This is the first line of Endymion by John Keats and extols the idea of beauty. However depressed we may be, 'Some shape of beauty moves away the pall from our dark spirits.' The beautiful object may... Read more →
A wedge is a tool used to split logs of wood. The thick end is hammered and the thin end steadily widens the opening until the log falls apart. The proverb means that a small beginning will lead, it... Read more →
The meaning if the proverb is that empty-headed persons are always the most talkative and noisy. This has the same meaning as Empty vessels make the most sound.
This teaches patience. While others are actively concerned in some enterprise, there must be those who play a passive part, but without whom the enterprise may fail. Again, many people – firemen,... Read more →
It is safer to be among the majority than among the minority; the more friends you have, the better it will be for you. The proverb is often applied to the man who avoids the danger of marriage by... Read more →
There is nothing to be lost by behaving in a courteous way. This means the same as Courtesy costs nothing.
The phrase 'under the sun' means 'in the world'. Even the very latest novelty is only something revived. As the French paradox has it : 'There is nothing new except that which has become... Read more →
Chaff is the outer covering of the grain and has to be separated from it. The proverb means that merit is often obscured by worthlessness. George Wither, the Jacobean poet, wrote this: Till from the... Read more →
If a thing has to be done, do it now. Don't put it off till tomorrow. Remember that Procrastination is the thief of time.
This refers to rumours, the argument being that all rumours are based on fact; that although some may doubt the accuracy of a report that is passing from mouth to mouth, there must be some truth in... Read more →
