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)
One feature does not determine the overall appeal or value of a person. A whole impression can differ from a judgment focused narrowly on one detail.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The saying dismisses harm through a gendered animal comparison. Read it as an example of minimising another person’s actions, rather than evidence that such harm is harmless.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
The confidence or hesitation with which a person presents themselves can influence how others assess them. That influence is not a fair measure of their worth, competence or entitlement to respect.
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 (French-language collection)
A resemblance or suspicious association is not enough to condemn every member of a group. Look for evidence about the particular case before attaching a frightening label.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Good conduct should not be dismissed because a person lacks an admired family background. The saying places the individual’s worth ahead of pedigree, without claiming that one favourable impression establishes character.
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 (Spanish-language collection)
The speaker proposes controlling a servant’s requests by limiting satisfaction. Read the bread and cheese critically as an unequal arrangement that treats another person’s needs as something to suppress.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Do not provoke a threat while you are still exposed to it. Restraint can be a practical way to leave a difficult situation safely.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A usually gentle person can still reach a limit. Do not interpret calmness as endless tolerance or assume that anger can arise only in people who appear forceful.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Good companionship is answered with good company. The short exchange values the quality of a shared relationship, without making friendship a payment or assuming that agreement alone makes someone a good companion.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Intervening in someone else’s work or claiming its results can overstep a boundary. The borrowed harvest represents effort whose ownership or responsibility belongs elsewhere.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Fear may lead others to surrender more than someone is entitled to receive. The saying exposes power gained through intimidation, rather than making the excess a fair reward.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
People can care for one another while disagreeing in thought or judgement. A difference of opinion need not erase shared affection, respect or purpose.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Recognition sometimes arrives only after a person has died. The saying invites attention to whether appreciation could be expressed while that person can receive it.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Brazen or disrespectful behaviour is not proof of bravery. Judge courage by the purpose and responsibility of an action rather than by how confidently someone disregards others.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
A relationship cannot be made mutual by pursuing someone who does not return the interest. The fruitless race invites respect for reciprocity and boundaries, without condemning care that freely expects no return.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Strong feelings and visible resources may leave signs even when someone tries to conceal them. Love, grief and money name different things that can become noticeable, without cancelling a person’s right to privacy.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Do not treat a friend, or yourself within the friendship, as something of little value. Mutual respect helps prevent familiarity from becoming careless use of one another.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Physical horseplay can impose discomfort or injury on another person. Humour should leave people free to participate rather than making their body the object of a joke.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Generous provision matters, but considerate treatment can matter still more. The meal and manners contrast asks how people are welcomed and respected, rather than judging hospitality only by what is served.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
New possessions are followed by warmer greetings. The ewe, lamb and greeting to Peter question whether friendliness depends on visible resources, without proving that every welcome is opportunistic or identifying Peter as a historical person.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
The nurse’s importance lasts only while a particular need lasts. The address exposes recognition that depends on usefulness, inviting attention to how someone is treated after their role changes.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
People often find other people’s ways strange while overlooking how their own ways appear. Consider another perspective before making ridicule the basis of a judgment.
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