If two men ride on a horse, one must ride behind
There cannot be two leaders in any enterprise. The man riding behind must leave it to the man in front to guide the horse. Similarly, on a... Read more →
If there were no clouds, we should not enjoy the sun
We can have too much of a good thing; and happier times seem all the happier if they are interrupted now and again by gloomy spells. This is... Read more →
If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain
If you are unable to get your own way, you must bow to the inevitable. 'I know I refused to do it, but somebody's got to, so if no one else will... Read more →
If the cap fits, wear it
If you think I am talking about you, you are welcome to that opinion. 'I don’t like people who tell lies,' said Peter. 'Meaning me?' demanded... Read more →
Hypocrisy is a homage that vice pays to virtue
Even the worst sinners value the good opinions of their fellow men. To gain those good opinions they try to hide their real natures by acting as... Read more →
Hunger is the best sauce
Nothing gives us an appetite like hunger. We do not need sauce or other relish to add flovour to even the plainest of food when we are really... Read more →
A house divided against itself cannot stand
Discord breaks up families. The source of the proverb is Mark, iii, 25, 'house' meaning 'Household'.
Hope springs eternal in the human breast
It is in the nature of man to look forward to better times, despite set-back and disappointments. The proverb is a quotation from Pope's... Read more →
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst
We should all be optimistic, but ready at the same time to meet trouble and difficulties whenever they arise. The proverb can be found back in... Read more →
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick
When we have to wait indefinitely for our hopes to be realized, we become sad and disillusioned. The full saying is to be found in Proverbs... Read more →