A man can do more than he can.
Meaning: Ambition and self-belief often exceed our actual capabilities, yet this gap drives human achievement and innovation.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Many can pack the cards that cannot play. — Those lacking skill can arrange circumstances to their advantage, yet fail when execution…
- A cat loves fish, but she's loth to wet her feet. — Desire for something doesn't overcome reluctance to pay its necessary cost or risk.
- Children and fools have merry lives. — Ignorance of life's burdens allows the young and simple-minded to experience uncomplicate…
- Children and chickens must be always picking. — Constant activity and foraging—whether physical or mental—keeps the young healthy, alert,…
- Children are certain cares, but very uncertain comforts. — Parenting demands unwavering responsibility while offspring's gratitude and success remai…
- Children suck the mother when they are young, and the father when they are old. — Offspring depend on maternal care initially, then seek paternal resources and guidance as…
From our compliments & insults
- Courir sur le haricot — To get badly on someone's nerves.
- Tienes menos luces que un barco pirata — You're really not the brightest.
- Eres más lento que el caballo del malo — You're painfully slow — the villain's horse never catches the hero.