The origin of the proverb "clergymen's sons always turn out badly" is believed to stem from historical social observations, particularly in 18th and 19th-century Europe. It reflects the idea that children of prominent individuals, such as clergymen, may rebel due to the pressure and high expectations placed upon them. While this is not universally true, the proverb highlights the potential negative effects of living up to one’s parents’ reputation. The saying serves as a reminder that the weight of such expectations can be difficult to bear and that individuals should not be judged solely based on their family background or their parents' actions. It also acknowledges the possibility that young people may react against the values imposed on them.

What is the origin of the proverb "clergymen's sons always turn out badly" and when to use it?

clergymen's sons always turn out badly

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The proverb "doctors make the worst patients" does not have a specific documented origin, but it is a widely recognized saying based on common observation. It reflects the idea that professional expertise can sometimes lead to biased opinions or overconfidence, making one less open to advice or assistance due to constant questioning or second-guessing of guidance. The proverb serves as a reminder that expertise in a given field does not always translate into being an ideal recipient of services and that it is important to approach one’s own needs with the same openness and modesty as those of others.

What is the origin of the proverb "doctors make the worst patients" and when to use it?

doctors make the worst patients

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The origin of the proverb "every light has its shadow" is not clearly documented, but it appears to be a variation of ancient philosophical ideas about balance and duality, present in both Eastern and Western traditions. It serves as a reminder that for every positive aspect or opportunity, there may be challenges or drawbacks that accompany it. This saying highlights the reality that life is full of contrasts, and one must learn to accept both the bright and the darker sides of any situation.

What is the origin of the proverb "every light has its shadow" and when to use it?

every light has its shadow

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The origin of the proverb "every white has its black, and every sweet its sour" is tied to the concept of duality, found in many cultures and philosophies. It suggests that life is balanced by contrasting forces, such as good and bad, happiness and sadness, light and dark, and sweetness and bitterness. This saying serves as a reminder to accept life's ups and downs, as no situation or experience is entirely one-sided, and both the pleasant and the unpleasant are part of the human experience.

What is the origin of the proverb "every white has its black, and every sweet its sour" and when to use it?

every white has its black, and every sweet its sour

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The origin of the proverb "extremes meet" is often attributed to the idea expressed in ancient philosophical thought, particularly in the writings of Greek philosophers like Heraclitus, who believed that opposites are interconnected and can coexist. It reflects the belief that extreme viewpoints or conditions can sometimes lead to similar outcomes or experiences. The proverb serves as a reminder to look beyond superficial differences and recognize deeper connections or similarities.

What is the origin of the proverb "extremes meet" and when to use it?

extremes meet

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The origin of the proverb "from the sublime to the ridiculous is only a step" is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who was inspired by a similar phrase in Thomas Paine's 'The Age of Reason.' This proverb highlights the fragility of human perception and how easily situations, ideas, or even individuals can shift from something respected to something that seems foolish. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the potential for things to change rapidly, often in surprising ways.

What is the origin of the proverb "from the sublime to the ridiculous is only a step" and when to use it?

from the sublime to the ridiculous is only (a|one) step

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The origin of the proverb "honey is sweet, but the bee stings" is not attributed to a specific historical figure but is rooted in folk wisdom across various cultures. It highlights the balance between reward and risk, emphasizing that even the most desirable things may have negative aspects or consequences. This proverb serves as a reminder that pleasures or rewards often come with difficulties or risks, urging caution when pursuing things that seem entirely good at first.

What is the origin of the proverb "honey is sweet, but the bee stings" and when to use it?

honey is sweet, but the bee stings

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The origin of the proverb "one cannot love and be wise" can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, with variations appearing in the works of thinkers such as Aristotle and Plato. It reflects the tension between emotion and reason, warning that intense feelings may prevent logical decision-making. This proverb serves as a reminder that while love may bring happiness, it can also make it difficult to think and act logically or objectively.

What is the origin of the proverb "one cannot love and be wise" and when to use it?

one cannot love and be wise

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The origin of the proverb "opposites attract" is not tied to a specific historical figure but has roots in both ancient philosophy and modern psychological thought. It reflects the belief that contrasts can create harmony or complement each other in relationships. This proverb is used to explain how differences between people can sometimes lead to attraction, implying that the balance of opposites can be a source of strength or intrigue in relationships.

What is the origin of the proverb "opposites attract" and when to use it?

opposites (often|) (tend to|) attract

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The origin of the proverb "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" is often attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century French monk, though similar ideas can be found in earlier Christian writings. It emphasizes that good intentions alone are not enough to ensure positive results, and one must be mindful of the consequences of one’s actions on others. This proverb serves as a reminder that good intentions are not enough on their own and must be supported by thoughtful and responsible actions.

What is the origin of the proverb "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" and when to use it?

the road to hell is paved with good intentions

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The origin of the proverb "the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" is believed to be rooted in folk wisdom, with variations appearing in European cultures. It highlights the irony of how people sometimes focus so much on their work or responsibilities to others that they neglect their own well-being or personal needs. The proverb serves as a reminder to not overlook one's own requirements while tending to the needs of others.

What is the origin of the proverb "the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" and when to use it?

the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot

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The origin of the proverb "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" comes from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew (26:41). It highlights the conflict between one's inner desires and the challenges of the body or circumstances. The proverb serves as a reminder of the difficulty in aligning intentions with actions, especially when facing external or internal obstacles.

