phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Two heads are better than one

Posted by ESC on February 10, 2009 at 17:50

In Reply to: Two heads are better than one posted by Fran McDowell on February 10, 2009 at 16:48:

: What is the origin of the idiom 'Two heads are better than one'?

One reference says it is ancient. Another has more details:

Greek philosopher Aristotle, Politics, c 330 BC, Two good men are better than one. English poet John Gower, English version, Confessio Amantis, c 390, Two have more wit than one. The exact wording appeared in John Heywood's A Dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Prouerbes in the English Tongue, 1546. From Wise Words and Wives' Tales: The Origins, Meanings and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and Folk Sayings Olde and New; by Stuart Flexner and Doris Flexner (Avon Books, New York, 1993). Page 188.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.