Many without punishment, none without sin.
Meaning: Without accountability, wrongdoing flourishes; perfection remains impossible for all mortals.
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 Morality
- A ragged colt may make a good horse. — Unpromising beginnings don't determine a creature's potential; proper care and time can t…
- The receiver is as bad as the thief. — Accepting stolen goods makes you complicit in the crime, not merely a passive bystander.
- A good recorder sets all in order. — Skilled documentation prevents chaos by creating a clear, retrievable record of facts and…
- Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth. — Genuine charity requires secrecy; publicizing generosity corrupts its moral purpose into…
- The fairest rose at last is withered. — Even the most beautiful things inevitably decline and fade with time.
- Set the saddle on the right horse. — Choose the person best suited for the task rather than wasting effort on unsuitable candi…
From our compliments & insults
- Eres más bueno que el pan — You are a genuinely good, kind soul.
- Sei in gamba — You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.
- Sei un tesoro — You're a darling — precious to have around.