Brevity is the soul of wit.
Meaning: Sharp minds compress meaning into few words; excess dulls the blade of cleverness.
Origin: From Shakespeare's Hamlet (c. 1600), and the joke is who says it: Polonius, the most long-winded character in the play, announces "brevity is the soul of wit" in the middle of a rambling speech. "Wit" then meant intelligence and understanding, not just humor.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- As you brew, so shall you bake. — Careless preparation in one step inevitably ruins the final product, however carefully yo…
- There is no deceit in a brimmer. — A full cup offered openly invites honest scrutiny and leaves no room for hidden dealings…
- A broken leg is not healed by a silk stocking. — Expensive remedies cannot substitute for proper treatment of fundamental problems.
- A burden which one chooses is not felt. — Willingly undertaken hardships feel lighter than those imposed against your will.
- The back is made for the burden. — Humans possess natural capacity to bear hardship; endurance is inherent to our nature.
- The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest. — Heavy loads rarely yield profits; exhausting work often produces meager returns.
From our compliments & insults
- Золотые руки (Zolotye ruki) — You're wonderfully skilled with your hands — a true master at making and fixing things.
- Χρυσό μου (Chrysó mou) — My darling — a tender term of endearment.
- Sei un fenomeno — You're amazing — exceptionally good at what you do.