ProverbWisdom
English origin
English originWe must do as we may, if we cannot do as we would.
Meaning: Pragmatism requires accepting imperfect solutions when ideal circumstances remain beyond our control.
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: Idioms
Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
- Se casser la figure To fall to the ground; to have an accident or suffer a collapse.
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- Être du propre Used ironically to criticize something as morally or physically filthy.
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