The origin of the proverb "all is fair in love and war" can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was first used in literature, notably by John Lyly in his work 'Euphues' in 1578. The proverb reflects the idea that emotions and intense situations, like romance or war, can blur the lines of acceptable behavior. It serves as a reminder that, while such situations might justify extreme actions in some people's minds, the ethical consequences of those actions should still be considered.

What is the origin of the proverb "all is fair in love and war" and when to use it?

all is fair in love and war

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The proverb "a bird never flew on one wing" is primarily of Scottish and Irish origin, where it reflects a cultural context where sharing drinks is a social norm. It plays on the idea that one wing is not enough for a bird to fly, and similarly, one indulgence might not be enough to satisfy a person's desire for an additional drink. The saying is often used humorously or casually as an excuse for seeking extra enjoyment or pleasure in social settings.

What is the origin of the proverb "a bird never flew on one wing" and when to use it?

a bird never flew on one wing

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The proverb "a bad workman blames his tools" does not come from a specific text or individual but reflects general wisdom found in many cultures. The proverb highlights the importance of recognizing one's own mistakes and learning from them, rather than making excuses or blaming external factors. It serves as a reminder that true competence involves owning up to one's actions and improving through self-reflection.

What is the origin of the proverb "a bad workman blames his tools" and when to use it?

a (bad|poor) workman blames his tools

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The origin of the proverb "the end justifies the means" can be traced to the Italian political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, who expressed similar ideas in his work 'The Prince' (1513). This proverb reflects a pragmatic, results-driven perspective, often used to justify actions that may otherwise be seen as wrong. However, it also raises important ethical questions about whether the pursuit of goals justifies the use of questionable tactics, serving as a reminder of the potential dangers of prioritizing outcomes over ethical considerations.

What is the origin of the proverb "the end justifies the means" and when to use it?

the end [justify] the means

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The principle "ignorance of the law is no excuse" has been a longstanding legal concept, and is rooted in various historical and philosophical traditions, including ancient Roman law. It reflects the idea that individuals are expected to be aware of the laws that govern them and that ignorance cannot be used as a defense. The proverb serves as a reminder that responsibility and accountability are important, regardless of one's knowledge or understanding of the law.

What is the origin of the proverb "ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it" and when to use it?

ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it

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The origin of the proverb "busiest men have the most leisure" is not clearly attributed to a specific text or individual, but it has been widely used in English-speaking cultures for centuries. The phrase reflects the idea of personal possession and the belief that once something is found, it belongs to the finder. However, the proverb does not consider ethical or legal implications, as in reality, the rightful owner may still have a claim to lost property. It serves as a playful or informal way to justify keeping something that was found.

What is the origin of the saying "finders keepers" and when to use it?

finders keepers (,losers weepers)

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The origin of the proverb "desperate times call for desperate measures" can be traced back to ancient times, with similar expressions appearing in both Greek and Latin literature. The proverb reflects the idea that in moments of urgency, normal or traditional approaches may not be sufficient, and more drastic measures might be required. It serves as a reminder that when facing serious challenges, flexibility and boldness in decision-making can sometimes be the key to survival or success.

What is the origin of the proverb "desperate times call for desperate measures" and when to use it?

desperate times call for desperate measures

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The origin of the proverb "excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure" is unclear, as it does not appear to have a widely recognized historical or literary source. However, the proverb emphasizes that excuses act as barriers to improvement, with each excuse reinforcing the failure instead of offering a solution. It serves as a reminder that taking responsibility and learning from mistakes is crucial for success, while making excuses only strengthens the foundation of failure.

What is the origin of the proverb "excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure" and when to use it?

excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure

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The proverb "an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie; for an excuse is a lie guarded" has been attributed to various sources, including Alexander Pope and Pope John Paul II, however, the precise origin remains uncertain. The proverb emphasizes that excuses do not only mislead others but also prevent individuals from confronting the truth about their actions, which ultimately hinders growth and accountability. It serves as a reminder that taking responsibility for one's actions is far more valuable than trying to justify them with excuses.

What is the origin of the proverb "an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded" and when to use it?

an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded

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The origin of the proverb "a bad excuse is better than none" is not clearly attributed to a specific text or individual but reflects traditional English wisdom. It reflects the idea that an attempt to explain oneself, even if flawed, may still serve a purpose, such as softening criticism or avoiding complete disregard. However, the proverb also carries an implicit caution that poor excuses can still undermine credibility and may not always be effective.

What is the origin of the proverb "a bad excuse is better than none" and when to use it?

a bad excuse is better than none

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The origin of the proverb "he who excuses himself, accuses himself" is rooted in a Latin phrase, which translates to "offering unsolicited excuses can make one appear guilty." The proverb highlights the idea that excessive explanations or justifications can create suspicion, making it seem as though the person is trying too hard to prove innocence. It serves as a reminder that taking responsibility or remaining composed is often a better approach than over-explaining, which may unintentionally raise doubts.

What is the origin of the proverb "he who excuses himself, accuses himself" and when to use it?

he who excuses himself, accuses himself

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Master English proverbs regarding justifications and excuses, like "he who excuses himself, accuses himself" and "all is fair in love and war ".

English Proverbs for "Justifications & Excuses"