A sceptre is one thing, a ladle another.

Meaning: Different tools suit different purposes; authority and domestic work require wholly distinct approaches.

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

More proverbs about Wisdom

• A mere scholar a mere ass. — Accumulated knowledge without practical judgment or common sense produces foolishness, no…
• The greatest scholars are not always the wisest men. — Deep knowledge doesn't guarantee good judgment or practical sense in living well.
• On the sea sail; on the land settle. — Venture boldly where uncertainty reigns, but root yourself firmly where stability matters…
• Tis the second blow that makes a fray. — The first insult merely offends, but your retaliatory response transforms a moment into m…
• He that revealeth his secret maketh himself a slave. — Sharing confidences surrenders your autonomy, granting others leverage over your privacy…
• Catch not at the shadow and lose the substance. — Pursuing trivial distractions causes you to forfeit what truly matters and holds real val…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…