"Better to wear out than to rust out."
💬 Meaning
It is better to stay active and useful until the end of life than to decline through idleness.
✏️ Usage Example
My grandmother refuses to retire, saying it's better to wear out than to rust out.
Proverbs
"Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion."
💬 Meaning
It is better to be a leader of a small group than a minor follower in a large, prestigious one.
✏️ Usage Example
He chose to manage a small local shop rather than be a junior clerk at a global firm; better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.
"Bad news travels fast."
💬 Meaning
People are often very quick to share negative information or reports of misfortune.
✏️ Usage Example
I only told one person about the accident, but by noon the whole town knew; bad news travels fast.
"A wonder lasts but nine days."
💬 Meaning
Novelty or public interest in a scandal or sensation is usually very short-lived.
✏️ Usage Example
Don't worry about the gossip; it will blow over soon, for a wonder lasts but nine days.
"Ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer."
💬 Meaning
If you ask something that is nonsensical or obvious, do not expect a serious response.
✏️ Usage Example
When I asked him if the sun was hot, he told me it was a giant lightbulb; ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer.
"As the old cock crows, the young bird learns."
💬 Meaning
Children or younger generations often model their behavior after their elders.
✏️ Usage Example
The boy began using the same slang as his father; as the old cock crows, the young bird learns.
"Anger is a short madness."
💬 Meaning
When people are angry, they often lose their ability to think rationally for a brief period.
✏️ Usage Example
Don't take his insults personally; anger is a short madness and he'll regret it later.
"An army marches on its stomach."
💬 Meaning
To be effective, a group must be well-fed and provided for.
✏️ Usage Example
The event planner ensured the catering was perfect, knowing that an army marches on its stomach.
"All lay load on the willing horse."
💬 Meaning
People tend to give more work or responsibility to those who are already working hard and willing to help.
✏️ Usage Example
Since she never says no, they keep giving her extra tasks; all lay load on the willing horse.
"All is fish that comes to the net."
💬 Meaning
Everything that is received can be turned to some use or profit.
✏️ Usage Example
The author saved every scrap of paper he wrote on, believing that all is fish that comes to the net.
"Advice is cheap."
💬 Meaning
It is very easy to give advice, but it is much harder to follow it or deal with the consequences.
✏️ Usage Example
My brother told me to quit my job, but advice is cheap when you aren't the one paying the bills.
"A man is known by the company he keeps."
💬 Meaning
A person's character can be judged by the type of people they associate with.
✏️ Usage Example
He says he is honest, but he hangs out with thieves; a man is known by the company he keeps.