Sir John Barleycorn is the strongest knight.

Meaning: Alcohol's intoxicating power surpasses physical strength, making it formidably dangerous and capable of overpowering even the mightiest warriors.

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 Wisdom

From our false friends

  • Fame — Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.
  • Vaso — Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
  • Pasta — Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.

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