Smart Thoughts

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” is thought to be the oldest proverb still in everyday English use. Here is what

“Two heads are better than one” celebrates the power of working together — two minds on a problem beat one. Here is what it means, where it comes

“There’s no smoke without fire” is the proverb people reach for when a rumour is going around — the idea that gossip usually has some basis in truth.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating” insists that you judge a thing by its results, not its promises. Here is what it means, its 1605

“Once bitten, twice shy” captures how a painful experience makes us cautious the next time around. Here is what it means, where it comes from, how to use

“Necessity is the mother of invention” is the proverb that explains why we get clever when we’re cornered — pressing need drives us to find solutions. Here is

“Look before you leap” is the proverb of caution — think first, act second. Here is what it means, its origin from Aesop to Heywood, how to use

“Let sleeping dogs lie” is the proverb of wise restraint — leave a settled problem alone rather than stir up fresh trouble. Here is what it means, its

“Knowledge is power” is one of the most quoted maxims in the English language — the conviction that what you know gives you real strength. Here is what

“Kill two birds with one stone” is the proverb of efficiency — getting two things done with a single effort. Here is what it means, where it comes