Adage
A golden key can open any door
Meaning
Money always has a telling influence.
Examples
He’s not really good enough to be an F1 driver but he got in the team because he brought a major sponsorship deal with him. As they say, a golden key can open any door.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but somewhat uncommon.
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A house divided against itself cannot stand
Meaning
Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.
Examples
The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.
Where did it originate?
Biblical.
Where is it used?
Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.
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A picture paints a thousand words
Meaning
Pictures are far more descriptive than words.
Examples
I tried to describe that fantastic sunset and then she just showed them a photo. You know it’s true – a picture paints a thousand words.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
A very widely and commonly used proverb/adage.
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A stitch in time saves nine
Meaning
A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
Examples
Fixing that frayed rope was a real stitch in time. It would probably have snapped when the wind got up later if we hadn’t.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.
Where is it used?
In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.
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Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Meaning
Our feelings for people and things grows when we are apart from them.
Examples
I enjoyed visiting Italy but after a few weeks I couldn’t wait to get home to my wife. As they say – absense makes the heart grow fonder.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom – 19th century.
Where is it used?
Still used, predominantly in the UK, mostly by the older generation.
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Actions speak louder than words
Meaning
Actions show one’s character more than what you say.
Examples
She spoke up for the immigrants but he gave them a bed in his house – actions speak louder than words.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom – 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Breast is best
Meaning
Slogan of breastfeeding campaign.
Examples
I bottle-fed all my kids. I know they say breast is best but they all lived to tell the tale.
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It takes two to tango
Meaning
It takes two people to cause a problem between them.
Examples
Maybe Jack did provoke the argument but he couldn’t argue on his own could he? – it takes two to tango.
Where did it originate?
USA, from a popular 1952 song of the same name.
Where is it used?
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Variety is the spice of life
Meaning
Increased experience makes for a more exciting life.
Examples
Surfing today, bungie-jumping tomorrow. You know what they say – variety is the spice of life.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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You are what you eat
Meaning
What you eat affects you health.
Examples
Burgers every evening? That’s not a good plan – don’t you know you are what you eat?
Where did it originate?
USA, 1920s.
Where is it used?
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You can't judge a book by its cover
Meaning
Decisions can’t be made solely on appearance.
Examples
Raphael Nadal looked like he was straight from a street gang. I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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You can't take it with you
Meaning
Suggestion that you should spend money and live life now as it will be no use to you after you die.
Examples
Grandma saved all her life but lived on a pittance. No one told her that you can’t take it with you.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1930s – deriving from several similar idioms dating from the early 19th century onward.
Where is it used?
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