He that bites on every weed must needs light on poison.
Meaning: Indiscriminately sampling everything you encounter will eventually expose you to something harmful.
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
- A bit in the morning is better than nothing all day. — Early action, however modest, accomplishes more than delayed grand efforts.
- A black plum is as sweet as a white. — Outward appearance reveals nothing about inner quality or worth.
- You cannot get blood out of a stone. — Demanding resources from those who lack them is futile; necessity cannot extract what doe…
- Tis a blot on his escutcheon. — A single shameful act permanently mars a person's reputation and family honor, like a sta…
- He who blusters without reason has most reason to bluster. — Empty boasting reveals deep insecurity; the loudest voices often mask the weakest positio…
- I have a bone in my arm. — Claiming disability to avoid work reveals one's character through convenient excuses.
From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.