Origin of this proverb. This is a very common proverb which dates back to the late sixteenth century. It is difficult to say who first coined the proverb as it appeared in several different books of proverbs all at the same time! However, it is likely that 'practice makes perfect' existed in … [Read more...] about ‘Practice makes perfect’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, and Importance
Proverbs, Sayings, Idioms and Phrases
‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ - Origin, Meaning and Expansion
Origin of this proverb This proverb, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' is attributed to Margaret Hungerford who was an Irish novelist. Hungerford lived between 1855 and 1897, and she tended to write using a pen name: 'The Duchess'. In her novel 'Molly Bawn' (her most well known book), she … [Read more...] about ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ - Origin, Meaning and Expansion
‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, Importance
Origin This proverb is attributed to Pubilius Syrus (85-43 BCE). Syrus was a Syrian born author (hence the surname 'Syrus' which means 'Syrian'), however he lived later in Rome. He wrote down the proverb 'a rolling stone gathers no moss' in a book called 'Sententiae' which is widely believed to be … [Read more...] about ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, Importance
‘Time flies’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, and Importance
Origin of the proverb. 'Time flies' originates in a Latin proverb: 'tempus fugit'. This Latin phrase (which means, literally 'time flees') derives from the poetic works of an ancient Roman author called Virgil. Virgil's most famous work is perhaps the epic poem called 'The Aeneid'. However, the … [Read more...] about ‘Time flies’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, and Importance
‘Manners Maketh Man’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, Importance
Origin of the proverb. The origin of the proverb 'manners maketh man' is often said to be in the writings of a man called William Horman, who lived between 1440 and 1535. Horman was the headmaster at Eton School in England and he also taught at Winchester School in England. Horman wrote a book … [Read more...] about ‘Manners Maketh Man’ - Origin, Meaning, Expansion, Importance