🦉 A Word to the Wise: Heed These Classic Clichés 📚
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Definition:
- A word to the wise is enough: A succinct warning or piece of advice is enough for an intelligent person.
- Words of wisdom: Statements of good counsel or wisdom, often offered as if of timeless truths.
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Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Forewarned is forearmed
- The writing’s on the wall
- Sound advice
- Sage advice
- Golden nuggets of wisdom
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Proverbs and Idioms:
- “Actions speak louder than words” – Meaning that actions are a more reliable indicator of intentions and outcomes than words alone.
- “Look before you leap” – Advising one to consider possible consequences before taking action.
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Synonyms:
- Prudent advice
- Cautionary counsel
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Antonyms:
- Ignorant suggestion
- Foolish recommendation
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Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” – Plato
- “Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.” – Erica Jong
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In Literature:
- “The Case is Altered” by Ben Jonson: Featuring the line: “Go to, a word to the wise.”
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Brimming with subtle advice and societal observations.
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In Songs:
- “My Way” – Frank Sinatra: A compelling song on life choices and personal wisdom.
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In Movies:
- “The Godfather”: Interwoven with sagacious counsel and warnings.
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Inspirational Thought:
- “A single seed of wisdom, when planted in a fertile mind, grows into a forest of understanding.”
Good advice is always in fashion; it’s the gift of insight without the need for explicit proof.
Quizzes
### Which of these is a genuine idiom?
- [ ] Walking a kilometer in a hyena’s shoes
- [x] Look before you leap
- [ ] Drinking sunshine in a barrel
- [ ] Begging time to rewind
> **Explanation:** "Look before you leap" is a well-known idiom encouraging caution. The others are imaginative but not real idioms.
### Which phrase offers advice?
- [x] Forewarned is forearmed
- [ ] Dancing with threadbare shoes
- [ ] Launching dreams into space
- [ ] Rolling with the sunflowers
> **Explanation:** "Forewarned is forearmed" is an idiom suggesting that being prepared is advantageous. The other phrases are merely poetic.
### True or False: 'A penny for your thoughts' is an idiom requesting advice
- [ ] False
- [x] True
> **Explanation:** True; it’s an idiom that means to ask someone what they are thinking about. It isn't direct advice but involves thoughtful introspection.
Published by: WiseWords & Co.
Author: W. T. Wittywords, a connoisseur of clichés with a flair for humor and wisdom, captures the essence of overused yet ever-reliable expressions.
Publishing Date: October 1, 2023
- Inspirational Farewell Thought: * “Every cliché started as a piece of genuine wisdom. Use these phrases not only to communicate but to connect. May your words be wise and your thoughts deep.”
