Jelly in a vise is a proverb mentioned in “Asian Figure” by W.S Merwin. What does “Jelly” mean in this proverb? Does it mean gelatinous? Or the jelly that we eat? What kind of clamp is a “Vise”? Answer It is a metaphor. A Jelly cannot remain intact when tightened in a vise. A vise … Read more
Earlier versions of this well-known proverb, according to “writingexplained.org”, include: A Latin proverb cited by Erasmus of Rotterdam was translated into English by Richard Taverner in 1545, as: “The corne in an other mans ground semeth euer more fertyll and plentifull then doth oure own.” (The corn in another man’s ground seems ever more fertile … Read more
Is there a proverb in the english language that describes a person with a “sore loser” type of attitude? For example to convey a context, say there are two children (let’s refer to them as Alice and Bob). Alice receives a doll for Christmas and Bob gets nothing. Feeling left out and angry, Bob breaks … Read more
I am looking for an American proverb which connotes that average is better than maximum or minimum. For instance, if you work regularly you are probably in some cases more successful than people who work to their utmost or than people who are relaxed. Answer The closest common expression I can think of would be … Read more
The proverb “it’s not/it ain’t over until the fat lady sings” is generally understood to be referencing the stereotypically overweight sopranos of the opera (according to Wikipedia). I’ve got a feeling that the proverb is offensive to female opera singers because it seems to stress that they weigh too much. That’s why I’d prefer “it’s … Read more
Context: After I suggested something, someone replied with: “I actually like the direction of this.”. Answer It means he/she doesn’t actually like the suggestion directly, rather the idea behind the suggestion. Your suggestion may not be the perfect fit, but it is pointing to some valid solution. Or your suggestion is useful with some modification. … Read more
What is the English idiom, expression, or proverb to express that even if I am proved wrong by all the members in the room, still I flaunt a false pride as if nothing happened? In Hindi, there is a saying, "Gire to gire phir bhi tang upar!" which literally means "Even if you fell, still … Read more
Is there a saying that covers the scenario where a ruler does a few good deeds but by and large is corrupt and deceptive ? Answer Once a thief, always a thief (or replace ‘thief’ with ‘cheat’) AttributionSource : Link , Question Author : Dan , Answer Author : David
According to the following source the adage The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree originated in AmE in the first half of the 19th century: The first recorded use in the USA was by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1839, one of America’s best known 19th century figures. But they also add that: Versions of … Read more
English is my second language and I was wondering if there is a proverb/idiom/phrase for this proverb/idiom in my language which directly translates to: “Only who suffers can understand that suffering” Answer I don’t think either of these fit the description either. I complained my shoes were too tight, until I met a man with … Read more
