A tree is known by its fruit, and not by its leaves.
Meaning: Character reveals itself through actions and results, not promises or appearances.
Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- You cannot see wood for trees. — Obsessive focus on individual details blinds one to the larger, more important overall pi…
- At twelfth-day the days are lengthened a cock's stride. — Winter daylight gains imperceptibly after the new year, measurable only in tiny increment…
- One cannot be in two places at once. — Human limitations demand choosing priorities; attempting everything simultaneously guaran…
- The greatest number is made up of units. — Mighty achievements require attention to countless small details and contributions from m…
- Valour can do little without discretion. — Bravery without careful judgment leads to reckless harm rather than meaningful heroic ach…
- Valour that parleys is near yielding. — Hesitation to fight signals weakness; true courage acts decisively without negotiation or…
Loading the full interactive collection…