Words worth understanding
Start with the thought in plain English. Then explore the imagery, a practical example, when to use it, and what the saying does not mean.
4,000 entries with editorial explanations. The wider collection also contains entries still awaiting an individual interpretation.
proverb · Traditional
The saying uses an imagined blind person’s wish to see something as praise for it. Its compliment depends on a disability comparison rather than explaining the thing’s merit.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An attractive surface does not repair an underlying problem. The broken-leg image contrasts decoration with what a difficulty actually requires, encouraging attention to causes and function without dismissing appearance or presenting a medical treatment rule.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An unpleasant experience can make someone cautious about encountering the same danger again. Their reluctance may reflect what happened before rather than the present situation alone.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying gives a cat nine lives. It exaggerates survival or repeated chances through an impossible-sounding count.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying gives a gloved cat no mice to catch. As an analogy, an added constraint is pictured as obstructing the action someone wants to perform.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes a chain’s strength depend on its weakest link. It highlights a vulnerable part within something that relies on connected parts.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying makes a chain’s strength depend on its weakest link. As an explicit analogy, a vulnerable connection may limit a connected process.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying values a change as highly as a rest. It presents variety as a possible alternative source of renewal.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A change of ruler called joy for fools questions hope attached merely to a new holder of power. The saying warns against equating replacement with improvement.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A clenched fist unable to give or take gives closed posture an image of blocked exchange. The saying values openness through a physical metaphor.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Refraining from unnecessary speech can prevent an avoidable mistake or disclosure. The closed-mouth image values discretion in a particular moment, without making silence always wise or forbidding questions, objections and requests for help.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying pictures a closed mouth avoiding a foot. Its bodily joke suggests that refraining from speaking can prevent a verbal blunder.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Something that appears frail may last longer than observers expect. The creaking-gate image questions confident predictions from outward signs, rather than promising durability, dismissing a real fault or forecasting a person’s health.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A distorted approach can leave a corresponding mark on its results. The crooked tree and shadow picture that connection, without proving that every disappointing outcome reveals bad intent or a flawed person.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying pictures repeated washing failing to whiten a crow. As an analogy, it can distinguish an inherent characteristic from something superficial that effort can remove.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional proverb
Recognising a danger early creates an opportunity to reduce it. Awareness is part of prevention, but the word half is an encouraging estimate rather than a measured guarantee of safety.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A diplomat thinking twice before saying nothing makes silence itself a considered communication choice. The saying plays on caution normally associated with speaking.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A doctor and farmer together knowing more than a doctor alone values knowledge brought by different experience. The saying praises complementary perspectives.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Desperation can make even a very weak hope seem worth pursuing. Someone under severe pressure may reach for an option they would normally recognise as inadequate.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An evening of excessive drinking can leave an unpleasant aftermath. The cloudy morning gives that aftermath a visible, gloomy image.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying claims that dry May followed by wet June brings things into good order. The musical phrase gives the weather sequence an image of harmony.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The saying treats a face that never laughs as revealing an evil heart. It makes an adverse moral judgment from outward expression.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
An attractive appearance does not establish good intentions or conduct. Judge the relevant behaviour rather than assuming that someone is trustworthy because they look appealing.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A pleasing promise binding a fool questions commitment secured by attractive words rather than demonstrated reliability. The saying warns about the appeal of an offer.
Read the explanation and example ↗