Home › Proverbs

As the fool thinks, so the bell chinks.

Meaning: A fool's actions produce predictable, hollow results—noise without substance or deeper meaning.

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

More proverbs about Human Nature

  • Fools set stools for wise folk to stumble at. — Foolish people create obstacles that even intelligent ones may trip over through careless…
  • A fool's bolt is soon shot. — Reckless people exhaust their resources or arguments hastily, leaving themselves defensel…
  • Fools build houses, and wise men buy them. — Shrewd investors profit from others' labor and mistakes rather than bearing construction…
  • Every man is the architect of his fortune. — Individual choices and actions, not circumstance, determine the outcomes and success one…
  • When fortune smiles take the advantage. — Seize opportunities promptly when circumstances favor you, as favorable conditions are te…
  • Fortune knocks once at least at every man's gate. — Opportunity arrives for everyone eventually; recognizing and seizing that moment determin…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…