusion drawn from the single garment an observer can see.