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
A large undertaking needs conditions capable of supporting its scale. Check whether the available resources and setting fit the project before committing to its size.
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The saying expects a fresh wound to heal soon. It links newness with a short period of recovery, without defining the wound or the conditions involved.
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A tool can be good at its intended job and unsuitable for another. Choose according to the task rather than assuming general quality makes every use appropriate.
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The saying makes a handsome shoe pinch its wearer. It contrasts an attractive appearance with discomfort in actual use.
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The line reverses the arrangement of good and hard in a familiar partner-seeking saying. The result is comic wordplay with a sexual double meaning.
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The saying puts a hedge between friends to keep the friendship green. It suggests that boundaries can help a relationship remain healthy.
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The saying ranks a known mistake above an unknown truth. It contrasts an acknowledged error with information not yet available.
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Five steps taken to avoid one exaggerate extra work created by avoiding a small task. The saying questions effort that defeats its own purpose.
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An impressive outer covering can conceal something poorly suited to its purpose. The sword and scabbard contrast practical effectiveness with attractive presentation, encouraging attention to what an object or proposal can actually do.
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Life with love praised and life for love condemned distinguish affection as part of life from making it the whole purpose. The saying values a broader balance.
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A small store of something useful can be exhausted quickly. The saying draws attention to scale and the need to notice how much is available.
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The saying calls a little knowledge dangerous. It warns that partial understanding may be mistaken for enough understanding to act confidently.
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Even thoughtful people can enjoy occasional playfulness. Taking judgement seriously does not require every moment to be solemn, provided the humour suits the people and circumstances involved.
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A long rope and a short conversation contrast length useful for a tool with brevity useful in speech. The saying praises communication suited to its purpose.
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A loose tooth not resting until removed gives a persistent problem an image of demanding attention. The saying favours addressing a continuing source of trouble.
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A weak or minimal barrier may be easy to pass. The low hedge emphasises the limits of a boundary, without requiring stronger restrictions whenever people can cross or treating every crossing as misconduct.
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Early promise does not guarantee later good judgment. The two ages make a contrast between how someone first appears and how they may develop.
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Even something valuable can cost more than it is worth in the circumstances. Compare the whole sacrifice with the actual benefit rather than assuming that a prized result justifies any price.
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A person can choose silence when speaking would be poorly timed or unhelpful. The saying invites judgment about an occasion rather than a permanent duty to remain quiet.
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You can provide an opportunity, guidance or encouragement, but another person must choose whether to take part. The horse image distinguishes making something available from being able to compel a willing response.
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A person may need to begin with the resources actually available, rather than wait for an ideal set. The farming image encourages practical adaptation without saying that unsuitable or unsafe resources must be accepted.
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A seller’s preferred price is constrained by what buyers will actually accept. The saying draws attention to the conditions surrounding an exchange.
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When a result depends on meeting a definite target, narrowly missing it still leaves that target unmet. The saying distinguishes success from closeness, while allowing partial progress and effort to have value for other purposes.
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A mouse approaching a cat’s nose described as wanting death gives a risky encounter an extreme interpretation. The saying warns about a choice that seems to invite harm.
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