An Apple a Day (Keeps the Doctor Away) 🍏
An apple a day (keeps the doctor away) – A proverbial preventive remedy. Versions of this saying date from the seventeenth century or earlier, appearing in John Ray’s Proverb Collection of 1670 and elsewhere. A cliché by the late nineteenth century, it gave rise to numerous humorous versions, such as, “A stanza a day to keep the wolf away,” by the poet Phyllis McGinley.
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Prevention is better than cure.
- A stitch in time saves nine.
- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Don’t wait for tomorrow, fix today’s sorrow.
Synonyms:
- Early intervention
- Preventative measure
- Health maintenance
Antonyms:
- Procrastination
- Neglect
- Delay
Humorous Quotes:
- “If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then maybe I’m severely behind on my apple quota!” – Anonymous
- “How about pie? An apple pie a day should keep two doctors away, right?”
- “Does an iPhone a day keep the tech support away?” - Modern-Times Rhymer
Proverbs and References:
- “Prevention is better than cure.” - Desiderius Erasmus, a powerful reminder from history.
- “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” - Benjamin Franklin, advising early actions for long-lasting benefits.
Literature Suggestions:
- Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, for a metaphorical twist.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, keeping in line with proactive healthcare themes navigating illness.
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, a fun children’s tale which, though not exactly about apples, teaches about avoiding the unfamiliar.
Music and Film Suggestions:
- “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall, for a fruit-inspired metaphor song.
- Forrest Gump, because life really is like a box of chocolates—even if it’s supposed to be apples.
- The Invention of Lying, tackling what “could be” had lies (or not eating apples!) been removed from everyday life.
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] An apple a day keeps the doctor away
- [ ] Eating feathers keeps you light as a kite
- [ ] Drawing circles keeps you out of squares
- [ ] Plumbing peaches saves beach trips
> **Explanation:** "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a real idiom recommending healthy daily habits to avoid needing medical attention. The others are whimsical nonsense.
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Snacking on sunshine dispels the night
- [x] Prevention is better than cure
- [ ] Muffin a day keeps the blues at bay
- [ ] Riding raindrops avoids the sea
> **Explanation:** "Prevention is better than cure" is a real saying emphasizing proactive measures to elude issues down the road. The others are purely creative musings.
### True or False: 'Early to bed and early to rise' helps one win the prize
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** While not about apples, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," is a similar proverb stressing the benefits of good habits.
### Which of the following is an authentic proverb about health?
- [ ] Grinding gruel in the evening cool keeps colds in the pits
- [x] A stitch in time saves nine
- [ ] Seven cabbages grant good passages
- [ ] Thrice a fig, nerves unrigged
> **Explanation:** "A stitch in time saves nine" is true, promoting prompt actions to prevent larger problems. The other sayings—however poetic—are fictional.
An Inspirational Farewell 💫
In the orchard of life, may you always find the juiciest apples, and perhaps a pie on Sundays. Remember: Fortune favors those who mind their fruits!
Let’s keep the wit alive,
Witnella Corem
October, 2023