What is the origin of the proverb "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" and when to use it?

the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

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The origin of the proverb "there is no joy without alloy" is not clearly tied to a specific historical figure but can be found in various cultures. This proverb suggests that true joy is often balanced by challenges, setbacks, or compromises. It serves as a reminder that life’s pleasures are rarely without some form of struggle, and that joy is more meaningful when it is appreciated in the context of life's complexities.

What is the origin of the proverb "there is no joy without alloy" and when to use it?

there is no joy without alloy

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The origin of the proverb "wanton kittens make sober cats" is believed to be part of traditional English folk wisdom. It highlights how the mistakes and excesses of youth often lead to more cautious and thoughtful behavior in adulthood. The saying serves as a reminder that personal growth often comes from learning through one's own actions and the passage of time.

What is the origin of the proverb "wanton kittens make sober cats" and when to use it?

wanton kittens make sober cats

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The origin of the proverb "where God builds a church, the devil will build a chapel" is rooted in Christian teachings and the writings of 16th-century English Protestant reformers. It serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil, as well as the idea that no positive effort is free from opposition. The proverb encourages awareness and caution about potential challenges or negative influences that may arise alongside good intentions or actions.

What is the origin of the proverb "where God builds a church, the devil will build a chapel" and when to use it?

where God builds a church, the devil will build a chapel

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The origin of the proverb "God sends meat and the devil sends cooks" is rooted in European Christian wisdom, particularly in English and French traditions. It highlights the idea that blessings or needs are often simple and direct, while temptations may complicated or misleading. The proverb serves as a warning not to be deceived by things that may seem appealing but are ultimately unnecessary or harmful. It encourages a focus on what is truly needed rather than being swayed by desires or distractions that do not lead to true fulfillment.

What is the origin of the proverb "God sends meat and the devil sends cooks" and when to use it?

God sends meat (and|as) the devil sends cooks

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The origin of the proverb "fire is a good servant but a bad master" is not tied to a specific text or person, but it is rooted in long-standing European wisdom. The saying serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and control in all things, suggesting that even useful or powerful forces can cause harm when they are not handled responsibly. It encourages moderation and caution in the use of resources or abilities.

What is the origin of the proverb "fire is a good servant but a bad master" and when to use it?

fire is a good servant but a bad master

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The origin of the proverb "go abroad and you will hear news of home" is unclear, but it reflects a common idea found in various cultures. This saying emphasizes how being removed from a situation often increases one’s interest in it, as the absence creates a sense of longing or curiosity. It serves as a reminder of how distance can bring a fresh perspective and highlight the importance of what was once taken for granted.

What is the origin of the proverb "go abroad and you will hear news of home" and when to use it?

go abroad and you will hear news of home

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The proverb "one man's loss is another man's gain" appears to have its origins in English folk wisdom, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 17th century. It highlights how the gains and losses in life are often interconnected, reminding that misfortune for one can lead to opportunity for another. This saying serves as a reflection of how circumstances are constantly changing and how success and failure are part of a larger, shared process.

What is the origin of the proverb "one man's loss is another man's gain" and when to use it?

one man's loss is another man's gain

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The origin of the proverb "the cobbler's wife is the worst shod" is linked to European folklore and has been used in various cultures. It reflects the irony that people often give their best attention to the needs of others, yet may overlook or delay addressing their own. The proverb can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care, urging individuals not to neglect their own health, happiness, or personal life in the pursuit of helping others or fulfilling professional duties. It highlights the value of finding balance and caring for oneself, even while taking care of others.

What is the origin of the proverb "the cobbler's wife is the worst shod" and when to use it?

the cobbler's wife is the worst shod

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The origin of the proverb "everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die" is often attributed to Christian teachings and has appeared in various forms throughout literature. It emphasizes the reluctance to face necessary struggles while still wishing for their benefits. This proverb serves as a reminder that achieving something valuable often requires going through difficult or uncomfortable experiences along the way.

What is the origin of the proverb "everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die" and when to use it?

(everyone|everybody) wants to go to heaven, but (nobody|no one) wants to die

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The origin of the proverb "the weakness of the enemy makes our strength" can be traced back to ancient military wisdom, such as that found in Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.' The saying highlights how one’s strength or success can be enhanced when the enemy is weak, unprepared, or in a position of disadvantage. It serves as a reminder that overcoming challenges may involve taking advantage of the weaknesses of others, and that understanding one’s opponent can be as important as one's own capabilities.

What is the origin of the proverb "the weakness of the enemy makes our strength" and when to use it?

the weakness of the enemy makes our strength

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The origin of the proverb "every rose has its thorn" is often attributed to folk wisdom and is rooted in the metaphorical use of the rose in Western culture, particularly in European traditions.  It reflects the idea that nothing in life is completely perfect, and that good things often come with challenges or drawbacks. The proverb serves as a reminder to accept the flaws or hardships that may accompany positive experiences, emphasizing that balance and imperfections are a natural part of life.

What is the origin of the proverb "every rose has its thorn" and when to use it?

every rose has its thorn

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Explore English proverbs that depict duality and contrast with sayings like "every light has its shadow" and "doctors make the worst patients".

English Proverbs for "Duality & Contrast"