It is easy to bear the misfortunes of others
It is easy for us to tell others to be cheerful in the face of misfortune, because we don't have to suffer the hardship ourselves. It perhaps... Read more →
It is easy to be wise after the event
When something has ended badly, it is easy to say what should have been done to ensure success. Foresight is being wise before the event; being... Read more →
It is easier to pull down than to built
It is easier to destroy than to create. It is easier to criticise than to make constructive suggestions.
It’s dogged that does it
Here 'dogged' (two syllables with the stress on the first) means 'persistent'. The proverb teaches perseverance and the determination to... Read more →
It is better to wear out than to rust out
It is better to die as the result of being worn out with activity than as the result of doing nothing. The proverb is often quoted by elderly... Read more →
It is better to give than to take
The source of this is Acts, xx, 35: 'I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring we ought to support the weak, and to remember to words... Read more →
It is as well to know which way the wind blows
It is as well to know what developments are likely, or what is the state of public opinion. 'To know which way the cat is going to jump' has... Read more →
It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good
When all ocean-going ships depended upon the wind to blow them along, a wind favourable to a vessel travelling east was unfavourable to one... Read more →
It is a sad house where the hen crows louder than the cock
No home is happy in which the husband is such weakling that it is his wife who gives all the orders.
It is a sad heart that never rejoices
Sometimes 'poor' is used instead of 'sad'. Even the most confirmed of pessimists can't be miserable all the time. We can't look for ever on the... Read more →