proverbs

Hi,

A proverb is a common saying that contains a general truth.

Are the following proverbs ?

1) To carry coals to Newcastle. No, it doesn't contain a general truth.

2) Money makes money. Yes.

3) To him that has shall more be given. I'd sa

Hello Hela

"Carry coal to New Castle" is an act as stupid as "Donate money to Bill Gates". It's a metaphor for unneeded stupid acts.
"Money makes money" can be only a truth in countries like the United States. "Poverty makes poverty" is a more universal truth.
"To him that has, more shall be given" was a phrase in a lecture given by a socio-economist called Jesus to his student Ma

Hi Paco,

"Money makes money" can be only a truth in countries like the United States. "Poverty makes poverty" is a more universal truth.

Interesting comment.

Possibly you might agree with the saying, 'The rich get richer and the poor get poorer'.

Best wshes, Clive

Hello Clive

Yes I agree. Il dit : Car on donnera à celui qui a; mais à celui qui n'a pas, on ôtera même ce qu'il a. (Marc 4.25)
paco

Hi Paco,

'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth'. (Matthew 5.5)

Clive

Clive
3) To him that has shall more be given. I'd say not, I'd call it a quotation (the words are from the Bible).

I'm not sure about your explanation here, Clive.

What do you think about this?--

The reason no.3 is not a proverb is that it contains a truth with only narrow application, wh

Hi,

I'd say not, I'd call it a quotation What I'm thinking here is this. To me, a proverb resembles a particular type of folklore. Generally, you are not sure where it originated.

For example, Shakespeare has many statements that offer universal truths, as you know, but I'd feel uncomfortable in saying 'This is a proverb that was written by Shakespea

CliveA proverb is a common saying that contains a general truth.

So, Clive, it seems you have a more elaborate definition in mind now.

What is, 'Fish and visitors stink in three days' (from Poor Richard's Almanac)? Or, 'A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger' (from the Old Testament's Book of Proverbs

Hi Davkett,

Well, I wouldn't call my definition elaborate. But I do think a proverb has a traditional component. I was only trying to provide a simple definition. Other things I didn't bother to mention include that a proverb should be short rather than long.

I'd prefer to call the examples you provide 'well-known quotations'.

Consider Shakespeare.

'Who steals m

If I may chime in, I'd say that the following are more along the line of proverbs to me:

A stitch in time saves nine.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
He who laughs last laughs best.

I'm quite comfortable calling the others quotations, especially when attributable to a specific author.

CJ