God doesn't give with both hands
Meaning: Divine bounty always comes mixed with limitation, ensuring we appreciate gifts rather than take abundance for granted.
Origin: An English saying for the idea that nobody is gifted in every way: someone blessed with one talent will lack another. No early source has been traced; Japanese has a close match, ten wa nibutsu o ataezu — heaven does not give two gifts.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- History is written by the victors — The defeated's perspective vanishes from records because power, not truth, determines whi…
- Horses, not zebras — When diagnosing problems, assume common causes before exotic ones; simplicity usually pre…
- If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck — When multiple observable qualities align, trust the evidence rather than disputing the ap…
- If you can't beat them, eat them — When victory is impossible, consume the problem literally or metaphorically to eliminate…
- If you mess with the bull, you get the horns — Confronting a dangerous opponent directly invites predictable retaliation.
- In unity, there is strength — Individual efforts pale against coordinated action; collective power overcomes obstacles…
From our compliments & insults
- Sei un fenomeno — You're amazing — exceptionally good at what you do.
- Eres la leche — You're the best — absolutely fantastic.
- Eline sağlık — Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.