Horses, not zebras
Meaning: When diagnosing problems, assume common causes before exotic ones; simplicity usually precedes complexity.
Origin: A maxim of medical training, coined in the late 1940s by Dr. Theodore Woodward of the University of Maryland, who told his interns, "When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don't expect to see a zebra." The popular form is "When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras." It tells young doctors to consider the common explanation before the exotic one. In medical slang, a rare diagnosis is still called a "zebra."
More proverbs about Wisdom
- 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…
- It is a wise child that knows his own father — A version, “it is a wise father that knows his own child” (spelling modernized), is used…
- It's a long road that has no turning — The current situation is bound to change eventually.
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.