A word spoken is past recalling
Once you have said a thing, it is too late to regret having said it. We find the following in The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam translated by Edward... Read more →
A word is enough to the wise
An intelligent person can readily take a hint. Whoever is speaking to him knows that he does not need a long explanation. The Latin version is... Read more →
A wonder lasts but nine days
A nine day's wonder is an event that attracts much attention, but is soon forgotten. Dr Brewer divides the nine days into 'three days'... Read more →
The wish is father to the thought
We soon believe what we want to believe. In World War II we called it 'wishful thinking', which is defined in The shorter Oxford English... Read more →
Wise men learn by other men’s mistakes; fools by their own
It is better to keep out of trouble by not repeating the foolish behaviour of others than it is to do as they did and suffer in the same way.
A wise man is never less alone than when alone
Wise people are resourceful and do not feel the lack of company when alone, because they can find plenty to do plenty to think about.
Win at first and lose at last
This is a saying among card-players. Those who win in the early stages of the game usually finish up as losers.
Why keep the dog and bark yourself?
Householders keep dogs to guard their homes by barking when they hear suspicious sounds outside. Figuratively, 'to keep a dog and bark yourself'... Read more →
Who repairs not his gutters repairs his whole house
This teaches the folly of false economy and the effect of small things on greater ones. By not spending the small amount needed to repair the... Read more →
Who keeps company with the wolf will learn to howl
This means that if you mix with evil companions you will soon be as wicked as they are.