Pull gently on a weak rope.

Meaning: Excessive force on fragile things causes them to break; restraint and care preserve what's already damaged.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• It is easier to pull down than to build. — Destruction requires less effort, skill, and time than creating something of lasting valu…
• Let your purse be your master. — Spending wisely means letting your financial capacity, not desires, determine your purcha…
• He that shows his purse longs to be rid of it. — Displaying wealth openly invites theft, so the careless advertiser unconsciously desires…
• Don't quarrel with the beggar for his bone. — Arguing with someone who has nothing to lose is pointless and beneath your dignity.
• Raise no more spirits than you can conjure down. — Ambition beyond your control creates chaos you cannot contain or resolve.
• There's reason in roasting of eggs. — Even mundane tasks, properly executed, follow rational principles worth understanding.

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