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 →
Proverbs starting with letter I
If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch
This is from Matthew, xv, 14. It means that those without knowledge themselves should not try to teach the ignorant. 'He claimed to know a good... Read more →
If one sheep leaps over the ditch, all the rest will follow
It is in the nature of seep to follow each other, yet there must be one sheep braver that the rest, one that has to set an example before they... Read more →
If it were not for hope, the heart would break
When things are very difficult, what prevents us from giving up in despair is the hope that things will get better.
If ‘ifs’ and ‘ans’ where pots and pans …
If we could achieve our aims by merely wishing, life would be very easy. The archaic conjunction 'an' means the same as 'if'. It comes on one... Read more →
If each would sweep before his own door, we should have a clean city
This had a literal meaning in the days when householders got rid of their refuse by throwing it out into the street. A figurative meaning,... Read more →
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again
This teaches patience and perseverance. Don't be downhearted. Don't let early failures deter you from your purpose. Stick to it and you will... Read more →
If a thing is worth doing it is worth doing well
If what you propose to do deserves your attention, and is not so trivial that time should not be wasted on it, do it to the best of your... Read more →
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me
If I am foolish enough to allow him to deceive me on one occasion, I have only myself to blame if I let him do it again.
Idle folk have the least leisure
People who are lazy by nature are so reluctant to take on work that they give the impressions of having no spare time. In addition, they spend... Read more →