Village Idiom

Idioms are a fun and helpful way to communicate complex ideas quickly. The important thing is to not confuse idioms for guidelines of future behavior.

THEY ONLY WORK WHEN THEY WORK

The problem with idioms is they only work when they work. What does this mean? Take the expression “the early bird catches the worm”. This essentially implies: get there first and succeed. There are similar expressions such as “he who hesitates is lost” and “strike while the iron is hot”.

Well, there are just as many idioms that imply the opposite: “haste makes waste”, “fools rush in”, “patience is a virtue”, etc.

THE HORSE BEFORE THE CARRIAGE

Essentially, idioms don’t give us decision-making advice. They simply are playful, colorful ways to sum up what we have already seen take place.

Some situations in life require waiting and contemplation while others call for swift action. If you are going to listen to idiomatic advice at all, make sure it’s from someone who has a great understanding of the particular situation you’re dealing with.