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 (French-language collection)
Words can be put on paper whether they are sound or false. A written statement still needs evidence; its appearance in a document does not make it trustworthy.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Enduring every burden without question is not always a virtue. Distinguish useful patience from submission that allows an avoidable or harmful situation to continue.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
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.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Admiring an undertaking does not require participating in its risks. A person can value something while choosing a more suitable or safer position.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Praise offered by someone who benefits from a sale deserves scrutiny. The seller asks the basket to advertise itself, exposing an interest behind the favourable presentation rather than proving the object worthless.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A short period can bring an event absent for many years. A long stretch of stability does not make a sudden change impossible.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Agreement may reflect dependence on a superior rather than an independent judgement. Ask whether the reasons would remain convincing without the authority behind them.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Something of high quality may still contain an unwanted residue or limitation. Appreciate its strengths while examining the particular imperfection instead of expecting complete purity.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
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.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Moving or disturbing something can cause losses that were easy to overlook. Consider whether unnecessary handling or repeated changes will shed useful parts of an arrangement.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An attractive beginning does not establish good character or a trustworthy outcome. The devil’s youthful beauty warns against judging conduct by charm, without condemning beauty or youth themselves.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An apparently valuable gain may deliver less than it promises, particularly when its basis is doubtful. Inspect what remains useful instead of trusting the appearance of abundance.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A person’s own instrument or action can cause the setback they suffer. Examine the self-defeating choice rather than assuming every problem came from outside.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Appearance cannot give a person resources or abilities they do not have. Recognise actual limits instead of allowing an attractive impression to create unreasonable expectations.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An outer edge may give a worse impression than the larger material it borders. Inspect both before deciding whether an unappealing detail represents the whole.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Extreme reluctance to spend can create later costs that defeat the intended saving. The proverb questions an apparent economy without proving that greater spending is always better.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
The quality of an idea, promise or product is best assessed by how it performs in practice. A convincing description is less useful than relevant evidence of the actual result.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Position can make something appear superior without changing its underlying size or strength. Examine the circumstances behind a comparison rather than relying on visible height alone.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
One familiar implement mocks another, despite their shared setting and possible shortcomings. The image invites a person to examine their own position before ridiculing a comparable fault.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Immediate personal interests may feel stronger than interests at a greater distance. Recognise that closeness without assuming it justifies ignoring every obligation to others.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
A difficulty may become clearer or be resolved through the process meant to address it. The spot and washing invite patient examination, without guaranteeing that every stain or problem will disappear.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Attention often returns to a source of discomfort. Notice whether revisiting it helps you understand or address the problem, or merely keeps the irritation in view.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A claim of honour may not be enough when a commitment carries real consequences. Seek a concrete, appropriate assurance rather than relying entirely on status or self-description.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
A valued reward does not always go to the recipient judged most deserving. The pig and acorn contrast invites questions about allocation while cautioning that the label worst may itself be unfair.
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