you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

Meaning: Kindness persuades people better than harshness.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “Ask the landlord nicely; you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Category: Animals

Origin: An old proverb found in several languages; Italian and French versions are old, and an English form appears in the 17th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: On n'attrape pas les mouches avec du vinaigre — literally: You don't catch flies with vinegar

a rare bird — An unusual person or thing.
follow the herd — To do what everyone else does without thinking.
a leopard can't change its spots — People cannot change their basic nature.
set the cat among the pigeons — To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.
all bark and no bite — Threatening or boastful but not actually dangerous.
talk the hind legs off a donkey — To talk endlessly.

all grist to the mill — Everything can be turned to use or advantage.
you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs — Achieving something worthwhile involves some loss or damage.
in a pickle — In a difficult situation.
have one's work cut out — To face a difficult task.
mum's the word — Keep this secret; say nothing.
hale and hearty — Healthy and strong, especially in old age.

Spend not where you may save; spare not where you must spend. — Strategic spending distinguishes between unnecessary expenses to eliminate and essential…
Carefully spend, and God will send. — Prudent financial management and restraint attract divine provision or good fortune.
Spend and be free, but make no waste. — Generous spending brings joy and liberation, yet prudent choices prevent squandering reso…