Rules are made to be broken
Meaning: Breaking established rules often brings unforeseen consequences that outweigh the temporary gain from disobedience.
Origin: A modern proverb, recorded in American proverb dictionaries from the mid-20th century. It is sometimes credited to General Douglas MacArthur, but that attribution is unconfirmed.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Shy bairns get noot — Children who don't speak up miss opportunities because adults cannot know their needs or…
- Snitches get stitches — Informing authorities invites violent retaliation from those you've betrayed.
- Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind — Reckless or harmful actions return with amplified destructive consequences, not proportio…
- Tall oaks from little acorns grow — Small beginnings accumulate into significant achievements through time and consistent dev…
- That's the way the mop flops — When circumstances fall unpredictably, accept them without complaint rather than resist i…
- The dogs bark, but the caravan goes on — Indifferent to critics' noise, those with purpose continue their journey undeterred.
From our compliments & insults
- できる人 (dekiru hito) — Said of someone highly capable and impressive — the kind of person who makes things happe…
- 懐が深い (futokoro ga fukai) — You're broad-minded, generous of spirit, and able to embrace the complexity of others wit…
- Você é um amor — You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.