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.
Who is worse shod than shoemaker’s wife?
The shoemaker is so anxious to make every penny he can out of his trade that he even denies his wife a new pair of shoes. Some other husbands... Read more →
Who chatters to you will chatter of you
Whoever tells you tales about other people will tell other people tales about you.
While there is life there is hope
The outlook may be grim and the future dark, yet while we still have life within us there is always the possibility that he situation will... Read more →