ProverbWisdomEnglish origin

The thorn comes forth with his point forwards.

Meaning: Wickedness announces itself boldly through its inherent nature rather than concealing harmful intent.

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: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

  • Apericena The evening drink whose accompanying buffet is generous enough to replace dinner altogeth…
  • Dugnad Unpaid work done together for the common good — neighbours painting the building, parents…
  • Døgn One complete 24-hour cycle treated as a single unit — what English can only say as 'twent…

Browse all untranslatable words →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →