Sloth turneth the edge of wit.
Meaning: Idleness dulls intellectual sharpness, leaving the mind unable to cut through problems effectively.
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
- Sloth is the mother of poverty. — Idleness breeds want because accumulated inaction prevents accumulation of resources or o…
- Better are small fish than an empty dish. — Modest sustenance surpasses pride's hunger; accept what you have rather than starve waiti…
- He that despiseth small things shall fall by little and little. — Neglecting minor problems allows them to accumulate into catastrophic failure.
- A snow year, a rich year. — Abundant winter snow ensures adequate spring water for crops and pastures, bringing prosp…
- He that goes softly goes surely. — Moving with deliberate care and caution leads to reliable progress without missteps or re…
- Soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer. — Idle warriors without conflict become useless burdens, their skills and purpose rendered…
From our compliments & insults
- T'as pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre — You're not exactly a genius — the wire to cut butter is about the most obvious tool imagi…
- Tête de mule — An impossibly stubborn person who refuses to change their mind no matter what.
- C'est une vraie chèvre — They're hopelessly stubborn and infuriating — a goat that refuses to be moved.