Money always has a telling influence.
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.
The United Kingdom.
Worldwide, but somewhat uncommon.
Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.
The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.
Biblical.
Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.
Pictures are far more descriptive than words.
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.
A very widely and commonly used proverb/adage.
A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
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.
The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.
In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.
Our feelings for people and things grows when we are apart from them.
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.
The United Kingdom – 19th century.
Still used, predominantly in the UK, mostly by the older generation.
Actions show one’s character more than what you say.
She spoke up for the immigrants but he gave them a bed in his house – actions speak louder than words.
The United Kingdom – 17th century.
Slogan of breastfeeding campaign.
I bottle-fed all my kids. I know they say breast is best but they all lived to tell the tale.
It takes two people to cause a problem between them.
Maybe Jack did provoke the argument but he couldn’t argue on his own could he? – it takes two to tango.
USA, from a popular 1952 song of the same name.
Increased experience makes for a more exciting life.
Surfing today, bungie-jumping tomorrow. You know what they say – variety is the spice of life.
Britain, 18th century.
What you eat affects you health.
Burgers every evening? That’s not a good plan – don’t you know you are what you eat?
USA, 1920s.
Decisions can’t be made solely on appearance.
Raphael Nadal looked like he was straight from a street gang. I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Britain, 19th century.
Suggestion that you should spend money and live life now as it will be no use to you after you die.
Grandma saved all her life but lived on a pittance. No one told her that you can’t take it with you.
Britain, 1930s – deriving from several similar idioms dating from the early 19th century onward.
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Suggest a new idiom