A ragged colt may make a good horse.

Meaning: Unpromising beginnings don't determine a creature's potential; proper care and time can transform rough youth into valuable maturity.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

Translations

French: Méchant poulain peut devenir bon cheval (literally: A ragged colt may make a good horse)
Spanish: De potro sarnoso buen caballo hermoso (literally: A scabby colt may make a good horse)

The receiver is as bad as the thief. — Accepting stolen goods makes you complicit in the crime, not merely a passive bystander.
A good recorder sets all in order. — Skilled documentation prevents chaos by creating a clear, retrievable record of facts and…
Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth. — Genuine charity requires secrecy; publicizing generosity corrupts its moral purpose into…
The fairest rose at last is withered. — Even the most beautiful things inevitably decline and fade with time.
Set the saddle on the right horse. — Choose the person best suited for the task rather than wasting effort on unsuitable candi…
Everything is good in its season. — Timing determines value—what flourishes in spring withers in winter, and forcing things o…

Loading the full interactive collection…