The strength of the chain is in the weakest link
A chain is made up of a row of links fitted together. If all the links are strong, the chain will be strong also, but if even one link is... Read more →
A straw will show which way the wind blows
Small events can be a guide to momentous happenings. If the Foreign Secretary tells a taxi-driver at two o'clock in the morning to take him to... Read more →
Stolen pleasures are sweetest
This means the same as Forbidden fruit is sweetest. The things we most enjoy doing are those we know we ought not to be doing, such as watching... Read more →
A stitch in time saves nine
By repairing a small tear now we avoid the necessity of repairing a large tear later on. In the same way, prompt action at an early stage may... Read more →
The sting of a reproach is the truth of it
We can endure unjust reproaches, for we know that we do not deserve them. It is only when they are justified that they fill us with shame.
Still waters run deep
'Shallow brooks murmur most, deep silent slide away,' wrote Sir Philip Sidney. The fact that a man says little does not mean that he does not... Read more →
A still tongue makes a wise head
You will learn more by listening to other people than by talking yourself.
Sticks the stones and may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
However much one person insults another, he causes him no physical injury at all. Only when words lead to blows are bones liable to be... Read more →
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
However willing we may be to do a thing, our physical condition may prevent us from doing it. The source is Matthew, xxvi, 41. Here is the... Read more →
Speech is silver, silence is golden
Gold is more precious than silver, and there are times when it is better to be silent than to speak.