The balance distinguishes not between gold and lead.
Meaning: A scale measures only weight, so material worth becomes irrelevant when judged by quantity alone.
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
- A bald head is soon shaven. — Removing what's already gone requires no effort; unnecessary actions waste time on the im…
- Barefooted men should not tread on thorns. — Those lacking protection or resources must avoid situations that expose their vulnerabili…
- Better a bare foot than no foot at all. — Poverty or hardship is preferable to total loss or complete deprivation of what matters m…
- At a great bargain make a great pause. — Suspiciously good deals warrant careful consideration before committing, as hidden costs…
- The greatest barkers are not always the sorest biters. — Loud boasting and threats rarely indicate genuine power or danger; true strength often ac…
- Sir John Barleycorn is the strongest knight. — Alcohol's intoxicating power surpasses physical strength, making it formidably dangerous…
From our idioms
- Å svelge noen kameler — To make big concessions and accept what you dislike.
- Å ha en høne å plukke med noen — To have a bone to pick with someone.
- At save den gren over man selv sidder på — To undermine your own position.