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)
An ordinary day can feel much harder when a basic need is unmet. Consider material conditions before judging another person’s mood, attention or performance.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Having a worthwhile cause does not automatically provide the effort, organisation or support needed to advance it. Recognise the cause’s merits while also asking what practical help is missing.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Clear boundaries can protect a close relationship by preventing avoidable disagreement. Trust and explicit arrangements can work together instead of being treated as opposing choices.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
When many people need the same resource at the same time, its owner may need it too. A refusal to lend can reflect a real competing need rather than a lack of goodwill.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A community needs practical provision before it can sustain its larger activities. Shared ambitions depend on attending to ordinary needs such as food, facilities and daily organisation.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The person managing the practical work often has more to handle than an observer realises. Consider the responsibilities of the role before adding demands or judging a delayed response.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Confidence can depend on support that an observer does not see. Recognise the assistance behind an achievement before concluding that the same task should be equally easy for everyone.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A system may depend on one central mechanism. Identify what actually enables the other parts to work before focusing only on their visible activity.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Shared work benefits when people attend to their own responsibilities. Clear roles can prevent essential tasks being neglected while everyone interferes with someone else’s job.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
A demanding task can become easier when several people share the work. Help is most useful when everyone understands their contribution and the effort is sensibly divided.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Many relatives may bring many demands or disagreements. The saying points to the work of relationships without proving that a large family is a burden.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Some things require participation from more than one side. One person’s effort cannot by itself create a mutual relationship or complete a genuinely shared action.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Place a shared resource where the community can reasonably reach it. The central belfry represents arrangements designed for common access rather than one person’s convenience.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Shared ownership can leave a task neglected when no one knows who is responsible. Agree practical care and maintenance rather than assuming that collective interest organises itself.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A useful performance may depend on the resources that make it possible. The filled bagpipe represents provision needed before an expected sound can be produced.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A person who always accommodates others can become overburdened by repeated demands. The nursing image highlights the need to recognise limits, while avoiding blame toward people who need support.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A small institution or gathering can still have someone it honours. Size does not determine whether a community has its own attachments, loyalties or valued figure.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A generous occasion can still fail to meet someone’s needs. The impressive scale of an offering does not prove that every participant benefits from it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
The expected result is connected to participation in the work that produces it. The pig and pudding image questions demanding a share while refusing the undertaking altogether.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A desired result may depend on another person’s willing participation. Approach that person considerately rather than demanding only the benefit you want from them.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The toad’s complaint about many masters pictures pressure from several directing forces. Conflicting control can make a shared task harder to navigate.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Two people thinking together may find an answer that one person misses. Different observations and checking each other’s reasoning can improve a decision.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Two pieces of wood burning higher together give combined contribution an image of greater effect. The saying values what joining resources may enable.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Competition over one limited resource can strain a relationship. Make the sharing arrangement explicit before scarcity turns ordinary cooperation into conflict.
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