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)
Some arrangements need a clear present decision rather than contradictory signals. Decide what applies now so that others can act with a shared understanding.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The sword image portrays speech as a weapon and attaches the claim unfairly to women. Examine how words are used in conflict without treating gender as an explanation.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Answering foolish noise with the same noise can make the responder part of it. The braying image questions imitation as a useful way to address an unproductive exchange.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Polite words can make cooperation easier without requiring money or a large gesture. A respectful request or acknowledgement may help where a harsh manner would create resistance.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Powerful wrongdoers may have ways to silence objections. The hidden gags portray suppression of scrutiny, not a claim that every influential person is guilty.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Delivering welcome news can make a person feel confident about approaching others. The expected response affects how readily someone speaks or asks for attention.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Lavish promises can create the appearance of generosity without delivering any benefit. Judge an undertaking by its realistic terms and fulfilment rather than the scale of its words.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Wealth may help a person gain attention or confidence in speaking. The speaker’s sweeping observation invites scrutiny of whose voices are heard and why.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
When an intermediary cannot resolve a matter, approaching the person with actual authority may be more effective. First understand the roles and the available route for doing so.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
How you say something can change how it is received. Tone contributes to the message alongside the literal words, especially in sensitive conversations.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Playful words can turn into a serious conflict or injury. Keep humour attentive to its effects, especially when the person targeted does not share the amusement or asks for it to stop.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
A joke can be better left at its successful moment than prolonged until it tires or hurts people. Knowing when to stop is part of considerate humour, not a rejection of playfulness.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Provoking someone to behave badly can help produce the very trouble you expect. Avoid turning a risky impulse into a challenge to prove it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Old unsettled accounts can start new arguments. Clarifying an earlier understanding may prevent a present disagreement from inheriting unresolved confusion.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A hurtful remark can provoke another and start an escalating exchange. Notice when a reply is adding to the conflict instead of addressing the matter that caused it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Clever speech may attract a quick reaction, while effective action answers a problem more quietly. The contrast asks what has been accomplished as well as how engagingly someone has talked.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Useful help responds to the need a person actually has. The itching place represents a specific concern that a general offer may fail to address.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Speaking gently need not cost the speaker anything essential. A considerate choice of words can make a difficult exchange more bearable without surrendering a necessary point.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Straightforward conduct can avoid complications created by elaborate manoeuvring. Honesty may serve a relationship better than trying to control every impression or anticipated response.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An eager audience can encourage someone to keep speaking maliciously about others. Consider how listening, approval or repetition helps the conversation continue.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The speaker has access to their intended meaning that listeners may lack. Ask for clarification while still considering what the words actually communicate to others.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
An unresolved grievance may produce a delayed response. The stored kick suggests that apparent quietness should not automatically be read as the end of a conflict.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A loud environment can drown out something more important than the surrounding noise. Make space to notice the signal before assuming nothing meaningful is being said.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A joke can hurt especially when it exposes a real vulnerability. Accuracy does not make ridicule kind, useful or appropriate to the setting.
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