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A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2] In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:
"Life's a climb. But the view is great." There are times when things seemingly go to plan, and there are other moments when nothing works out. During those instances, you might feel lost.
Though the spirit of the proverb had been expressed previously, the modern saying first appeared in James Howell's Proverbs (1659). [3] [4] [5] It has often been included in subsequent collections of proverbs and sayings. [6] Some writers have added a second part to the proverb, as in Harry and Lucy Concluded (1825) by the Irish novelist Maria ...
the shortness of life prevents us from entertaining far-off hopes: This is a wistful refrain that is sometimes used ironically. It is derived from the first line of Horace's Ode 1. It was later used as the title of a short poem of Ernest Dowson. vitae corona fides: faith is the crown of life: Motto of Colchester Royal Grammar School. vitai ...
Proverbs is not merely an anthology but a "collection of collections" relating to a pattern of life that lasted for more than a millennium. [2] It is an example of Biblical wisdom literature and raises questions about values, moral behavior, the meaning of human life, and right conduct, [ 3 ] and its theological foundation is that "the fear of ...
"Whoever has seen enough of life will be able to tell a lot of proverbs." (Igala, Nigeria) [255] "Bereft of proverbs, speech flounders and falls short of its mark, whereas aided by them, communication is fleet and unerring" (Yoruba, Nigeria) [256] "A conversation without proverbs is like stew without salt." (Oromo, Ethiopia) [257]
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable.
The proverb is mentioned in the Republic of Plato (424A and 449C) as a principle to be applied to marriage and procreation. Diogenes Laertius (VIII.10) reports the assertion of Timaeus that Pythagoras was first to use the saying, along with φιλία ἰσότης ( filía isótēs ) "Friendship is equality."