Everything is the worse for wearing.
Meaning: Constant use and time erode even the finest things, diminishing their quality and value.
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
- Who weds ere he be wise shall die ere he thrive. — Marrying without maturity leads to a life of struggle and premature decline.
- Welcome is the best dish on the table. — Genuine hospitality and warmth matter more to guests than the quality or abundance of foo…
- When the well is dug it is easy enough to pump. — Preparation and proper setup make execution effortless; prevention requires foresight bef…
- All things are soon prepared in a well-ordered house. — Efficient systems and discipline enable quick accomplishment of any task, large or small.
- Well-drawn wells give the sweetest water. — Careful preparation and proper execution yield superior results worth the initial effort.
- I wept when I was born, and every day shows why. — Life's inevitable sufferings validate the infant's instinctive tears at entering existenc…
From our compliments & insults
- ¡Qué cara más dura! — You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
- Es un/una pesado/a — A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
- Más terco/a que una mula — Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.