used to imply that taking a break from serious matters to enjoy some playfulness can be beneficial and even wise
The origin of the proverb "a little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men" is often attributed to the English writer and poet Roald Dahl. It emphasizes the importance of balance in life, suggesting that indulging in harmless fun or humor can be refreshing and beneficial rather than a waste of time. This proverb serves as a reminder that wisdom is not solely about logic and seriousness but also about recognizing the value of joy, creativity, and relaxation in life.
used to suggest that indulging in small amounts of something enjoyable or desired can have positive effects on one's well-being, emphasizing the value of moderation
The origin of the proverb "a little of what you fancy does you good" is believed to come from 19th-century England, popularized by the music hall song 'A Little of What You Fancy Does You Good' by Marie Lloyd. This proverb serves as a reminder to embrace moderation rather than strict self-denial, encouraging a balanced approach to life where small joys are appreciated without excess.
used to imply that it is better to have a modest or moderate amount of something than to have too much of it, which may lead to negative consequences or harm
The origin of the proverb "better a little fire to warm us than a great one to burn us" is believed to come from early English wisdom, with similar sentiments found in various European traditions. It serves as a reminder to exercise restraint and avoid excess, whether in wealth, power, ambition, or even passion. This proverb also encourages a mindful approach to life, advocating for the careful management of resources, desires, and actions to prevent unintended negative consequences.
used to mean that it is better to take action or complete a task, even if it is delayed, rather than not doing it at all
The origin of the proverb "better late than never" is believed to come from ancient English and European wisdom. This proverb serves as a reminder to avoid regret by recognizing that starting or completing something, even if late, is preferable to giving up or never attempting it. It encourages persistence and the understanding that it is never too late to make a positive change or take action.
used to advise that it is acceptable to indulge in eating to one's satisfaction, but it is important to control alcohol intake to avoid harmful effects on one's health
The origin of the proverb "eat at pleasure, drink with measure" is believed to come from early English and European sayings that emphasize moderation in consumption. It reflects the idea that indulgence in food is less harmful than overindulgence in alcohol, which can impair judgment and lead to harm. This proverb serves as a reminder to practice balance, encouraging enjoyment of life's pleasures while also being mindful of the potential risks of excess, particularly when it comes to drinking.
used to suggest that having just enough of something is preferable to having too much of it, emphasizing the value of moderation and contentment over excess
The origin of the proverb "enough is as good as a feast" is believed to come from old English and European folk wisdom, emphasizing the value of moderation. It reflects the idea that contentment does not depend on having more than what is necessary, but on appreciating what one already has. This proverb serves as a reminder to be grateful for what is sufficient and to avoid the temptation to overindulge, highlighting that simplicity and satisfaction often lead to greater happiness.
used to suggest that having a smaller portion of something can be more beneficial or valuable and less overwhelming or burdensome than having the entire thing
The origin of the proverb "the half is better than the whole" is believed to come from traditional European and Eastern folk wisdom. This saying can be applied to various aspects of life, such as work, resources, or relationships, where too much of something can lead to complications, excess, or a loss of value, while a smaller, more manageable amount can bring greater satisfaction or utility. It serves as a reminder that balance and restraint can often be more rewarding than indulgence or excess.
used to imply that even the most pleasurable or enjoyable things can lose their appeal if they are overindulged in or taken to extremes
The origin of the proverb "honey in excess is no longer sweet" is believed to come from ancient wisdom, with variations found in different cultures. It emphasizes the importance of moderation, suggesting that excess of anything, no matter how enjoyable, can lead to negative consequences. This proverb serves as a reminder that balance is key in life, encouraging people to enjoy the good things in moderation to prevent them from losing their value or becoming burdensome.
used to emphasize that a good leader takes care of those they are responsible for, by taking only what is necessary and not exploiting or harming them
The proverb "it is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not skin it" does not trace back to a specific text or individual but is part of a broader cultural understanding and has appeared in various forms in literature over the centuries. This proverb serves as a reminder of the importance of balance in leadership, encouraging leaders to be fair and considerate, ensuring that their actions are beneficial without causing unnecessary harm or loss.
used to suggest that one should not keep more resources, tools, or employees than are necessary to accomplish a task or objective, as it can be wasteful and inefficient
The proverb "keep no more cats than can catch mice" does not stem from a specific text or individual, but it is rooted in everyday life and wisdom, particularly from the agrarian culture of England. This proverb emphasizes efficiency and practicality, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance and keeping only what is necessary for effective operation. It encourages a purposeful approach to managing people, tools, and assets.
used to emphasize that moderation and balance are important in all aspects of life
The origin of the proverb "there is measure in all things" is believed to come from ancient philosophical and moral wisdom, particularly from Greek and Roman thought. This proverb serves as a reminder that overindulgence or extreme actions can lead to negative outcomes, while a balanced approach tends to lead to better results. It highlights the importance of self-discipline and thoughtful decision-making in daily life.
used to emphasize the importance of moderation in eating and treating food as fuel for the body rather than a source of constant pleasure or comfort
The origin of the proverb "eat to live, not live to eat" is rooted in ancient wisdom, particularly from Greek philosophy. It emphasizes the importance of balance and prioritizing essential needs over indulgence in all aspects of life. This proverb serves as a reminder to maintain perspective and not let desires for food or pleasure dominate one's life, encouraging a healthier and more purposeful approach to living.
used to advise that consistent, small efforts can lead to significant results over time, as regular small savings can accumulate to create a considerable amount of wealth
The proverb "little and often fills the purse" has been passed down through generations and is not attributed to a specific text or individual. This saying is often applied to saving money, where making regular, modest deposits or investments leads to greater financial security in the long run. It serves as a reminder that patience and consistency are key to success, emphasizing that small efforts, when repeated, can lead to significant results.
used to suggest that when faced with difficult tasks or challenges, it is easier to tackle them in small, manageable steps rather than trying to handle everything at once
The origin of the proverb "life is hard by the yard, but by the inch life is a cinch" is believed to stem from American folk wisdom, commonly passed down through generations in various forms of oral tradition. This proverb serves as a reminder to avoid feeling discouraged by the overall difficulty of a situation and instead focus on small, achievable goals. It encourages a practical, step-by-step approach to overcoming obstacles and managing life's challenges.
used to imply that excess or deficiency in any area can lead to negative consequences, and that finding a proper balance is the key to a healthy and fulfilling life
The origin of the proverb "moderation in all things" is rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the teachings of Aristotle. It highlights the idea that excess or deficiency in any area, whether in pleasure, work, or behavior, can result in negative consequences. This proverb serves as a reminder to seek balance and avoid overindulgence, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and self-control in both actions and desires.
used to imply that it is possible to find a balance between satisfying material needs and nurturing one's spiritual or emotional well-being
The origin of the proverb "meat and mass never hindered man" is believed to come from traditional European wisdom, particularly within Christian contexts. This proverb serves as a reminder that both physical and spiritual nourishment can coexist, encouraging individuals to take care of both their body and soul without one detracting from the other. It emphasizes balance and the importance of sustaining both physical health and moral integrity.
used to suggest that if someone only focuses on work and does not take time for leisure activities or enjoyment, they will become boring, uninteresting, and unhappy
The origin of the proverb "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is believed to come from English folklore, with the phrase first recorded in its modern form in the 17th century. This proverb serves as a reminder that rest and play are essential for maintaining well-being, creativity, and overall life satisfaction. It encourages a balanced approach to work and personal time, emphasizing that taking breaks is crucial for sustained productivity and happiness.
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