He that hath many irons in the fire, some of them will cool.
Meaning: Pursuing too many simultaneous projects reduces focus and causes some efforts to lose momentum before completion.
Origin: A blacksmith heating too many irons at once cannot work them all before some go cold. The warning is recorded in English in 1549, and it now means taking on too many projects at the same time.
More proverbs about Challenge
- A fat kitchen, a lean will. — Excessive spending on pleasures leaves little inheritance or resources for one's heirs an…
- Silks and satins put out the fire in the kitchen. — Luxury goods cannot substitute for practical necessities; fine things won't feed your fam…
- He that loves law will get his fill. — Devotion to justice and lawful conduct ensures one receives due rewards and satisfaction…
- A good lawyer, an evil neighbour. — Good legal advocates thrive when disputes arise, making them prosperous through others' c…
- A small leak will sink a great ship. — Neglecting minor problems allows them to compound into catastrophic failures that destroy…
- Life is full of hazards, which experience neither bought nor taught will always enable us to foresee. — Unforeseen dangers inevitably confront us despite accumulated wisdom and formal education.
From our idioms
- sätta käppar i hjulet — To create obstacles or hindrances for someone or something.
- lägga vantarna på — To get hold of something; to seize or obtain.
- vända kappan efter vinden — To change one's allegiance or principles opportunistically depending on circumstances.