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 proverb
A reputation may take sustained conduct to establish and can be damaged quickly. The saying draws attention to the uneven pace of earning trust and losing it, without treating every accusation as proof.
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A well-grounded reputation can retain value when it is not being publicly displayed. The lustre-in-darkness image praises lasting character, without treating reputation as infallible evidence or guaranteeing that good conduct will always be recognised.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Damaged trust or reputation may be harder to repair than to preserve. The broken glass pictures that fragility, warning about consequences without claiming that one mistake permanently destroys someone’s credibility or makes rebuilding trust impossible.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Visible symbols of status can differ from the quality of the person holding it. Judge character and conduct rather than assuming that splendid equipment proves merit.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A changed habit may not immediately change a settled reputation. Consistent evidence over time can matter more than a single effort to reverse others’ expectations.
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Past recognition may fade unless it is supported by continuing substance or renewed attention. Feeding old praise gives reputation the needs of a living thing.
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)
Reputation can bring serious consequences before conduct is fairly examined. Separate what is repeated about a person from evidence about what they actually did.
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A damaged reputation may outlast the original injury or event. The saying contrasts recovery with the persistence of a bad name, while its absolute wording should not deny repair, presume blame or suggest that a reputation can never change.
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