ProverbChallenge
English origin
English originThe bird that can sing and will not sing, must be made to sing.
Meaning: Talent unused is wasted potential; those capable of contributing must be compelled to fulfill their duty.
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.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
- Khadak Singh ke khadakne se khadakti hain khidkiyan, khidkiyon ke khadakne se khadakte hain Khadak Singh. A 'kh/kh/kh' recursive loop — each clause triggers the other, like a rattling chain react…
- Chandu ke chacha ne Chandu ki chachi ko chandi ki chamach se chatni chatayi. A 'ch' symphony from start to finish — Hindi's palatal affricate in every single word.
- Şu çam sakızı çan sakızı olmuş, çan sakızı şan sakızı olmuş. A 'ş/ç/şan/çan' duel — Turkish's two close sibilants at war with each other.
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