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What every one asks, what every one gives, but what very few take--advice.

Meaning: Everyone seeks and gives advice, yet almost no one actually follows it.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • Two of a trade seldom agree. — Rivals in the same business rarely agree; competition breeds friction between them.
  • Agues come on horseback, but go away on foot. — Sickness arrives suddenly but lingers, leaving far more slowly than it came.
  • None knows the weight of another's burden. — No one can truly feel how heavy another person's troubles are.
  • April and May are the keys of the year. — Spring's weather sets the course for the whole year's growth and harvest.
  • Argus at home, but a mole abroad. — Sharp-eyed over one's own household, yet blind to everything beyond it.
  • Ask but enough, and you may lower as you list. — Open by asking high, and you can always come down as you please.

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