Human Traits & Qualities - Laziness & Idleness

Discover how English proverbs like "a lazy sheep thinks its wool heavy" and "the devil finds work for idle hands" depict laziness and idleness in English.

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idle (folk|people) have the least leisure [sentence]

used to imply that people who waste their time and are not productive tend to have less free time to pursue their interests and enjoy leisure activities

Ex: The procrastinator complained about not having enough time to pursue their hobbies , but idle folk have the least leisure , and their lack of productivity left them with little free time .

there will be sleeping enough in the grave [sentence]

used to emphasize that one should not waste their life by sleeping too much or being idle, but instead make the most of their time on earth

Ex: I do n't like to waste my weekends sleeping because there will be sleeping enough in the grave , and I want to enjoy my time while I 'm alive .

a lazy sheep thinks its wool heavy [sentence]

used to suggest that lazy or unmotivated individuals tend to perceive tasks as more difficult than they actually are, making even small responsibilities seem burdensome

Ex: Whenever my sister complains that her chores are too difficult , my dad always tells her that a lazy sheep thinks its wool heavy .

an idle brain is the devil's workshop [sentence]

used to imply that when a person has nothing to do or is not engaged in productive activity, they are more likely to engage in mischief, immoral behavior, or harmful actions

Ex: The community leader believed that an idle brain is the devil 's workshop , and organized programs to engage the youth in positive activities .

as good be an addled egg as an idle bird [phrase]

used to suggest that idleness and lack of effort are to be avoided, as they lead to wastefulness and unfulfillment

Ex: Mary spent her days in pointless leisure while her potential wasted away , proving that as good be an addled egg as an idle bird .

by doing nothing we learn to do ill [sentence]

used to suggest that idleness and lack of effort can lead to developing bad habits or skills

Ex: Thomas whiled away hours each day scrolling mindlessly online , understanding that by doing nothing we learn to do ill through lack of purpose .

the devil finds work for idle hands (to do|) [sentence]

used to imply that when people are not engaged in useful work, they are more likely to get into trouble or engage in harmful activities

Ex: My uncle used to warn me that the devil finds work for idle hands when they are not otherwise occupied , urging me to fill my free time with productive activities .

idle hands are the devil's playthings [sentence]

used to suggest that when people are not busy or occupied with useful work, they are more likely to engage in mischief or harmful activities

Ex: I always try to fill my free time with meaningful pursuits instead of wasting hours in front of mindless entertainment , remembering the wise words that idle hands are the devil 's playthings .

the worst wheel of the cart creaks most [sentence]

used to imply that the weakest or least capable member of a group often complains the most or causes the most problems

Ex: I constantly have to remind myself that the worst wheel of the cart creaks most , checking my tendency to complain when relatively minor difficulties arise in my life .

the tongue of the idle person is never idle [sentence]

used to suggest that idle people tend to talk a lot and engage in idle chatter, often without thinking about the consequences of their words or the impact that they might have on others

Ex: Instead of engaging in productive work , she spends all her time gossiping with her coworkers - the tongue of the idle person is never idle .

idleness is the root of (all|) evil [sentence]

used to imply that when people have nothing to do and no purpose, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities

Ex: My grandfather often said that idleness is the root of evil , urging me to find meaningful work and stay productive .

of idleness comes no goodness [sentence]

used to suggest that when people are idle or inactive, they are unlikely to achieve anything positive or worthwhile

Ex: The elderly man spent his days watching television ; of idleness comes no goodness , and his life passed him by .

Human Traits & Qualities
Natural Traits & Tendencies	Patience	Bravery & Cowardice	Sincerity & Insincerity
Pride & Humility	Laziness & Idleness	Greed	Selfishness
Physical Appearance	Interest & Preference