A man’s house is his castle
He is legally entitled to his privacy. No other person may enter his house without his permission. Here is an amusing little extract from a... Read more →
Dying is as natural as living
Since all men are mortal and must die, death is as much a part of the natural order of things as life is. The implication is that we should not... Read more →
A dwarf on a giant’s shoulders sees the farther of the two
But this is only because of the height of the giant is added to his own. In the same way, if a man of little experience can add to it the... Read more →
A drowning man will clutch at a straw
It is said that a drowning man will clutch at even the smallest thing to keep him afloat. Similarly a person in any desperate position will... Read more →
A door must be either shut or open
You cannot have it shut and open at the same time. You must have one thing or the other, so make up your mind which you want.
Dog does not eat dog
This means the same as THERE IS HONOUR AMONG THIEVES. On the ground that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL, wrongdoers stick together in their... Read more →
Do not wear out your welcome
This is much the same advice as A constant guest is never welcome, expect that it has to do with the length of stay rather than the frequency of... Read more →
Don’t wash your dirty linen in public
Another way to say this is: 'Dirty linen should be washed at home.' The meaning is that we should not discuss intimate family matters in public,... Read more →
Don’t tell tales out of school
Don't give away any damaging secrets. Don't make public anything that should be kept private. The proverb originated among children. To tell... Read more →
Don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs
Don't offer advice to those who are more experienced than you are. The saying is often used in the form of a retort. 'Be careful how you use... Read more →