Words worth understanding
Start with the thought in plain English. Then examine its imagery, practical application and limitations.
2,058 selected entries have editorial explanations. An explanation is not independent authentication of an attribution. Start with the individually source-checked classics ↗
proverb · Traditional
The saying associates a south wind with fish taking bait. Its image presents the hoped-for result as though conditions bring it directly about.
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The saying claims that a south wind favours fishing. Blowing bait into a fish’s mouth makes success seem almost effortless.
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The saying expects the best fish-biting under a west wind. The rhyme ranks one direction favourably without establishing a measured comparison.
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The saying pictures eagles gathering where a carcass is found. As an analogy, it can describe a visible gathering pointing toward the attraction that brings people together.
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The saying predicts that Candlemas wind direction will persist until May ends. A single calendar observation is extended across several months.
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The saying promises material gain from sowing oats in January. Gold and groats connect a calendar choice with an imagined reward.
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The saying claims that sowing in May yields little. It turns a named month into a warning about insufficient return from an undertaking.
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