A whet is no let [hindrance].
Meaning: Sharpening a tool causes only momentary delay before it works far more effectively than before.
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 Wisdom
- You may pay too dear for your whistle. — Pursuing trivial pleasures often costs more in dignity, money, or opportunity than their…
- There's ne'er a why, but there's a wherefore. — Questioning "why" proves futile; instead, seek the practical "how" and "where" of circums…
- Wise men are not caught by wiles. — Intelligent people recognize and resist deception through careful discernment, unlike the…
- None ever yet got fat on windfalls. — Unexpected gain alone cannot sustain you; reliable work and effort build lasting prosperi…
- More have been drowned in wine than water. — Excessive indulgence in pleasure proves more destructive than hardship or deprivation eve…
- When wine is in, wit is out. — Alcohol impairs judgment and rational thinking, leaving only foolishness in its place.
From our compliments & insults
- 눈치가 없다 (nunchi ga eopda) — Hopelessly socially oblivious — can't pick up on emotional cues, awkward silences, or uns…
- حمار (ḥimār) — A stubborn fool — the donkey being the universal symbol of obstinacy in Arabic culture.
- Je bent een kanjer — You're a star — a champ and a wonderful person.