The origin of the proverb "a green winter makes a fat churchyard" is unclear, but it is believed to be rooted in traditional farming wisdom, particularly in northern European cultures. It highlights the idea that situations which appear advantageous in the short term may have unforeseen, harmful effects in the long run. The proverb serves as a cautionary reminder to not be misled by temporary ease, as the lack of struggle or challenge may create problems in the future.

What is the origin of the proverb "a green winter makes a fat churchyard" and when to use it?

a green (winter|Yule) makes a fat churchyard

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The origin of the proverb "best is the enemy of good" is often attributed to Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer and philosopher, who used this expression in his work 'La Bégueule' (1772). It suggests that the pursuit of perfection can become an obstacle, causing unnecessary stress or effort and potentially preventing the accomplishment of a satisfactory or acceptable outcome. The proverb serves as a reminder to balance effort and expectations, understanding that sometimes good enough is sufficient.

What is the origin of the proverb "best is the enemy of good" and when to use it?

(best|perfect) is the enemy of (the|) good

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The origin of the proverb "harm watch, harm catch" is not well-documented, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. It highlights the idea that harmful intentions or actions can have negative consequences, often unexpectedly. The proverb serves as a reminder that ill-intentions not only hurt others but can also bring trouble to oneself in the long run.

What is the origin of the proverb "harm watch, harm catch" and when to use it?

harm watch, harm catch

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The origin of the proverb "never spur a willing horse" can be traced back to the 16th century, reflecting the wisdom of the time. It highlights the idea that when a person is motivated or enthusiastic, further encouragement or pressure can be counterproductive, even harmful. The proverb serves as a reminder that appreciating willingness and not overburdening those who are already committed can lead to better outcomes.

What is the origin of the proverb "never spur a willing horse" and when to use it?

(never|do not) spur a willing horse

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The origin of the proverb "parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes" is not clearly attributed to a specific text or individual, but it reflects traditional wisdom passed down through generations. It highlights the importance of establishing firm rules and expectations, as children are more likely to act out or test limits when there is no clear structure. The proverb serves as a reminder that parental authority, when exercised appropriately, helps to maintain respect and order in the family.

What is the origin of the proverb "parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes" and when to use it?

parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes

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The origin of the proverb "the pitcher goes so often to the well that it is broken at last" can be traced back to European folklore and early literary sources, including works from the 14th and 15th centuries. It highlights the idea that no matter how often something appears to work, continuous use without caution increases the risk of failure. The proverb serves as a warning that taking repeated risks or overusing a method will eventually lead to negative consequences.

What is the origin of the proverb "the pitcher goes so often to the well that it is broken at last" and when to use it?

the pitcher goes so often to the well that it is broken at last

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The origin of the proverb "pouring oil on the fire is not the way to quench it" is not attributed to a specific text or individual, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. It emphasizes the importance of handling conflicts or problems with a calm and measured approach rather than reacting in a way that escalates the situation. The proverb serves as a reminder that resolution often requires patience, wisdom, and restraint.

What is the origin of the proverb "pouring oil on the fire is not the way to quench it" and when to use it?

pouring oil on the fire is not the way to quench it

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The origin of the proverb "too many cooks spoil the broth" can be traced back to European folklore and has been recorded in English since at least the 16th century. It highlights the idea that conflicting opinions, lack of coordination, or excessive interference can lead to inefficiency or failure. The proverb serves as a reminder that some tasks are best handled by a limited number of skilled individuals rather than an overcrowded group.

What is the origin of the proverb "too many cooks spoil the broth" and when to use it?

too many cooks spoil the broth

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The origin of the proverb "too much of anything is good for nothing" is not attributed to a specific text or individual, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. It emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in all aspects of life, suggesting that overindulgence or overreliance on anything can diminish its value or cause harm. The proverb serves as a reminder that restraint and measured use of resources, pleasures, or actions is key to sustaining well-being and effectiveness.

What is the origin of the proverb "too much of anything is good for nothing" and when to use it?

too much of anything is good for nothing

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The origin of the proverb "two boys are half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all" is uncertain, but it is believed to reflect traditional wisdom from European cultures. It emphasizes the idea that excessive participation, without clear leadership or structure, can lead to inefficiency. The proverb serves as a reminder that sometimes fewer people or a more focused group can achieve better results than a large, uncoordinated one.

What is the origin of the proverb "two boys are half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all" and when to use it?

two boys are half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all

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The origin of the proverb "the cure is worse than the disease" can be traced back to ancient times, with early expressions of this idea appearing in Greek and Latin texts. It reflects the idea that, in some cases, attempts to resolve an issue can accidentally make things worse, either through overreaction or poorly considered methods. The proverb serves as a cautionary reminder to carefully evaluate the potential consequences of any action taken to address a problem, ensuring that the solution does not cause more harm than the original issue.

What is the origin of the proverb "the cure is worse than the disease" and when to use it?

the cure is worse than the disease (itself|)

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The origin of the proverb "he who digs a pit for others, falls in himself" is rooted in traditional wisdom found in various cultures, with similar expressions in both English and ancient texts.  It emphasizes the idea that harmful intentions will often return to affect the wrongdoer. The proverb serves as a reminder to act with good intentions, as attempting to harm others can lead to one's own downfall.

What is the origin of the proverb "he who digs a pit for others, falls in himself" and when to use it?

he who digs a pit for others, falls in himself

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The origin of the proverb "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" is unclear but is often thought to stem from European cultural references to Native American society. However, it is important to note that the saying likely emerged during the colonial period when European settlers or writers used "chiefs" and "Indians" as symbolic figures to represent leadership and followers. The proverb emphasizes the idea that for a group or organization to function effectively, there must be a balance between leadership and those who support the work. It serves as a reminder that leadership is most effective when there is a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities.

What is the origin of the proverb "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" and when to use it?

too many chiefs, (and|) not enough Indians

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Dive into English proverbs that depict reverse effects, like "too many cooks spoil the broth" and "he who digs a pit for others, falls in himself".

English Proverbs for "Reverse Effect"