a word to the wise

Meaning: A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “A word to the wise: the boss hates people arriving late.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: From the Latin verbum sapienti sat est (a word to the wise is enough), found in the Roman playwrights Plautus and Terence.

Equivalents in other languages

a shot across the bow — A warning of more serious action to come.
a witch hunt — A campaign to find and punish people, driven by fear or suspicion rather than evidence.
let's hit the road — Let's leave; let's get going.
without fanfare — Quietly, without any publicity.
a Herculean task — An extremely difficult job requiring huge effort.
on the sidelines — Not taking an active part; left out.

blood will tell — Family background and inherited character eventually show.
at a snail's pace — Very slowly.
no picnic — Not easy or pleasant.
the lean years — A period of hardship and scarcity.
worship the golden calf — To value money and wealth above everything.
a poisoned chalice — Something that seems attractive but brings trouble to whoever accepts it.

Thunder in December foretells fine weather. — Winter storms pass quickly, leaving clear skies; turbulence doesn't persist into lasting…
When it thunders the thief becomes honest. — Fear of divine punishment temporarily reforms even the most dishonest when facing greater…
For what thou canst do thyself rely not on another. — Self-reliance in capable matters preserves your independence and avoids unnecessary oblig…