Conflicting Wisdom.

Posted by Bruce Kahl on May 10, 2005

In Reply to: Watch the pennies and the pounds take care of themselves posted by Abe on May 10, 2005

: : : "Watch the pennies and the pounds take care of themselves". Could you explain the meaning?

: : If you're careful over the small things in life, then the big things will come to succesful outcomes on their own. Sadly, not quite true, but a reasonable guide! The 'pounds' here are, of course 'pounds stirling' and not 'pounds weight'.

: There is also an old expression "Don't be penny wise and pound foolish." which seems on first glance to read somewhat the opposite. I have often wondered if anyone has collected a list of these sayings that seem to be pairs of conflicting wisdom.

Actions speak louder than words. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Look before you leap. He who hesitates is lost.

Many hands make light work. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

A silent man is a wise one. A man without words is a man without thoughts.

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Clothes make the man. Don't judge a book by its cover.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Better safe than sorry.

The bigger, the better. The best things come in small packages.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Out of sight, out of mind.

What will be, will be. Life is what you make it.

Cross your bridges when you come to them. Forewarned is forearmed.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander. One man's meat is another man's poison.

With age comes wisdom. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come all wise sayings.

The more, the merrier. Two's company; three's a crowd

• Conflicting Wisdom. Bruce Taylor 11/May/05

See: the meaning and origin of the phrase "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".