ProverbWisdomEnglish origin

He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.

Meaning: Those with fragile vulnerabilities should avoid situations that expose or exploit their weaknesses.

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.

Equivalents in French and Japanese

  • French: Qui a tête de cire ne doit pas s’approcher du feu (literally: He that hath a head of wax must not approach the fire)
  • Japanese: 君子危うきに近寄らず (Kunshi ayauki ni chikayorazu) (literally: The wise man does not go near danger)

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