An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Meaning: Regular healthy habits prevent illness.

Origin: The earliest record is a Pembrokeshire saying printed in the journal Notes and Queries in 1866: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." The short modern form appeared in the early 20th century.

Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German

  • French: Une pomme par jour éloigne le médecin (literally: An apple a day keeps the doctor away)
  • Spanish: Una manzana al día mantiene al médico en la lejanía (literally: An apple a day keeps the doctor distant)
  • Japanese: 一日一個のリンゴで医者いらず (Ichinichi ikko no ringo de isha irazu) (literally: One apple a day, no doctor needed)
  • German: Ein Apfel am Tag hält den Doktor fern (literally: An apple a day keeps the doctor away)

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