Knowledge.

Meaning: The saying predicts the least fish-biting during an east wind. It assigns a low expectation to one direction in a set of remembered rules.

Meaning: The saying associates a south wind with fish taking bait. Its image presents the hoped-for result as though conditions bring it directly about.

Meaning: The saying expects the best fish-biting under a west wind. The rhyme ranks one direction favourably without establishing a measured comparison.

Meaning: The saying predicts that Candlemas wind direction will persist until May ends. A single calendar observation is extended across several months.

Meaning: The saying judges an east wind unfavourable to both people and animals. Its sweeping verdict turns a direction into an all-purpose bad sign.

Meaning: The saying places a south wind at the opening of rain. The rain’s mouth gives an approaching condition a personified entry point.

Meaning: The saying claims wine has drowned more people than water. It uses drowning as a forceful comparison for harm associated with drinking.

Meaning: Different signals make little difference when neither reaches the intended recipient. The horse image asks whether a message can actually be received, without making a communication barrier the recipient’s fault.

Meaning: The saying expects a good winter to lead to a good summer. It carries a favourable judgment from one season into the next without defining what good means.

Meaning: A lesson learned at a cost may leave a strong impression. The repeated teaching image values remembered experience, without making costly mistakes necessary or claiming that their lessons are always understood.

Meaning: The saying insults someone by imagining all their wit fitting into an eggshell. It claims very little understanding without providing evidence of that judgment.

Meaning: Ingenuity alone may not sustain an undertaking that lacks necessary resources. Wit and stock contrast a clever approach with the means that let it work.

Meaning: One observation is not enough to establish a wider seasonal conclusion. The single woodcock pictures evidence that may be suggestive without being decisive.

Meaning: People experienced in the same trade may understand one another’s expectations and methods. The wool sellers and buyers picture familiarity gained through repeated exchange.

Meaning: Someone who understands the situation may need only a brief hint to act. Concise guidance can be enough when it connects with knowledge the listener already has.

Meaning: A concise statement can communicate more clearly than unnecessary elaboration. The saying values economy of expression, while leaving room for the detail, questions and explanations a particular situation genuinely needs.

Meaning: Understanding changing circumstances can require sustained observation. The world’s pulse pictures a pattern that cannot be judged from a single instant.

Meaning: The phrase pictures taking the wrong sow by the ear. It gives a mistaken choice or target a concrete, awkward image.

Meaning: Lived experience can reveal things that reading alone does not. Treat practical encounters as a source of understanding while keeping room for books, evidence and the possibility that experience can mislead.

Meaning: Enthusiasm without understanding can cause disruption without helping. Strong motivation becomes more useful when guided by knowledge of the task and its consequences.

Meaning: Intense enthusiasm without understanding can become uncontrolled or misdirected action. Let commitment be informed by the situation rather than treating strength of feeling as proof that the chosen approach is sound.

Meaning: Enthusiasm without relevant knowledge can lead to foolish choices. Commitment is more useful when you understand what the task requires and remain willing to correct an unsuitable approach.