pattern

Situations et États - Futilité

Explorez les proverbes anglais qui dépeignent la futilité avec des expressions comme "après la mort, le médecin" et "poursuivre un mendiant et attraper un pou".

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Situations & States
a dead bee makes no honey

used to emphasize the futility of focusing on something that is no longer productive or beneficial

Inutile de s'attarder sur ce qui n'est plus utile

Inutile de s'attarder sur ce qui n'est plus utile

Ex: The town tried for years to revive the old factory, but nothing they did brought back business.  Finally, the mayor had to accept that a dead bee makes no honey. 
after death the doctor

used to express the idea that presenting a solution or seeking assistance after a problem has already been resolved or is too late is futile

Une aide qui arrive trop tard ne sert plus à rien

Une aide qui arrive trop tard ne sert plus à rien

Ex: When the company's financial problems became too severe to overcome, the CEO called in a financial consultant for advice.  The consultant shook his head and said, "After death the doctor.  If you had come to me sooner, I might have been able to help." 
after meat, mustard

used to suggest that a helpful or beneficial action or idea has arrived too late to be of use

Une action utile ne sert plus si elle arrive trop tard

Une action utile ne sert plus si elle arrive trop tard

Ex: When the company had already lost a major client, the sales team suggested a new strategy.  The CEO replied, "After meat, mustard.  We needed that idea before we lost the client." 
if it ain't broke, don't fix it

used to imply that unnecessary changes or improvements can sometimes cause more harm than good

Ne change pas inutilement ce qui fonctionne bien

Ne change pas inutilement ce qui fonctionne bien

Ex: When Jack's friend suggested he upgrade his phone to the latest model, Jack replied, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  He was happy with his current phone and saw no need to spend money on a new one. 
sue a beggar and catch a louse

used to imply that going after someone who has nothing to offer will only result in gaining something of little to no value in return

Il ne sert à rien de poursuivre quelqu'un qui n'a rien à offrir

Il ne sert à rien de poursuivre quelqu'un qui n'a rien à offrir

Ex: The wealthy businessman refused to waste time arguing with someone who had no knowledge or authority on the matter, as they say, sue a beggar and catch a louse. 
why buy (a|the) cow when you can get (the|) milk for free

used to suggest that it is better to take advantage of what's already available than to make unnecessary investments without weighing the costs and benefits

Ne paie pas pour ce que tu peux obtenir gratuitement

Ne paie pas pour ce que tu peux obtenir gratuitement

Ex: When Jane's colleagues suggested she invest in expensive software, Jane replied, "Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?"  She was able to accomplish the same tasks using free software and saw no need to spend money on the expensive option. 
it is ill striving against the stream

used to suggest that it is better to work within existing circumstances rather than fighting against something that cannot be changed

Ne lutte pas inutilement contre ce qui ne peut changer

Ne lutte pas inutilement contre ce qui ne peut changer

Ex: When Tom's company was struggling to keep up with new competitors, Tom reminded his colleagues that it is ill striving against the stream.  They decided to focus on their existing strengths and find a way to compete effectively within the market. 
if my aunt had been a man, she would have been my uncle

used to emphasize the importance of accepting reality as it is and focusing on what is possible, rather than dwelling on impossible or unlikely scenarios

Accepte la réalité et concentre-toi sur ce qui est possible

Accepte la réalité et concentre-toi sur ce qui est possible

Ex: I understand that you're wishing for a different outcome, but as they say, if my aunt had been a man, she would have been my uncle.  Let's focus on what we can control and work toward a solution that is within our reach. 
it is ill sitting at Rome and striving with the Pope

used to suggest that it is unwise and pointless to challenge someone with greater power or authority

Défier quelqu'un de bien plus puissant est souvent inutile

Défier quelqu'un de bien plus puissant est souvent inutile

Ex: The student decided not to argue with the professor over a grade, realizing that it is ill sitting at Rome and striving with the Pope. 
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