Peril proves who dearly loves.
Meaning: Danger reveals the depth of someone's affection through their willingness to sacrifice or act without hesitation.
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 Human Nature
- Foolish pity spoils a city. — Indiscriminate compassion toward the undeserving undermines social order and justice.
- Next to love, quietness. — Tranquility in relationships matters as deeply as affection itself; peace sustains bonds…
- Reckless youth makes rueful age. — Foolish choices made in youth create regret and hardship that haunts the rest of one's li…
- Man reigns and woman rules. — Women exercise subtle, indirect influence over decisions while men hold formal authority…
- Every man to his trade. — Individuals excel when focusing on their own expertise rather than attempting unfamiliar…
- A prophet is not without honor in his own country — Recognition is hardest to win from the people who know you best.
From our idioms
- Des grosses ficelles — Crude, obvious tricks that fool nobody.
- Cousu de fil blanc — So obvious that the deception is plainly visible.
- Mettre le doigt dans l'engrenage — To take a first small step that drags you into something far larger.