That which is evil is soon learnt.
Meaning: Evil habits spread faster than good ones because humans naturally gravitate toward the easier, more tempting path.
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 Challenge
- The evil wound is cured, but not the evil name. — Damage to reputation proves harder to repair than physical harm, as public memory outlast…
- Of evil grain no good seed can come. — Corrupt foundations yield only corrupt results; moral degradation cannot produce virtue.
- Of two evils choose the lesser. — When facing unavoidable harm, select the option causing minimum damage rather than suffer…
- If a man once fall, all will tread on him. — Misfortune invites exploitation; those already disadvantaged face renewed abuse from othe…
- The first blow is half the battle. — Taking decisive initial action often determines victory more than prolonged struggle afte…
- Fire and water are good servants but bad masters. — Both elements prove invaluable when controlled but destructive when allowed to dominate u…
From our compliments & insults
- Quel râleur / quelle râleuse — You never stop moaning — everything is a complaint, nothing is ever good enough.
- Peau de vache — A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.
- Eres un aguafiestas — You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.