The origin of the proverb "a bad padlock invites a picklock" is unclear, but it appears in traditional English folk wisdom. It highlights the idea that vulnerabilities or weaknesses can encourage trouble or make one a target for harm. The proverb serves as a reminder to take care in protecting what is important, whether they are physical objects or aspects of one’s life, as neglect or carelessness may lead to negative outcomes.

What is the origin of the proverb "a bad padlock invites a picklock" and when to use it?

a bad padlock invites a picklock

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The origin of the proverb "as you make your bed, so you must lie on it" can be traced back to early English usage, with a version appearing in literature as early as the 16th century. It emphasizes personal responsibility, suggesting that one cannot avoid the outcomes of their own choices. The proverb serves as a reminder that individuals must accept the results of their actions, whether good or bad, and that making wise choices leads to better outcomes.

What is the origin of the proverb "as you make your bed, so you must lie on it" and when to use it?

as you make your bed, so you must lie (up|) on it

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The origin of the proverb "after dinner comes the reckoning" is rooted in traditional English wisdom, with variations of the phrase appearing in literature as early as the 17th century. The saying suggests that after experiencing pleasure, whether through food, wealth, or other comforts, there comes a time when the cost or result must be addressed. It emphasizes that every action, especially those that seem enjoyable or rewarding, comes with responsibility or consequences. The proverb serves as a reminder that one must be prepared to deal with the consequences of the decisions or actions when the time comes.

What is the origin of the proverb "after dinner comes the reckoning" and when to use it?

after dinner comes the reckoning

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The origin of the proverb "catching is before hanging" is uncertain, but it reflects traditional wisdom used in various cultures. It emphasizes that events often follow a natural order, where the initial steps must happen before the final result. The proverb serves as a reminder that certain processes or actions cannot be skipped or rushed, and each step must be addressed before the conclusion can be reached.

What is the origin of the proverb "catching is before hanging" and when to use it?

catching is before hanging

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The origin of the proverb "curiosity killed the cat" can be traced back to the 16th century, although the exact source is uncertain. Originally, the phrase was "care killed the cat," where "care" referred to worry or anxiety, but over time, the phrase evolved to focus on curiosity. The proverb serves as a warning that excessive curiosity or meddling in matters that do not concern someone can lead to trouble or harm. It emphasizes the idea that sometimes it is better not to seek out information or answers, as doing so can result in unintended consequences.

What is the origin of the proverb "curiosity killed the cat" and when to use it?

curiosity killed the cat

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The origin of the proverb "every bullet has a billet" dates back to at least the 17th century and was commonly used in military language. The phrase suggests that every action, such as firing a bullet, has an inevitable consequence or result that follows. It emphasizes that decisions or actions, even small ones, will always lead to outcomes or consequences, whether expected or not. The proverb is often used to remind people that their choices and behaviors can have lasting effects.

What is the origin of the proverb "every bullet has a billet" and when to use it?

every bullet has (a|its) billet

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The origin of the proverb "evil doers are evil dreaders" is unclear, but it reflects a piece of traditional wisdom found in various cultures. It implies that wrongdoers are burdened by the fear of punishment or payback, highlighting the inner conflict and anxiety that can accompany immoral behavior. The proverb serves as a reminder that wrongdoing not only brings harm to others but also creates internal distress for the person who commits it.

What is the origin of the proverb "evil doers are evil dreaders" and when to use it?

evil doers are evil dreaders

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The proverb "give a thing, and take a thing to wear the devil's gold ring" does not appear to be attributed to any specific text or well-known source. The saying suggests that actions, driven by temptation or greed, without fully understanding the risks involved can lead to negative consequences. It represents the idea that what appears to be a beneficial exchange can come with hidden dangers or moral compromise. The proverb serves as a reminder to be cautious and thoughtful when making decisions, as hasty actions may lead to regret.

What is the origin of the proverb "give a thing, and take a thing to wear the devil's gold ring" and when to use it?

give a thing, and take a thing to wear the devil's gold ring

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The origin of the proverb "the greater the truth, the greater the libel" is often attributed to English legal contexts, particularly from the 18th century. It highlights the paradox that even truthful statements, when they expose wrongdoing or harm someone’s reputation, can lead to accusations of slander. The proverb serves as a reminder that truth, while important, can still have legal and social repercussions if it is damaging to others.

What is the origin of the proverb "the greater the truth, the greater the libel" and when to use it?

the greater the truth, the greater the libel

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The origin of the proverb "one year's seeding makes seven years' weeding" is unclear, but it reflects traditional wisdom. It highlights the idea that initial carelessness can cause difficulties that are hard to undo. The proverb serves as a reminder to address issues early before they grow into much larger challenges, as prevention is often easier than correction.

What is the origin of the proverb "one year's seeding makes seven years' weeding" and when to use it?

one year's seeding makes seven years' weeding

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The origin of the proverb "there is no such thing as a free lunch" can be traced back to the United States in the 19th century, where bars would offer free lunches to customers who purchased drinks. However, these "free" lunches were often factored into the cost of the drinks, making the meal not truly free. The saying suggests that nothing of value is ever given without some cost or trade-off, even if it is not immediately apparent. It emphasizes the idea that all benefits come with a price, whether it is financial, time, or effort. The proverb serves as a reminder to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

What is the origin of the proverb "there is no such thing as free lunch" and when to use it?

there is no such thing as (a|) free lunch

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The origin of the proverb "what goes over the devil's back comes under his belly" is unclear, but it appears in traditional wisdom found in various cultures. It highlights the idea that even if someone seems to avoid consequences temporarily, they will ultimately face the outcome of their actions. The proverb serves as a reminder that dishonest or harmful behavior will eventually be met with consequences, regardless of how much one tries to avoid them.

What is the origin of the proverb "what goes over the devil's back comes under his belly" and when to use it?

what goes over the devil's back comes (right|) under his belly

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The origin of the proverb "you reap what you sow" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the Book of Galatians (6:7). It emphasizes that the results one experiences are a direct outcome of the choices and efforts one makes, whether good or bad. The proverb serves as a reminder that the effort and decisions one puts into life, work, or relationships will determine the outcomes, encouraging personal responsibility and awareness of the impact of one's actions.

What is the origin of the proverb "you reap what you sow" and when to use it?

you reap what you sow

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The origin of the proverb "old sins cast long shadows" is uncertain, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. It emphasizes that the effects of past misdeeds or decisions, even if not immediately apparent, can linger and affect a person’s present or future. The proverb serves as a reminder that actions from the past may continue to influence one's life and that the repercussions of wrongdoing can endure over time, highlighting the importance of being mindful of one’s behavior.

What is the origin of the proverb "old sins cast long shadows" and when to use it?

old sins cast long shadows

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The origin of the proverb "if you sell the cow, you sell her milk too" is uncertain, but it reflects traditional wisdom used in agricultural societies. It emphasizes that one cannot separate the core value of something from its associated rewards. The proverb serves as a reminder to carefully consider the full impact of a decision, as sacrificing something valuable may result in the loss of other benefits as well.

What is the origin of the proverb "if you sell the cow, you sell her milk too" and when to use it?

if you sell the cow, you sell her milk too

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Master English proverbs that depict consequences, like "you reap what you sow" and "catching is before hanging".

English Proverbs for "Consequences"