Phrase Finder

Idioms · 12 entries

Adage

What does "Adage" mean?

Money always has a telling influence.

A golden key can open any door

The United Kingdom.

A house divided against itself cannot stand

Biblical.

A picture paints a thousand words

USA.

A stitch in time saves nine

The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

The United Kingdom - 19th century.

Actions speak louder than words

The United Kingdom - 17th century.

Breast is best

It takes two to tango

USA, from a popular 1952 song of the same name.

Variety is the spice of life

Britain, 18th century.

You are what you eat

USA, 1920s.

You can’t judge a book by its cover

Britain, 19th century.

You can’t take it with you

Britain, 1930s - deriving from several similar idioms dating from the early 19th century onward.

Entry 1

A golden key can open any door

Meaning Money always has a telling influence.

Usage Worldwide, but somewhat uncommon.

Example

  • He’s not really good enough to be an F1 driver but he got in the team because he brought a major sponsorship deal with him. As they say, a golden key can open any door.

Pronunciation

Entry 2

A house divided against itself cannot stand

Meaning Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.

Usage Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.

Example

  • The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.

Pronunciation

Entry 3

A picture paints a thousand words

Meaning Pictures are far more descriptive than words.

Usage A very widely and commonly used proverb/adage.

Example

  • I tried to describe that fantastic sunset and then she just showed them a photo. You know it’s true - a picture paints a thousand words.

Pronunciation

Entry 4

A stitch in time saves nine

Meaning A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.

Usage In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.

Example

  • Fixing that frayed rope was a real stitch in time. It would probably have snapped when the wind got up later if we hadn’t.

Pronunciation

Entry 5

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Meaning Our feelings for people and things grows when we are apart from them.

Usage Still used, predominantly in the UK, mostly by the older generation.

Example

  • I enjoyed visiting Italy but after a few weeks I couldn’t wait to get home to my wife. As they say - absense makes the heart grow fonder.

Pronunciation

Entry 6

Actions speak louder than words

Meaning Actions show one’s character more than what you say.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • She spoke up for the immigrants but he gave them a bed in his house - actions speak louder than words.

Pronunciation

Entry 7

Breast is best

Meaning Slogan of breastfeeding campaign.

Example

  • I bottle-fed all my kids. I know they say breast is best but they all lived to tell the tale.

Pronunciation

Entry 8

It takes two to tango

Meaning It takes two people to cause a problem between them.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Maybe Jack did provoke the argument but he couldn't argue on his own could he? - it takes two to tango.

Pronunciation

Entry 9

Variety is the spice of life

Meaning Increased experience makes for a more exciting life.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Surfing today, bungie-jumping tomorrow. You know what they say - variety is the spice of life.

Pronunciation

Entry 10

You are what you eat

Meaning What you eat affects you health.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Burgers every evening? That's not a good plan - don't you know you are what you eat?

Pronunciation

Entry 11

You can't judge a book by its cover

Meaning Decisions can't be made solely on appearance.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Raphael Nadal looked like he was straight from a street gang. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover.

Pronunciation

Entry 12

You can't take it with you

Meaning Suggestion that you should spend money and live life now as it will be no use to you after you die.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Grandma saved all her life but lived on a pittance. No one told her that you can't take it with you.

Pronunciation